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Bodyguard #2
Ransom
With a successful high-profile assignment under his belt, Connor’s services are now in great demand. Maddox Sterling, the world famous Australian media mogul, hires him and fellow bodyguard Ling to protect his two children, Ella and Lilly.
His daughter Ella has already been a kidnap victim and Mr Sterling will spare no expense in securing their safety. Colonel Black promises a watertight operation, but Connor knows twins mean twice the trouble!
Joining the family onboard their 300ft mega-yacht in Sydney, the assignment goes smoothly until they sail across the Indian Ocean and into dangerous waters. Somali pirates board their boat, kill all the bodyguards and seize the family.
Demanding a $100 million ransom, the pirates ignite a media furore. The Australian government sends a detachment of SAS to rescue Sterling and his children. But someone has sabotaged the yacht’s navigation system and no one can find them.
With the ransom deadline drawing ever closer, the pirates announce they will start killing the crew and family one by one. But the pirates didn’t count on Connor Reeves being aboard…
His daughter Ella has already been a kidnap victim and Mr Sterling will spare no expense in securing their safety. Colonel Black promises a watertight operation, but Connor knows twins mean twice the trouble!
Joining the family onboard their 300ft mega-yacht in Sydney, the assignment goes smoothly until they sail across the Indian Ocean and into dangerous waters. Somali pirates board their boat, kill all the bodyguards and seize the family.
Demanding a $100 million ransom, the pirates ignite a media furore. The Australian government sends a detachment of SAS to rescue Sterling and his children. But someone has sabotaged the yacht’s navigation system and no one can find them.
With the ransom deadline drawing ever closer, the pirates announce they will start killing the crew and family one by one. But the pirates didn’t count on Connor Reeves being aboard…
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2014
136 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bradford
94 books923 followersChris Bradford is the bestselling author of the Young Samurai, Bodyguard and Soul Series.
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 6, 2019
Good read, as promised.
As it is always a case, was nnot quite impressed by the beginning, and was overexcited toward the end, although some of the twists were quite unexpected, and not of those in quite a good way.
Ling. First on my list. I mean, she's sooo damn good in knocking out a guy who is too effing noble to knock her lights out for her, but she runs chores for her principal?! Taking her drinks?! Some bodyguard! Although she did notice the rollers threat, when Connor happened to be oblivious to the outside world due to his "friend"'s courtesy, which is wrong on may levels, too. Understandable though.
Then this episode when Emily had nearly been carried away by the stream?! A bodyguard reading a book sunbathing?! Although I should give Connor his rightful credit for the way he handled Jacuzzi incident.
Besides, Ling's so-called Yongchun fighting style? Far-fetched! But, man, we don't read this sort of books to scrutinize details, do we?
On the whole, quite lovable badass girl, however.
Connor. Managed to surprised me on numerous occasions, in many ways. Still my hero.
Brad. That was unfortunite.
That Amanda characther? Still rightful wife after she showed her true colours?! Pah! Also, Maddox Sterling's wining on faithful love theme did not convince me. Happens, though, I guess.
Was deeply revolted Cali was not offered a buddyguard position. Duh.
Also, how on earth did those two lowly criminals manage all those hi-tech stuff? And the way the party island was being secured??? After everything?? No man watching the water at all????
I deeply wished Connor got hold of AK-47 or at least a revolver, but I suppose that would have made the tale somewhat superhero. It might be a fancy one, but it still smells pretty like something close to real life to me.
Also, didn't get the way of Sterling showing his gratitude. Not at all. And, what, his daughters didn't need any buddyguards any longer?? Come on, man..
As it is always a case, was nnot quite impressed by the beginning, and was overexcited toward the end, although some of the twists were quite unexpected, and not of those in quite a good way.
Ling. First on my list. I mean, she's sooo damn good in knocking out a guy who is too effing noble to knock her lights out for her, but she runs chores for her principal?! Taking her drinks?! Some bodyguard! Although she did notice the rollers threat, when Connor happened to be oblivious to the outside world due to his "friend"'s courtesy, which is wrong on may levels, too. Understandable though.
Then this episode when Emily had nearly been carried away by the stream?! A bodyguard reading a book sunbathing?! Although I should give Connor his rightful credit for the way he handled Jacuzzi incident.
Besides, Ling's so-called Yongchun fighting style? Far-fetched! But, man, we don't read this sort of books to scrutinize details, do we?
On the whole, quite lovable badass girl, however.
Connor. Managed to surprised me on numerous occasions, in many ways. Still my hero.
Brad. That was unfortunite.
That Amanda characther? Still rightful wife after she showed her true colours?! Pah! Also, Maddox Sterling's wining on faithful love theme did not convince me. Happens, though, I guess.
Was deeply revolted Cali was not offered a buddyguard position. Duh.
Also, how on earth did those two lowly criminals manage all those hi-tech stuff? And the way the party island was being secured??? After everything?? No man watching the water at all????
I deeply wished Connor got hold of AK-47 or at least a revolver, but I suppose that would have made the tale somewhat superhero. It might be a fancy one, but it still smells pretty like something close to real life to me.
Also, didn't get the way of Sterling showing his gratitude. Not at all. And, what, his daughters didn't need any buddyguards any longer?? Come on, man..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2015
Not the best book I have read. The plot is average and further development in Characters is necessary. The story is based on the general idea of teenagers becoming agents, spies, bodyguards whatever you wish to call them, however this book cannot compete with the Cherub series. It reminds me of the only Chris Ryan book i read where teenagers were sent on missions but it was extremely unrealistic. The story is slow paced even though the blurb teleports us straight to the extremely gripping action packed pirate raid however the lead up to it requires a lot of reading and the true action unfolds in a small fraction of the book. Although i would not recommend this book to anyone who has read the CHERUB series as it is definitely not as great as it, in spite of this i do recommend the brilliant Young Samurai series also written by Chris Bradford but it is best to read the series in order to enjoy it to the utmost.
August 28, 2016
een geweldig verslavend boek wat je niet meer aan de kant kunt leggen! Mijn recensie is vanaf nu te lezen op: http://leesendroom.jouwweb.nl/losgeld
June 18, 2022
3 1/2 stars
April 24, 2025
Hatte eine Leseflaute, aber habe die Hälfte heute verschlungennnn
July 18, 2017
This book was action-packed and thrilling to read! The only reason why it lost a star was because the build-up was excrutiatingly slow. And i felt that the whole 'bad guy' POV was slightly unnecessary at the start. It just acted as a filler.
When the actual action came though, it was good. Full of explosions, guns and defence. I feel sorry for poor Connor and his training regime because ouch.
In terms of characters, they were all different and Chris Bradford managed to show this through their actions which takes good skill. The twins were fun to read about because of their completely different mannerisms.
The plot twist actually fooled me. I didn't even guess who the mole was so i was pleasantly happy to be shocked for once!
When the actual action came though, it was good. Full of explosions, guns and defence. I feel sorry for poor Connor and his training regime because ouch.
In terms of characters, they were all different and Chris Bradford managed to show this through their actions which takes good skill. The twins were fun to read about because of their completely different mannerisms.
The plot twist actually fooled me. I didn't even guess who the mole was so i was pleasantly happy to be shocked for once!
January 5, 2019
Naturally an action-packed and thrilling read. I was steering towards 4 stars but I ultimately settled for 5 for 2 reasons:
1. That twist towards the end.
2. The mysterious white man... something tells me we’ll be seeing more of him and his dangerous employers and I have many a question about them...
I didn't think Bradford would be able to top the first book in the series, but I can confirm he did. He topped it and he smashed it. The whole pirates, boats, and islands was EPIC. I think I actually loved this book more than the first and I am very excited to read the next book.
1. That twist towards the end.
2. The mysterious white man... something tells me we’ll be seeing more of him and his dangerous employers and I have many a question about them...
I didn't think Bradford would be able to top the first book in the series, but I can confirm he did. He topped it and he smashed it. The whole pirates, boats, and islands was EPIC. I think I actually loved this book more than the first and I am very excited to read the next book.
July 12, 2020
Another great book in this series. A great book and full of action. We get more of an idea of just what conner can do. A great installment to an amazing series
November 4, 2024
Finished reading this on a boat😮
July 9, 2016
http://book-please.blogspot.com/2016/...
Czternastoletni Connor Reves, który szkoli się na tajnego agenta, dostaje nowe zlecenie. Tym razem nie będzie chronił jednej, a dwie osoby, dokładniej mówiąc bliźniaczki Sterling, córki magnata prasowego. Jednak bliźniaczki mogą oznaczać podwójne kłopoty, dlatego w operacji Gemini ma pomóc mu nieco bardziej doświadczona agentka Ling.
Nie wiem czy to było zamierzone, ale wydawnictwo Nasza Księgarnia idealnie wpasowało się z wydaniem drugiej części o nastoletnim agencie, dlatego że akcja Okupu dzieje się na Seszelach. Tak, ciepło, plaża, ocean, jachty krzyczą wakacjami, więc nawet jeśli czytelnik nigdzie nie wyjeżdża na wakacje, to przynajmniej może się przenieść w tak piękne miejsce dzięki książce. A dodatkowych smaczków i emocji dodadzą przygody, które przydarzą się Connorowi.
Agent. Okup podobało mi się bardziej niż pierwsza część, czyli Agent. Zakładniczka, a to dlatego że więcej się w tej książce działo, była bardziej ekscytująca. Wiadomo podczas pierwszego tomu razem z Connorem zapoznawaliśmy się i oswajaliśmy ze światem kumpli-ochroniarzy, a tutaj już idziemy pełną parą, zadanie które Connor dostał, mimo że wydaje się łatwiejsze, bo co może przytrafić na wakacjach poza ucieczką przed rekinami albo spadomisiami, to było znacznie bardziej wymagające. Podobało mi się też to, że dowiadywaliśmy się więcej i więcej na temat agencji, w której szkoli się Connor. Pojawiły się również nowe akcesoria, które kumple-ochroniarze otrzymali, aby mieli ułatwione zadanie podczas wykonywania misji.
Nasz główny bohater okazał się też bardziej interesujący z psychologicznego punktu widzenia. Co prawda nie mówię tutaj o jakimś wysokim poziomie profilowania psychologicznego, ale jak na książkę dla nastolatków, to nie spodziewałam się, że będzie ona poruszała problem zespołu stresu pourazowego. W tej części możemy się przekonać jak nastolatek radzi sobie z tym co się stało podczas poprzedniego zadania i jak wpływa to na jego obecną pracę.
Jeśli chodzi o układ książki, to nie da się ukryć, że autor działa według podobnego schematu. Mamy na początku prolog, w którym są zawarte tajemnicze wydarzenia i do końca nie wiemy czy to dzieje się teraz czy może w przeszłości, następnie mamy wydarzenia związane z Connorem, które są przeplatane wydarzeniami z osobami, które planują coś złego. Jednak mimo tego schematu zakończenie całej sprawy okazało się dla mnie zaskakujące, bo co chwilę zmieniałam zdanie w kwestii tego co zaraz może się wydarzyć.
Gdyby ktoś chciał zacząć swoją przygodę z serią Agent, to może bez problemu najpierw przeczytać drugi tom, a później pierwszy, ponieważ pomiędzy tymi dwiema książkami nie ma aż tak dużych powiązań, są drobne napomknienia, więc czytelnik nie pogubi się podczas czytania.
Na końcu muszę przyznać, że nieco się bałam tego, że Chris Bradford może nie sprostać moim oczekiwaniom odnośnie drugiego tomu serii Agent, bo nie łatwo jest tworzyć historie rodem z Jamesa Bonda, jednak całe szczęście książka okazała się interesująca i z przyjemnością czytało mi się ją. Z niecierpliwością będę teraz wyczekiwać kolejnego tomu, aby dowiedzieć się co nowego spotka Connora.
Czternastoletni Connor Reves, który szkoli się na tajnego agenta, dostaje nowe zlecenie. Tym razem nie będzie chronił jednej, a dwie osoby, dokładniej mówiąc bliźniaczki Sterling, córki magnata prasowego. Jednak bliźniaczki mogą oznaczać podwójne kłopoty, dlatego w operacji Gemini ma pomóc mu nieco bardziej doświadczona agentka Ling.
Nie wiem czy to było zamierzone, ale wydawnictwo Nasza Księgarnia idealnie wpasowało się z wydaniem drugiej części o nastoletnim agencie, dlatego że akcja Okupu dzieje się na Seszelach. Tak, ciepło, plaża, ocean, jachty krzyczą wakacjami, więc nawet jeśli czytelnik nigdzie nie wyjeżdża na wakacje, to przynajmniej może się przenieść w tak piękne miejsce dzięki książce. A dodatkowych smaczków i emocji dodadzą przygody, które przydarzą się Connorowi.
Agent. Okup podobało mi się bardziej niż pierwsza część, czyli Agent. Zakładniczka, a to dlatego że więcej się w tej książce działo, była bardziej ekscytująca. Wiadomo podczas pierwszego tomu razem z Connorem zapoznawaliśmy się i oswajaliśmy ze światem kumpli-ochroniarzy, a tutaj już idziemy pełną parą, zadanie które Connor dostał, mimo że wydaje się łatwiejsze, bo co może przytrafić na wakacjach poza ucieczką przed rekinami albo spadomisiami, to było znacznie bardziej wymagające. Podobało mi się też to, że dowiadywaliśmy się więcej i więcej na temat agencji, w której szkoli się Connor. Pojawiły się również nowe akcesoria, które kumple-ochroniarze otrzymali, aby mieli ułatwione zadanie podczas wykonywania misji.
Nasz główny bohater okazał się też bardziej interesujący z psychologicznego punktu widzenia. Co prawda nie mówię tutaj o jakimś wysokim poziomie profilowania psychologicznego, ale jak na książkę dla nastolatków, to nie spodziewałam się, że będzie ona poruszała problem zespołu stresu pourazowego. W tej części możemy się przekonać jak nastolatek radzi sobie z tym co się stało podczas poprzedniego zadania i jak wpływa to na jego obecną pracę.
Jeśli chodzi o układ książki, to nie da się ukryć, że autor działa według podobnego schematu. Mamy na początku prolog, w którym są zawarte tajemnicze wydarzenia i do końca nie wiemy czy to dzieje się teraz czy może w przeszłości, następnie mamy wydarzenia związane z Connorem, które są przeplatane wydarzeniami z osobami, które planują coś złego. Jednak mimo tego schematu zakończenie całej sprawy okazało się dla mnie zaskakujące, bo co chwilę zmieniałam zdanie w kwestii tego co zaraz może się wydarzyć.
Gdyby ktoś chciał zacząć swoją przygodę z serią Agent, to może bez problemu najpierw przeczytać drugi tom, a później pierwszy, ponieważ pomiędzy tymi dwiema książkami nie ma aż tak dużych powiązań, są drobne napomknienia, więc czytelnik nie pogubi się podczas czytania.
Na końcu muszę przyznać, że nieco się bałam tego, że Chris Bradford może nie sprostać moim oczekiwaniom odnośnie drugiego tomu serii Agent, bo nie łatwo jest tworzyć historie rodem z Jamesa Bonda, jednak całe szczęście książka okazała się interesująca i z przyjemnością czytało mi się ją. Z niecierpliwością będę teraz wyczekiwać kolejnego tomu, aby dowiedzieć się co nowego spotka Connora.
April 30, 2016
Mon avis: j'avais adoré le premier tome de cette série vous pouvez trouver mon avis ICI, et c'est avec beaucoup de plaisir que j'ai commencé de second volet des aventures de Connors, notre jeune garde du corps pour adolescents(e) importants.
Du coté de l'histoire: Connor et Ling sont des agents d'une organisation secrète spécialisée dans la protection rapprochée, cette fois-ci, nos jeunes agents sont envoyés en mission sur un yacht dans le but de protéger deux sœurs jumelles, dont l'une d'entre elles a déjà été enlevée l'année précédente. Leur père, Maddox Sterling est un nom dans les médias et son équipe est responsable de très nombreux scandales révélés dans les journaux. Il n'a forcément pas que des amis et sa fortune fait énormément d'envieux. Beaucoup de personnes aimeraient détruire sa vie comme il a ruiné la leur. Et pour cela, quoi de mieux que de commencer par s'attaquer à sa propre famille... Il fait donc appelle aux services de cette organisation et les deux élus pour cette mission ne sont autres que Connors et sa jeune collègue Ling. Afin d'assurer la protections des deux demoiselles, ils vont partir en vacances sur un Yacht mais malheureusement, les deux jumelles ne sont pas vraiment enchantées d'avoir deux chaperons et ne rêvent simplement que de profiter de leurs vacances, de faire la fête et de rencontrer des jeunes comme elles, ce qui va les mettre dans des situations très dangereuses car la menace guette et cette surveillance ne va pas être de tout repos pour nos deux jeunes agents surtout que Ling, va vite se faire renvoyer par une des sœurs et que notre gentil Connors va alors se retrouver seul pour défendre ses deux protégées et je peux vous dire qu'il va se passer beaucoup de choses dans ce second volet.
Du coté de l'écriture: Comme dans le premier tome, la plume de Chris Bradford est juste exceptionnelle, dès les premières pages j'ai été transportée dans cette histoire, les personnages sont attachants, la manière dont est contée l'intrigue est vraiment addictive et ma lecture a été une pure merveille, je n'ai pas pu décrocher de ce roman du début à la fin et lorsque je devais suspendre cette lecture je n'avais qu'une hâte c'était d'y retourner pour continuer les aventures de Connors. J'ai rarement été subjuguée par une histoire autant que celle-ci. J'ai vraiment eu l'impression tout au long du récit d’être à coté de notre héros.
En conclusion: J'adore, j'adore !!! Je trouve cette série vraiment excellente, l'intrigue est là, le personnage de Connors est vraiment sympathique, la plume de l'auteur est excellente, tout est réuni pour passer un excellent moment de détente et il me tarde vraiment de lire le troisième tome qui est sorti très récemment et qui m'attend dans ma PAL.
Je conseille vraiment cette série
Du coté de l'histoire: Connor et Ling sont des agents d'une organisation secrète spécialisée dans la protection rapprochée, cette fois-ci, nos jeunes agents sont envoyés en mission sur un yacht dans le but de protéger deux sœurs jumelles, dont l'une d'entre elles a déjà été enlevée l'année précédente. Leur père, Maddox Sterling est un nom dans les médias et son équipe est responsable de très nombreux scandales révélés dans les journaux. Il n'a forcément pas que des amis et sa fortune fait énormément d'envieux. Beaucoup de personnes aimeraient détruire sa vie comme il a ruiné la leur. Et pour cela, quoi de mieux que de commencer par s'attaquer à sa propre famille... Il fait donc appelle aux services de cette organisation et les deux élus pour cette mission ne sont autres que Connors et sa jeune collègue Ling. Afin d'assurer la protections des deux demoiselles, ils vont partir en vacances sur un Yacht mais malheureusement, les deux jumelles ne sont pas vraiment enchantées d'avoir deux chaperons et ne rêvent simplement que de profiter de leurs vacances, de faire la fête et de rencontrer des jeunes comme elles, ce qui va les mettre dans des situations très dangereuses car la menace guette et cette surveillance ne va pas être de tout repos pour nos deux jeunes agents surtout que Ling, va vite se faire renvoyer par une des sœurs et que notre gentil Connors va alors se retrouver seul pour défendre ses deux protégées et je peux vous dire qu'il va se passer beaucoup de choses dans ce second volet.
Du coté de l'écriture: Comme dans le premier tome, la plume de Chris Bradford est juste exceptionnelle, dès les premières pages j'ai été transportée dans cette histoire, les personnages sont attachants, la manière dont est contée l'intrigue est vraiment addictive et ma lecture a été une pure merveille, je n'ai pas pu décrocher de ce roman du début à la fin et lorsque je devais suspendre cette lecture je n'avais qu'une hâte c'était d'y retourner pour continuer les aventures de Connors. J'ai rarement été subjuguée par une histoire autant que celle-ci. J'ai vraiment eu l'impression tout au long du récit d’être à coté de notre héros.
En conclusion: J'adore, j'adore !!! Je trouve cette série vraiment excellente, l'intrigue est là, le personnage de Connors est vraiment sympathique, la plume de l'auteur est excellente, tout est réuni pour passer un excellent moment de détente et il me tarde vraiment de lire le troisième tome qui est sorti très récemment et qui m'attend dans ma PAL.
Je conseille vraiment cette série
December 24, 2020
'Whether you think you can, or think you can't - you're probably right.'
Deel 2 in de Bodyguard-reeks en het blijft even spannend en origineel. Ik vind het een beetje zonde dat ik de vertaling niet gelezen heb, want ik vraag me af hoe ze al die militaire en aanverwante terminologie allemaal vertaald hebben. Dat moet een hels karweitje zijn geweest, denk ik zo, en het is niet dat er maar een stuk of vijf in het verhaal staan - eerder vijftig.
Het begint hier duidelijk te worden dat er meer aan de hand is, en dat er naast de gewone 'boek per boek'-avonturen ook nog een langere, rode draad meespeelt. Voorlopig valt daar nog niet veel over te zeggen, maar het is interessant om te zien waar het naartoe gaat. Dit verhaal in Boek 2 op zich is ook heel erg sterk, met de piraten. En het zijn niet de piraten die je kent van Pirates of the Caribbean, oh nee. Bereid je maar voor op iets griezeliger figuren...
Daar komt nog bij dat je wat beter kennismaakt met Ling, van team Alpha, in dit boek. De keuze om twee bodyguards te laten opdraven is mooi gedaan, vind ik, want anders vraag je je toch maar af wat ze allemaal aan het doen zijn. De reden waarom ze een 'team' vormen, snap ik sowieso niet helemaal want ze werken niet in team samen. Alleen Charley, die voor algemeen opzichter speelt, en Amir, die zich met de technische kant bezighoudt, lijken een vaste rol bedeeld te krijgen. Maar de anderen zien we nauwelijks, en met Ling wordt dat hier verholpen. Heel erg plezant! Alleen vraag ik me wel af waarom Charley - die duidelijk wat meer ervaring heeft dan de anderen - nog steeds alle lessen gewoon mee volgt. Is zij al niet wat verder gevorderd? Maar goed, dat stoort een beetje, maar niet heel veel.
Zoals te verwachten steelt Connor weer de show. Soms is hij wel een beetje een idioot, vind ik, en doet hij dingen waarvan je denkt dat hij beter zou moeten weten. Zoals wanneer hij denkt dat ze gered zijn en zomaar eventjes gaat rondstruinen door het jacht - als die piraten gepakt zijn, zou ik denken dat je wel wat rumoer gehoord hebt. Maar naast een drietal rare dingetjes is hij heel erg te pruimen. Gelukkig maar dat de Alpha-leden zo tof zijn, want help, Bradford heeft er wel een paar andere personages tussen zitten in dit boek, blegh. Een paar kwallen, onder andere.
Deze boeken werken niet echt met plotwendingen, meestal, het is eerder een zaak van voorbereiding, en dan actie en spanning. Maar hier bezorgt de auteur ons op het einde toch een ferme verrassing, die duidelijk maakt hoe alles in elkaar zit. En je gaat ze niet zien komen. Heel knap gedaan!
8,1/10
Deel 2 in de Bodyguard-reeks en het blijft even spannend en origineel. Ik vind het een beetje zonde dat ik de vertaling niet gelezen heb, want ik vraag me af hoe ze al die militaire en aanverwante terminologie allemaal vertaald hebben. Dat moet een hels karweitje zijn geweest, denk ik zo, en het is niet dat er maar een stuk of vijf in het verhaal staan - eerder vijftig.
Het begint hier duidelijk te worden dat er meer aan de hand is, en dat er naast de gewone 'boek per boek'-avonturen ook nog een langere, rode draad meespeelt. Voorlopig valt daar nog niet veel over te zeggen, maar het is interessant om te zien waar het naartoe gaat. Dit verhaal in Boek 2 op zich is ook heel erg sterk, met de piraten. En het zijn niet de piraten die je kent van Pirates of the Caribbean, oh nee. Bereid je maar voor op iets griezeliger figuren...
Daar komt nog bij dat je wat beter kennismaakt met Ling, van team Alpha, in dit boek. De keuze om twee bodyguards te laten opdraven is mooi gedaan, vind ik, want anders vraag je je toch maar af wat ze allemaal aan het doen zijn. De reden waarom ze een 'team' vormen, snap ik sowieso niet helemaal want ze werken niet in team samen. Alleen Charley, die voor algemeen opzichter speelt, en Amir, die zich met de technische kant bezighoudt, lijken een vaste rol bedeeld te krijgen. Maar de anderen zien we nauwelijks, en met Ling wordt dat hier verholpen. Heel erg plezant! Alleen vraag ik me wel af waarom Charley - die duidelijk wat meer ervaring heeft dan de anderen - nog steeds alle lessen gewoon mee volgt. Is zij al niet wat verder gevorderd? Maar goed, dat stoort een beetje, maar niet heel veel.
Zoals te verwachten steelt Connor weer de show. Soms is hij wel een beetje een idioot, vind ik, en doet hij dingen waarvan je denkt dat hij beter zou moeten weten. Zoals wanneer hij denkt dat ze gered zijn en zomaar eventjes gaat rondstruinen door het jacht - als die piraten gepakt zijn, zou ik denken dat je wel wat rumoer gehoord hebt. Maar naast een drietal rare dingetjes is hij heel erg te pruimen. Gelukkig maar dat de Alpha-leden zo tof zijn, want help, Bradford heeft er wel een paar andere personages tussen zitten in dit boek, blegh. Een paar kwallen, onder andere.
Deze boeken werken niet echt met plotwendingen, meestal, het is eerder een zaak van voorbereiding, en dan actie en spanning. Maar hier bezorgt de auteur ons op het einde toch een ferme verrassing, die duidelijk maakt hoe alles in elkaar zit. En je gaat ze niet zien komen. Heel knap gedaan!
8,1/10
April 22, 2019
Reader thoughts: This book had action and characters with a little bit of personality. There was basically no character arc, though, and the writing felt flat overall. Connor I'm not sure why, but I just didn't care about what happened to the characters, even to Connor. I cared about him in the first book.
The Australian ocean setting was neat. I enjoyed reading about the different dangers they faced (riptides and pirates!).
I never felt like Connor was in that much danger.
Or, perhaps, it was that Connor never felt like he was struggling. He made a few mistakes (thinking was dangerous when it wasn't or losing focus while he was on watch), but he never felt in over his head. That's a quality I look for in order to raise the tension in stories I read.
Writer thoughts: An action book needs more than explosions. It needs fear and struggle. I'm not sure what else is missing here, but I think that's it. I wanted to see Connor try his hardest and tremble with a little fear, not just walk around trying his options one at a time.
The Australian ocean setting was neat. I enjoyed reading about the different dangers they faced (riptides and pirates!).
I never felt like Connor was in that much danger.
Or, perhaps, it was that Connor never felt like he was struggling. He made a few mistakes (thinking was dangerous when it wasn't or losing focus while he was on watch), but he never felt in over his head. That's a quality I look for in order to raise the tension in stories I read.
Writer thoughts: An action book needs more than explosions. It needs fear and struggle. I'm not sure what else is missing here, but I think that's it. I wanted to see Connor try his hardest and tremble with a little fear, not just walk around trying his options one at a time.
February 17, 2016
Excellent Read. Very Realistic.
Its had a slow pace in the beginning but i think its appropriate to build up all the plot and twist of the story. All angles of principal had been exposed, all the enemies and people around them. And I love the way Connor seems not the best bodyguard but when the time comes to act he choose the best way to handle the situation and save his principals.
And like the 1st book of the series Chris really put some effort in explaining the pirates, as you read the book you can see why they're in the field of piracy. And the pirate is really good in there own business. They are the best in Somalia and formidable opponent of our young bodyguard. They got strategies to insure the capture and ransom of there victims. They also got a hacker and use the technology at its best. Set traps that effectively fall the people that pursue them.
There's a twist in the last chapter of the series that i didn't expect and a good way to end the story.
Highly Recommended
Its had a slow pace in the beginning but i think its appropriate to build up all the plot and twist of the story. All angles of principal had been exposed, all the enemies and people around them. And I love the way Connor seems not the best bodyguard but when the time comes to act he choose the best way to handle the situation and save his principals.
And like the 1st book of the series Chris really put some effort in explaining the pirates, as you read the book you can see why they're in the field of piracy. And the pirate is really good in there own business. They are the best in Somalia and formidable opponent of our young bodyguard. They got strategies to insure the capture and ransom of there victims. They also got a hacker and use the technology at its best. Set traps that effectively fall the people that pursue them.
There's a twist in the last chapter of the series that i didn't expect and a good way to end the story.
Highly Recommended
April 24, 2017
Wie der erste Band, war dieser auch sehr spannend.
Man etwas mehr über die weitere Ausbildung und bekommt einige Hintergrundinformationen.
Manchmal könnte man fast vergessen, dass die Buddyguards noch Teenager sind, aber sie machen ihre Fehler und das ist es, was die Story realistisch macht. Die Geschichte ist spannend geschrieben und hält auch eine überraschende Wendung parat.
Man etwas mehr über die weitere Ausbildung und bekommt einige Hintergrundinformationen.
Manchmal könnte man fast vergessen, dass die Buddyguards noch Teenager sind, aber sie machen ihre Fehler und das ist es, was die Story realistisch macht. Die Geschichte ist spannend geschrieben und hält auch eine überraschende Wendung parat.
May 14, 2014
Conner should look after the wild one!
Conner should look after the wild one!
personally I think that Conner should be looking after the wild/rebellious/spoilt principle as it would be interesting to see how he would cope with it(I would also like to see him doing a James bond thing where he hooks up with his principle and gets in to trouble because of it!) plus lets see him get a mission with Jason it'd be funny to see them struggle to work together!!
Conner should look after the wild one!
personally I think that Conner should be looking after the wild/rebellious/spoilt principle as it would be interesting to see how he would cope with it(I would also like to see him doing a James bond thing where he hooks up with his principle and gets in to trouble because of it!) plus lets see him get a mission with Jason it'd be funny to see them struggle to work together!!
November 2, 2022
original rating : 5
new rating : 3.5
new rating : 3.5
September 1, 2017
This British Bodyguard Series of 4 books: Recruit, Hostage, Hijack, and Ransom, are all jam-packed with action and adventure. A kickboxing champion, Connor Reeve is well-suited to be recruited by the secret Guardians, who train teenage bodyguards to surreptitiously protect young celebrities and progeny of the rich and famous. Following in the footsteps of his father, who died protecting a diplomat when Connor was 8, he meets other teen martial arts experts, Ling, Charley (Charlotte,) Jason, Marc, and Amir. The ensuing assignments, guarding the US President's daughter and wealthy twins are fraught with twists, turns, and unbelievable stunts. But we root for Connor and his friends, despite the stereotype villains. I do wish author, Bradford would bring each book in the series to a satisfying conclusion without leaving us hanging with a to-be-continued... on the final page. Number 4, Ransom, ties up the loose ends handily.
April 7, 2018
After reading the first book, Recruit, I wasn't sure if I had the nerves to read Book 2. The cut aways to the terrorist cell in Book 1 hinted to what would happen in Book 2.
Could I handle it?
Could I not find out what happened to Connor and Alicia?
The second worry won out.
First of all, this book gets violent, blood spurting was one descriptor. But it was ... "motivated"? Or at least "appropriate" or believable for that character and didn't feel gratuitous. The story involves fanatic Islamic terrorists. So take that plot line as your guide.
Should you join me in reading Ransom, than you, too, will hid in the bathroom (didn't want to disturb the sleeping husband) until the wee hours to finish it! And yes, the students will understand your blank stare the next day and giggle with you when you tell them you stayed up all night reading.
And yes, book 3 is on hold!
Could I handle it?
Could I not find out what happened to Connor and Alicia?
The second worry won out.
First of all, this book gets violent, blood spurting was one descriptor. But it was ... "motivated"? Or at least "appropriate" or believable for that character and didn't feel gratuitous. The story involves fanatic Islamic terrorists. So take that plot line as your guide.
Should you join me in reading Ransom, than you, too, will hid in the bathroom (didn't want to disturb the sleeping husband) until the wee hours to finish it! And yes, the students will understand your blank stare the next day and giggle with you when you tell them you stayed up all night reading.
And yes, book 3 is on hold!
Read
December 8, 2019Connor Reeves is assigned to protect 2 daughters from an Australian billionaire. In the middle of the ocean somewhere off the coast of Somalia, a group of merciless pirates, wielding enormous firepower, hijack the twin's yacht and incapacitate the ship's adult crewmembers. The pirates are out for money rather than blood and seeing a golden opportunity, they demand a multi-million-dollar ransom in exchange for returning the twins to safety. But there's a flaw in their plan. They didn't count on Connor being aboard.
August 27, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn't think Ransom was as good as Hostage simply because I didn't like Mr Sterling or his twin daughters, Emily and Chloe. Their wealth made them shallow and demanding, and extremely annoying. However, Connor was as likeable as before and the adrenalin rush was constant as Connor and Ling tried to protect the girls from numerous threats. I just wish the author would share Charley's backstory. This is the second book in the series and I still have no idea how she ended up in a wheelchair.
I didn't think Ransom was as good as Hostage simply because I didn't like Mr Sterling or his twin daughters, Emily and Chloe. Their wealth made them shallow and demanding, and extremely annoying. However, Connor was as likeable as before and the adrenalin rush was constant as Connor and Ling tried to protect the girls from numerous threats. I just wish the author would share Charley's backstory. This is the second book in the series and I still have no idea how she ended up in a wheelchair.
June 10, 2017
I like it. I'm still uncomfortable with certain aspects of the premise, but, if I manage to turn them out, I like it. It's fastpaced. It's action-y. I managed to guess one of the big plot twists, though, but it's still been fun to read.
I just hope, that in one of the next books the principal(s) is either not female or doesn't at least actively trying to be difficult/get rid of their bodyguard. -.-
I just hope, that in one of the next books the principal(s) is either not female or doesn't at least actively trying to be difficult/get rid of their bodyguard. -.-
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
I actually really enjoyed this book. It got so gripping from half way through that I couldn’t put it down easily! Even to the extent that I would end up staying up late at night reading it.
I don’t normally read action books like this one but I’m glad I’ve read it after having this book on my bookshelf for so many years.
Very interesting to read it from a bodyguard perspective and what the job involves.
I don’t normally read action books like this one but I’m glad I’ve read it after having this book on my bookshelf for so many years.
Very interesting to read it from a bodyguard perspective and what the job involves.
February 8, 2017
A great book for people who like action and cliffhangers. I thought the book was very slow but then towards the middle it started building up tension. I read the book in only 2 days because I couldn't put it away. However I don't like the idea of a kid spy, bodyguard or whatever because I find that lots of books are like that - not original. But it´s a good book in general.
June 3, 2019
This book made me think about self defense when "Connor darted forward, slamming his open palm into Bucktooth's chest and striking the solar plexus."
The writer is teaching us about self defense because it is an important thing to posses.
In my opinion self defense is something everyone should know.
The writer is teaching us about self defense because it is an important thing to posses.
In my opinion self defense is something everyone should know.
August 3, 2022
The plot twist caught me completely off guard and made me get really invested into the book. At times it felt a-bit slow however there was something always happening which in my opinion counteracted the “boring” parts. This book is a really good read and Im looking forward to reading more of it’s books in it’s series!!
September 11, 2017
Another exciting book by Chris Bradford!!!!Connor is still learning his skills as a bodyguard and has to fight off Somali pirates to protect his principal - a spoiled daughter of a very wealthy Australian. The book ends on a cliff hanger - you are not sure if Connor is alive or not.
October 11, 2021
The pacing of this one was faster than the first book, which was nice. It's packed with action, cliffhangers, and twists. I also enjoyed the locations and descriptions of the settings. Will definitely continue this series!
February 3, 2023
A nice plot twist towards the end made it a lot better. I generally like the whole teenage bodyguard thing. The story was well written and not boring even for me as I'm most likely not the target audience.
February 19, 2023
Another fine read by Chris Bradford
Read this in two sittings. Once I picked it up it was hard to put back down. Lots of twists and turns to keep you happily engaged. Loving the series.
Read this in two sittings. Once I picked it up it was hard to put back down. Lots of twists and turns to keep you happily engaged. Loving the series.
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