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License to Die
"Haris Orkin has renewed not-so-secret agent John Flynn's license to thrill in this delightful mash-up of James Bond and Maxwell Smart in another charming, thrilling and amusing page-turner that makes me sad for the rest." –Mark A. Altman, author of Nobody Does It The Complete Oral History of James Bond Hornitos State Mental Hospital houses the worst of the worst. Those convicted of violent criminal behavior and judged not guilty by reason of insanity. Mass murderers, serial killers, mad bombers, arsonists, terrorists, and now... James Flynn. Still convinced he's an international super spy, Flynn finds himself in the most dangerous predicament of his life. He faces off with old enemies, new enemies, and psycho killers who just want to watch the world burn. He also meets a fierce and beautiful woman who might be even more dangerous and delusional than he is. Together they walk a tightrope between objective reality and clinical insanity and, with the help of Flynn's reluctant sidekick, Sancho, uncover a mad plot to bring on Armageddon.
377 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2023
26 people are currently reading
2536 people want to read
About the author
Haris Orkin
11 books115 followersHaris Orkin is a playwright, screenwriter, game writer, and novelist, which is a fancy way of saying he has career commitment issues. Fortunately, other people don’t seem to mind. He’s a WGA and BAFTA Award–nominated narrative designer whose credits include more than a dozen video games, including Resident Evil: Shadows of Rose and Call of Juarez: Gunslinger.
He invented James Flynn because therapy is expensive. Flynn is everything Haris is not—utterly fearless, absurdly good-looking, effortlessly charming, and just a tad unhinged. (Except for maybe the unhinged part. That might be autobiographical.)
He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, where he enjoys movies, music, books, and the great outdoors, specifically sitting on his deck with a bourbon and admiring Grizzly Peak from a safe distance.
He invented James Flynn because therapy is expensive. Flynn is everything Haris is not—utterly fearless, absurdly good-looking, effortlessly charming, and just a tad unhinged. (Except for maybe the unhinged part. That might be autobiographical.)
He lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife, where he enjoys movies, music, books, and the great outdoors, specifically sitting on his deck with a bourbon and admiring Grizzly Peak from a safe distance.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 6, 2023
LOOK UP! LOOK DOWN! LOOK OUT!
Meet the most extraordinary gentleman insane spy in all fiction.
James Flynn is back in an all out action adventure and this time he is accompanied by a fearless female CIA agent who might be crazier than he is. I must say that the Author really brought to life the biggest and most dangerous mission for Flynn in this one. The villains are vicious and their malicious plan is on a grand scale.
Has the super spy met his match?
Considering Bond has taken a lengthy hiatus since the last film, this series is a welcomed distraction. There is the usual moments of laugh out loud humour and intense action scenes. 5 ⭐️ storytelling as always.
I hope Flynn will die another day cause for now, there is no time to die!
I was given a free advanced copy by the Author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Meet the most extraordinary gentleman insane spy in all fiction.
James Flynn is back in an all out action adventure and this time he is accompanied by a fearless female CIA agent who might be crazier than he is. I must say that the Author really brought to life the biggest and most dangerous mission for Flynn in this one. The villains are vicious and their malicious plan is on a grand scale.
Has the super spy met his match?
Considering Bond has taken a lengthy hiatus since the last film, this series is a welcomed distraction. There is the usual moments of laugh out loud humour and intense action scenes. 5 ⭐️ storytelling as always.
I hope Flynn will die another day cause for now, there is no time to die!
I was given a free advanced copy by the Author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 7, 2023
Flynn is back with action and humor. This is another great edition to the series. You see retuning friends and enemies back to help Flynn as well as try to kill him. The new friend is just as crazy as he is and it falls to her and Flynn to save the world. I would recommend it to anyone. If you are a fan of The Destroyer series like me you will love this series as well.
July 17, 2023
James Flynn just keeps getting better
The James Flynn adventures are supposedly based on a single premise: delusional man somehow saves the world. However, they are so much more than that. As each tale progressed, the reader found that, although Flynn undoubtedly has a number of crossed wires in his brain, he is also brave, resourceful and kind. And a hero in every way, who inspires heroism in wherever he goes.
Each story has been better than the one before, and I truly mourned reaching the end of “License to Die” — I wanted it to go on much farther. Which to me is the mark of a good book
The James Flynn adventures are supposedly based on a single premise: delusional man somehow saves the world. However, they are so much more than that. As each tale progressed, the reader found that, although Flynn undoubtedly has a number of crossed wires in his brain, he is also brave, resourceful and kind. And a hero in every way, who inspires heroism in wherever he goes.
Each story has been better than the one before, and I truly mourned reaching the end of “License to Die” — I wanted it to go on much farther. Which to me is the mark of a good book
June 28, 2023
Insanely fun! (Pun kindof intended.)
I read “License to Die” as a standalone novel, and had no previous interaction with James Flynn & co., but I fell for his charismatic verve in a short time.
I am a fan of the action/spy genre, and what set tjis book apart was the sheer fun and ridiculousness of the situations secret agent Flynn manages to land in. Even more amazing is joe he manages to get out of them!
Suspend disbelief, sit nack, nuckle up and enjoy the thrillride!
Tons of fun from start to finish!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read “License to Die” as a standalone novel, and had no previous interaction with James Flynn & co., but I fell for his charismatic verve in a short time.
I am a fan of the action/spy genre, and what set tjis book apart was the sheer fun and ridiculousness of the situations secret agent Flynn manages to land in. Even more amazing is joe he manages to get out of them!
Suspend disbelief, sit nack, nuckle up and enjoy the thrillride!
Tons of fun from start to finish!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2023
Haris, can we have a word? It won’t take long. I’m a fan of yours and have really enjoyed James. He’s my insane homeboy. Remember all those funny things he did with things like tracking suppositories? Yeah those were the good old times. I was just wondering Haris if maybe you had a dead line, or a life crisis but still had to push out this last book? Because, well, I just like my jokes funnier. This book fell so flat. Baddy wasn’t bad and was forgettable. No actual insane moments for flynn. We just got foot to the groin comments. So many references to gonads, and I hate to break it to you, but mentioning balls isn’t that funny. I know, painful truths and big let downs, but jokes actually take more effort than a man getting racked in the nuts. I haven’t given up on James and would really love another adventure, but only if it’s actually in the vein of the first three.
Summary? Skip this fourth book if you really loved the first three. It was boring.
Summary? Skip this fourth book if you really loved the first three. It was boring.
August 17, 2023
ITA
James Flynn risiede da vent'anni in un ospedale psichiatrico: è convinto di essere un agente 007 alle dipendenze di sua maestà il re d'Inghilterra.
In questo quarto volume della serie torna Mendoza che si vuole vendicare di James. Si mette in contatto con il tutore di James, è un cugino molto indebitato, e con questo contratta di far andare James nel penitenziario dove è recluso in cambio di ottenere il denaro contenuto nel fondo che i genitori di James gli hanno lasciato.
James viene quindi mandato a Hornitos dove pensa di essere in missione segreta, in realtà Mendoza lo fa e a spostare per ucciderlo.
Durante il suo soggiorno a Hornitos James incontra altre persone recluse tra le quali Caitlyn: una donna che è stata reclusa in quanto accusata di aver ucciso un senatore e che soffre dalla stessa malattia di James pensando di essere un agente segreto.
James e i suoi nuovi amici riescono a fuggire dal penitenziario in un modo che non ti aspetti ma che nemmeno avresti reputato efficace: ne seguirà una avvincente missione per: continuare la missione di Caitlyn, sfuggire Mendoza e dalla FBI.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo libro: è divertente, avvincente, rocambolesco. Non ho letto i libri precedenti che sono “You only live once”, “Once is never enough” e “Goldhammer”, per cui non so cosa è successo nei libri precedenti, anche se vengono citati personaggi e qualche situazione in modo molto generico. Il personaggio di James è molto interessante: lui è proprio convinto, molto per difesa penso, di essere un agente segreto, per cui si comporta come tale, è molto impulsivo e diciamo che non ha mai paura di fare di fare le cose si butta. È anche interessante come le persone intorno a lui, anche se sanno di questa sua malattia, riescono a capire quando fa una cosa sul serio e quando invece sta scherzando.
Mi sono piaciuti anche gli altri personaggi di contorno come ad esempio e il suo compagno di cella Gabriel, oppure i due carcerati con i quali fa il tragitto fino a Hornitos Boyd e Mason: si creano delle situazioni tra di loro e assurde ma divertenti.
Come dicevo il libro è molto avvincente, si legge molto bene. Penso leggerò i libri che precedono e se ci saranno dei seguiti li leggerò volentieri.
Il libro contiene un linguaggio forte, ci sono parolacce, violenza, sparatorie, inseguimenti torture, ma non troppo seri, non preoccupatevi.
Consiglio il libro a chi ama il generale a cavallo tra spy story e hard boiled in versione un po’ comica.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG
James Flynn has been residing in a mental hospital for twenty years. He is convinced that he is an agent 007 employed by His Majesty the King of England.
In this fourth volume of the series, Mendoza returns and wants revenge on James. He gets in touch with James' guardian, a very indebted cousin, and with him he contracts to have James go to the penitentiary where he is imprisoned in exchange for getting the money contained in the fund that James' parents left him.
James is then sent to Hornitos, where he thinks he is on a secret mission; actually, he is there because Mendoza wants to kill him.
During his stay in Hornitos, James meets other recluses, including Caitlyn, who is accused of killing a senator and thinks she is a secret agent.
James and his new friends manage to escape from the penitentiary in a way you would not expect but would not have thought effective either. A compelling mission will ensue to continue Caitlyn's mission and escape Mendoza and the FBI.
I really enjoyed this book; it is funny, engaging, and exciting. I haven't read the previous books, which are "You only live once" "Once is never enough" and "Goldhammer", so I don't know what happened in the previous books, although characters and some situations are mentioned in a very general way. The character of James is very interesting: he really believes, very defensively, I think, that he is a secret agent, so he acts like one; he's very impulsive; and let's say he's never afraid to do things he jumps into. It's also interesting how the people around him, even though they know about his illness, can tell when he's serious about something and when he's joking around.
I also liked the other side characters, such as his cellmate Gabriel or the two inmates with whom he makes the journey to Hornitos, Boyd and Mason: they create situations with each other that are absurd but funny.
As I said, the book is very engaging and reads very well. I think I will read the preceding books, and if there are sequels, I will gladly read them.
The book contains strong language; there is swearing, violence, shooting, and torture chases, but nothing too serious.
I recommend the book to those who like the general straddle between spy stories and hardboiled fiction in a slightly comic version.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
James Flynn risiede da vent'anni in un ospedale psichiatrico: è convinto di essere un agente 007 alle dipendenze di sua maestà il re d'Inghilterra.
In questo quarto volume della serie torna Mendoza che si vuole vendicare di James. Si mette in contatto con il tutore di James, è un cugino molto indebitato, e con questo contratta di far andare James nel penitenziario dove è recluso in cambio di ottenere il denaro contenuto nel fondo che i genitori di James gli hanno lasciato.
James viene quindi mandato a Hornitos dove pensa di essere in missione segreta, in realtà Mendoza lo fa e a spostare per ucciderlo.
Durante il suo soggiorno a Hornitos James incontra altre persone recluse tra le quali Caitlyn: una donna che è stata reclusa in quanto accusata di aver ucciso un senatore e che soffre dalla stessa malattia di James pensando di essere un agente segreto.
James e i suoi nuovi amici riescono a fuggire dal penitenziario in un modo che non ti aspetti ma che nemmeno avresti reputato efficace: ne seguirà una avvincente missione per: continuare la missione di Caitlyn, sfuggire Mendoza e dalla FBI.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo libro: è divertente, avvincente, rocambolesco. Non ho letto i libri precedenti che sono “You only live once”, “Once is never enough” e “Goldhammer”, per cui non so cosa è successo nei libri precedenti, anche se vengono citati personaggi e qualche situazione in modo molto generico. Il personaggio di James è molto interessante: lui è proprio convinto, molto per difesa penso, di essere un agente segreto, per cui si comporta come tale, è molto impulsivo e diciamo che non ha mai paura di fare di fare le cose si butta. È anche interessante come le persone intorno a lui, anche se sanno di questa sua malattia, riescono a capire quando fa una cosa sul serio e quando invece sta scherzando.
Mi sono piaciuti anche gli altri personaggi di contorno come ad esempio e il suo compagno di cella Gabriel, oppure i due carcerati con i quali fa il tragitto fino a Hornitos Boyd e Mason: si creano delle situazioni tra di loro e assurde ma divertenti.
Come dicevo il libro è molto avvincente, si legge molto bene. Penso leggerò i libri che precedono e se ci saranno dei seguiti li leggerò volentieri.
Il libro contiene un linguaggio forte, ci sono parolacce, violenza, sparatorie, inseguimenti torture, ma non troppo seri, non preoccupatevi.
Consiglio il libro a chi ama il generale a cavallo tra spy story e hard boiled in versione un po’ comica.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG
James Flynn has been residing in a mental hospital for twenty years. He is convinced that he is an agent 007 employed by His Majesty the King of England.
In this fourth volume of the series, Mendoza returns and wants revenge on James. He gets in touch with James' guardian, a very indebted cousin, and with him he contracts to have James go to the penitentiary where he is imprisoned in exchange for getting the money contained in the fund that James' parents left him.
James is then sent to Hornitos, where he thinks he is on a secret mission; actually, he is there because Mendoza wants to kill him.
During his stay in Hornitos, James meets other recluses, including Caitlyn, who is accused of killing a senator and thinks she is a secret agent.
James and his new friends manage to escape from the penitentiary in a way you would not expect but would not have thought effective either. A compelling mission will ensue to continue Caitlyn's mission and escape Mendoza and the FBI.
I really enjoyed this book; it is funny, engaging, and exciting. I haven't read the previous books, which are "You only live once" "Once is never enough" and "Goldhammer", so I don't know what happened in the previous books, although characters and some situations are mentioned in a very general way. The character of James is very interesting: he really believes, very defensively, I think, that he is a secret agent, so he acts like one; he's very impulsive; and let's say he's never afraid to do things he jumps into. It's also interesting how the people around him, even though they know about his illness, can tell when he's serious about something and when he's joking around.
I also liked the other side characters, such as his cellmate Gabriel or the two inmates with whom he makes the journey to Hornitos, Boyd and Mason: they create situations with each other that are absurd but funny.
As I said, the book is very engaging and reads very well. I think I will read the preceding books, and if there are sequels, I will gladly read them.
The book contains strong language; there is swearing, violence, shooting, and torture chases, but nothing too serious.
I recommend the book to those who like the general straddle between spy stories and hardboiled fiction in a slightly comic version.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2023
This series just gets better and better. James Flynn, spy for Her Majesty's Secret Service, is back fighting old and new villians. There is just one minor hiccup. James is a delusional mental patient who has been institutionalized for the last twenty years. His past exploits (saving the world) have made him famous. People love him and hate him.
James and his friend Sancho have new challenges to face. Transferred to a new mental facility for the violent and criminally insane, James, must use all his skills to stay alive. James female equal, Caitlyn is introduced. Can there finally be love for our hero?
This fast paced, laugh out loud book is such a fun read. Recurring characters feel like old friends. We get more glimpses into James past to let us know why he is delusional. Will he save the world again? Will he get the girl? In James Flynn's world anything is possible!
I started following Haris Orkin on Facebook. As a result he asked if I would like to read an early release of License to Die. I've never done this before and happily said yes. So in return, I'm reviewing a book I absolutely love. Win- win for me!
James and his friend Sancho have new challenges to face. Transferred to a new mental facility for the violent and criminally insane, James, must use all his skills to stay alive. James female equal, Caitlyn is introduced. Can there finally be love for our hero?
This fast paced, laugh out loud book is such a fun read. Recurring characters feel like old friends. We get more glimpses into James past to let us know why he is delusional. Will he save the world again? Will he get the girl? In James Flynn's world anything is possible!
