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Agent 21 #4
Deadfall
Zak Darke is sent on what seems like a straightforward surveillance op in South Africa but it soon turns into the toughest, most dangerous mission he has ever faced. An old enemy has teamed up with a terrifying gang of child soldiers and Zak is caught in the middle. Having travelled to the heart of the African jungle, will he make it out alive . . . ?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
46 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,021 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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June 23, 2015To be very honest this was the second least favourite book from Chris Ryan series .
Even though I've only reach over half way of the book deadfall it bored me enough to stop reading it.
The whole kid spy theme is getting very boring and in almost all of his books Ryan has always kept the same story line.
The layout of the book was same cruz Martinez wants to kill Zak Drake(Agent21) while Zak is trying to stop a drug deal involving Cruz and African kids who got captured.
I know it's hard to come up with ideas but I think Chris needs to come up with a new idea.
3.5✨/5
Even though I've only reach over half way of the book deadfall it bored me enough to stop reading it.
The whole kid spy theme is getting very boring and in almost all of his books Ryan has always kept the same story line.
The layout of the book was same cruz Martinez wants to kill Zak Drake(Agent21) while Zak is trying to stop a drug deal involving Cruz and African kids who got captured.
I know it's hard to come up with ideas but I think Chris needs to come up with a new idea.
3.5✨/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2014
Review originally posted on: Polkadot's Book Blog
It was a horrible, low moan, like the hum of insects somewhere on the edge of Zak's hearing. The sound of terror.
I received this book in turn for an honest review from RHCP Digital through NetGalley. Let me start out by saying that I have really enjoyed the first 3 books in the Agent 21 series. It really grew on me the longer I stayed with them because I think the books have just gotten better and better as Zak has grown. So I was really excited to get into and start reading Deadfall, the fourth book in the series, which follows teenage secret agent Zak Darke as he goes on another mission to save the world and further his training.
Deadfall has everything the other Zak Darke stories had. Constant action, mind-blowing atmospheres and edge of your seat twists and turns. So it lived up to it's expectations in my eyes because it is still a gripping and panic inducing novel that is needed for the spy genre. Yet it mixed in the good role models and strong heroes needed for the young audience. Which is one of the many things I love about the Agent 21 series because even though they thrive in non-stop action, they also always weave in lessons and relationships that really stay with you throughout the entire story.
Overall, I thought this book was a really good addition to the Agent 21 series as once again it adds to the growth of the main character Zak so you really feel that he is maturing and developing over a short length of time. Not to mention the story itself is completely nail biting and thrilling so once you start reading it is difficult to stop. Having said this, it was not my favourite out of the whole series as I felt that even though it lived up to it's expectations, it lacked a little something that I found in Agent 21: Codebreaker (the third book) as I wasn't as engaged with it as I was with the previous book. I think that's mainly because I loved the premise in the third book, but in this one I felt as though I knew what was coming and in some cases it was a little predictable. Especially in terms of the ending, I guessed that a mile away. So all in all I felt that it was missing the mystery that I had come to love in the rest of the series, but it was still a fantastic and gripping read.
It was a horrible, low moan, like the hum of insects somewhere on the edge of Zak's hearing. The sound of terror.
I received this book in turn for an honest review from RHCP Digital through NetGalley. Let me start out by saying that I have really enjoyed the first 3 books in the Agent 21 series. It really grew on me the longer I stayed with them because I think the books have just gotten better and better as Zak has grown. So I was really excited to get into and start reading Deadfall, the fourth book in the series, which follows teenage secret agent Zak Darke as he goes on another mission to save the world and further his training.
Deadfall has everything the other Zak Darke stories had. Constant action, mind-blowing atmospheres and edge of your seat twists and turns. So it lived up to it's expectations in my eyes because it is still a gripping and panic inducing novel that is needed for the spy genre. Yet it mixed in the good role models and strong heroes needed for the young audience. Which is one of the many things I love about the Agent 21 series because even though they thrive in non-stop action, they also always weave in lessons and relationships that really stay with you throughout the entire story.
Overall, I thought this book was a really good addition to the Agent 21 series as once again it adds to the growth of the main character Zak so you really feel that he is maturing and developing over a short length of time. Not to mention the story itself is completely nail biting and thrilling so once you start reading it is difficult to stop. Having said this, it was not my favourite out of the whole series as I felt that even though it lived up to it's expectations, it lacked a little something that I found in Agent 21: Codebreaker (the third book) as I wasn't as engaged with it as I was with the previous book. I think that's mainly because I loved the premise in the third book, but in this one I felt as though I knew what was coming and in some cases it was a little predictable. Especially in terms of the ending, I guessed that a mile away. So all in all I felt that it was missing the mystery that I had come to love in the rest of the series, but it was still a fantastic and gripping read.
June 28, 2015
Riveting from start to finish
It's been well over a year since I have read an Agent 21 book and when I started Deadfall I instantly fell right back into the story. A small recap of the characters and what had previously happened was helpful and after reading only the first chapter, I was hooked. The story takes place predominantly in the African jungle where an old but very real enemy is at large. The book was full of suspense and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. With the odd surprise here and there it is hardly surprising that I finished the book in a day. I would strongly recommend this series to anyone who loves books full of suspense, tension, action mixed in with the odd surprise.
It's been well over a year since I have read an Agent 21 book and when I started Deadfall I instantly fell right back into the story. A small recap of the characters and what had previously happened was helpful and after reading only the first chapter, I was hooked. The story takes place predominantly in the African jungle where an old but very real enemy is at large. The book was full of suspense and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. With the odd surprise here and there it is hardly surprising that I finished the book in a day. I would strongly recommend this series to anyone who loves books full of suspense, tension, action mixed in with the odd surprise.
November 26, 2023
2023 52 Book Challenge - 35) A Book You Meant To Read Last Year
I really like this series, I think it has some great potential, but this book was only so-so. It feels a bit repetitive, because all of the books in the series have the same basic plot of "Zak gets involved with a mission, the mission somehow becomes related to Cruz, Cruz tries to kill Zak, Zak wins."
It starts to drag, and the general mission in this book is less interesting than previous books as it literally just deals with tensions between the various characters, with Zak, Raf and Gabs holding back information from Michael and not trusting Malcolm, and then also Zak holding back information from Gabs and Raf, and then also Gabs disagreeing with Raf. It made the book feel quite bitter.
I really like this series, I think it has some great potential, but this book was only so-so. It feels a bit repetitive, because all of the books in the series have the same basic plot of "Zak gets involved with a mission, the mission somehow becomes related to Cruz, Cruz tries to kill Zak, Zak wins."
It starts to drag, and the general mission in this book is less interesting than previous books as it literally just deals with tensions between the various characters, with Zak, Raf and Gabs holding back information from Michael and not trusting Malcolm, and then also Zak holding back information from Gabs and Raf, and then also Gabs disagreeing with Raf. It made the book feel quite bitter.
August 5, 2022
Das beste Buch der Reihe bisher.
Anfangs war ich sehr skeptisch – ich bin CHERUB-Fan, und da gibt es doch eklatante Unterschiede. Während bei CHERUB alle Agenten im Wesentlichen in einem extrem gut geführten Internat leben, ein weitreichend normales Leben führen und jederzeit frei entscheiden können, wurde Zak kaum eine andere Wahl gelassen, ein einsames Leben als Agent 21 zu führen und vereinzelt unter der Aufsicht seiner "Schutzengel" zu leben.
Doch mit Survival hat sich das Bild sehr gewandelt, hin zu einer Familie und einem doch recht umfangreichen Geflecht an sozialen Bindungen, auch wenn die selbstverständlich eher ungewöhnlicher Art sind.
Als CHERUB-Leser ist man anfangs doch ziemlich befremdet, aber so langsam wird das besser!
Anfangs war ich sehr skeptisch – ich bin CHERUB-Fan, und da gibt es doch eklatante Unterschiede. Während bei CHERUB alle Agenten im Wesentlichen in einem extrem gut geführten Internat leben, ein weitreichend normales Leben führen und jederzeit frei entscheiden können, wurde Zak kaum eine andere Wahl gelassen, ein einsames Leben als Agent 21 zu führen und vereinzelt unter der Aufsicht seiner "Schutzengel" zu leben.
Doch mit Survival hat sich das Bild sehr gewandelt, hin zu einer Familie und einem doch recht umfangreichen Geflecht an sozialen Bindungen, auch wenn die selbstverständlich eher ungewöhnlicher Art sind.
Als CHERUB-Leser ist man anfangs doch ziemlich befremdet, aber so langsam wird das besser!
October 3, 2025
This fourth book is intense, with Zak facing both physical and emotional challenges. The stakes feel higher than ever, and there’s a real sense of danger throughout. Ryan keeps the writing sharp, and the action feels cinematic.
The only drawback is that it leans heavily on darker tones, which might not appeal to everyone. But for fans of realistic, high-stakes YA thrillers, “Deadfall” is gripping and memorable.
The only drawback is that it leans heavily on darker tones, which might not appeal to everyone. But for fans of realistic, high-stakes YA thrillers, “Deadfall” is gripping and memorable.
August 19, 2017
Realy good book, best part of the book is the end, because of Zak's charity to victims.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
Love reading the Agent 21 series, as it's fast paced with plenty of action.
September 24, 2018
There is enough in this series to keep you reading, but some of the stories are becoming so-so... It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here...
December 28, 2018
Not a bad one. Think Alex Rider without the cheese and a bit more realistic.
February 3, 2020
Best book ever such and amazing twist and plot
March 25, 2024
Action packed.
January 20, 2017
These books get better and better.
March 23, 2014
I'm a massive fan of the Agent 21 series by Chris Ryan, so I was extremely excited about getting to read the newest instalment. Teenage agent Zac Darke is one of my favourite male characters and I couldn't want to dive in and find out what adventure he was going to become embroiled in next.
This time around Zac's old nemesis, Cruz Martinez, rears his head again. Zac's former friend, he is now his sworn enemy due to the death of his father. Cruz's movements lead Zac, along with Gabs, Raf and computer whiz Malcolm, to Africa, where they uncover a shocking conspiracy which will endanger the lives of innocent citizens unless they can stop it.
The story is set mainly in the African jungle, which was a brilliant backdrop because of all the natural dangers which awaited Zac and co. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them having to survive in the wilderness and struggle against the elements, as they face dehydration and exhaustion, as well as the threat from other animals in the jungle. It was nice to see Zac's training really kicking in now. He's able to use all of his new skills and abilities in the field and he never stops thinking two steps ahead. He even, on occasion, surprises Gabs and Raf with his ingenuity and quick thinking.
Each chapter in the book was fraught with danger and the story was tough and gritty. A real page turner, I found it hard to put it down as it was so gripping. Zac hurtles from one tense predicament to another which was extremely thrilling.
'Deadfall' was an adrenaline pumping rollercoaster ride of adventure and suspense. This is a top series and I love reading about Zac and his missions. I hope there are lots more books to come in the future!
This time around Zac's old nemesis, Cruz Martinez, rears his head again. Zac's former friend, he is now his sworn enemy due to the death of his father. Cruz's movements lead Zac, along with Gabs, Raf and computer whiz Malcolm, to Africa, where they uncover a shocking conspiracy which will endanger the lives of innocent citizens unless they can stop it.
The story is set mainly in the African jungle, which was a brilliant backdrop because of all the natural dangers which awaited Zac and co. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them having to survive in the wilderness and struggle against the elements, as they face dehydration and exhaustion, as well as the threat from other animals in the jungle. It was nice to see Zac's training really kicking in now. He's able to use all of his new skills and abilities in the field and he never stops thinking two steps ahead. He even, on occasion, surprises Gabs and Raf with his ingenuity and quick thinking.
Each chapter in the book was fraught with danger and the story was tough and gritty. A real page turner, I found it hard to put it down as it was so gripping. Zac hurtles from one tense predicament to another which was extremely thrilling.
'Deadfall' was an adrenaline pumping rollercoaster ride of adventure and suspense. This is a top series and I love reading about Zac and his missions. I hope there are lots more books to come in the future!
January 6, 2026
EDITED 1/6/2025 :
Zak Darke my precious spy boy. You deserve so much better, but I am so happy and proud of how far you've come. I'm also sad that you had to dip your toes into those murky waters and succumb to revenge, but at the same time it is those human choices and imperfections that add nuance and layers to your character.
Incredible tandem with Raf and Gabs as always (yes, I still kinda ship them haha) and so nice for Malcolm to be their honorary fourth teammate.
Inasmuch as comical Cruz' whole vengeance shenanigans are, it remains a compelling propulsion and clashing to witness him and Zak battle it out. Book 1's events feel like a lifetime ago, when they were still friends, and a shame that life took them where it did.
Special shoutout to Smiler and Latifah, my brave brave children. May you live peaceful and prosperous lives far beyond the terrible things you went through.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This isn't a review, it's more of my uhm, feels and opinions. I don't think those are considered as a review lol.
1 - I totally ship Gabs and Raf.
2 - Raf/Zak bromance game is strong. I mean, hahaha the way they agree on something that irritates Gabs is adorable.
3 - Malcolm Mann should definitely become an agent too. Zak and the Guardian Angels are more on the physical side, Malcolm would be their supergenius bud. It's so perfect I can't even. <3
4 - When will Cruz ever give up. Sigh.
Overall the book did not fail to bring me on yet another thrilling adventure of Agent 21. <3
Zak Darke my precious spy boy. You deserve so much better, but I am so happy and proud of how far you've come. I'm also sad that you had to dip your toes into those murky waters and succumb to revenge, but at the same time it is those human choices and imperfections that add nuance and layers to your character.
Incredible tandem with Raf and Gabs as always (yes, I still kinda ship them haha) and so nice for Malcolm to be their honorary fourth teammate.
Inasmuch as comical Cruz' whole vengeance shenanigans are, it remains a compelling propulsion and clashing to witness him and Zak battle it out. Book 1's events feel like a lifetime ago, when they were still friends, and a shame that life took them where it did.
Special shoutout to Smiler and Latifah, my brave brave children. May you live peaceful and prosperous lives far beyond the terrible things you went through.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
This isn't a review, it's more of my uhm, feels and opinions. I don't think those are considered as a review lol.
1 - I totally ship Gabs and Raf.
2 - Raf/Zak bromance game is strong. I mean, hahaha the way they agree on something that irritates Gabs is adorable.
3 - Malcolm Mann should definitely become an agent too. Zak and the Guardian Angels are more on the physical side, Malcolm would be their supergenius bud. It's so perfect I can't even. <3
4 - When will Cruz ever give up. Sigh.
Overall the book did not fail to bring me on yet another thrilling adventure of Agent 21. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2017
Deadfall is the fourth book in Chris Ryan’s Agent 21 series and it continues with Zak Darke’s journey as a young spy. Characters, from previous books in the series, who we met again in this story include Zak’s nemesis Cruz Martinez and the teenage hacker Malcolm Mann.
At the start of the novel Zak and his team, Raf and Gabs, are in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the lookout for Cruz Martinez. Previously though dead, some intelligence has surfaced that suggests that there have sightings of Cruz. Once a friend, the son of an infamous Mexican drug lord, has developed an intense hatred for Zak and in the past went to great lengths to exact his revenge. Zak has come to Africa to determine the truth. Things don’t work out as planned and what started out as simple surveillance in Johannesburg soon draws the three agents, along with an unexpected additional team member, Malcolm, across the continent and into the jungles of Senegal. This is a world far from western civilisation and populated with desperate and cruel child soldiers and kidnapped slaves. You get a real sense of the fear and helplessness of these African children and the stifling closeness of the jungle. The ending is neatly done.
It is another good action-packed novel. The action starts a few pages in and doesn’t let up until the end. Chris Ryan’s knowledge of combat strategy and survival techniques that makes the story realistic as well as exhilarating. It is a novel that can stand alone but to really understand the characters and their motives it would be better read after the previous books in the series.
At the start of the novel Zak and his team, Raf and Gabs, are in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the lookout for Cruz Martinez. Previously though dead, some intelligence has surfaced that suggests that there have sightings of Cruz. Once a friend, the son of an infamous Mexican drug lord, has developed an intense hatred for Zak and in the past went to great lengths to exact his revenge. Zak has come to Africa to determine the truth. Things don’t work out as planned and what started out as simple surveillance in Johannesburg soon draws the three agents, along with an unexpected additional team member, Malcolm, across the continent and into the jungles of Senegal. This is a world far from western civilisation and populated with desperate and cruel child soldiers and kidnapped slaves. You get a real sense of the fear and helplessness of these African children and the stifling closeness of the jungle. The ending is neatly done.
It is another good action-packed novel. The action starts a few pages in and doesn’t let up until the end. Chris Ryan’s knowledge of combat strategy and survival techniques that makes the story realistic as well as exhilarating. It is a novel that can stand alone but to really understand the characters and their motives it would be better read after the previous books in the series.
December 27, 2014
No doubt Chris ryan is master of suspense and Agent 21 is the best example of it. At some points the story turned very well especially ending. And other times it was quite boring.
Now let's talk about ending. You can not say that it is well ended. I was expecting a better ending. Another time Cruz got hands on him (Zak) and brief him about his further plans. And buried him undead in the coffin? Is that a torture or a hide and seek game? I wonder why he hadn't put a bullet in his head at the very moment. Just to clear my point, I'm obviously on Agent 21's side. Those who have readed Agent 21 Reloaded knows very well that same thing happened there, Cruz got him and tortured him and then he slips away.
And this time, after the occurrence of previous event Cruz again underestimated him. And he showed what he is capable of.
