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Danny Shanklin is the world's most wanted man.Hunted by nine international intelligence agencies for a terrorist atrocity he did not commit, he's now trapped in a deadly race against the clock to protect his life, his family, and the world from the people responsible—people intent on true destruction. For though they framed him, these terrorists are really after a much bigger six lethal smallpox formulations, any one of which could trigger a global pandemic, leaving only one in three people alive.With the help of a Ukrainian mercenary and a ruthless female assassin, Danny soon finds himself forced into the roles of both predator and prey—as he tries desperately to win the fight of his life.

384 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2014

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About the author

Emlyn Rees

24 books49 followers
EMLYN REES is a fiction and non-fiction author, editor and director of the Dark & Stormy Crime Film, TV & Book Festival, and an associate copywriter at We Are Adult.

He spent his early twenties traveling around Asia and pouring drinks in London for the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Princess Anne, before joining the Curtis Brown literary agency and having his first crime novel published aged twenty-five, his second a year later, and then co-writing seven comedies with Josie Lloyd, including the Number One Sunday Times bestseller Come Together.

Emlyn’s race-against-the-clock thriller, Hunted, was published in 2012 by Constable & Robinson in the UK and HarperCollins in the US. Hunted is optioned and in in development with Biting Point films, scripted and being directed by Eric Styles. The sequel, Wanted, was published in 2014 in the UK by Little, Brown and in the US by HarperCollins.

Emlyn lives in Brighton with his wife Joanna Rees, who also writes under the name Josie Lloyd. We’re Going on a Bar Hunt and The Very Hungover Caterpillar, both parodies, written by Emlyn and Josie, and illustrated by the brilliant Gillian Johnson, are out now, published by Little, Brown.

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5 stars
32 (43%)
4 stars
27 (36%)
3 stars
9 (12%)
2 stars
4 (5%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Sean Peters  (A Good Thriller).
841 reviews119 followers
August 2, 2016
Okay firstly let me say.. "Hunted" the perfect title for the first Danny Shanklin book, a great fast paced action thriller. "Wanted" is the perfect title for the second book, an even faster paced more gripping, rollercoaster of a ride.

Also, Emlyn.... "I want number 3".

Fast and furious from the very start, Wanted is a shot of pure adrenalin, with its twists and turns, dramatic and fast paced writing and great characters it is extremely hard to put down and will leave many fans of the genre wanting more when they turn the last page, I know I want more !

Danny Shanklin is still on the run, following a terrorist atrocity, which he was framed for, from the very beginning you go are back on the rollercoaster ride with more than one story to follow, which makes this book even more exciting and gripping.

Danny has to follow the threat of a deadly virus falling into the wrong hands and at the same time try to capture the people responsible for the terrorist events but also try to keep them alive to prove his innocence.

I enjoyed the character of Danny’s sidekick named Spartak and thought he added to the story in a big way. The other really great thing about this book is that it keeps you thinking about the next turn and there are plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing especially as new characters enter the story, with the returning nasty villains, great new characters in Ray Kincade and Ruth.

Now I know why I love reading, and Emlyn has shot to the list of favourite authors alongside other British favourites Simon Kernick , Tom Wood, Chris Ryan, Mark Dawson and also great American authors David Baldacci, Victor Methos, and Mark Greaney and the late great Vince Flynn.

A clear five star book from me.

Hope Emlyn will join "A Good Thriller " for a Q & A in the future
Profile Image for Book Addict Shaun.
937 reviews319 followers
June 18, 2014
Also reviewed on http://bookaddictshaun.blogspot.com

Woah. I borrowed Emlyn Rees's first book from the library a couple of years ago after the blurb immediately drew me in. I thought it sounded very much like Simon Kernick who has written some of the most gripping books I've read. It took me just over a day to finish Emlyn's HUNTED as I could not put it down! Sam Bourne called it a shot of pure adrenaline and that is so true.

I wasn't aware of this book until a week ago and managed to nab a review copy. Well, it was pushed through my letterbox at 2.30pm, I was almost halfway through at 4.30pm and I'm writing this review at 10pm after finishing the book a few minutes ago. It's a rip-roaring, fast paced, heart stopping read and I loved every single minute of it. I can't wait to see what's to come from Rees in the future. Especially after the ending of this book. Now I LOVE a good cliffhanger but the one here, it's a cliche I know, made my jaw drop. A good cliffhanger is both exciting and frustrating and the wait for the follow up to this book will be torture.

With books like this it's hard to discuss the plot beyond what we are told from the blurb. We are introduced to 'God' who killed Danny Shanklin's family in front of him seven years ago. Apart from however, his daughter. Now released from prison God sets out to finish what he started. There's a slight problem however, Danny is now the world's most wanted man after the events of HUNTED and has taken steps to protect his daughter. Valentin Sabirzhan is on the hunt for six vials of smallpox which if released would be catastrophic. After the assassination of Colonel Zykov in London it is feared that those that killed him may know where the vials are too and before Valentin can get to them he is kidnapped.

I would've liked to have reread HUNTED first to familiarise myself with the story, I've read so many books since that one that I can't remember everything that went on, but Rees does give the reader enough information for this to be read as a standalone but you may enjoy it more reading the first book before this one.

The writing is of an extremely high standard. The story falls under what I call 'clever' thriller writing which for me requires concentration and really taking in what you are reading. Rees is a very talented writer and storyteller and clearly knows the subjects he writes about. As with the first book I read this at lightning pace but for me this book was of a much higher standard than HUNTED. HUNTED was good but Rees has certainly upped his game with this one and I am seriously excited at what the future will bring. There's so much going on that at times I had to reread or read slower than I would've liked but it's such a gripping story. The characterisation is top notch, Danny is a brilliant character. Rees writes the sorts of books you would just love to see on the big screen and this would be perfect as an action movie. Highly recommended and a book not to miss this Summer.
Profile Image for Julie .
4,267 reviews38k followers
September 28, 2014
Wanted by Emlyn Rees is a 2014 Witness Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Emlyn Rees really knows how to write a good thriller. An action packed plot with all manner of cold blooded bad guys keeps Danny Shanklin in world of hurt and fear for his family.

The Setup

Imagine you were framed and now sought after by several international groups, your life and the life your daughter, who is all you have left in the world, are at stake, and the world is about to be exposed to a horrific hybrid small pox virus by a terrorist group and for kick and giggles the serial killer that took the life your wife and son is beyond a doubt alive and well and still very interested in Danny and Lexie.

My thoughts:

With this many threads going at one time a story can become “ too busy”. But, in this case everything comes together nicely because the author keeps the spotlight on Danny and the events unfold in real time. The germ warfare plot is one that always makes me nervous. I am terrified of this becoming a reality, because in truth, some people will do anything for money and terrorist are more than willing to pay. This thought alone could keep you up at night. But, imagine trying to prevent an outbreak of small pox while being hunted for a crime you didn't commit and your face is all over the television to boot and your worst enemy in the world gets thrown into the mix as well as your teenage daughter and her angst . This makes for a taut, no holds barred suspense thriller that grabs you from the first page with the reminder what Danny has already lost then moves quickly into the present day nightmare he is in living in. The story is genius and plays upon our worst nightmares. It's very tense, so read this one when you can give it your full attention, because you don' want to miss any part of it.

You can't help but like Danny and feel for him because of all he has lost and the domino effect that keeps his daughter from living a normal life. We all like the protagonist to have principles and Danny does, but he will do whatever is necessary. But, even Danny has weaknesses and is not infallible. As with any good thriller there are plot twist and has an ending that will have you writing this author begging him to hurry up with the next book in the series. You will root for Danny all the way and hope he will get a little break, but alas, it looks like Danny still has some unfinished business. I can't wait to find out what happens next! If you like action packed thrillers you can't go wrong with this one. 5 stars
672 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2022
I’ve read quite a few of Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees’ chick-lit style novels over the years, with the two of them combining to avoid the traps that occur when a male writer tried to write female characters and vice versa. However, they both write separately and whilst Lloyd tends to stick to what she knows, Rees goes for a complete change of style and pace and writes high octane thrillers.

“Wanted”, the second in a series featuring Danny Shanklin, certainly starts with a bang, as Shanklin is deep in the forests of the Ukraine looking to avenge a death he was held responsible for and is still being hunted for. A group of international terrorists have used Shanklin to steal the hidden locations of a deadly smallpox virus created and hidden during the Cold War and want to unleash it upon the world. Among this group is someone known as The Kid, who was previously a trusted companion of Shanklin’s, so the betrayal is incredibly personal.

The action shifts around the world very quickly, from Russia to London to Scotland and Wales as Danny looks to keep his family safe from a man who killed his wife and son as well as keeping himself hidden. Whilst this keeps the pace high, there is occasionally too much going on and some of the sub-plots refer back to events in the first novel, which isn’t helpful if you haven’t read that, as in my case. It also means that some of the sub-plots do get treated slightly dismissively, such as the one with his daughter, who is only a peripheral figure at best.

There are a couple of genre cliches Rees falls into as well, which was a little disappointing, with far too many twists in the tale towards the end, leaving both Shanklin and the reader not knowing who he can trust, although there was a decent moment where it became clear that Shanklin couldn’t trust his own judgement that sets up the next book in the series quite nicely. As with the plotting, there was a little too much of this going on which made things a little confusing and the traditional character coming back from seemingly dead and holding the solutions to many dire circumstances is so well used as to be boring.

As with many thriller novels, the characters weren’t particularly well drawn, with only wide distinctive features outlined, such as the height of his Ukrainian friend and the weight and youthful appearance of The Kid being almost the only things you hear about them. Disappointingly, the one character you do get a decent description of was done in sexual terms, with Shanklin’s brief love interest being far better drawn than most of the characters, if only in physical terms. Given how he and Lloyd have combined in the past to write real characters, this was more of a disappointment than it might have been coming from another writer.

What Rees has written here is a thriller which has the priorities of many in the genre: pacing first, followed by plot and lastly by character. Whilst there are obvious failings here, they are not uncommon failings within the genre and this is a rollicking read, which flashes by very quickly. It may not be better than most in any important way, but I have read far worse than this and it’s as much my prior knowledge of Rees’ other works that makes me inclined to judge it a touch more harshly than some.
135 reviews2 followers
Read
November 15, 2019
Yet another compelling read after Hunted. This author knows how to WRITE!!!

Danny once again must be quick on his feet to face many more dangers as well as seeking out those who chose to betray him. He must keep himself and his teenage daughter safe from known enemies. Danny and his daughter, Lexie, must stay hidden as the only survivors of a serial killer who killed his wife and son and seeks to finish his family off once and for all. If you read reviews to consider whether to purchase or not, to that i say a resounding YES!!!
Profile Image for Paul Jennings.
120 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
A great follow up to Hunted. Danny is on the run and looking for the team who fitted him up for the assassination in London. With his daughter, Lexie, safe he pursues his tormentors to a climactic conclusion. Without giving any spoilers away, the reappearance of the PSS killer adds added tension.
A great plot with more twists than a Chubby Checker hit, its brilliant.
The only downside is we don't know how long we'll have to wait to see if Danny can meet at last with his greatest nemesis.
Please Mr Rees, let us know.
Profile Image for Literati Literature Lovers.
2,021 reviews154 followers
February 7, 2015
David's Review

The late Tom Clancy once honored fellow author Clive Cussler by saying; “A new Clive Cussler novel is like a visit from your best friend.” I have this same sentiment for Emlyn Rees’ current novel Wanted. Eight months ago I reviewed Emlyn Rees’ action-espionage novel Hunted. I have been waiting patiently for the sequel, and Rees really delivered. Wanted is the much anticipated sequel toHunted. Like its predecessor, it is action packed and fast paced. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I especially enjoyed how Rees keeps the various surprises and plot twists going through the story. Just when you think you have it figured out; Rees takes the plot down another exciting path.

The events in Wanted take place directly after the first novel. Former U.S. Army Ranger and covert agent Danny Shanklin is still on the run from authorities who believe he was behind an assassination and terrorist attack in London. Shanklin is in a race against time as he desperately searches for the shadowy and vicious criminal group that framed him. Additionally, he discovers that this group has been developing a deadly virus, and Shanklin’s mission now also includes stopping the virus from falling into the wrong hands. As he plays a deadly game of cat and mouse with the people who set him up, he still must evade the various law enforcement agencies and military units who still believe he is an assassin and terrorist. His search takes him to a bleak and desolate area of Ukraine, back to London and then to Germany. His allies include a former Ukrainian Spetsnaz soldier, an older retired FBI agent, and a female Israeli assassin.

Wanted also includes a subplot involving the sociopathic mass murder who was featured in Hunted, and will undoubtedly continue to haunt Danny Shanklin in future novels. This character adds another dimension to the story ,and allows Rees to combine crime thriller elements to his espionage novels.

I feel, with Wanted, Emlyn Rees has really solidified himself as one of the best new writers in the fictional action espionage genre. He has created a memorable character in Danny Shanklin and continues to expand that character. Shanklin embodies several types of action heroes; covert agent, detective, and soldier. In my opinion he is somewhat of a hybrid of James Bond and Richard Marcinko.

As I was reading Wanted I could not help but be reminded of the recent events in the Ukraine. Many of the events in Rees’ novels seem to mirror events taking place in real life, and I think that is why his writing is so appealing. The novel also reminds us, somewhat uncomfortably, about the very real threat of biological terrorism.

Well, guess I will once again have to patiently wait for the next Danny Shanklin novel from Emlyn Rees.
Profile Image for Best Crime Books & More.
1,204 reviews179 followers
July 6, 2014
This latest book by Emlyn Rees is the second in the Danny Shanklin series. I liked the first book and the writing is fantastic, but…I had the sinking feeling with book one of “I’ve been here and read this before”. I had high hopes with the second book, and although it was a solid read I found that by the end it just felt like that special something was missing. Having said that it was still an incredibly fast paced book that kept me turning the pages.

Danny Shanklin is on the run, following a terrorist atrocity, which he was framed for. From the very beginning you go in at full pelt with more than one thread to follow. Danny has to follow the threat of a deadly virus falling into the wrong hands. In addition to this a ruthless and evil killer who goes by the name The Director is also chasing Danny. I absolutely loved Danny’s sidekick named Spartak and thought he added to the story in a big way.

The other really great thing about this book is that it keeps you thinking about the next turn and there are plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. I finished this book in a day and a half and it has that high octane kind of energy about it. I’m trying to really pinpoint what it is I thought was missing and I really cant work out what it is. The writing is first class, and I really like the character of Danny Shanklin. The stories are always well thought out and well paced, so in all honesty I can’t explain why I feel like that. I think that with the addition of more books in this series they can only get better. It really was an enjoyable book and certainly one for fans of the Simon Kernick kind of books, so definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Twin Opinions.
556 reviews18 followers
June 17, 2014
"I loved it! Action packed sit on the edge of your seat page after page! Your heart will race right along with Danny's. Twist after twist!" I wrote that for the first review of Hunted and now with Wanted I feel the same way. Danny is back and still on the run. Rees has a way of keeping the action high paced and page turning till the end.

Danny is after the men who framed him, but these terrorist have a much bigger plan. I felt like I was in an action movie as I read page after page. I love the new characters brought in as well as a look at the characters from the previous book. Very well written!

I can't help but quote the first review again, but it is so fitting. I just can't get enough of Rees' work! "Action, betrayal, friendship, loyalty, and love, this book will put you through the emotional roller coaster and leave you sitting on the edge of your seat with every page turn! It's nail biting action! Jason Bourne/ Mission Impossible but better all wrapped up for you in Hunted by Emlyn Rees!"
Profile Image for Angela.
325 reviews25 followers
June 17, 2014
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read this author, but when I saw that there was a quote by Jeffery Deaver, one of my favorite author's, on the book, I had to read it. I enjoy books that are similar to Jeffery Deaver's so if he enjoyed this book I figured I would. This book has lots of action, thrills, secrets, and twists and turns. You never know what is coming or who is coming and it's not easy to figure out. I was engaged by the story and the characters and the action. I was never bored and I had to force myself to slow down because I was so excited and wanted to read ahead. Even though this book is part of a series with Danny Shanklin, I never found myself lost as to what was happening. It only made me want to go back and read the other stories that have been written about him. I will definitely have to get the next book because this one was a cliffhanger. 5 books
Profile Image for Jenny Delandro.
1,928 reviews17 followers
March 13, 2016
This is a contemporary thriller . second in the series... and a new to me author.
While lots happened in the first book and I haven't read it but I never felt the lack as significant.
We are thrust into the world of terrorism and espionage as we follow the fortunes of Danny who is currently being hunted internationally for a mass murder he do not commit but he is helped by trusted friends.
There are two main story arcs and they are interwoven with characters that engender sympathy and trust...
One arc continues from previous book following the serial killer who killed half of Danny's family and the other covers the reason Danny was framed...
Exciting locations, believable and plausible situations handled with finesse and some characters are left in precarious situations...
I enjoyed this book and will enjoy reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Lexi Buchanan.
Author 252 books1,369 followers
June 13, 2014
ARC received via Edelweiss

We first meet Danny Shanklin in Hunted, the first book in the series, which was more like reading a new episode of 24. I totally loved this book.

In Wanted Danny is still on the run while trying to stay alive and protect his family.

There are surprises in store for Danny, as well as a killer out to finish what he started years before.

Wanted is fast paced with something happening on nearly every page. Emlyn Rees knows how to weave a story to hold the readers attention.

I was disappointed that it didn’t have the same 24 feel as the first book, but enjoyed it nether the less.

I hope the next book is out soon because with that ending, I need it soon.

Lexi Buchanan
NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
and blogger on Book Addict Mumma
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews