Placebo: A Jevin Banks Novel

The Jevin Banks Experience #1

by Steven James

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Christian, Ebooks

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Steven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.

His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.

James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.

If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.

Reviews

[ash | songsforafuturepoet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first Steven James book and I have to say, I wasn't impressed. Okay, I was too busy being confused by the raving reviews and book cover to think about being disappointed. Was it something I missed? Because I couldn't enjoy the book at all. Yes, I did judge the book by its cover and its blurb. I was expecting a sci fic, albeit a soft sci fic, but it wasn't what I expected at all. The blurb claimed that the book 'explores the far reaches of science', but as far as I could tell, it didn't explore anything of that sort.

Big words like quantum entanglement was thrown around, but as I read the story it wasn't related to quantum entanglement at all. Rather, the book centred on telepathy and the like, using the association it gets from quantum physics to make it sound more 'science'. Other than a chapter where there was a wordy but unsatisfying introduction to quantum physics, there wasn't anywhere else that actually used quantum physics.

The plot itself was confusing. First it took place and was centred around a (sinister?) pharmaceutical company, then suddenly the military was involved when 10 chapters ago it wasn't part of the story. The pharmaceutical part of the story also faded away as the story went on. Then there was the little extras - the love story, Jevin's interaction with Fionna's children, Xavier's obsession with the weird... if it was meant to be charming and for the human touch, it didn't work for me. Also, there were too many variables in the story. Three sociopaths, all in the same place, really? And the crazy guy who thought himself as a 'assassin'. The cheating husbands, Riah's backstory... they all served to add into the complex story. Not in a good way.

TLDR: Pseudo sci fic.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one fast paced, edge of the seat type of thriller. Though a few times I got bogged down in the technology language, it was not enough keep me from turning those pages one after another in rapid succession. The drama is ratchet high and tense. If you are like me, and you think about the story after you have closed the book and are settled in bed, do not read it late into the night. This story is a sure way to get the heart rate up. The story flows rapidly, and though the scene bounces from one area of the United States to another, and across the world, the POV changes and the reader has no trouble keeping up. The subject is deep...and fanciful, or not. I would get so deeply involved in the story that I would need to come up for breath and remind myself that this is fiction at its best, the conspiracy is not real and alive, or is it? The descriptions are so vivid that I expect I would recognize the characters if I met them on the street, and I would go to Heron Bay, New Jersey, PineLake, Oregon or even Lancerton, Maine to name a few of the places, I would look for the identifying places in each of those towns.
If you or a friend is a fan of Steven James, this is a must have on your shelves this winter.

I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishering Group for the purpose of writing an honest review. A postive critique was not required. The opinions stated here are my own.

[Darlene Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love Steven James' FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers series, I was unable to enjoy this book due to my lack of engagement with the protagonist, expose filmmaker Jevin Banks. Like James’ other novels Placebo had a dramatic beginning and I wanted to know why his wife drove her car into the bay killing herself and their two small sons. However, the setup took nearly a hundred pages, the plot overshadowing the character development. This was a surprise to me since James has written one of the best books on writing I’ve come across. I am not terribly patient and usually set aside a book where I don’t have a character to root for. However, since James’ book on writing emphasizes the importance of both plot and character, I forced myself to keep going. However, I was disappointed. The payoff for why the wife drove into the bay was not worth the time invested. However, I just I did not turn off of James due to one bad read. I just began reading “King”, staring the dynamic Patrick Bowers and his teenage step-daughter. Both engaging, flawed characters who keep me turning the pages. I am already engaged.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven James in his new book, “Placebo” Book One in the Jevin Banks series published by Revell introduces us to Jevin Banks

From the back cover: One man must uncover the truth–even when others will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

While investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms. He seeks answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program–and answers to his own family tragedy.

Rooted in groundbreaking science, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. This taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

When you receive a new Steven James thriller here is the checklist to do before you start reading. Turn off the computer and the phone, make yourself a large hot chocolate, or beverage of your choice, have your snacks handy and settle into your reading chair comfortably because you are going to be there for a while and not want to move until you finish reading. With ”Placebo” Mr. James gives us a conspiracy and he has loaded this high-octane thriller with so much misinformation and deceit that it takes a lot of concentration just to keep your head above water. ”Placebo” races along at lightening speed and all the characters are put their paces trying to solve this conspiracy that involves pharmaceutical companies and the military and put all the pieces together.

Mr. James grabs a hold of your nerves and squeezes until you think you can’t be squeezed anymore and then she squeezes those nerves some more. What more can we ask for? “Placebo” gives us much, much more. This is a top-notch thriller and, I think, this is Mr. James’ best work yet and that is saying some. Mr. James takes us on a ride that leaves us breathless but extremely satisfied. Sort of like the way you feel after a roller coaster ride. I liked this book and recommend it highly!

If you missed the interview for “The Knight”, a different series, and/or would like to hear the previous interview where we discussed the first two books and would like to listen to it and/or listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

[Korra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything steven james writes it is amazing!

I loved the character of jevin banks the Magician!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1IQ9QFX...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

I've read all of the Patrick Bowers' books to date (and enjoyed every one), so I was super excited to read Steven James' new book, Placebo, which is the beginning to a new series! I really liked how this book wasn't as gruesome as the Patrick Bowers' books (at least in my opinion), but was still suspenseful (especially towards the end).

Placebo was different from what I was expecting, but still really good. It had a unique storyline and definitely made me learn about things I hadn't even heard of before this book. One of the only negatives for me was some of the medical terms in the early part of this book - I found myself having a hard time understanding what was being talked about (this may have only been a problem for me).

I loved the characters - both the main and secondary ones. I think my favorite would probably have to be Xavier; I don't know what exactly it was about him (maybe how he believed in so many conspiracies...), I just found many things about him humorous. :)

Overall, Placebo was a great read that had some creepiness and suspense, plus some thought-provoking moments. I really enjoyed it and look forward to book two, Singularity, which is set to release Fall 2013. If you enjoy suspense/thrillers with some medical elements, then I think you'll enjoy Placebo.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven James has earned a place on my list of "totally awesome authors", and Placebo is another winner! Just when I was wondering how on earth he could come up with a character as appealing and heroic as Patrick Bowers from the Bowers Files series, along comes Jevin Banks, a former magician/illusionist turned exposé filmmaker, and someone who just happens to be trained in martial arts as well. The opening scenes of the book immediately cause you to empathize with Jevin, and things only get more compelling and intense from there as you watch him in action, encountering far more than he bargained for in his latest investigation. I always appreciate when authors can come up with a conceivable plot that allows character to legitimately be in the midst of crime, and Jevin is a man of many talents who is is just real enough to seem believable in his role. The potential love interest in the book is well-handled with a light touch, and I must say that the characters portrayed as psychopaths are truly chilling to encounter!

I enjoyed this story from start to finish, both loving the characters and being mesmerized by the intricate and fascinating plot. Elements of faith are cleverly woven into the story without coming across as being preachy, and as such the book is sure to appeal to a large variety of audience. If you are looking for a top-notch, suspenseful read, then Placebo is what you've been waiting for. 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Placebo is the start of a new series, this time with Jevin Banks as the main character. I'll admit that I was convinced I knew by page 66 exactly where the story was going -- though it didn't -- but I wouldn't be surprised if another book in the series goes where I anticipated.

Jevin Banks is an illusionist who made it big and then disappeared from the show scene when his wife and twin boys died. Now he spends his energy exposing frauds on a national television show. He thinks his trip to a retreat/research center will be one more opportunity to expose frauds. Instead, he's dropped in the center of a quest to see how our lives are interconnected through quantum
physics and how twins can communicate and possibly affect the actions of others. Jevin is dealing with grief, interacting with a great supporting cast of characters, and on the race of his life to uncover exactly what is happening. Along the way he may even open his heart to love.

Placebo has the searching questions of James' other series. It also has the intimacy with the main character that I love. As I closed the book, I felt like I knew Jevin. The beginning felt a tad slow...the thriller pacing doesn't kick in until about halfway through the book. Still this is a book I really enjoyed and I'm already anticipating the sequel.

The publisher provided this book, though the review is all mine.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much liked Placebo. I love the "magician" genre and the idea of a series of thrillers with an "escape artist/show magician" is very appealing to me. That said, I've read all of the Bowers' books, and it's hard for me to think of Placebo as a stand alone book. I've just started the second in this series, Singularity, and I look forward to more of Jevin Banks.

[Sarita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, at chapter 6 and 7 they starting to discuss voodoo and witchcraft - no thanks

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fun and interesting and the plot well done.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 What I liked best about this book was how the main protagonist, Jevin Banks, used his expertise as an escape artist and illusionist to get out of perilous situations. I didn’t care much for the mind-to-mind communication premise, and what kind of a name is JEVIN? But this is a new author for me, whom I will try again.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes! This book was far too dark and creepy. Thrillers can be written without such "twistedness" (and I am not referring to plot twists). It was my understanding that this novel would have a strong Christian element, but I found it only to be fleetingly referenced.

[Dean C. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This book marks my introduction to this author, and I must say I’m quite impressed. I’ve already bought Singularity (the sequel) just off of the strength of this novel. And I decided to pick up Rook, an installment from an entirely different franchise of his, involving an FBI agent, to see if I might be sucked into the rest of that series as well.

Placebo kicks off the hi-tech thriller series involving a pharmaceutical firm, psychic research, and biotech human enhancement, and, as you might expect, no shortage of politics, clandestine, covert corporate and pentagon involvement. Seems the earth-shaking consequences of the research going on may be more real than hype, which has all kinds of parties interested. I found the near-future world depicted as terrifying as it was inescapable. Though if you buy into the paranoia of the novel, this isn’t even the near-future we’re talking about; this stuff is going on right now. But whether you believe that this drama is playing out today in secret or not, it’s very hard to believe it won’t play out sooner or later. That makes the already engrossing drama and storytelling all the more engaging.

Characters are very realistically portrayed and believable, but more than that are a lot of fun. The author’s hero is a retired magician. Between his escape artist tricks and his karate training, he’s a believable hero for this kind of franchise where he repeatedly makes use of those skills to save his neck.

I was on the fence between a 4 and a 5 rating, and since I couldn’t get off the fence, I went with 4.5 stars. My nitpicks are few. For one, it takes several chapters to even know what genre you’re in. The author is very slow with sneaking up on the subject that will concern us, the clandestine biotech research going on that will ultimately identify the sub-genre we’re in. For another, he excels perhaps a little too much at plot retardation. Honestly I burn through more plotting in the first acts of my books than he has here for the entire novel. But that weakness is as much strength in the hands of someone who plays that card as well as he does. And it’s also admittedly a smart move to spend a little more time with the character development in the first book of a franchise. Just keep in mind that with this much plot retardation, the book is arguably more of a suspense (“Oh my God, what’s going on here?”) than a thriller (“Oh my God, how are they going to get out of this?”). Again, not necessarily a minus for folks who enjoy that genre just as much.

[M. Weidenbenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our book group is reading this book for the month of May because it was my turn to pick. I met Steven James at a writer's conference where he was the guest speaker and one of the fiction instructors. He not only writes well, he's an entertainer. Because I had a chance to meet him in person and learn a little about him, I wanted to read one of his books. I'm glad I did.

Steven doesn't do things "by the book." He's more of a free writing spirit where he does things his way and doesn't always follow the "rules" of writing. I like that. PLACEBO is written from multiple pov's, but also multiple tenses, even second person. Well done. You don't see that often because it's not easy to do.

The story grips you from the get-go because you can't imagine a mother driving off a bridge with her twin boys strapped into their car seats and purposely plunging them into the water to their death. They all die. How does a person live after that? Jevin has to move on, but how? The reader wants to know, which compels them to read on.

Even though this book is categorized as Christian fiction I didn't feel like there was a spiritual journey, which is drilled into the heads of Christian writers... the journey must begin in the early chapters. We didn't have a hint that this was Christian fiction early on, and it didn't feel heavy later in the book either. However, there were quotes from the Bible that will make the reader ponder.

The premise and the suspense of PLACEBO felt close to a medical mystery which I always find intriguing, too. But the events felt a little like a 007 movie where James Bond performs the unbelievable stunts and ends up surviving against all odds. In PLACEBO, readers know Jevin can't die because this is a series. (Just like in BOND.) Jevin has to return for the next book, but if readers are like me they might have to close the book or chew on a few nails until they regain their composure.

For example, while I was reading the one section where the killer wasp stings the cockroach--a fly landed on my hand and I was so freaked out I screamed and threw my Kindle across the room. (Sheesh, get a grip, Michelle. it's only a book!)

Readers will find that PLACEBO is a quick read. Well done, Steven.

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Placebo by Steven James is the first book in his new Jevin Banks' Experience series. Jevin was a successful escape artist until his wife inexplicably drove her van into a lake, drowning herself and their twin sons. Haunted by their deaths and blaming himself for not being able to rescue them, Jevin has started a new career using his magician's skills to expose psychics and paranormal experts using the tricks he knows all too well. His latest job is to expose the fakery of a quantum physicist, Dr. Tambryn, who is claiming to be able to prove a form of telepathy between people who have a close relationship. His trusted team of Charlene, his "lovely assistant" and Xavier, his tech guy with a taste for conspiracy theories, travel with him to Tambryn's clinic, but their plans are suddenly changed when an assassin tries to murder the doctor, which exposes a link between the clinic and a pharmaceutical firm. Jevin's determination to find the truth could lead him all the way to the White House and question all that he knows to be true. James has become one of my favorite authors with his Patrick Bowers series, and while I was initially disappointed that this book wasn't in that series, Jevin quickly won me over with his broken heart and desire to save everyone around him and make up for those he couldn't save. James grounds the story in scientific fact, making the wild theories inside seem all too possible, and while Jevin's skill set wouldn't seem that powerful, his clever mind makes him a smart action hero. His team, Charlene, Xavier, and Fionna (the technical queen who with her homeschooled children can break into any computer) add both humor and heart to the story and keep Jevin grounded. Placebo will have you wondering just how much James has made up and what is true, and the political machinations will have ramifications far into the series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title: PLACEBO
Author: Steven James
Publisher: Revell Books
November 2012
ISBN 978-0-8007-3425-1
Genre: Fiction \ Suspense

Jevin Banks makes a living exposing people. Bad people. The hucksters, the charlatan’s, the grafters who make a living separating the fool from his money. Along with a slightly seductive assistant, a typically paranoid pyrotechnics geek, and a stay-at-home mom who routinely assigns computer hacking projects as extra credit to her four children, Jevin’s latest assignment is to debunk a pharmaceutical firm’s contentions that mind-reading and extra-sensory perception are for real. And maybe, Jevin will find the answers to the tragedy in his own life along the way.

This isn’t your typical Steven James novel. You need to know that from the very beginning, because the very beginning is extremely disturbing. It took me a couple of days to process the prologue to PLACEBO, before I could continue on with the book.

Once into the book, other differences showed themselves early on. I was introduced to Steven James through the Patrick Bowers series, and avoiding the urge to make a comparison is difficult to do. The “supporting cast” in the Bower’s series were more connected, more believable to the story line. Patrick Bowers was more acceptable in his actions, due to his training and experience. The plot lines in the Bower’s series were more authentic and true-to-life. And the pace in the Bower’s series was much more pleasing.

To be honest, this latest Steven James novel was more along the lines of Clive Cussler. The hero is slightly larger than life, and while allowances can be made for some of the action sequences, some situations are difficult to swallow at best. There are some humorous moments, but it takes time to get to them, which in and of itself is a disappointment, as well.

2 stars. 409 pages. $14.99.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Title: PLACEBO
Author: Steven James
Publisher: Revell Books
November 2012
ISBN 978-0-8007-3425-1
Genre: Fiction \ Suspense

Jevin Banks makes a living exposing people. Bad people. The hucksters, the charlatan’s, the grafters who make a living separating the fool from his money. Along with a slightly seductive assistant, a typically paranoid pyrotechnics geek, and a stay-at-home mom who routinely assigns computer hacking projects as extra credit to her four children, Jevin’s latest assignment is to debunk a pharmaceutical firm’s contentions that mind-reading and extra-sensory perception are for real. And maybe, Jevin will find the answers to the tragedy in his own life along the way.

This isn’t your typical Steven James novel. You need to know that from the very beginning, because the very beginning is extremely disturbing. It took me a couple of days to process the prologue to PLACEBO, before I could continue on with the book.

Once into the book, other differences showed themselves early on. I was introduced to Steven James through the Patrick Bowers series, and avoiding the urge to make a comparison is difficult to do. The “supporting cast” in the Bower’s series were more connected, more believable to the story line. Patrick Bowers was more acceptable in his actions, due to his training and experience. The plot lines in the Bower’s series were more authentic and true-to-life. And the pace in the Bower’s series was much more pleasing.

To be honest, this latest Steven James novel was more along the lines of Clive Cussler. The hero is slightly larger than life, and while allowances can be made for some of the action sequences, some situations are difficult to swallow at best. There are some humorous moments, but it takes time to get to them, which in and of itself is a disappointment, as well.

2 stars. 409 pages. $14.99.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts On This Book

I think Placebo is much different that other books by Steven James, but I did enjoy this book because I enjoy medical fiction. But it did take me a number of chapters just to get into the story. And I really didn’t enjoy the beginning of the book where Jevin Banks’ van is found in the lake with his wife and their two boys in it, and word is that it is not an accident. The death of children is difficult to deal with, and it was a sad way to start a book, for me anyway.



After the first several chapters, the story picks up and is more interesting. The characters were very unique, they were believable, and they play their part so well as the story unfolds. There is so much going on in this story, so many twists and turns that you will keep reading to the very end. So if you are looking for a thriller that is full of suspense, drama, tension, and a little romance to boot, then you will enjoy Steven James’ Placebo. I encourage you to pick up a copy for your own enjoyment and entertainment. You will be glad you did!

“Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

[Gail Welborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven James, Christy nominated author of the Patrick Bowers series changes gears in this new series with a sinister focus on psychic phenomena, mind-to-mind communication, experimental drugs and the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a tale of loss, neurological research and ground-breaking science wrapped in magic, illusion and conspiracy titled—“Placebo.”

The story opens with magician Jevin Banks on the shores of Heron Bay, unable to convince himself his family minivan has become a “…safe haven filled with air…proof that a loving God exists and cares…” That a diver would find his wife Rachael and their five-year-old twin son’s alive, even though it’s been two hours since their vehicle slipped beneath the icy waters.

Then he sees “diver’s surface” with Andrew’s limp body, his first born by three minutes. Although bystanders blame his wife, he blames himself—and still does thirteen months later. Thus ends Placebo’s disturbing first chapter.

The story, set in Oregon State, really begins in chapter two thirteen months later in the wake of his family’s tragic deaths. Jevin, former master magician now uses his talents to expose the schemes of charlatans…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/aybucjw

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

As per his usual writing, hold back expectations on how things should go, for this book, like Steven's Patrick Bowers series, goes to places you wouldn't normally expect most Christian authors to go. If I had to describe Placebo in a simplistic way, I could only say one word from personal opinion: impossible.
Very deep storyline that goes into science and faith, very deep characterization (and, as always, a villain or two that goes beyond normal caricatures), and very well unexpected twists. By the time I got to the end, I wasn't sure I could handle the tension of everything going on.
Suffice it to say, Steven has made yet another exceedingly well-crafted character in what looks to be a very well thought-out series.
Now to impatiently wait for Singularity next year. If waiting will be possible.

[Amanda Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given how highly I respect some of Steven James's craft techniques (status, causality), I feel the need to explain the low rating of this book. I wanted it to be good! I did. It's an interesting plot with an unexpected speculative edge I liked. However ...

Repetition and exposition run wild. The inconsistent verb tense in Jevin's POV makes me think his sections were originally written in past and changed to present at the last possible second (without time for a good final edit). Characters remain shallow, dialogue is forced, implausibility is off the charts, and everything is spelled out for the reader--from Jevin telling his emotions to whole scenes of plot-explaining/reminding dialogue (literally, "Let's summarize the information we have so far." Cue exposition).

I really wanted to like Steven James fiction, but it doesn't seem to be for me.

[Mark Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven James has become one of my favorite authors. Placebo is a great addition to his growing list of suspense/thriller novels and I look forward to picking up book two in the series this fall. From the first chapter I became entangled with the characters. Thank you Steven. Still looking forward to The King.

[Nita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Steven James's Patrick Bowers series, I was looking forward to thus new series but I am quite disappointed with the final product. The interweaving of science was nice, the premise was good and the main character being an escape artist/magician sounded promising but the plot was non-existent, the charactes two dimensional cliches and the ending weak.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not miss this book! It is masterfully written with an engaging story, fantastic characters, and intriguing information! If you liked The Patrick Bowers Files, you're going to love Placebo, the first installment of The Jevin Banks Experience!

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little cringe-y, a lot unbelievable. Armed conflict between 2 trained assassins (of whom it was said "they'll lose a lot of secret service agents if they come for them") and a retired escape artists with 2 years of taekwondo... Yeah, no way I'm believing they don't wipe out the magician.

[Nanette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get through 2 chapters. Two scenes of horrid reality. I read to escape, not to get depressed and cry at the beginning of the book!

[Henry McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven James introduces a new and exciting hero and a fascinating cast of supporting characters with an exciting plot full of his usual twists, tension and suspense,

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I still like the Bowers books better, but this was an exciting beginning to a new series. Intense and emotional beginning, very interesting characters, and an intriguing story.

[Michelle Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent thriller--it did start out a little awkwardly, but it soon had me enticed. I can't wait for the next in the series.