I started following Haris Orkin on Facebook. As a result he asked if I would like to read an early release of License to Die. I've never done this before and happily said yes. So in return, I'm reviewing a book I absolutely love. Win- win for me!
October 24, 2025
4.10.
This one improves. It is many things- a spy novel, a treatise on friendship, a family book, an exploration of mental health.
The threat felt real this time and turned out to be, real. It fantastically weaved in Soviet sleeper agents, fanatical religious people in power, Mexican cartel agents, family ( a wedding and a baby!), how sexism is institutional and used to silence critics, and appearances being different than expected. James Flynn still relies on luck and far too often plot armor waves its head but its nit meant to be serious. Its an enjoyable romp that I felt the thrumming strands of John Barry's orchestra in all of its wacky gonzo DNA.
It did feel really focused on testicular torture for like a chapter and a half. Which I get as an one with those particular accroutments bur after the third reference or so I was like.... eh...
And some of the coincidences were all too coincident.
Next book in the series!
This one improves. It is many things- a spy novel, a treatise on friendship, a family book, an exploration of mental health.
The threat felt real this time and turned out to be, real. It fantastically weaved in Soviet sleeper agents, fanatical religious people in power, Mexican cartel agents, family ( a wedding and a baby!), how sexism is institutional and used to silence critics, and appearances being different than expected. James Flynn still relies on luck and far too often plot armor waves its head but its nit meant to be serious. Its an enjoyable romp that I felt the thrumming strands of John Barry's orchestra in all of its wacky gonzo DNA.
It did feel really focused on testicular torture for like a chapter and a half. Which I get as an one with those particular accroutments bur after the third reference or so I was like.... eh...
And some of the coincidences were all too coincident.
Next book in the series!
July 30, 2023
This is the fourth book in a series by Haris Orkin. I've read all four, which are available on KU; and as good as the other three were, this is the best.
This is one of the most enjoyable series I have read in the last decade. James Flynn is as likeable a character you are apt to find in any book. He is a long-time resident in a care facility for those who are not quite in their right mind. His belief that he is in Her Majesty's Service leads to all kinds of misguided assumptions and perilous escapades. His kindness and naiveté put him in dangerous situations that he fails to correctly interpret, resulting in hilarious actions and outcomes.
This is a very clever series, and each book is enjoyable as a standalone. Mr. Orkin is an excellent author, and I do hope he has plans to write a fifth book.
This is one of the most enjoyable series I have read in the last decade. James Flynn is as likeable a character you are apt to find in any book. He is a long-time resident in a care facility for those who are not quite in their right mind. His belief that he is in Her Majesty's Service leads to all kinds of misguided assumptions and perilous escapades. His kindness and naiveté put him in dangerous situations that he fails to correctly interpret, resulting in hilarious actions and outcomes.
This is a very clever series, and each book is enjoyable as a standalone. Mr. Orkin is an excellent author, and I do hope he has plans to write a fifth book.
May 4, 2024
Another fun adventure with the would-be secret agent who is the most capable insane person I've ever read. Love this series so much and really appreciate the handling of mental illness and perspective that the author chose to take. There is a great deal of compassion along with the scary and funny. Obviously, this jumps a shark or two but I love this series for exactly that reason.
Only thing I didn't really buy was Mendoza surviving when he did. Or being that capable after being shot. But I did love his character arc and the continued growth of the relationship he had with Flynn. Although, really dude? You orchestrate a full transfer to a criminal psych ward and still pull the villain monologue?? He didn't REALLY want to kill Flynn. But wow, hilarious ride.
Also, just gotta say, I absolutely LOVED Kaitlyn.
Only thing I didn't really buy was Mendoza surviving when he did. Or being that capable after being shot. But I did love his character arc and the continued growth of the relationship he had with Flynn. Although, really dude? You orchestrate a full transfer to a criminal psych ward and still pull the villain monologue?? He didn't REALLY want to kill Flynn. But wow, hilarious ride.
Also, just gotta say, I absolutely LOVED Kaitlyn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed each prior James Flynn novel and could not wait for the release of this new 4th book in the series as July arrived! It did not disappoint.
Everyone's favorite 00 agent / mental case is in top form once again in this hilarious tale.
You'll enjoy another misguided and misinformed adventure in which our hero and his cast of misfit characters (Sancho, M, Q, etc.) literally stumble into and out of danger and eventually save the world.
If you love to laugh, and enjoy a crisp spoof (of everyone's favorite spy James Bond), then this sleep depriving novel is for you.
Author Haris Orkin and his mental patient 00 agent James Flynn do not disappoint in this swashbuckling adventure!
Everyone's favorite 00 agent / mental case is in top form once again in this hilarious tale.
You'll enjoy another misguided and misinformed adventure in which our hero and his cast of misfit characters (Sancho, M, Q, etc.) literally stumble into and out of danger and eventually save the world.
If you love to laugh, and enjoy a crisp spoof (of everyone's favorite spy James Bond), then this sleep depriving novel is for you.
Author Haris Orkin and his mental patient 00 agent James Flynn do not disappoint in this swashbuckling adventure!
July 19, 2023
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. This is how James Flynn lives his life once a new adventure starts. Just when you think he's safe a new menace comes along. It can be exhausting for the reader but Flynn is unflappable. Always willing to do the right thing in the face of extreme danger, Flynn is a true hero. He's also totally delusional but that doesn't seem to affect his competence any. In fact it helps him because he just doesn't no any better. That fellow that was in all those movies always got out of any situation he found himself in so he will, too. In this one he meets someone who seems to be just like him, or is she? It's an interesting complication and one that will probably continue to play out in any sequels that we may get.
July 27, 2023
James Flynn is in danger but so is everyone else, He may have just met his match in more ways than one, but he still needs to uncover what the bad guys are up to and be the hero; so whatever you do, don’t underestimate him.
This was my first novel reading of the spy James Flynn, and it only wanted me to go back and read more.
Flynn is a fantastic character, who is unique within this action-packed and funny novel.
Orkin writes a novel full of adventure, brave heroes and intense villains. A fantastic read that I would recommend, even if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
This was my first novel reading of the spy James Flynn, and it only wanted me to go back and read more.
Flynn is a fantastic character, who is unique within this action-packed and funny novel.
Orkin writes a novel full of adventure, brave heroes and intense villains. A fantastic read that I would recommend, even if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
July 6, 2023
Flynn is back along with his friends in high places, enemies in low places, and everything in between. If you are looking for a book that raises deep philosophical questions, go somewhere else. If, on the other hand, you want something so entertaining and engaging that you forget your troubles—and those pesky philosophical questions, Flynn is for you. Orkin just keeps getting better and better.
July 7, 2023
I was lucky enough to start this series with book 1 - You Only Live Once. The premise of this series is very imaginative. The main character, James Flynn, is one fun guy and has many adventures worth reading. This particular book he may have met his match - like soul mate match - but read it and see. You won't be disappointed. So funny, so fun and relatable, so James Bond-ian. You will love it! I did!
June 9, 2024
Best escapade yet!
One doesn’t need to read each book in order to enjoy the next one, but it helps. This is an extremely enjoyable read. Characters have depth and are what holds you to every page. The action keeps the pages fluttering as you go along for the sometimes comical ride with the main character James Flynn. I finished this book as I did the previous three, with a smile and a tear. Looking forward to seeing future episodes. Thank you Mr. Orkin.
One doesn’t need to read each book in order to enjoy the next one, but it helps. This is an extremely enjoyable read. Characters have depth and are what holds you to every page. The action keeps the pages fluttering as you go along for the sometimes comical ride with the main character James Flynn. I finished this book as I did the previous three, with a smile and a tear. Looking forward to seeing future episodes. Thank you Mr. Orkin.
January 9, 2024
Veer Entertaining Book
I read all three in this series and enjoyed them all. Colorful cast of characters and so well written. You have to keep telling yourself that it's a near impossible premise.
I read all three in this series and enjoyed them all. Colorful cast of characters and so well written. You have to keep telling yourself that it's a near impossible premise.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews