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Vatican Knights #3
The Iscariot Agenda
Kimball Hayden is the Commander of an elite commando group known as the Vatican Knights, a black-op force that works for the Church to protect its sovereignty, its interests, and the welfare of its citizenry. But Kimball is being stalked by someone from the past, a soldier that is stronger, faster, and far more brutal—an assassin so deadly not even the Vatican Knights can stop him. This Alpha Assassin has set Kimball within the crosshairs and is systematically destroying his old team of elite fighters, the Force Elite. Kimball is then sent to confront this killer who leaves behind lettered clues carved into the flesh of his teammates: ISCARIOT. Not only does Kimball have to battle something far more dangerous than anything he has ever encountered, but he must destroy this Alpha Assassin before this killer brings his personal war to the Vatican.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2012
82 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Rick Jones
91 books194 followersRick Jones was born and raised in the Boston area and moved to Las Vegas in the early eighties where he graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in English. Currently, he is employed with the state of Nevada in law enforcement, and enjoys traveling, especially to Rome and Vatican City where many of the settings for his novels take place.
Rick Jones is also an avid writer and the creator of the Vatican Knight series (VATICAN KNIGHTS, SHEPHERD ONE and The ISCARIOT AGENDA), and the psychological thriller, THE MAN WHO CAST TWO SHADOWS.
He lives in Las Vegas with his two mini schnauzers, Wrangler and Hobo.
Rick Jones is also an avid writer and the creator of the Vatican Knight series (VATICAN KNIGHTS, SHEPHERD ONE and The ISCARIOT AGENDA), and the psychological thriller, THE MAN WHO CAST TWO SHADOWS.
He lives in Las Vegas with his two mini schnauzers, Wrangler and Hobo.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 5, 2017
Elite assassin vs elite assassin
This book was both predictable and surprising. The entire book I had an idea of what was going on, but a few times I was surprised and near the end when the "big reveal" happens there had been enough hints that it was obvious who the killer was, but it still shocked me in a way. When I'm reading or watching movies, I try my hardest to let myself get into it, even if it's different or trying to pull me out. It helps me enjoy more movies and books this way. I'm not sure how Jones could have written this to make it less obvious, but I feel like there had to be a way.
The narration was done by Todd Menesses, who does a great job. He has a really deep and dark voice that was perfect for Kimball. It was awesome to hear a story about assassins and feel like the narrator understood who each person was and what they were doing. Todd also did some accents pretty well (those things don't bother me as much, I understand that not ever narrator is multi-lingual or multi-accented -- very few can pull it off well) but Menesses did a good enough job that it didn't pull me from the book.
I honestly had to Google Iscariot to figure out what religious symbol/person it was related to, and that in itself should have been a big giveaway to the ending of the book (which I'm sure others have said in their reviews).
But, to be completely honest, the book flowed really well and kept me actively listening longer than I wanted to be up a few nights. Jones knows how to write a well thought out, fast-paced Thriller. I might have to go back and check out the first two Vatican Knights books.
This book was both predictable and surprising. The entire book I had an idea of what was going on, but a few times I was surprised and near the end when the "big reveal" happens there had been enough hints that it was obvious who the killer was, but it still shocked me in a way. When I'm reading or watching movies, I try my hardest to let myself get into it, even if it's different or trying to pull me out. It helps me enjoy more movies and books this way. I'm not sure how Jones could have written this to make it less obvious, but I feel like there had to be a way.
The narration was done by Todd Menesses, who does a great job. He has a really deep and dark voice that was perfect for Kimball. It was awesome to hear a story about assassins and feel like the narrator understood who each person was and what they were doing. Todd also did some accents pretty well (those things don't bother me as much, I understand that not ever narrator is multi-lingual or multi-accented -- very few can pull it off well) but Menesses did a good enough job that it didn't pull me from the book.
I honestly had to Google Iscariot to figure out what religious symbol/person it was related to, and that in itself should have been a big giveaway to the ending of the book (which I'm sure others have said in their reviews).
But, to be completely honest, the book flowed really well and kept me actively listening longer than I wanted to be up a few nights. Jones knows how to write a well thought out, fast-paced Thriller. I might have to go back and check out the first two Vatican Knights books.
August 4, 2013
Iscariot Agenda is another wonderful novel by Rick Jones. Kimball Hayden is a former member of the Elite Force in the U.S. While the U.S. espionage community believe him killed he is now actually the head of a secret Vatican group, the Vatican Knights, charged with protecting Catholics and the Church. Kimball is called back into action in the U.S. as members of his Elite Force are being killed off. As each member is killed, a letter is carved into their back. Kimball is to be the last, and when the killer is finished he will have spelled the word Iscariot, the betrayal of Christ.
As Kimball is attempting to find the killer and warn the former members of the Elite Force, there is trouble in the Vatican. Pope Pius XIII is dying from stage 4 cancer. Betrayal is underfoot for Kimball concerning the killer he seeks. The Vatican Knights are disbanded with the election of an ultra conservative pope who doesn't see the need for the Knights.
Kimball is at a loss as to what to do. Under an assumed name he heads to Vegas. Once again, though, he is called to duty at the Vatican. Six months after the election of the Pope, he is murdered. The remaining Vatican Knights are called back in secret to help with the investigation.
The Iscariot Agenda is filled with multiple conflicts and much action and internal turmoil for Kimball.
As Kimball is attempting to find the killer and warn the former members of the Elite Force, there is trouble in the Vatican. Pope Pius XIII is dying from stage 4 cancer. Betrayal is underfoot for Kimball concerning the killer he seeks. The Vatican Knights are disbanded with the election of an ultra conservative pope who doesn't see the need for the Knights.
Kimball is at a loss as to what to do. Under an assumed name he heads to Vegas. Once again, though, he is called to duty at the Vatican. Six months after the election of the Pope, he is murdered. The remaining Vatican Knights are called back in secret to help with the investigation.
The Iscariot Agenda is filled with multiple conflicts and much action and internal turmoil for Kimball.
March 10, 2017
Nice addition to the series.
Worthy read if you enjoy action adventure. Fair amount of violence if that troubles you. Read the series in order though. Confusing otherwise.
Worthy read if you enjoy action adventure. Fair amount of violence if that troubles you. Read the series in order though. Confusing otherwise.
January 16, 2019
Good
Good but a bit drawn out and a bit repetitive, Kimball Hayden a Vatican Knight but before that he was one of the elite soldiers bit like the SAS, that would assassinate on demand and walked away because he got a conscious, and was doing similar work for the Vatican, and he found out that someone has started to take out his old unit.
and he was sent out to find out what was going on, and so after every kill the initials was put on the victims body to spell the word Iscariot, Hayden being the last for the showdown, so yes it did get repetitive, but the last 3rd of the novel did come to life, normally this author does well but it might just be the storyline if you are going to kill 8 people it might just repeat it'self as you know what's going to happen I won't get put off just yet and will try another from this author,
Good but a bit drawn out and a bit repetitive, Kimball Hayden a Vatican Knight but before that he was one of the elite soldiers bit like the SAS, that would assassinate on demand and walked away because he got a conscious, and was doing similar work for the Vatican, and he found out that someone has started to take out his old unit.
and he was sent out to find out what was going on, and so after every kill the initials was put on the victims body to spell the word Iscariot, Hayden being the last for the showdown, so yes it did get repetitive, but the last 3rd of the novel did come to life, normally this author does well but it might just be the storyline if you are going to kill 8 people it might just repeat it'self as you know what's going to happen I won't get put off just yet and will try another from this author,
November 26, 2019
Very good book and story my only regret is that I did not start at the beginning of the series I came in at the last bo0k so I did not really get the gist of the whole story but what I have read I thoroughly enjoyed them. I read two so that I could formulate a sense of the storyline and I wish I had started at the beginning. I would definitely recommend to anyone to read as they are really good and there is no unnecessary swearing which is nice to read these days and they are written with feeling and knowledge. I do not know if the main player in the book did end his days, I suppose I unless there is another book I do not know about, I must assume so. He was a very mixed character which was nice and I did enjoy the fight scenes and the control of the many that were under his control. Excellent read. Is there another book?
October 11, 2022
I really like stories about good versus evil and about man's redemption so this book, and this series, had much promise for me. I feel that there's been too much overkill on the redemption for Hayden it is such the focus of the story that it kind of loses its impact. This book had some issues for me the opening scene, the stereotypical Irishman and native American, and the fact that it was obvious who the assassin was. Which is too bad this took a great book down to a okay book.
July 25, 2024
A great mix of action and Papal Vatican City intrigue. I had an inkling where the story was going maybe about halfway through, but wasn't completely certain until the end. And the epilogue certainly leaves the door open for more of Kimball Hayden. Great stuff - better than the second Vatican Knights novel.
November 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and the Author. Hard to put down when you start it. Ending was what I expexted, but did not know it was kendells friend and a Vatican Knight. I already started the next book Pandora Box. Let you know how it is.
January 7, 2018
The Iscariot Agenda
I really like the angle the author comes at his story. Very different than most. It does get repetitive though. All in all, well worth reading.
I really like the angle the author comes at his story. Very different than most. It does get repetitive though. All in all, well worth reading.
January 15, 2018
More like 3.5. The twists were good. However, they were telegraphed early.
Also, unlike the first two books, the blurb contained most of the story.
Also, unlike the first two books, the blurb contained most of the story.
June 29, 2018
Great read
Looking forward to the next test and where this leads him. A strong character with true confections and a real struggle with what is dealt him
Looking forward to the next test and where this leads him. A strong character with true confections and a real struggle with what is dealt him
September 22, 2019
Amazing series
Very well written with a few twists and turns. Similar to David Leadbeater and Lee Child combined into one character.
Very well written with a few twists and turns. Similar to David Leadbeater and Lee Child combined into one character.
August 3, 2021
Crazy story with many twists
This was an interestingly morbid trip through history and Kimbles background and acquaintance. It does end with a big question
This was an interestingly morbid trip through history and Kimbles background and acquaintance. It does end with a big question
January 27, 2022
great book
Holds your attention and once you start reading it you can’t stop until you get to the end of the story.
Holds your attention and once you start reading it you can’t stop until you get to the end of the story.
July 20, 2014
Hugely disappointing.
After loving the first two books of this trilogy I was bummed that I found the third book was dull. I saw the "plot twist" coming about 100 pages into the book, and with 600 more to go it was disappointing.
It is a shame this book ended like it did. I expect that Jones left room for a fourth book eventually, but I probably won't read it. I expected this book to end on a different note; although, I did appreciate the humanization of Kimball.
Overall I really enjoyed this trilogy, but I had to force myself to read most of this book. If you read the first two books you basically have to read this one. Just don't expect it to be as good as the first two.
After loving the first two books of this trilogy I was bummed that I found the third book was dull. I saw the "plot twist" coming about 100 pages into the book, and with 600 more to go it was disappointing.
It is a shame this book ended like it did. I expect that Jones left room for a fourth book eventually, but I probably won't read it. I expected this book to end on a different note; although, I did appreciate the humanization of Kimball.
Overall I really enjoyed this trilogy, but I had to force myself to read most of this book. If you read the first two books you basically have to read this one. Just don't expect it to be as good as the first two.
November 5, 2015
"The Iscariot Agenda" is the third book in the "Vatican Knights" series. Before Kimball worked for the church he worked for the US government with a team of elite assassins. Someone is hunting and killing his old team. Kimball must find out who before they come after him. While Kimball fights for his old team and his life the Pope is dying of cancer and depending on who takes his place it could mean the end for the Vatican Knights. Full of action and heart The Iscariot Agenda is a good read. Rick Jones has done well.
December 1, 2014
The third in a series, it might have been a better read if I had read the first two. A Vatican Knight had to find the person killing off his old buddies and leaving clues for the knight to find.
Not a great ending but it does leave it open for more stories to follow.
A lot of Vatican politics.
Not a great ending but it does leave it open for more stories to follow.
A lot of Vatican politics.
September 1, 2016
Good, but...
Really good story, but in DIRE need of good editing. The numerous wrong words and duplicate phrases in a row disrupted the flow and enjoyment of reading. Once a good editing job is done I highly recommend this book, but think that it's best to read in series order to follow Kimball's path and struggles.
Really good story, but in DIRE need of good editing. The numerous wrong words and duplicate phrases in a row disrupted the flow and enjoyment of reading. Once a good editing job is done I highly recommend this book, but think that it's best to read in series order to follow Kimball's path and struggles.
January 8, 2017
This book is great as a stand-alone novel or as part of a series. You won't be able to stop reading.
Politics, religion, faith, and treachery all weave together in this book to make a heart-stopping adventure. This third installment of a series brought tears to my eyes and makes me want to jump right into the next book.
Politics, religion, faith, and treachery all weave together in this book to make a heart-stopping adventure. This third installment of a series brought tears to my eyes and makes me want to jump right into the next book.
June 27, 2016
This series is getting better and better. The writing style improves as well as the plot lines. An over arching plotline may be developing as a cameo of an adversary from a previous book takes place. This is truly a fun read.
January 16, 2017
I got to narrate the audiobook version of this thriller, I very much liked the writing style and plot. I will also be narrating books 5, 7,8,9 & 10 in the series. Look for them in the next few months. I'm currently narrating book 5.
May 15, 2014
Really didn't see this one coming! And loved how the ending leaves it open for book #4! I am concerned though that there are no more in the series about #4!
February 9, 2015
Bit disappointed it was predictable saw the end coming early in the book then it became a slow slog to get to the confrontation that you was coming.
June 8, 2015
the ending has me getting thee next book in the series
October 29, 2015
A very good book. It had a "nice" twist to it. Also, this is a pivotal book in the series. Again, I am looking forward to reading the other three books.
October 22, 2016
Sadness has gripped Kimball
Kimball' past life has come to haunt him. Members of his old unit are being killed and he has to go help. What he finds will shock him to the core!
Kimball' past life has come to haunt him. Members of his old unit are being killed and he has to go help. What he finds will shock him to the core!
December 8, 2016
A very good and entertaining novel. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews