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Shane Riley Thrillers #1
The Hermit Kingdom
Shane Riley, ex-Australian Special Forces, is a retrieval specialist.
People want something, and he finds it, no matter where it is. He works for rich power brokers, collectors, black market dealers, and anyone willing to pay the right price.
He only has one he does not retrieve people.
He gets interrupted on an offshore dive, and the two men requesting his presence bring him to a rich politician in South Korea, who wants his help.
His daughter’s been taken by a government entity in North Korea, and he wants Shane to get her back.
Shane balks, citing his “one rule,” but this time the South Korean man knows exactly what will entice him to help. His daughter, he claims, was trying to contact Shane’s wife before she was taken.
...Shane’s wife — who was murdered a year ago.
People want something, and he finds it, no matter where it is. He works for rich power brokers, collectors, black market dealers, and anyone willing to pay the right price.
He only has one he does not retrieve people.
He gets interrupted on an offshore dive, and the two men requesting his presence bring him to a rich politician in South Korea, who wants his help.
His daughter’s been taken by a government entity in North Korea, and he wants Shane to get her back.
Shane balks, citing his “one rule,” but this time the South Korean man knows exactly what will entice him to help. His daughter, he claims, was trying to contact Shane’s wife before she was taken.
...Shane’s wife — who was murdered a year ago.
Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2023
269 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Nick Thacker
110 books442 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 23, 2025
Not my favorite by this author.. I really couldn't find interest in the main character like I did with his other series.
(Also blame the audio version of this through hoopla)
(Also blame the audio version of this through hoopla)
June 16, 2023
The Hermit Kingdom - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Shane Riley has two self-imposed rules: 1) he always works alone and 2) he doesn't retrieve people - only artefacts.
Yet within moments of being about to discover his murdered wife's final resting place, and being whisked half the world away, he's broken both those rules.
He's also metaphorically kicked a hornet's nest, as he embarks on a wild rescue mission with untrustworthy mercenaries - and his late wife's best female friend - in tow.
What shocking sight do he and the others witness inside a research facility?
Why are all the nearby villagers mutilated?
Only getting a copy of Nick Thacker's riveting thriller The Hermit Kingdom will give you all the info...grab it today and don't forget your mask and surgical gloves - just in case!
Shane Riley has two self-imposed rules: 1) he always works alone and 2) he doesn't retrieve people - only artefacts.
Yet within moments of being about to discover his murdered wife's final resting place, and being whisked half the world away, he's broken both those rules.
He's also metaphorically kicked a hornet's nest, as he embarks on a wild rescue mission with untrustworthy mercenaries - and his late wife's best female friend - in tow.
What shocking sight do he and the others witness inside a research facility?
Why are all the nearby villagers mutilated?
Only getting a copy of Nick Thacker's riveting thriller The Hermit Kingdom will give you all the info...grab it today and don't forget your mask and surgical gloves - just in case!
October 15, 2024
Shane Riley is missing his wife who has been murdered some 12 months ago and is searching for her body when approached to go into North Korea to rescue the daughter of a wealthy and influential South Korean. Against his feelings to not get involved in “recovering” people but quite prepared to “recover” art objects, he is finally worn down with a huge offer of money and the story takes off with a multitude of twists and turns.
There is treachery, violence and mixed feelings coming to the fore throughout the story as the twists and turns are revealed, and the reader is kept on the edge of the seat wondering just where the story will go. It has a bit of everything – romantic feelings, brutality and treachery.
Craig Smedley
There is treachery, violence and mixed feelings coming to the fore throughout the story as the twists and turns are revealed, and the reader is kept on the edge of the seat wondering just where the story will go. It has a bit of everything – romantic feelings, brutality and treachery.
Craig Smedley
October 9, 2024
Being on a mission and subsequently advised your wife was murdered in your absence, will affect any man tremendously.
That is what happened to Shane RileyNo wonder the man became well known for retrieving objects even under trying circumstances. He simply could not really care what happens on any mission he undertakes.
But that attitude can only takes you so far, as he discovered when reluctantly accepting a mission to North Korea to find and bring back a missing medical researcher, Seong Park.
He simply had no idea what awaited him!
This action thriller, The Hermit Kingdom, by author Nick Thacker, certainly is full of surprises, some of which are even rather weird.
Enjoy!
That is what happened to Shane RileyNo wonder the man became well known for retrieving objects even under trying circumstances. He simply could not really care what happens on any mission he undertakes.
But that attitude can only takes you so far, as he discovered when reluctantly accepting a mission to North Korea to find and bring back a missing medical researcher, Seong Park.
He simply had no idea what awaited him!
This action thriller, The Hermit Kingdom, by author Nick Thacker, certainly is full of surprises, some of which are even rather weird.
Enjoy!
June 17, 2023
Shane Riley is a retrieval expert, except there's a few caveats to what he will retrieve. The one thing that he will not retrieve is people. There's a very very good reason behind this. However; this one time he makes an exception. He goes to North Korea to find someone and retrieve them. The only problem is that somebody's been dabbling in the game. Will he find the person he needs to retrieve or will he lose his life in the process?
Take a journey into North Korea and find out for yourself....
Take a journey into North Korea and find out for yourself....
October 20, 2023
Avery interesting read, the plot was engaging and hard to put down. The characters were a bit on the rough side, necessary for the plot and were well defined. The action really picked up toward the end and it became a page turner. The conclusion left many things about Shane Riley unanswered and there is a 2nd book in this series in the works. This was written in a way that you really want to see what happens in the next book.
October 24, 2023
A man torn apart by the death of his wife
He's pulled into an adventure and a mystery. Hired to find a daughter who was kidnapped, recruited a friend of his late wife to help him cross boarders although he didn't normally retrieve people he was persuaded any way and so their journey and survival begins. It becomes a deadly race and betral is on every road. Well worth a read a good adventure that turns into a horror for them.
He's pulled into an adventure and a mystery. Hired to find a daughter who was kidnapped, recruited a friend of his late wife to help him cross boarders although he didn't normally retrieve people he was persuaded any way and so their journey and survival begins. It becomes a deadly race and betral is on every road. Well worth a read a good adventure that turns into a horror for them.
October 8, 2024
Exceptional Story
A man is looking for his wife's remains in the ocean a year after her death. When comes up he's taken prisoner by 2 men and taken to South Korea to meet a business man wanting his daughter retrieved from North Korea. Also in the deal is 3 special forces free lance operatives. He doesn't want to work with them and specifically doesn't do people recovery. Read and watch how the story folds out.
A man is looking for his wife's remains in the ocean a year after her death. When comes up he's taken prisoner by 2 men and taken to South Korea to meet a business man wanting his daughter retrieved from North Korea. Also in the deal is 3 special forces free lance operatives. He doesn't want to work with them and specifically doesn't do people recovery. Read and watch how the story folds out.
June 14, 2023
I hope there's more of Shane Riley
A peek at North Korea. The frightening idea of brain washing people to sacrifice for protection from a disease. The scary, twisted job of retrieving a daughter while
also hiring others to kill off the retrievers. A readers thrill.
When's the next one coming?
A peek at North Korea. The frightening idea of brain washing people to sacrifice for protection from a disease. The scary, twisted job of retrieving a daughter while
also hiring others to kill off the retrievers. A readers thrill.
When's the next one coming?
July 8, 2023
Another Good Start
Been a fan of this author for a long time. Love his character development, team spirit, plot twists. This looks like another fun series.
Enjoyed the read, though brief, but felt the end was clipped a little too short. We needed a bit of a set up for the next book
2. An enjoyable
Read!
Been a fan of this author for a long time. Love his character development, team spirit, plot twists. This looks like another fun series.
Enjoyed the read, though brief, but felt the end was clipped a little too short. We needed a bit of a set up for the next book
2. An enjoyable
Read!
August 15, 2023
New characters and adventures from Nick Thacker
As usual a great storyline, full of unexpected twists and turns.
The introduction of poor North Koreans and their fears puts tears in my eyes. How they live is probably very close to the truth. So very sad.
Anyway, great start to a new series. Keep up the great work Nick.
As usual a great storyline, full of unexpected twists and turns.
The introduction of poor North Koreans and their fears puts tears in my eyes. How they live is probably very close to the truth. So very sad.
Anyway, great start to a new series. Keep up the great work Nick.
September 22, 2023
There is a difference.
I have been a fan of yours for quite a few years. I have read most of your books. This book, compared to most of your others, was more compelling than others. I really do not know how to say it, l think you have found a way to get more fans. Thanks and keep it up.
I have been a fan of yours for quite a few years. I have read most of your books. This book, compared to most of your others, was more compelling than others. I really do not know how to say it, l think you have found a way to get more fans. Thanks and keep it up.
December 29, 2023
Another Great Story & Great Character
This character is flawed in that he has issues. He works alone, but still manages to herd others through getting the job done his way. I look forward to reading the next book. Nick Thacker never disappoints, he just keeps getting better and better.
This character is flawed in that he has issues. He works alone, but still manages to herd others through getting the job done his way. I look forward to reading the next book. Nick Thacker never disappoints, he just keeps getting better and better.
September 12, 2025
Exilrating fantastic
The reader is immediately pushed inte the ocean which is exilerating and confusing. Of Course i had to read more. It leaves he reader exclaiming WHAT? WHAT ! then WHAT! ?
Before dumping the reader into an ad for the next book in the series Time to roll over and go to sleep YAWN ZZZ
The reader is immediately pushed inte the ocean which is exilerating and confusing. Of Course i had to read more. It leaves he reader exclaiming WHAT? WHAT ! then WHAT! ?
Before dumping the reader into an ad for the next book in the series Time to roll over and go to sleep YAWN ZZZ
June 23, 2023
Great book!
Great story with strong characters. The storyline is really good. It is a book I didn’t want to put down. The pace was like running towards danger. Thanks for writing this. Can’t wait to read the next book.
Great story with strong characters. The storyline is really good. It is a book I didn’t want to put down. The pace was like running towards danger. Thanks for writing this. Can’t wait to read the next book.
June 27, 2023
great book
This is the first book about Shane Riley and it has kept me up all night to see what happened and I am glad I did
It is well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat thank you
Nigelxxx@gmail.com
This is the first book about Shane Riley and it has kept me up all night to see what happened and I am glad I did
It is well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat thank you
Nigelxxx@gmail.com
August 11, 2023
A pretty good book.
It followed the other thrillers do. It has action, a little love, lots of character development & a few cliff hangers. I give a solid 7 out of 10. Kudos Mr. Thacker.
It followed the other thrillers do. It has action, a little love, lots of character development & a few cliff hangers. I give a solid 7 out of 10. Kudos Mr. Thacker.
August 17, 2023
very cruel
This book is not for the light hearted persons. Some of the passages have kept me awake..
Question: how much of the North Korean prion research is true or author’s fantasy ?
This book is not for the light hearted persons. Some of the passages have kept me awake..
Question: how much of the North Korean prion research is true or author’s fantasy ?
February 5, 2024
excellent adventure and intrigue
Starting with trying to find his wife’s remains to being coerced into flying to South Korea to find the kidnapped daughter of a powerful man that has been taken to North Korea the adventures continue and I enjoyed learning more about Shane Riley
Starting with trying to find his wife’s remains to being coerced into flying to South Korea to find the kidnapped daughter of a powerful man that has been taken to North Korea the adventures continue and I enjoyed learning more about Shane Riley
August 1, 2024
Hair-rising is too small a word to describe this novel.
Only once I read a book like this.
It's so full of twists and turns that I'm totally dizzy.
The end made me cry hard.
It's worth reading more than once.
Only once I read a book like this.
It's so full of twists and turns that I'm totally dizzy.
The end made me cry hard.
It's worth reading more than once.
August 15, 2024
Rules are there for a reason! Don't BREAK 'UM!
Shane Riley is barely existing after his wife's kidnapping and brutal murder! He didn't even know about it until returning from a project!
Shane Riley is barely existing after his wife's kidnapping and brutal murder! He didn't even know about it until returning from a project!
October 4, 2024
review of The Hermit Kingdom by Nick Thacker
I enjoyed this book I read the whole thing in one day while traveling from San Diego to New York this book is short and sweet with plenty of action and interesting characters to entertain you 👍
I enjoyed this book I read the whole thing in one day while traveling from San Diego to New York this book is short and sweet with plenty of action and interesting characters to entertain you 👍
October 6, 2024
Good in parts.
Although The Hermit is a good story I felt that there were too fewy action sequences and at times repetitive conversations between the characters. I also lost track of how many times ' Status Quo ' was mentioned.
Although The Hermit is a good story I felt that there were too fewy action sequences and at times repetitive conversations between the characters. I also lost track of how many times ' Status Quo ' was mentioned.
February 19, 2025
Shane Riley reminds me of Dak Harper (Relic Runner series by Ernest Dempsey), except Shane shows more emotions, has flaws yet still gets the job done along with plenty of actions. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 29, 2025
I always look forward to this author's books.. They are full of intrigue, adventure, and the plot is a gripping one. It kept me glued to the story unfolding to the end. Well done, i enjoyed this book and recommend this author has written.
June 25, 2023
A fantastic start to a new series.
This is the first of, I hope, many more in this series.
Great plot, nice action and a must read.
Keep up the great work Nick.
This is the first of, I hope, many more in this series.
Great plot, nice action and a must read.
Keep up the great work Nick.
June 29, 2023
Boggy
I got bogged down after a couple of chapters. But I carried on hoping it got better. Finally quit at 75%.
I got bogged down after a couple of chapters. But I carried on hoping it got better. Finally quit at 75%.
July 1, 2023
An excellent start to a new series by one of the best thriller writers.
October 14, 2024
Good action yarn
November 11, 2024
kept my interest throughout.
Plenty of action and suspense. Couple of area it bogged down with non action chapters, but otherwise is was a great read
Plenty of action and suspense. Couple of area it bogged down with non action chapters, but otherwise is was a great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews