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Ethan Justice #1
Ethan Justice: Origins
In the morning, he’s struggling to remember. By the evening, he’s struggling to survive. John Smith’s risk avoidance policy just expired!
Waking up beside the gorgeous Savannah Jones, John is shocked to learn she was for hire, and he can’t pay the price - a thousand pounds or broken legs. In desperation, he turns to best friend, Mark, for the money. Only one problem - Mark has a dagger in his back.
John and Savannah are plunged into a dangerous world where wits and adrenaline are their only weapons and trust in each other their only certainty. As the body count mounts, they discover Mark wasn’t the person John thought, and his terrifying invention may well end up killing thousands, John and Savannah included.
A race to recover the missing invention pits the unlikely pairing against ex-SAS psychopath, Gregory Fisher, a man who will stop at nothing and kill anyone in his way to wreak revenge against the Government who stole his livelihood.
When Smith and Jones team up, the result is explosive.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed, character-driven thriller, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, cringe, cry and cheer.
This book contains a few violent scenes, a dash of sex and the odd bit of bad language, so please don't buy it if you are easily offended.
Waking up beside the gorgeous Savannah Jones, John is shocked to learn she was for hire, and he can’t pay the price - a thousand pounds or broken legs. In desperation, he turns to best friend, Mark, for the money. Only one problem - Mark has a dagger in his back.
John and Savannah are plunged into a dangerous world where wits and adrenaline are their only weapons and trust in each other their only certainty. As the body count mounts, they discover Mark wasn’t the person John thought, and his terrifying invention may well end up killing thousands, John and Savannah included.
A race to recover the missing invention pits the unlikely pairing against ex-SAS psychopath, Gregory Fisher, a man who will stop at nothing and kill anyone in his way to wreak revenge against the Government who stole his livelihood.
When Smith and Jones team up, the result is explosive.
This is a fast-paced, action-packed, character-driven thriller, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, cringe, cry and cheer.
This book contains a few violent scenes, a dash of sex and the odd bit of bad language, so please don't buy it if you are easily offended.
246 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2012
454 people are currently reading
1879 people want to read
About the author
Simon Jenner
17 books82 followersSimon Jenner is best known for the bestselling ETHAN JUSTICE series, dark-humoured action thrillers with unforgettable main characters. He also wrote the critically acclaimed THE EVOLVED, the first in a young adult sci-fi trilogy, with the second book still in development. His latest book, DON’T CALL ME BETH, is an epic psychological thriller which is receiving much early praise.
Simon lives in Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, with his wife, Julia.
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You can contact me here on Goodreads or via my website: http://simonjenner.com or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimonJennerA... or Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonrjenner. I’d love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 24, 2013
I received a free download of "Ethan Justice: Origins" by Simon R. Jenner in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing. This novel is a fast-paced, action-packed character-driven thriller that totally grips you and never lets up. It is written in the third person with some chapters in the first person from the antagonists point of view, which works well allowing for more insight into the character of the killer.
John Smith is thirty-two years old, comes from a wealthy London family, living in an apartment his parents pay for, working a menial job, without any direction in life. His parents have given him six months to strengthen up his act...or forget the freebies!
But John's life finally changes when he wakes up with a gorgeous prostitute in his bed and no way to pay her. John, scared of what Savannah’s pimp might do to him, quickly goes searching for his best friend, Mark, to get money for the night he can’t even remember clearly. John finds Mark murdered and his own life in danger so he teams up with the most unlikely partner, Savannah herself, and together they begin to unravel the mystery of what happened to Mark and why.
Two American agents, Johnson and Wilson have been following Smith to see if he is involved in Mark Bradshaw's murder. They explained to Savannah that Bradshaw had something of theirs and that they needed to get it back before it fell in the wrong hands. The agents proposed a deal, and told her if she can get John to help them catch Bradshaw's killer, they will handle her pimp. Who can say no to that! But John and Savannah were way over their heads and could face great danger.
And so the drama and thriller starts. And the killer is psychotic, clever and dangerous and is following the detectives! He wants revenge.
This was a book that I couldn't put down. The action was non-stop and the characters were very believable. Thank you Simon for allowing me to read your book, while my husband setup the Christmas decorations.
John Smith is thirty-two years old, comes from a wealthy London family, living in an apartment his parents pay for, working a menial job, without any direction in life. His parents have given him six months to strengthen up his act...or forget the freebies!
But John's life finally changes when he wakes up with a gorgeous prostitute in his bed and no way to pay her. John, scared of what Savannah’s pimp might do to him, quickly goes searching for his best friend, Mark, to get money for the night he can’t even remember clearly. John finds Mark murdered and his own life in danger so he teams up with the most unlikely partner, Savannah herself, and together they begin to unravel the mystery of what happened to Mark and why.
Two American agents, Johnson and Wilson have been following Smith to see if he is involved in Mark Bradshaw's murder. They explained to Savannah that Bradshaw had something of theirs and that they needed to get it back before it fell in the wrong hands. The agents proposed a deal, and told her if she can get John to help them catch Bradshaw's killer, they will handle her pimp. Who can say no to that! But John and Savannah were way over their heads and could face great danger.
And so the drama and thriller starts. And the killer is psychotic, clever and dangerous and is following the detectives! He wants revenge.
This was a book that I couldn't put down. The action was non-stop and the characters were very believable. Thank you Simon for allowing me to read your book, while my husband setup the Christmas decorations.
September 12, 2013
This is an action/thriller with an accidental hero and a really twisted bad guy. The story threatens sympathy for the bad guy, but our hero is not to be fooled. The action is fabulous. The suspense is edgy and surprising.
The opening scene is gruesome, made even more so by the shiftless counterpoint that is our hero’s life. The pace of the story is balanced as the point of view switches between the two main characters and incorporates the perspective of the secondary characters periodically. There is no problem with shifts in the point of view, they are clear and well done. Except for the problem of overly common surnames (which one is he again?), you always know who you are with in the story.
The storyline is not predictable although it is sometimes implausible. Strong character development and good dialogue with well-placed humor keep the story moving until the plot catches up. There are laugh out loud lines and I hope Jenner is able to sustain the wit in the next book in the series. The female character is well written. She thinks thoughts you would expect a woman to think and reacts the way a woman would react, especially to our hero’s particularly blundering moments.
Technically, the book is well edited with very few errors which I greatly appreciate. Typos, missing words and spelling errors drive me to distraction. There is little of that in the e-book.
For the American reader, there are a few problems with English translations. What’s a stone, for instance? I thought the English use pounds to measure weight as well as money. The reference to a stone doesn’t give me any idea of whether the guy is the size of a chimpanzee or a gorilla. The phrase, “He pushed away the thoughts that fed the ball . . .” is meaningless to me – is that a rugby reference? Although a bit colloquial for an American audience, these and other idioms are easy to ignore and do not weigh the story down or make the action impenetrable.
There is an American character in the story and Jenner is *spot on* with the fast-car loving, impatient, does-not-tolerate-stupid, everybody hates the Yankees stereotype.
There are a couple of minor plot detail errors. For example, at one point an embroidered linen napkin is thrown by a son onto a gravy filled plate (the mom should have had a fit right there – it caused me to gasp). Next thing, the napkin thrower is pushing potatoes around his plate and there is no mention of the soggy, stained napkin. Well, where’d it go? And another, reference is made to a BMW 3 series which then becomes an M3 coupe with a V-8 engine – different cars, I think. There are a few others, but nothing to undermine the strength of the overall narrative.
I enjoyed reading the book. I like the characters and look forward to reading the next in the series.
The opening scene is gruesome, made even more so by the shiftless counterpoint that is our hero’s life. The pace of the story is balanced as the point of view switches between the two main characters and incorporates the perspective of the secondary characters periodically. There is no problem with shifts in the point of view, they are clear and well done. Except for the problem of overly common surnames (which one is he again?), you always know who you are with in the story.
The storyline is not predictable although it is sometimes implausible. Strong character development and good dialogue with well-placed humor keep the story moving until the plot catches up. There are laugh out loud lines and I hope Jenner is able to sustain the wit in the next book in the series. The female character is well written. She thinks thoughts you would expect a woman to think and reacts the way a woman would react, especially to our hero’s particularly blundering moments.
Technically, the book is well edited with very few errors which I greatly appreciate. Typos, missing words and spelling errors drive me to distraction. There is little of that in the e-book.
For the American reader, there are a few problems with English translations. What’s a stone, for instance? I thought the English use pounds to measure weight as well as money. The reference to a stone doesn’t give me any idea of whether the guy is the size of a chimpanzee or a gorilla. The phrase, “He pushed away the thoughts that fed the ball . . .” is meaningless to me – is that a rugby reference? Although a bit colloquial for an American audience, these and other idioms are easy to ignore and do not weigh the story down or make the action impenetrable.
There is an American character in the story and Jenner is *spot on* with the fast-car loving, impatient, does-not-tolerate-stupid, everybody hates the Yankees stereotype.
There are a couple of minor plot detail errors. For example, at one point an embroidered linen napkin is thrown by a son onto a gravy filled plate (the mom should have had a fit right there – it caused me to gasp). Next thing, the napkin thrower is pushing potatoes around his plate and there is no mention of the soggy, stained napkin. Well, where’d it go? And another, reference is made to a BMW 3 series which then becomes an M3 coupe with a V-8 engine – different cars, I think. There are a few others, but nothing to undermine the strength of the overall narrative.
I enjoyed reading the book. I like the characters and look forward to reading the next in the series.
November 8, 2012
ETHAN JUSTICE: Origins by Simon Jenner
I don’t read spy books very often and my memories of them are of very hefty tomes with lots of weird names, convoluted plots and characters I did not much care for (I apologise to the lovers of the genre and I’m sure I just read the wrong books). I found ‘Ethan Justice: Origins’ refreshingly different. The main character, John Smith (his name a never ending source of amusement to everybody he meets and nobody believes is his real name) when first introduced appears to be an underachiever from a good family who feels he can’t live up to the expectations of his parents. When his best friend, who is successful at everything he undertakes, is killed in mysterious circumstances he ends up involved in a dangerous adventure. John is the reluctant hero we have come to know and love in many novels and films, but he doesn’t just become by magic an all confident super-man. He is plagued by doubt and insecurities. Savannah, who in another book would be the typical prostitute with a heart of gold, is not really into the business and has many more resources than the stereotypical role would suggest. One of the strengths of the book is that all major characters are multi-dimensional, the agents who follow them (Wilson and Johnson, with mental meltdown and all), the baddie (Fisher, who narrates in a very effective stream of consciousness), and the central characters. For followers of the genre, there are also gadgets, a beautifully over the top MacGuffin (and I won’t reveal what it is), chases, violence, sex, Russian gang members (nearly), nasty pimps…The ambiance is somewhat reminiscent of late film-noir but with the twist that this is a UK-based spy thriller although international connections abound.
Although I haven't read many books on the genre I'm pretty sure you won’t be disappointed when you read it.
I leave you with one of the great quotes from the book: ‘That was the great thing about guns; they brought back good manners to those who most needed them.’
I don’t read spy books very often and my memories of them are of very hefty tomes with lots of weird names, convoluted plots and characters I did not much care for (I apologise to the lovers of the genre and I’m sure I just read the wrong books). I found ‘Ethan Justice: Origins’ refreshingly different. The main character, John Smith (his name a never ending source of amusement to everybody he meets and nobody believes is his real name) when first introduced appears to be an underachiever from a good family who feels he can’t live up to the expectations of his parents. When his best friend, who is successful at everything he undertakes, is killed in mysterious circumstances he ends up involved in a dangerous adventure. John is the reluctant hero we have come to know and love in many novels and films, but he doesn’t just become by magic an all confident super-man. He is plagued by doubt and insecurities. Savannah, who in another book would be the typical prostitute with a heart of gold, is not really into the business and has many more resources than the stereotypical role would suggest. One of the strengths of the book is that all major characters are multi-dimensional, the agents who follow them (Wilson and Johnson, with mental meltdown and all), the baddie (Fisher, who narrates in a very effective stream of consciousness), and the central characters. For followers of the genre, there are also gadgets, a beautifully over the top MacGuffin (and I won’t reveal what it is), chases, violence, sex, Russian gang members (nearly), nasty pimps…The ambiance is somewhat reminiscent of late film-noir but with the twist that this is a UK-based spy thriller although international connections abound.
Although I haven't read many books on the genre I'm pretty sure you won’t be disappointed when you read it.
I leave you with one of the great quotes from the book: ‘That was the great thing about guns; they brought back good manners to those who most needed them.’
September 7, 2013
This book begins with a dissolute 32 year old man with the bland name of John Smith, being taken to task by his parents and best friend for wasting his life and talents. He has a good Oxford degree and is working as a junior clerk. His parents own his flat. He becomes involved with Savannah Jones (Smith and Jones eh!) in tracking down a murderer, helped and hindered by two special agents.
There’s a huge amount of action in here and quite a lot of dark humour. The interplay of characters is very good and the villain of the piece, a rogue ex-SAS operative, is creepy and uncomfortable in the extreme. I was very much engaged with the story and the people Simon Jenner has created and I know I shall read more of this series. Highly recommended!
There’s a huge amount of action in here and quite a lot of dark humour. The interplay of characters is very good and the villain of the piece, a rogue ex-SAS operative, is creepy and uncomfortable in the extreme. I was very much engaged with the story and the people Simon Jenner has created and I know I shall read more of this series. Highly recommended!
January 21, 2024
Meet John Smith, a highly educated underachiever whose life is turned upside down after he finds his best friend, Mark Bradshaw, dead at his Mayfair apartment. He is forced to turn to new and reluctant escort girl, Savannah Jones, for help. But Savannah has her own problems and needs a thousand pounds to prevent her pimp from selling her to an interested Arab party with unsavory tastes.
Lots of interesting twists & turns.
Lots of interesting twists & turns.
May 31, 2013
I had signed up to win this book on goodreads giveaways but lost. I lose a lot more than I win so life goes on. That should be the end of this review, but wait...what's this...the author has just e-mailed me asking if I would like a preview copy of the book sent to my Kindle. Thought about it for a few moments and said yes. The next day I have the copy and begin reading and was hooked. The hook was set so deep that when I got about 45% done with the book and could go no further (preview copy) I immediately went to amazon.com and bought the book so I could finish it. I don't normally do things like that, but like I already said, I was hooked. Mr. Jenner, if you read this, your evil plan to get me to read your book worked. It was a really good book. I don't know if it was "hard to put down" because I didn't even try. I just read it and enjoyed it. On to the review...
Have you ever wondered what you would do if the guy in the elevator turned crazy and attacked you? What about if you were in the grocery store and it got held up? These are the things I think about. Simon Jenner helped answer some of these questions by taking an ordinary guy and putting him into some sticky situations. How ordinary is this man? His name is John Smith. You cannot get any more plain than that. It starts with action and ends with a good solid closing. I was satisfied after reading this book. Satisfied as if I had eaten a great meal where everything was just right. I mean everything from the setting of the table to the washing of the dishes.
If I had to describe John Smith to someone I would liken him to a combination of Lee Child's "Jack Reacher" character and F. Paul Wilson's "Repairman Jack" in a very likable way. There are some twists and turns in the plot but not so many that you have a hard time keeping up. This was well written and I believe the author had a great time with it. I hope Mr. Jenner is satisfied with this book because I sure was.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if the guy in the elevator turned crazy and attacked you? What about if you were in the grocery store and it got held up? These are the things I think about. Simon Jenner helped answer some of these questions by taking an ordinary guy and putting him into some sticky situations. How ordinary is this man? His name is John Smith. You cannot get any more plain than that. It starts with action and ends with a good solid closing. I was satisfied after reading this book. Satisfied as if I had eaten a great meal where everything was just right. I mean everything from the setting of the table to the washing of the dishes.
If I had to describe John Smith to someone I would liken him to a combination of Lee Child's "Jack Reacher" character and F. Paul Wilson's "Repairman Jack" in a very likable way. There are some twists and turns in the plot but not so many that you have a hard time keeping up. This was well written and I believe the author had a great time with it. I hope Mr. Jenner is satisfied with this book because I sure was.
February 1, 2014
I saw this advertised on another site and went to Amazon to look at it and get more information. I generally like to read the first few reviews to get a feel for the book and see if it is something I might like but on this one I never got past the title of the first review that said the book had a good plot but too much sex and language for the reviewer. I bought the book!
I admit that was a eye catcher but having completed the book I can only surmise that the reviewer has a very delicate constitution. There really is only one sex scene (and that is od the G rated version) in the entire book although sexual situations do crop up a few times and the language is tame by most standards.
Having now read the book I can tell you that the book was an enjoyable read. The main hero of the book is unique in that he's no Jack Reacher or any of the like. He is what would be classified as the reluctant hero who turns out to have the goods when the chips are down. His partner in the story manages to be interesting and the catalyst to the hero's unlikely performance when the rubber meets the road.
It was good enough that I will buy the second book in the series and hopefully the characters will grow more into the roles that the plot line suggests and will compel me to read the rest of the series. At the end of the day what more can you ask for.
I admit that was a eye catcher but having completed the book I can only surmise that the reviewer has a very delicate constitution. There really is only one sex scene (and that is od the G rated version) in the entire book although sexual situations do crop up a few times and the language is tame by most standards.
Having now read the book I can tell you that the book was an enjoyable read. The main hero of the book is unique in that he's no Jack Reacher or any of the like. He is what would be classified as the reluctant hero who turns out to have the goods when the chips are down. His partner in the story manages to be interesting and the catalyst to the hero's unlikely performance when the rubber meets the road.
It was good enough that I will buy the second book in the series and hopefully the characters will grow more into the roles that the plot line suggests and will compel me to read the rest of the series. At the end of the day what more can you ask for.
May 16, 2013
This was given to me in exchange for an honest review by the author.
The novel is a third person action thriller with some chapters in 1st person from the antagonists point of view. I really like Simon Jenner's writing style and the way he added a first person perspective from the antagonists point of view as it really helped to get to know the kind of person he is and helped to get into his head better than it would have done in third.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and I finished it quickly as I just couldn't put it down. The suspense and the action through the book just kept on coming and increased in intensity throughout to finish with the perfect ending. When I wasn't reading the book I kept thinking about it, that for me, is always a good sign that it's a good book.
I felt like I really got to know the characters and felt like John, Savannah and Johnson changed for the better by the end of the book.
I would definitely read more of Simon Jenner's work in the future and would recommend this book, its well worth the read.
The novel is a third person action thriller with some chapters in 1st person from the antagonists point of view. I really like Simon Jenner's writing style and the way he added a first person perspective from the antagonists point of view as it really helped to get to know the kind of person he is and helped to get into his head better than it would have done in third.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and I finished it quickly as I just couldn't put it down. The suspense and the action through the book just kept on coming and increased in intensity throughout to finish with the perfect ending. When I wasn't reading the book I kept thinking about it, that for me, is always a good sign that it's a good book.
I felt like I really got to know the characters and felt like John, Savannah and Johnson changed for the better by the end of the book.
I would definitely read more of Simon Jenner's work in the future and would recommend this book, its well worth the read.
March 22, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan Justice: Origins is a fast paced thriller with some little comedy gems woven into it. Written in bad-guy-first-person and good-guy-third-person, it's a little different from your common or garden thrillers in that it gives an insight into the thought process of the baddie right from the get-go. Each character is well developed with a thorough back story, and the plot is entertaining, although I felt it lost a little pace about halfway through. Maybe that's just because pesky real life intervened and I had to stop reading though!
The characters are likeable, if a little scatty sometimes, and Savannah in particular stood out to me as having a lot of potential - this book is the first in a series and I think she's going to be a lot of fun in future books!
I particularly liked the unusual style of having the baddie written in first person, and having read the preview for book 2 (Relentless) it seems that Simon Jenner is continuing this theme in the follow-up. Looking forward to reading the next one!
Ethan Justice: Origins is a fast paced thriller with some little comedy gems woven into it. Written in bad-guy-first-person and good-guy-third-person, it's a little different from your common or garden thrillers in that it gives an insight into the thought process of the baddie right from the get-go. Each character is well developed with a thorough back story, and the plot is entertaining, although I felt it lost a little pace about halfway through. Maybe that's just because pesky real life intervened and I had to stop reading though!
The characters are likeable, if a little scatty sometimes, and Savannah in particular stood out to me as having a lot of potential - this book is the first in a series and I think she's going to be a lot of fun in future books!
I particularly liked the unusual style of having the baddie written in first person, and having read the preview for book 2 (Relentless) it seems that Simon Jenner is continuing this theme in the follow-up. Looking forward to reading the next one!
September 30, 2013
From the first page I was hooked! Maybe its because I had just read it a couple of month's ago, but this novel kept reminding of Carl Hiaasen's "Bad Monkey." And that's a good thing. Jenner's characters are anything but stock much like Hiaasen's.
The novel is told from the third person point of view like a lot of books. However the author also chose to make one of the character's view first person. I loved this decision. Not only does it you give you a peak into the mind of the character but it gives a certain amount of mystery around the character. Just like you don't often give background information and motivations on decisions that you make during your day neither does this character. The reader discovers things about the character as the other characters do.
I also like the fact that the reader doesn't even hear the name 'Ethan Justice' until the second half of the book. By the time the name is mentioned I think most readers know what is coming, but through at least the first quarter, the reader is wondering 'where is this Justice guy.'
A fast-paced, well written novel. I can't wait to read the next Ethan Justice novel.
The novel is told from the third person point of view like a lot of books. However the author also chose to make one of the character's view first person. I loved this decision. Not only does it you give you a peak into the mind of the character but it gives a certain amount of mystery around the character. Just like you don't often give background information and motivations on decisions that you make during your day neither does this character. The reader discovers things about the character as the other characters do.
I also like the fact that the reader doesn't even hear the name 'Ethan Justice' until the second half of the book. By the time the name is mentioned I think most readers know what is coming, but through at least the first quarter, the reader is wondering 'where is this Justice guy.'
A fast-paced, well written novel. I can't wait to read the next Ethan Justice novel.
January 8, 2014
I just finished the book today. I am a big fan of mystery/psychological thrillers and your novel did not disappoint. Each time I thought I had it "figured out" a new twist would emerge. I also enjoyed the fact that it was written with a British perspective -- references to lifestyle, local color ect. I found myself routing for Savannah & John to become a couple. Again, I was not disappointed -- the chapter where he bears himself to her was moving; I could actually see the two as if I was present.
I enjoyed watching John grow as a person, going from a guy with no real direction to becoming Savannah's hero. It's nice to see a regular guy as the hero.
I will be sure to tell my friends about it and can't wait to read the next one!
I enjoyed watching John grow as a person, going from a guy with no real direction to becoming Savannah's hero. It's nice to see a regular guy as the hero.
I will be sure to tell my friends about it and can't wait to read the next one!
January 15, 2014
This first book in the series was an exciting, fast-paced read with lots of unpredictable twists. The main characters were somewhat quirky at first, but we get to know them better and empathize with them as danger mounts and the thrilling plot unfolds. An exciting debut!
October 23, 2013
“Ethan Justice: Origins” (Simon Jenner)
Calling all bookworms – this is a novel to read in one sitting! Simon Jenner has created a gem that you will not be able to put down.
Posh layabout, John Smith, has been given an ultimatum by his parents. Get a proper job or find your own way; no flat and no bills will be paid. Now for most people, John has a reasonable job but not everyone has an honours degree from Oxford and a prestigious family name. Even his best friend, city whiz, Mark, has been roped in to help.
Feeling betrayed by all, John goes home and spends a week moping around wondering what he could possibly do with his life that would make his parents proud. Eventually, he agrees to meet Mark for drinks...one things lead to another and he ends up at home with Savannah, a “high class” escort that needs paying for.
Waking up, unable to remember the night before John clings to the hope that Mark will not only be able to shed some light on the situation but pay the £1000 escort bill as well. Little does he know at this point that his best friend is currently in his own compromising life or death position.
Being threatened with broken legs and just 48 hours to pay, John rushes round to Marks posh penthouse to insist he helps him out. Unfortunately, he is too late and instead of the funds he finds a dead body which leads to him having to fight for his own life, and Savannah’s.
Savannah’s life has been nowhere near as comfortable – her mother dies of cancer, her fathers a drunk and she loses her home. To compensate for this, she seeks help in a person she believes is a friend. This friend, offers her a roof over her head for a small price – she becomes the property of someone else.
In a few short hours, the lives of these two individuals are thrown together. With only each to rely on John agrees to help Savannah but will she do the same?
She believes that he has lost his marbles and agrees to help him knowing that she will betray him as soon as her predicament allows. What neither of them realise is that there is a 3rd party involved and both are now entangled in something far more dangerous.
A secret force, Earthguard, apparently working for the good of the country, are hot on their tracks and believe they know far more about Mark’s “city” work then first appears. All their lives quickly become entwined into a spy thriller that will have you gripped.
Will they survive? Who turns out to be the person they can trust?
If all secret service interviews work this way I can see why only the best are chosen.
This is a high action novel that takes you into a world which makes you question just how much we know about the people that protect our country. How many secret forces are there?
From cover to cover, the twists in this story make you question whether there is going to be a happy ending – will you be able to put the book down before you find out?
Calling all bookworms – this is a novel to read in one sitting! Simon Jenner has created a gem that you will not be able to put down.
Posh layabout, John Smith, has been given an ultimatum by his parents. Get a proper job or find your own way; no flat and no bills will be paid. Now for most people, John has a reasonable job but not everyone has an honours degree from Oxford and a prestigious family name. Even his best friend, city whiz, Mark, has been roped in to help.
Feeling betrayed by all, John goes home and spends a week moping around wondering what he could possibly do with his life that would make his parents proud. Eventually, he agrees to meet Mark for drinks...one things lead to another and he ends up at home with Savannah, a “high class” escort that needs paying for.
Waking up, unable to remember the night before John clings to the hope that Mark will not only be able to shed some light on the situation but pay the £1000 escort bill as well. Little does he know at this point that his best friend is currently in his own compromising life or death position.
Being threatened with broken legs and just 48 hours to pay, John rushes round to Marks posh penthouse to insist he helps him out. Unfortunately, he is too late and instead of the funds he finds a dead body which leads to him having to fight for his own life, and Savannah’s.
Savannah’s life has been nowhere near as comfortable – her mother dies of cancer, her fathers a drunk and she loses her home. To compensate for this, she seeks help in a person she believes is a friend. This friend, offers her a roof over her head for a small price – she becomes the property of someone else.
In a few short hours, the lives of these two individuals are thrown together. With only each to rely on John agrees to help Savannah but will she do the same?
She believes that he has lost his marbles and agrees to help him knowing that she will betray him as soon as her predicament allows. What neither of them realise is that there is a 3rd party involved and both are now entangled in something far more dangerous.
A secret force, Earthguard, apparently working for the good of the country, are hot on their tracks and believe they know far more about Mark’s “city” work then first appears. All their lives quickly become entwined into a spy thriller that will have you gripped.
Will they survive? Who turns out to be the person they can trust?
If all secret service interviews work this way I can see why only the best are chosen.
This is a high action novel that takes you into a world which makes you question just how much we know about the people that protect our country. How many secret forces are there?
From cover to cover, the twists in this story make you question whether there is going to be a happy ending – will you be able to put the book down before you find out?
November 30, 2012
Book Review for “Ethan Justice : Origins” by Simon Jenner
John Smith leads a life as uneventful and uninspiring as his name. Born to a wealthy family, he has been afforded privilege and opportunity that he has mostly taken for granted. Though intelligent and a graduate of Oxford University, John works a menial job, lives in a flat his parents pay for and is the main source of stress and disappointment to his father. It is only after a surprise intervention from his family and best friend, Mark, that John is given an ultimatum to make something of himself or lose the financial support from his family.
Begrudged, but out of options, John Smith vows to take steps to move up in the world to please his family and get his father off his back…. That is… until Smith’s world gets turned up-side-down.
A drunken night with an expensive prostitute, the murder of his best friend, a psychotic killer with a deadly agenda and a puzzling connection to a secret government organization entangles John Smith into the thickest web of lies, deceit, adventure, lust and love that spins Smith into an action packed drama that will change his life forever…. If he can survive.
Ethan Justice: Origins is a cleverly crafted tale full of dynamic characters, humor, twists and turns in an action packed plot that will leave readers reeling with suspense.
Author, Simon Jenner, has an artful way with words, capturing details that truly bring the story to life. He presents this story through varying points-of-view from the handful of main characters, giving readers multiple perspectives to chew on as the plot thickens with every turn of the page.
If I have any criticism of this book, it is that it took me a couple of chapters to find myself truly engaged with the characters; but once I connected with them, I was hooked! I absolutely love the relationship between John and Savannah (the prostitute) and how smoothly that relationship develops throughout the book. One thing that fascinates me is that, while we are given insight to each character’s POV, it is through 3rd person with the exception of one character…. Jenner chose to give readers 1st person encounters with the most uncomfortable, disturbed character of them all, Fisher, the deranged murderer. What an unexpected choice that really makes the portrayal of this tale all the more chilling! While in the end I feel the changing POV’s really add to the overall dynamics of the book, there are a few select areas where it was a little jarring to the flow of the story to have to switch gears and figure out who, as a reader, I was following, but it works for this book and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love a little bit of everything, from humor to drama, action to romance… Ethan Justice offers it all in one very concise, enjoyable package.
John Smith leads a life as uneventful and uninspiring as his name. Born to a wealthy family, he has been afforded privilege and opportunity that he has mostly taken for granted. Though intelligent and a graduate of Oxford University, John works a menial job, lives in a flat his parents pay for and is the main source of stress and disappointment to his father. It is only after a surprise intervention from his family and best friend, Mark, that John is given an ultimatum to make something of himself or lose the financial support from his family.
Begrudged, but out of options, John Smith vows to take steps to move up in the world to please his family and get his father off his back…. That is… until Smith’s world gets turned up-side-down.
A drunken night with an expensive prostitute, the murder of his best friend, a psychotic killer with a deadly agenda and a puzzling connection to a secret government organization entangles John Smith into the thickest web of lies, deceit, adventure, lust and love that spins Smith into an action packed drama that will change his life forever…. If he can survive.
Ethan Justice: Origins is a cleverly crafted tale full of dynamic characters, humor, twists and turns in an action packed plot that will leave readers reeling with suspense.
Author, Simon Jenner, has an artful way with words, capturing details that truly bring the story to life. He presents this story through varying points-of-view from the handful of main characters, giving readers multiple perspectives to chew on as the plot thickens with every turn of the page.
If I have any criticism of this book, it is that it took me a couple of chapters to find myself truly engaged with the characters; but once I connected with them, I was hooked! I absolutely love the relationship between John and Savannah (the prostitute) and how smoothly that relationship develops throughout the book. One thing that fascinates me is that, while we are given insight to each character’s POV, it is through 3rd person with the exception of one character…. Jenner chose to give readers 1st person encounters with the most uncomfortable, disturbed character of them all, Fisher, the deranged murderer. What an unexpected choice that really makes the portrayal of this tale all the more chilling! While in the end I feel the changing POV’s really add to the overall dynamics of the book, there are a few select areas where it was a little jarring to the flow of the story to have to switch gears and figure out who, as a reader, I was following, but it works for this book and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love a little bit of everything, from humor to drama, action to romance… Ethan Justice offers it all in one very concise, enjoyable package.
June 1, 2013
4.5 / 5
Really enjoyed this book. Yawn!! another late night as i HAD to get to the end of the story.
We meet John Smith (yes John Smith!) who is coasting in life on his parents money. His parents have effectively cut him off until he can live life to his full potential. After a night of getting drunk with his best friend Mark (a high flyer financial whizz) he wakes up next to an unknown women. Cue Savannah Jones, a Sexy beauty who has had a rough few years in life. Savannah turns out to be a prositute and is demanding £1000 for her "services", which Smith doen't have. Realising his friend Mark as set him up he storms over to his apartment, only to be thrown into a hunt for a killer and a race to save Twickenham from a missing invention which could spell disaster.
A fast paced thriller with a touch of sex, bad language and a fake russian accent. Engaging characters who all come with baggage - just how i like them lol.
I loved the character of John Smith, not too keen on the choice of name. I assume it is to emphasise his average-ness and how unsepctacular he and his life is. When tested we see John Smith is anything but average and as his life changes his name changes to Ethan Justice to reflect this. John Smith is as good as the Jack Reacher, Alex cross's of the literary world.
( ***SPOLIER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** )
I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 because i had it in my head that this huge twist was coming and it didnt come (not the authors fault just the workings of my strange mind lol). This isn't exactly a spoiler but if another reader was expecting the twist i was then it will ruin the suspense.
I was expecting the whole story to be a set-up by Mark. I thought this was a Rich boy's ploy to help John Smith's parents give him a kick up the backside he needed to sort his life out. I thought in the last few pages John would find out Mark had faked his own death. Especially the way he set up John with the prostitute. He seemed to go from good friend to bad ass friend PDQ and i thought it was to get the set up rolling. I was obviously off base with this but thought it would have been a good twist lol.
Definately worth reading and thanks to Simon Jenner who gave me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Really enjoyed this book. Yawn!! another late night as i HAD to get to the end of the story.
We meet John Smith (yes John Smith!) who is coasting in life on his parents money. His parents have effectively cut him off until he can live life to his full potential. After a night of getting drunk with his best friend Mark (a high flyer financial whizz) he wakes up next to an unknown women. Cue Savannah Jones, a Sexy beauty who has had a rough few years in life. Savannah turns out to be a prositute and is demanding £1000 for her "services", which Smith doen't have. Realising his friend Mark as set him up he storms over to his apartment, only to be thrown into a hunt for a killer and a race to save Twickenham from a missing invention which could spell disaster.
A fast paced thriller with a touch of sex, bad language and a fake russian accent. Engaging characters who all come with baggage - just how i like them lol.
I loved the character of John Smith, not too keen on the choice of name. I assume it is to emphasise his average-ness and how unsepctacular he and his life is. When tested we see John Smith is anything but average and as his life changes his name changes to Ethan Justice to reflect this. John Smith is as good as the Jack Reacher, Alex cross's of the literary world.
( ***SPOLIER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** - ***SPOILER*** )
I gave it 4.5 stars instead of 5 because i had it in my head that this huge twist was coming and it didnt come (not the authors fault just the workings of my strange mind lol). This isn't exactly a spoiler but if another reader was expecting the twist i was then it will ruin the suspense.
I was expecting the whole story to be a set-up by Mark. I thought this was a Rich boy's ploy to help John Smith's parents give him a kick up the backside he needed to sort his life out. I thought in the last few pages John would find out Mark had faked his own death. Especially the way he set up John with the prostitute. He seemed to go from good friend to bad ass friend PDQ and i thought it was to get the set up rolling. I was obviously off base with this but thought it would have been a good twist lol.
Definately worth reading and thanks to Simon Jenner who gave me this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2013
The 'Failure to launch' concept has become a household term in the last fifteen years. Son and daughters with more time and little enthusiasm live off of mom and dad. Thirty is the new seventeen and forty is the new twenty one. Most parents that are "blessed" with a failure to launch child pray for some miraculous motivational spark to light inside their child's brain or to at least have them mooch off of someone else for a while. This book is about one man that was a poster child for the failure to launch epidemic, but overnight found a rocket underneath his feet that threw him into the land of maturity. It is a story about a man named John Smith who finds himself indebted to a hooker who was hired by his recently dead best friend. Not believing his friend would betray him like this, he soon finds himself hunted by two comical, yet unstable men in black characters. Wanting to dump his newly acquired burden he agrees to assist the nearly psychotic agents, but realizes that he has bitten off more than he can chew. Much too his annoyance, he discovers a sociopath is determined to track him down for an item he must protect. Avoiding death at every turn he uses his quick wits and dumb luck to weasel out of each deadly encounter. Will John set things right with the girl that has found herself on the wrong side of the tracks? Can John protect himself and the rest of the country from a nutcase? Will John realize that he is a person that is incredibly intelligent with much to offer the world?
I really liked the story with its fast action and quick paced reading. I enjoyed watching John develop into a decent human who was capable of many things. I liked how the author showed that if a person sets his mind to it, he can be just about anything he wants to be. I honestly see a bright future for this character and the author. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat and am going to have my husband read it next. It is one hell of a ride and worth the read! I must thank the author for giving me the book in return for an honest review. I normally do not read books like this, but I honestly had a good time. I will keep my eyes open for other books and look forward to seeing this character grow. Great job author and I expect more from you!
I really liked the story with its fast action and quick paced reading. I enjoyed watching John develop into a decent human who was capable of many things. I liked how the author showed that if a person sets his mind to it, he can be just about anything he wants to be. I honestly see a bright future for this character and the author. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat and am going to have my husband read it next. It is one hell of a ride and worth the read! I must thank the author for giving me the book in return for an honest review. I normally do not read books like this, but I honestly had a good time. I will keep my eyes open for other books and look forward to seeing this character grow. Great job author and I expect more from you!
January 19, 2017
9/18, Mark Bradshaw (John’s BMF, financial wizard, Cambridge; science, physics), went over to Johnathan “John” Smith (32, son, Oxford, mathematics) house.
The 2 went to Dribbles sports bar (Soho) to have a couple of beers.
Savannah Jones (21, Carmen’s BFF) had gone home with John.
She told him to pay her a $1,000 lbs.
John didn’t have it, He has 48 hrs. or her boss; Christopher “Christos the Greek” (45), will mess him up.
9/24, Agent Herb Johnson (Earthguard) asked Agent Max Wilson (Earthguard) how his surveillance on Mark was going.
John went over to Mark’s again. Blood was everywhere he was on the floor.
John noticed a piece of paper in his hand as Parkes (40, Mark’s concierge) let the police in.
Herb & Max were investigating who might have killed Mark.
Ritz Hotel. Savannah had teamed up with John & they were trying to solve Mark’s murder also.
Mr. Tall (Herb) & Mr. Short (Max), had approached them to talk.
What happened at the Twickenham railway station?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great action movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The 2 went to Dribbles sports bar (Soho) to have a couple of beers.
Savannah Jones (21, Carmen’s BFF) had gone home with John.
She told him to pay her a $1,000 lbs.
John didn’t have it, He has 48 hrs. or her boss; Christopher “Christos the Greek” (45), will mess him up.
9/24, Agent Herb Johnson (Earthguard) asked Agent Max Wilson (Earthguard) how his surveillance on Mark was going.
John went over to Mark’s again. Blood was everywhere he was on the floor.
John noticed a piece of paper in his hand as Parkes (40, Mark’s concierge) let the police in.
Herb & Max were investigating who might have killed Mark.
Ritz Hotel. Savannah had teamed up with John & they were trying to solve Mark’s murder also.
Mr. Tall (Herb) & Mr. Short (Max), had approached them to talk.
What happened at the Twickenham railway station?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great action movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; bookfunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 11, 2013
My eyes went wide at the opening paragraph of the Prologue. On the second page, I actually sucked in an involuntary gasp. Two pages later, at the end of the Prologue, I know that we have one psycho of a bad guy and I want to know how the hero – whom we haven’t even met yet – is going to survive this lunatic. And I want to know NOW!
Over the next several chapters the author introduces us to the hero, the heroine (yes, there’s a reason for using these terms, rather than the more euphemistic “protagonists”) and their supporting cast. Then the fun really begins.
There are several things about this book that really stand out. First, the hero and heroine are genuinely good people, emotionally flawed but basically good of character. And how their lives intersect with each other is a function of those flaws. Their intersection with the lunatic, however, is simply one degree of separation from one of the lunatic’s victims.
Secondly, the hero and heroine resolve their problems using the skills they already have and the resources they develop over the three days of the story. They do not suddenly become super-talented mentally or physically.
And thirdly, each character remains consistent within their basic nature from start to finish. They either grow within that nature or deteriorate accordingly. At one point, near the end, I thought that the author had deviated from this standpoint with the lunatic (and you’ll know what I mean when you get there; it’s really obvious.) The bad guy was acting way out of character and I wondered if the author had just reached a point where he needed to finish the book and was just shutting it down. Then, it dawned on me: Oh, no, this is exactly what the bad guy would do to survive. Sure enough, two pages later, I’m smiling to myself, all pleased with the author for his way of progressing the situation.
And finally, the author gave us a hero and a heroine that are worth following into another book. They are easy to like and yet conflicted just enough to know that future stories should be realistic and exciting.
Over the next several chapters the author introduces us to the hero, the heroine (yes, there’s a reason for using these terms, rather than the more euphemistic “protagonists”) and their supporting cast. Then the fun really begins.
There are several things about this book that really stand out. First, the hero and heroine are genuinely good people, emotionally flawed but basically good of character. And how their lives intersect with each other is a function of those flaws. Their intersection with the lunatic, however, is simply one degree of separation from one of the lunatic’s victims.
Secondly, the hero and heroine resolve their problems using the skills they already have and the resources they develop over the three days of the story. They do not suddenly become super-talented mentally or physically.
And thirdly, each character remains consistent within their basic nature from start to finish. They either grow within that nature or deteriorate accordingly. At one point, near the end, I thought that the author had deviated from this standpoint with the lunatic (and you’ll know what I mean when you get there; it’s really obvious.) The bad guy was acting way out of character and I wondered if the author had just reached a point where he needed to finish the book and was just shutting it down. Then, it dawned on me: Oh, no, this is exactly what the bad guy would do to survive. Sure enough, two pages later, I’m smiling to myself, all pleased with the author for his way of progressing the situation.
And finally, the author gave us a hero and a heroine that are worth following into another book. They are easy to like and yet conflicted just enough to know that future stories should be realistic and exciting.
October 21, 2013
Simon Jenner is the author of Ethan Justice: Origins. The second book in the series, Ethan Justice: Relentless, is available with the third book of the series in the works.
John Smith is thirty-two years old, living in an apartment his parents pay for, working a menial job, and going through the motions of life without much of a desire to do otherwise. His life quickly begins to change when he wakes up with a gorgeous prostitute in his bed and no way to pay her. John, scared of what Savannah’s pimp might do to him, quickly goes searching for his best friend, Mark, to get money for the night he can’t even remember clearly. John finds Mark murdered and his own life in danger so he teams up with the most unlikely partner, Savannah herself, and together they begin to unravel the mystery of what happened to Mark and why.
This is truly a great read. John Smith is smart, clever, brave, and an altogether decent guy. You find yourself rooting for him from the start and really enjoying his transition from just an ordinary everyday guy to a bad guy getting, plot busting, villain beating, “Good Guy”. His attempts to foil the bad guys are even more enjoyable because they are believable. Smith is just a normal guy thrown into this crazy situation and he is doing his best to figure his way back out. Savannah also becomes very likable once we realize she is just looking for a way out herself. She has had a rough go of it and we enjoy seeing her triumph and realize she is a smart and capable young lady. It’s no surprise that in the end Johnson (a super-secret agent of sorts) offers Smith the opportunity to open his own detective agency and become a fully trained agent. He will become Ethan Justice permanently and run his own private investigations. With Savannah by his side it’s a no brainer! Of course Smith will do it right? Or should I say Mr. Justice…?
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, Ethan Justice: Relentless. I know it will be a fast paced fun read and I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures Ethan and Savannah get into next.
John Smith is thirty-two years old, living in an apartment his parents pay for, working a menial job, and going through the motions of life without much of a desire to do otherwise. His life quickly begins to change when he wakes up with a gorgeous prostitute in his bed and no way to pay her. John, scared of what Savannah’s pimp might do to him, quickly goes searching for his best friend, Mark, to get money for the night he can’t even remember clearly. John finds Mark murdered and his own life in danger so he teams up with the most unlikely partner, Savannah herself, and together they begin to unravel the mystery of what happened to Mark and why.
This is truly a great read. John Smith is smart, clever, brave, and an altogether decent guy. You find yourself rooting for him from the start and really enjoying his transition from just an ordinary everyday guy to a bad guy getting, plot busting, villain beating, “Good Guy”. His attempts to foil the bad guys are even more enjoyable because they are believable. Smith is just a normal guy thrown into this crazy situation and he is doing his best to figure his way back out. Savannah also becomes very likable once we realize she is just looking for a way out herself. She has had a rough go of it and we enjoy seeing her triumph and realize she is a smart and capable young lady. It’s no surprise that in the end Johnson (a super-secret agent of sorts) offers Smith the opportunity to open his own detective agency and become a fully trained agent. He will become Ethan Justice permanently and run his own private investigations. With Savannah by his side it’s a no brainer! Of course Smith will do it right? Or should I say Mr. Justice…?
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, Ethan Justice: Relentless. I know it will be a fast paced fun read and I can’t wait to see what kind of adventures Ethan and Savannah get into next.
May 31, 2013
My latest blogpost talked about Genre Reading and getting out of your comfort zone, and occasionally trying something a bit different. Well thats what I did with “Ethan Justice” a novel that perhaps I would not have picked up in the ordinary course of things but now I have I’m glad I did. It was one of those enjoyable books that kind of flows over you, pulling you along with it and when you are finally done you realise you’ve had a great time! John Smith, pretty much living off his parents and basically drifting from day to day, suddenly finds himself having to reassess his life. Then a night of drunken debauchery with a high class prostitute sends him tumbling into a whole new world – one of shadowy goverment agencies, pyschotic killers and well, just general mayhem.
The writer has a great style – it took me a few pages but then it kicked into high gear and we were off. The only time you hear a “first person” side is from the most evil of the characters…so evil you will LOVE him and that is a clever tactic that works really well within the context of the rest of the novel. Savannah the stereotypical “hooker with a heart of gold” turns out to be perhaps less stereotypical than you would expect and John Smith – yes you heard me, and yes that humour is worked well into the book – is interesting and engaging. I’m not sure what genre you could put it in safely – a lot goes on in this book and its all highly entertaining – spy thriller might be the closest I could come but really its just terrific fun and if you’ve got a rather boring Sunday ahead, this would be the perfect solution.
My thanks to Mr Jenner for sending me a copy of this book to review. I had a wonderful time reading it.
The writer has a great style – it took me a few pages but then it kicked into high gear and we were off. The only time you hear a “first person” side is from the most evil of the characters…so evil you will LOVE him and that is a clever tactic that works really well within the context of the rest of the novel. Savannah the stereotypical “hooker with a heart of gold” turns out to be perhaps less stereotypical than you would expect and John Smith – yes you heard me, and yes that humour is worked well into the book – is interesting and engaging. I’m not sure what genre you could put it in safely – a lot goes on in this book and its all highly entertaining – spy thriller might be the closest I could come but really its just terrific fun and if you’ve got a rather boring Sunday ahead, this would be the perfect solution.
My thanks to Mr Jenner for sending me a copy of this book to review. I had a wonderful time reading it.
May 15, 2013
My latest blogpost talked about Genre Reading and getting out of your comfort zone, and occasionally trying something a bit different. Well thats what I did with "Ethan Justice" a novel that perhaps I would not have picked up in the ordinary course of things but now I have I'm glad I did. It was one of those enjoyable books that kind of flows over you, pulling you along with it and when you are finally done you realise you've had a great time! John Smith, pretty much living off his parents and basically drifting from day to day, suddenly finds himself having to reassess his life. Then a night of drunken debauchery with a high class prostitute sends him tumbling into a whole new world - one of shadowy goverment agencies, pyschotic killers and well, just general mayhem.
The writer has a great style - it took me a few pages but then it kicked into high gear and we were off. The only time you hear a "first person" side is from the most evil of the characters...so evil you will LOVE him and that is a clever tactic that works really well within the context of the rest of the novel. Savannah the stereotypical "hooker with a heart of gold" turns out to be perhaps less stereotypical than you would expect and John Smith - yes you heard me, and yes that humour is worked well into the book - is interesting and engaging. I'm not sure what genre you could put it in safely - a lot goes on in this book and its all highly entertaining - spy thriller might be the closest I could come but really its just terrific fun and if you've got a rather boring Sunday ahead, this would be the perfect solution.
My thanks to Mr Jenner for sending me a copy of this book to review. I had a wonderful time reading it.
The writer has a great style - it took me a few pages but then it kicked into high gear and we were off. The only time you hear a "first person" side is from the most evil of the characters...so evil you will LOVE him and that is a clever tactic that works really well within the context of the rest of the novel. Savannah the stereotypical "hooker with a heart of gold" turns out to be perhaps less stereotypical than you would expect and John Smith - yes you heard me, and yes that humour is worked well into the book - is interesting and engaging. I'm not sure what genre you could put it in safely - a lot goes on in this book and its all highly entertaining - spy thriller might be the closest I could come but really its just terrific fun and if you've got a rather boring Sunday ahead, this would be the perfect solution.
My thanks to Mr Jenner for sending me a copy of this book to review. I had a wonderful time reading it.
September 4, 2013
I am reviewing the novel Ethan Justice Origins by Simon Jenner which is an excellent thriller. It's quite a gritty kind of thriller set in London & is about someone being forced into the sex trade by the Russian Mafia and someone trying to rescue her. It's around 200 pages so is a reasonable length. It's quite violent and there are a couple of particularly effective scenes. One is where someone is interogated and has a finger chopped off with a hatchet. He is given the choice of putting one finger out or having his whole hand chopped off. He is also told if he fails to convince the interogator he is telling the truth another finger will be chopped off and then another. Once the interogation is over he is murdered. Another particularly good scene is where a gangster pretends to be a policeman and tries to get to one of the prostitutes in the brothel to kill her. He tries to make out he is alone but there is in fact 2 of them & her client snaps a toothbrush in have to use its jagged part as a knife. Simon has apparently lived in London & I think the book is well researched. I enjoyed reading it and it kept my interest throughout. They are also seeking a laser firearm which can sear through skin and bone and is quite a weapon. One interesting fact I read in another book which was about technology was that lasers are extremely expensive & a lot needs to be done before they can be used as side arms especially when guns are far cheaper to produce. We may in the near future see anti aircraft guns and tanks fitted with lasers and particle rays however.
October 19, 2012
John Smith is a 32 years old underachiever. His wealthy parents pay for his lovely flat ‘cos his low profile job won’t allow him to pay his bills. No matter what his family tries to do, they can’t get John motivated enough to do something constructive with his life. As the last attempt to influence John his parents recruit Mark, his best friend, to help…
However Mark turns out to be not the person everyone thinks he was…
Mark introduces John to Savannah who changes his life forever…
John & Savannah are pulled together into a fast moving stream of events they can’t always control.
John proves to be much more than the underachiever & Savannah much more than just a pretty face.
Our heroes run around London trying to discover not only the truth about Mark but also come out of the “sticky situation” alive & save quite a few lives along the way.
I really enjoyed reading “Ethan Justice: Origins”.
I like how Simon Jenner talks about important subjects such as trafficking, sexual abuse etc. His way of making the reader aware of all the important matters is brilliant.
The book is very well written, reads fast & does get your mind wondering.
I would recommend the novel to not only people who like Guy Ritchie’s films but also everyone interested in a good old fashion criminal story. Not necessarily one written and taking place in Scandinavia
However Mark turns out to be not the person everyone thinks he was…
Mark introduces John to Savannah who changes his life forever…
John & Savannah are pulled together into a fast moving stream of events they can’t always control.
John proves to be much more than the underachiever & Savannah much more than just a pretty face.
Our heroes run around London trying to discover not only the truth about Mark but also come out of the “sticky situation” alive & save quite a few lives along the way.
I really enjoyed reading “Ethan Justice: Origins”.
I like how Simon Jenner talks about important subjects such as trafficking, sexual abuse etc. His way of making the reader aware of all the important matters is brilliant.
The book is very well written, reads fast & does get your mind wondering.
I would recommend the novel to not only people who like Guy Ritchie’s films but also everyone interested in a good old fashion criminal story. Not necessarily one written and taking place in Scandinavia
October 24, 2013
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started Ethan Justice. I thought it would be just another run of the mill crime novel, which I'd been reading quite a bit of when I first started this book.
Life got in the way of my reading, unfortunately, and I wasn't able to really finish the book for months. Here I am in October, finally finishing the book, and wishing I'd have just sat down in one sitting to read this novel.
The twists and turns were great, things kept coming at you that you didn't expect. When you thought you had the situation all figured out, something would change. This is definitely not "just another" novel. I highly recommend this series. I plan on purchasing the next novel ASAP, and I highly recommend this first novel in the series to anyone who loves suspense or thrillers.
The author, Simon Jenner, is really great at making you sympathize with his characters, even the ones you may not even particularly like. Sometimes biting your nails as you turn pages (or in my case, click my Kindle buttons) trying to read faster and faster just to see what will happen to them. John and Savannah were both really likable characters, as well as several others. They were people you could see yourself relating to, even if you'd never been in their shoes, so to speak.
Pick this book up today, read it, love it, you're welcome. ;)
Life got in the way of my reading, unfortunately, and I wasn't able to really finish the book for months. Here I am in October, finally finishing the book, and wishing I'd have just sat down in one sitting to read this novel.
The twists and turns were great, things kept coming at you that you didn't expect. When you thought you had the situation all figured out, something would change. This is definitely not "just another" novel. I highly recommend this series. I plan on purchasing the next novel ASAP, and I highly recommend this first novel in the series to anyone who loves suspense or thrillers.
The author, Simon Jenner, is really great at making you sympathize with his characters, even the ones you may not even particularly like. Sometimes biting your nails as you turn pages (or in my case, click my Kindle buttons) trying to read faster and faster just to see what will happen to them. John and Savannah were both really likable characters, as well as several others. They were people you could see yourself relating to, even if you'd never been in their shoes, so to speak.
Pick this book up today, read it, love it, you're welcome. ;)
July 28, 2013
John Smith is an average guy. He earns enough of a salary to pay his bills, and is content with that, despite his mother’s insistence that he should be something more productive with his Oxford degree. In contrast, his friend Mark is soaring up the career ladder and Mrs Smith just cannot understand why her son has no ambition for himself - one night out later though, and everything changes.
The stakes are made quite clear from the start. The villain has no qualms about killing to get what he wants, and he doesn't care who gets in his way.
Based in London, Origins is a fast paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns, but it has so much more than a simple ‘whodunit’ – subplots emerge and converge with the main plot – but with each revelation the stakes increase, all culminating in an explosive conclusion.
Simon Jenner is a natural story teller. His words flow effortlessly across the page, and with each chapter’s conclusion you feel compelled to turn over to the next chapter and read a little bit more. This really isn't a book that is easily put aside to another time, and I spent several nights staying up late to read more.
For a debut novel this is of an excellent standard, and I would highly recommend this and Relentless (the second Justice book) to anyone looking for their next ‘can’t put it down’ read.
April 30, 2016
The author very kindly emailed me a Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"I remind my captive of the need for obedience by stubbing out my cigarette on his forehead."
I knew that from this first line, I was going to love this book. And I wasn't disappointed. Simon Jenner has created the perfect cold and calculated bad guy. Although some of the things he does made me flinch and pull a face (much to the amusement of the people in the room with me), I found myself intrigued by what he would do next. The book switches perspective between the bad guy and the hero, John Smith. Ah, John. Some of the things he came out with and some of his actions actually had me laughing out loud (cue more funny looks from the people in the room). So adorably clueless sometimes but I also very adept at thinking on his feet. I think I fell in love with John a little bit :)
After the first couple of chapters which introduces you to the main players of the story, the pace really picks up. Every chapter is action packed and only increases in intensity as you work your way towards the finale.
I was hooked the entire way through this book. If it wasn't for work, I would've finished this in one sitting. As soon as I finished the last page, I downloaded the sequel. I cannot wait to read more in the Ethan Justice series and would recommend this book to everyone.
"I remind my captive of the need for obedience by stubbing out my cigarette on his forehead."
I knew that from this first line, I was going to love this book. And I wasn't disappointed. Simon Jenner has created the perfect cold and calculated bad guy. Although some of the things he does made me flinch and pull a face (much to the amusement of the people in the room with me), I found myself intrigued by what he would do next. The book switches perspective between the bad guy and the hero, John Smith. Ah, John. Some of the things he came out with and some of his actions actually had me laughing out loud (cue more funny looks from the people in the room). So adorably clueless sometimes but I also very adept at thinking on his feet. I think I fell in love with John a little bit :)
After the first couple of chapters which introduces you to the main players of the story, the pace really picks up. Every chapter is action packed and only increases in intensity as you work your way towards the finale.
I was hooked the entire way through this book. If it wasn't for work, I would've finished this in one sitting. As soon as I finished the last page, I downloaded the sequel. I cannot wait to read more in the Ethan Justice series and would recommend this book to everyone.
May 18, 2013
Fasten your seatbelts readers, Ethan Justice: Origins is one helluva ride!
Ethan Justice: Origins is a fast-paced, action-packed, character-driven thriller, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, cringe, cry and cheer.
The opening sequence hooked me. The very first sentence promised a great deal of well described action. That promise was not only fulfilled, but exceeded in a grand way!
I was very pleasantly reminded of the old noir tales. Action, drama, and romance well seasoned with sarcastic humor built to a well-delivered crescendo that was very satisfying. The leading characters, John Smith and Savannah Jones, develop beautifully, exhibiting unexpected strength and tenacity.
Periodically, throughout the book, Jenner switches to first person with the antagonist. I wouldn’t have expected it, but it was astonishingly well done and I think we knew the antagonist far better because of the unique presentation. He is, without doubt, one of the darkest characters I’ve ever read. To coin a phrase, “He’s too twisted for color TV!”
Ethan Justice: Origins so absorbed me that I neglected everything else in favor of reading!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Ethan Justice: Origins is a fast-paced, action-packed, character-driven thriller, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, cringe, cry and cheer.
The opening sequence hooked me. The very first sentence promised a great deal of well described action. That promise was not only fulfilled, but exceeded in a grand way!
I was very pleasantly reminded of the old noir tales. Action, drama, and romance well seasoned with sarcastic humor built to a well-delivered crescendo that was very satisfying. The leading characters, John Smith and Savannah Jones, develop beautifully, exhibiting unexpected strength and tenacity.
Periodically, throughout the book, Jenner switches to first person with the antagonist. I wouldn’t have expected it, but it was astonishingly well done and I think we knew the antagonist far better because of the unique presentation. He is, without doubt, one of the darkest characters I’ve ever read. To coin a phrase, “He’s too twisted for color TV!”
Ethan Justice: Origins so absorbed me that I neglected everything else in favor of reading!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 1, 2014
It really makes me mad when you read a book and it prompts you to keep going! Isn't this what all authors want, for their readers to want to continue reading their work whether it's a stand alone or a series? This is the case with Simon R. Jenner. First I would like to thank him for being that author that truly wants to help his readers get access to a book in whichever format they can. Simon helped me to understand and accomplish this task on my eReader. This alone opens up a whole new world to me. Again, thanks!
As for Ethan Justice Origins...I was given access to this book through Goodreads after I didn't win in the giveaway. I would say this is a sci-fi mystery love story. It isn't until near the end of the book that Ethan Justice actually gets identified, yet you are reading about him from the very beginning. After a good friend is murdered, John Smith is tangled in a web to identify the reason for the killing and seek revenge on the killer. Once you have this knowledge, where do you go from here? If you choose to do nothing you get killed for having the knowledge, and if you continue, you risk your life in the process. Be careful the information you obtain from your friends, as their web may be worse than the web you have built around yourself!
As for Ethan Justice Origins...I was given access to this book through Goodreads after I didn't win in the giveaway. I would say this is a sci-fi mystery love story. It isn't until near the end of the book that Ethan Justice actually gets identified, yet you are reading about him from the very beginning. After a good friend is murdered, John Smith is tangled in a web to identify the reason for the killing and seek revenge on the killer. Once you have this knowledge, where do you go from here? If you choose to do nothing you get killed for having the knowledge, and if you continue, you risk your life in the process. Be careful the information you obtain from your friends, as their web may be worse than the web you have built around yourself!
September 25, 2013
Meet John Smith…a 32 year old underachiever who has managed to get through life on a shipping clerk salary and his parents money. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad are tired of supporting him. They give him six months to grow up and take charge of his life. John’s best friend Mark is going along with the idea, while still trying to help John. When Mark and john get together to talk and visit a local bar, Mark decides to set his friend up with a girl. It isn’t until the next morning when Savannah wants her money, that things get interesting. Going to Marks place to find out what is going on, John finds Mark stabbed to death and whoever is responsible now is turning his attention to John. Savannah has her own problems in the form on a pimp that wants his share of the money she earned, Oh, but wait…she didn’t earn anything because John didn’t pay her.
Both of them are on the run with only each other to watch their backs. The action is fast paced and the reader is left to follow along as they try to determine the good guys from the bad guys. John Smith has to grow up quickly and learn to survive if he is going to stay alive.
Both of them are on the run with only each other to watch their backs. The action is fast paced and the reader is left to follow along as they try to determine the good guys from the bad guys. John Smith has to grow up quickly and learn to survive if he is going to stay alive.
September 9, 2013
I think I may have found a new favorite series.
I received a digital copy of this from the author in exchange for a review.
This story is told from two different viewpoints; in the first person voice of the protagonist, and in the third person narrative for the rest of the action. And what action!
I found it quite interesting that all of the main characters had quite bland names, as if they were meant to stand in for everyman. Fisher, Jones, Wilson, Johnson. Even the main character was named John Smith. It took quite a while to get to Ethan Justice. And the character was aghast at being given such a vivid and unbelievable name!
I won't summarize the plot, as there are plenty of reviews to do that, as well as the synopsis of the book. What I will do is tell you that the plot is tightly written, the characters are well-drawn, and I especially enjoyed how the main character seemed to develop over the course of the story.
I recommend the book, and I intend to read the next book in the series.
I received a digital copy of this from the author in exchange for a review.
This story is told from two different viewpoints; in the first person voice of the protagonist, and in the third person narrative for the rest of the action. And what action!
I found it quite interesting that all of the main characters had quite bland names, as if they were meant to stand in for everyman. Fisher, Jones, Wilson, Johnson. Even the main character was named John Smith. It took quite a while to get to Ethan Justice. And the character was aghast at being given such a vivid and unbelievable name!
I won't summarize the plot, as there are plenty of reviews to do that, as well as the synopsis of the book. What I will do is tell you that the plot is tightly written, the characters are well-drawn, and I especially enjoyed how the main character seemed to develop over the course of the story.
I recommend the book, and I intend to read the next book in the series.
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