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Adrian Hell #5

A Necessary Kill

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The world has just experienced the most devastating nuclear terrorist attack in history. Having discovered proof of the U.S. president’s involvement, legendary assassin Adrian Hell finds himself facing an enemy too powerful to overcome alone. With no friends by his side and his loved ones in danger, Adrian must find new allies to combat the unprecedented threat, and he gathers the few he can – an over-the-hill small-time mob hitman, a female assassin who’s so crazy that Adrian has to break her out of an insane asylum, and an illegal arms dealer who’s not used to working in the field. While they start out taking the job for the money, they soon come to realize that their actions have much farther reaching impacts. But the nuclear attack was only the beginning. The horrifying conspiracy runs deeper than even Adrian knows, and time is running out to save the world from a war no one knows is coming.

Audiobook

Published November 10, 2023

328 people are currently reading
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James P. Sumner

30 books104 followers

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5 stars
458 (55%)
4 stars
233 (28%)
3 stars
86 (10%)
2 stars
29 (3%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2017
Not for elderly female readers

This was the first book I read in this series and it will be the last. Political plot was good idea, U.S. president startling third world war with the help of North Korea and millions of people being killed. Language and endless killing will make a good movie, even the one in oval office could play himself.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,365 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2017
Following on from the dramatic statement at the end of book 4 that Adrian is going to kill the President as he's behind the terrorist conspiracy and awful nuclear attack, this book is the story of Adrian's battle to do just that, and put an end to the conspiracy. But first he has to recruit some help - nobody can take on the might of the us government alone after all! - and the people he chooses and the lengths he goes to make for an interesting book! However, I'm not going to say anymore as I hate spoilers, and you can get a little more in the book description above,mans the rest from reading the book!
This is an excellent book, well written with brilliant characters that really bring the action to life. The author has managed to keep the action flowing throughout the book well, and build tension at points where it's needed excellently. I started reading this book immediately after book 4 (despite it being after midnight and having read straight through book 4 already!) and read straight from beginning to end as it's an excellent read. Afterwards? Straight onto book 6!
I highly recommend this book to all Adrian Hell lovers, as well as recommending the series to anyone who likes action, adventure, thrillers or just wants something really engaging to read. I would just caution that they are quite violent, so they're not suitable for young readers, but it's always in context and not overly excessive.
Profile Image for Charles Ray.
Author 553 books154 followers
February 13, 2017
I want to paint a picture for you. Imagine ‘The Over the Hill Gang,’ The Gang that Couldn’t Shoot Straight,’ ‘Rambo’, and ‘Mission: Impossible;’ not in sequence, but all smashed together. Sound like a crazy picture? Believe me, it is, and it’s just what you get when you read A Necessary Kill by James P. Sumner.
The world has been devastated by nuclear attacks, and everyone has been led to believe that they were the work of terrorists. But, legendary hitman, Adrian Hell, knows the truth. The American president was the mastermind behind this dastardly operation, and Adrian has information that points an accusing finger. Because of this, he’s being hunted by the CIA and FBI, with orders not to apprehend, but to kill.
Adrian, though, is not an easy target, and he’s determined to see the truth come out. His mission is to kill the man responsible for the largest mass murder in human history, even if it means sacrificing himself to achieve it. Adrian organizes the oddest team imaginable to accomplish this impossible mission: an over-the-hill smalltime mob hitman, a female assassin so crazy she’s been confined to a mental institution from which he must spring her, and an illegal arms dealer who doesn’t like field operations. With this ragtag crew and with the combined might of the security forces of the world’s most powerful country out to stop him, the odds are definitely not in his favor.
As they get closer to their target, though, he learns that the nuclear attack was just the prelude to an even more macabre and Machiavellian plan, one that affects not just his life, but the lives of every being on the planet. Any sane man would quit, but Adrian and his band are no longer in it just for the money—they’re out to save the world.
Death isn’t exactly funny, but you won’t be able to help laughing occasionally as this unlikely crew goes up against power in encounter after deadly encounter. As you make your way through this story, you’ll alternate between laughter and chills, because, as improbable as it sounds, there’s an eerie ring of credibility to it.
Profile Image for Kathi Defranc.
1,182 reviews497 followers
February 1, 2016
What an AWESOME adventure!! This book grabs your attention from the start and never lets you stop to breathe!! Great action,interesting characters who all keep you very entertained with their antics and colorful scenes in different areas make it seem more like watching a movie than reading. Adrian Hell needs some help and he travels to ask several other assassins to work with him on a very big problem,from this you fly through many escapades until the final adventure can come to fruition. If you like action and thrillers please check out this author's amazing stories,this is a great one to start with.
Profile Image for Martin Pingree.
1,007 reviews14 followers
April 16, 2023
On the run, Adrian discovers a huge conspiracy at the highest levels that requires his immediate attention. On his own with no help he turns to fellow assassins like him to accomplish this goal. As usual nothing goes as planned, he soon discovers the people out to kill him are tracking him so closely he barely gets away. With his fellow assassin’s help his plan runs into complication after another. He knows this may be his end but he believes it must be done. This is non stop thrills and chills from beginning to end. Definitely a must read !
1 review
June 20, 2022
A bit far fetched, all abit unbelievable

Things just to easy to be believed. A it disappointing. Definitely notonpar with Jack reacher, or vince flynn. A C+
Profile Image for Scott.
305 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2024
If you are in the search for a series of action thrillers, look no farther than the “Adrian Hell series”. The series starts off strong, but the wonderful writing and narration keeps the excitement coming even into book number five. The series is like a title wave that slowly grows into something that can devastate an entire city. Yes, “A Necessary Kill” is the latest installment in the series and this one seems to pack a punch that the previous ones were not able to achieve. If you have been a fan and listened to the audiobooks in order, you know it all leads up to the big climax, and I can say that it is one Hell (pun intended) of a ride. James P. Sumner (author) continues to team up with Gary Bennett (Narrator) to bring the Adrian Hell series to life and I can say that all of them are done very well. Nearly all the audiobooks in the series end with a surprise, but this one tops them all with a rather new twist. It excites me to know what comes next in the series. If you are one who enjoys action thrillers, you will find this an entertaining series, and this one holds the reigns as one of the best yet.

In a way, I would say that this is actually part two of the previous audiobook in the series as it starts right where the last one left off. The world is very different and now Adrian needs to focus his attention on the most difficult target he has ever faced. He is already known to be the most wanted man alive. He even admits to himself and others that this may be the last mission he will be able to complete, and the level of difficulty does not even assure him of victory. One of the best assassins may have met his match. In this series, we see even more of Adrian’s emotional side. We see his dedication to friends and family, yet he knows the risks he must undertake to right these massive wrongs done too so many. He even said that it would be the impossible hit, and he knows he cannot do it alone. There is no more time for rest in his past retirement and wanting to settle down. Not at all, instead he needs to act and try as much as he can to complete the task at hand to save the world. I would not want to spoil it for the reader, so if you want to find out what happened, I recommend you pick up the audiobook and give it a listen.

Nearly everything in this audiobook seems elevated and heightened. Adrien even tries to distance himself from those he knows and loves to keep them out of the mess he has gotten himself into. The fights are bigger, the technology is cooler, and the action is a non-stop tap that continues to overflow with excitement. How is Globaltech involved? What about Josh? There are many questions that are fully addressed as you progress thought this story. For me, I always enjoy the various pokes at companies that make me want to laugh out loud. Here we get some insight into the Dunkin franchise and a perception of people who live in New Hampshire. All in good fun and laughter. As stated earlier, we get to see a few different sides of Adrien as well throughout this audiobook. We see his deep-seated revenge against those who wish harm to those he loves, and even those who have been wronged. For an assassin, I have enjoyed seeing his moral ground, yet he does have a tight hold on his desire for swift revenge. Adrian is a rather complex individual who has continued to grow and develop over the series. After this audiobook, it will be interesting to witness his next direction.

About the audiobook’s narration, I have never been disappointed by anything narrated by Gary Bennett. His works have a high level of professionalism, and he knows the stories he is reading by adding the necessary inflections, etc. I do not recall any issues with the audio itself and the character voicing is consistent thought out as well. Mr. Bennett has voiced a number of different genre of audiobooks, so I’m sure you will find one you will like of his. For me, it is the smooth and reliable flow of his voice, even for a long running series, that I enjoy the most. I just glad such people take time to bring audiobooks to the masses.

For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook contains quite a bit of profanity and graphic violence. There are also a few more mature subjects that may not be fully appropriate for younger listeners. I would recommend this audiobook for only mature listeners.

In summary, this latest audiobook in the series is loaded with both caffeine and adrenaline. The action is heightened, the fights are impressive, and the target is believed to be impossible. The narration is strong, consistent, and well delivered. It really is a rollercoaster ride that has many highs and many lows, yet this one has multiple big drops that the listener may not see coming. Pure entertainment.
Profile Image for Brian's Book Blog.
805 reviews60 followers
November 28, 2023
Wild… In The Best Way.

I know that comparing any action/trained assassin story to Bourne is a bit of a faux pas. Still, there were scenes in this that the only way that my brain could compute was by going to the highlight reel in my head of scenes from those movies and pulling up the ones where he gets out of insane situations with planned, fast movements. Adrian Hell is such a great assassin that the comparison is meant as nothing but a compliment.

A Necessary Kill, besides containing one of my least favorite words to try and remember how to spell, was an excellent story from beginning to end. Sumner absolutely nails the nonstop action in this one. I don’t know if I was breathing properly for a while. The action was so fast that I felt like I was reminding myself to take a breath. Adrian is forced to team up with some interesting and unique characters in this one and the back-and-forth this creates is hilarious and great at the same time.

I won’t spoil the storyline, people, or crazy things that happen but there were surprises around every corner. This one was a wild one from beginning to end in the best way possible. I’m struggling to write much more without spoiling, so fair warning for the next paragraph.

SPOILER ALERT: There is one benefit to an audiobook being done before the ebook editions – a book like this, with the steepest of cliffhanger endings can be somewhat quickly answered by looking to see if there are more books in the series. Spoilers aside, I’m thrilled that there will be more Adrian in my life, and I hope that Bennett keeps getting the honor of performing them.

Overall, A Necessary Kill was brilliant from front to back. Sumner has solidified himself as a master thriller writer and Adrian is one of the best fictional characters I’ve read in a long time. Throw in the excellent performance by Gary Bennett and you’ve got an EASY top rating from me, and this will likely go down as one of the top books I’ve read in 2023.

Oh and the scene(s) with his “dark side” for lack of a better term. Bone-chilling.

Rarely do I have to come back and add more to a review after, and likely a small spoiler alert. Sumner, you should consider writing a post-apocalyptic story based on the world that you created in this story (trying so hard not to spoil much more).
Profile Image for Carolyn Injoy.
1,240 reviews145 followers
December 26, 2019
A Necessary Kill, Book 5 in the Adrian Hell Series by James P. Sumner is a gripping conspiracy. I gave it four stars.

I received a complimentary Kindle copy of this book from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.

About Adrian Hell: "He's on the run, cut off from his allies and being hunted by the U.S government, who believe he was responsible for a devastating terrorist attack. Only he knows the truth behind the terrifying conspiracy, and the people involved want him silenced at all costs."

Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Kill...
210 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2019
Good one.

Better than the last one! I have only minor quibbles with this one. Much better than the last one. The President reminds me of Trump, but with a few morals. Emphasis on the "few". I missed Josh not being so involved. Adrian has more lives than a cat. Ok, I am a sucker for evil people meeting their Karma, especially when that Lady has PMS on steroids! Adrian make a great agent of Karma, so I do get just a wee bit of schadenfreude when he takes out the arrogant bad boys, especially with our current real world political situation. Enjoy! I am.
413 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2022
Does it End.

The author has gotten better with each book. Only bad is the books don’t end. You have to get the next to know the ending of the last. The story lines are well thought out and flow together. All the characters have well developed personalities that show several sides to that character. Ruby had several personalities that helped move and develop the story. Read and enjoy. Over look the violence, watch how the author put the story together.
Profile Image for Dave.
6 reviews
December 3, 2021
Another James P Sumner master piece absolutely loved it.. I’m definitely hooked on the Adrian Hell series.. as soon as I put Necessary Kill down with my right hand my left hand is holding Good Intentions book 6.. Ruby DeSouza definitely needs a stand alone novel her character had me in stitches..
Thank you James, love your work..
22 reviews
April 25, 2022
Very Well Written

I enjoyed this book a great deal. The concept of following a contract killer as he is forced out of retirement was a brilliant idea. I appreciated the insight the story gives with the conversations the central character, Adrian Hell, has in his own head. I recommend this book to any adult that is intrigued by such stories.
83 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2022
Plenty of non stop action

The world is on a heap of trouble because a mad man who has been elected president of the United States has a vision of a unified world with himself as the glorified leader. It's up to our hero, Adrian "Hell" Hughes to try and save mankind. A non stop action thriller, with plenty of characters to keep you wanting more.
194 reviews
November 10, 2021
A Necessary Kill by James P. Summer

This is the second book in the Adrian Hell series of this author that I have read. As with previous one excellent thriller from start to finish although getting rid of the President of the USA by a single person seems extremely improbable.
10 reviews
April 18, 2022
A Necessary Kill

There was lots of action. Good. The only thing I didn't like was the whole tongue-in
-cheek attitude, similar to secret agents of the sixties. Overall, pretty good.
60 reviews
May 1, 2022
Love the Adrian He'll books

I am a big fan of this series of books and this one was as good as the others
The USA president has started world war 3 but everyone believes its Korea
Adrian needs to take the president out to save the world
So much for his retirement as an assassin
350 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2022
Five Stars

Wow, wow and wow, and just for good measure wow. I now have another book to read, the sixth and entitled Good Intentions. A huge pat on the back for the author James P Sumner. He is responsible for some great writing. A well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
413 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2023
How many times does saying no result in total destruction of the ones asking? Readers follow an intense terrorists plot that seems highly unlikely for success. Slowly the reader is drawn in to seeing the possibility of plot's success and cheering on the main character. Recommended.
10 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2017
Could you call this a guilty pleasure? Maybe. Far fetched but so gripping. There is no other way to put it, if you are looking for a great adventure thriller that goes fast, this is it!
31 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2022
adrian he’ll book 5

A page turner, read it almost without stopping, fast paced, great characters, a full blooded continuation of the Adrian Hell story. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Debra H. Wruble.
419 reviews9 followers
April 21, 2022
Amazing

Well written story about an assassin who is wrongfully accused of killing millions by the President who really orchestrated the slaughter. Great read
Profile Image for Conrad Samayoa.
Author 11 books2 followers
April 30, 2022
Taut

Amazing what a well trained man can do! Despite his chosen profession, he was man enough to put an end to a horrible conspiracy. Conrad Samayoa
922 reviews11 followers
July 24, 2022
Hardcore Pagehugging Entertainment!

One of the most entertaining mystery/murder stories ever written! Great characters, Great plot and we'll worth the time to read!
391 reviews2 followers
Read
July 20, 2023
WOW

Just as I am strolling along..BAM. What a terrific novel and I can't wait to see what awaits Adrian Hell. He can not be dead.
89 reviews
November 3, 2023
Good “next book in the series”

I have continued to enjoy this series and look forward to the next one . Some aspects aren’t believable, but that’s part of the shtick.
Profile Image for Darlene.
502 reviews26 followers
March 3, 2017
A very good read

Action and more action. Just what I've come to expect from an Adrian Hell book. I must admit I felt sorry for Adrian being out on his own and being hunted by everyone. Must be scary even for an assassin. Which makes Adrian seek out help. I love the new and returning characters and wonder if we will see them again. The ending was a bit of a shock to me but ingress I couldn't expect anything less from Adrian.
2,946 reviews
June 7, 2022
This was another good addition to the Adrian Hell series. I would have rated it 5 stars, but I was very unhappy about the ending. Still plan to read the rest of the series, though.
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