When I bought this book my idiot friend told me that Zak will be dead in the ending. I don't blame him but I've the same thoughts but about Cruz. Guess none of these happened which is the last thing I've expected. Now what I'm expecting? I'm expecting more angry Cruz Martinez and more smart Zak Drake with his Guardian Angels ofcource.
Now let's talk about ending. You can not say that it is well ended. I was expecting a better ending. Another time Cruz got hands on him (Zak) and brief him about his further plans. And buried him undead in the coffin? Is that a torture or a hide and seek game? I wonder why he hadn't put a bullet in his head at the very moment. Just to clear my point, I'm obviously on Agent 21's side. Those who have readed Agent 21 Reloaded knows very well that same thing happened there, Cruz got him and tortured him and then he slips away.
And this time, after the occurrence of previous event Cruz again underestimated him. And he showed what he is capable of.
When I bought this book my idiot friend told me that Zak will be dead in the ending. I don't blame him but I've the same thoughts but about Cruz. Guess none of these happened which is the last thing I've expected. Now what I'm expecting? I'm expecting more angry Cruz Martinez and more smart Zak Drake with his Guardian Angels ofcource.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2015
Ugh, this took forever. It was just so boring. I get that the whole plot is really unrealistic, with Zak being a teenager and all, but... this one just took it too far. Instead of being exciting, it was just "sigh, okay, what crazy thing will happen now?"
And also. Keeping things from the readers and other main characters can work well when the suspense is built up in a good way. When it's not, which is the case, it's just, again boring. And stupid. Because it goes on and on, pages and more pages... of you wondering what the hell is going on.
Terrible book. TERRIBLE.
And also. Keeping things from the readers and other main characters can work well when the suspense is built up in a good way. When it's not, which is the case, it's just, again boring. And stupid. Because it goes on and on, pages and more pages... of you wondering what the hell is going on.
Terrible book. TERRIBLE.
January 23, 2017
To be honest, I really hated some parts of this book. I can't take those parts of the story that I actually needed to stop reading. I think, I'm the only who is affected by this much, but heh.
Anyway, Ryan never fails to amaze me how he wrote his book in a way that characters are given their own on point of views. I quite like it. Also, his greatness in writings scenes with a lot of thrill and excitement... and nervousness with sweaty palms. That you couldn't stop reading for more than 10 minutes, unless you need to calm down yourself.
A 4/5 good read.
Anyway, Ryan never fails to amaze me how he wrote his book in a way that characters are given their own on point of views. I quite like it. Also, his greatness in writings scenes with a lot of thrill and excitement... and nervousness with sweaty palms. That you couldn't stop reading for more than 10 minutes, unless you need to calm down yourself.
A 4/5 good read.
January 8, 2018
The book is very interesting and the plot of the story begins right away. The story mainly goes from something normal/boring as a "break" then something really intense to make the reader interested in the story and what will happen next to the characters of the story. The author does this quite subtly without deviating from the main storyline. The story is quite set on one particular thing and is obvious what the protagonists want to do. I think the book is worth the read as it will make you feel for the characters and relate to what is happening in the real world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2015
I love the book coming from the Alex Rider series. I love the way that the author shows Zak's background and how it led to where he his. I love the action and the plot twists. My only problem is that in the end it starts to feel childish and I can tell what's about to happen. Coming from the Alex Rider series I need something that has the deep emotion and problem. I still think that I need to read the other books in the series as I still found this book very entertaining.
March 14, 2015
A 15 year old psycho drug lord? Really? I don't know enough to know why this book isn't as good as the others. It's just not. Worth a read though if you can afford it. If it's a toss up between this book and another, chose the other one.
May 29, 2014
Another excellent book in the Agent 21 set. Very enjoyable and loads of fun.
August 6, 2018
i love these series. action and chris ryan soo go together.
April 4, 2015
I will never look at toy shops the same way as i did before ! that ending ! have to go and get the next book ! so exited !
September 24, 2015
Drugs, Action, Fighting. If those are the things you like then this is the book for you
January 17, 2017
Absolutely amazing descriptions are phenomenal my second favourite book (After Firefight By CHRIS RYAN). It is an action based book so there is enough bloody violence and gore.
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September 12, 2017It was awesome! SO much more darker than the other books. Definitely reading the next one soon. Chris Ryan is amazing!
Read
January 28, 2018Loved all the books in this series. This book made me turn the pages as quick as I could.
If you like the first 3rd books you will not be disappointed.
If you like the first 3rd books you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews