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Adam Knight Thrillers #1
Shadow Operative
In a World Where Shadows Govern, One Man Stands at the Edge of Truth and Treachery
In the shadowy world of espionage, the U.S. government has a secret Penumbra Division—a covert bureau where the line between right and wrong blurs in the name of national security. At the forefront is Adam Knight, its most skilled contractor.
After returning from a mission with a bullet in his leg, the question looms: Can he still be the fixer the government so desperately needs?
When a renowned genetic scientist is killed during a vacation in Greece, Knight is called up to pursue the murderer, who himself was thought dead two years earlier. Knight's pursuit for truth across the globe turns perilous, facing ruthless forces, determined to bury their secrets. Among them, a deadly assassin, fixated on stopping him at all costs.
The investigation turns into a race against time as Knight uncovers a clandestine weapons program that threatens global security and could shift the balance of power into dangerous hands.
If the high-octane narratives of Tom Clancy, Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, Vince Flynn, and Ian Fleming keep you turning pages late into the night, then prepare to be engrossed by the world of Adam Knight.
In the shadowy world of espionage, the U.S. government has a secret Penumbra Division—a covert bureau where the line between right and wrong blurs in the name of national security. At the forefront is Adam Knight, its most skilled contractor.
After returning from a mission with a bullet in his leg, the question looms: Can he still be the fixer the government so desperately needs?
When a renowned genetic scientist is killed during a vacation in Greece, Knight is called up to pursue the murderer, who himself was thought dead two years earlier. Knight's pursuit for truth across the globe turns perilous, facing ruthless forces, determined to bury their secrets. Among them, a deadly assassin, fixated on stopping him at all costs.
The investigation turns into a race against time as Knight uncovers a clandestine weapons program that threatens global security and could shift the balance of power into dangerous hands.
If the high-octane narratives of Tom Clancy, Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, Vince Flynn, and Ian Fleming keep you turning pages late into the night, then prepare to be engrossed by the world of Adam Knight.
- GenresMystery Thriller
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2024
711 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 28, 2024
I found the book anoying. There was far too much descriptive writing.Every scene had far too much description with the longest words he could find to describe often simple things and scenes. The story could have been good but probably the book could have been reduced in size by at least 30%. It became so annoying in the end that I just stopped reading at about the 20% mark.
I like a scene and a character to be fleshed out but, for goodness sake, ten words to describe darkness beyond a cracked open door?
I like a scene and a character to be fleshed out but, for goodness sake, ten words to describe darkness beyond a cracked open door?
April 17, 2025
Tetsts
January 28, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an exciting and suspenseful page-turner that any fan of action and international intrigue would enjoy. The characters, as well as their surroundings, seemed real.
In the shadowy world of espionage, the U.S. government has a secret Penumbra Division—a covert bureau where the line between right and wrong blurs in the name of national security. We are introduced to the protagonist, an agent who goes by the pseudonym Adam Knight, as he is called upon to investigate the murder of a world-renowned geneticist.
The investigation turns into a race against time as Knight uncovers a clandestine genetic modification weapons program that threatens global security and could shift the balance of power into dangerous hands.
From the car chase where Knight met his would-be killer ex-SVR operative Savchenko to the repurposed missile silo the action never stopped. This novel will surely be a favourite of fans of the high-octane narratives of Tom Clancy, Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn.
On a five-star scale, the action-packed story is easily worthy of the four-star rating.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an exciting and suspenseful page-turner that any fan of action and international intrigue would enjoy. The characters, as well as their surroundings, seemed real.
In the shadowy world of espionage, the U.S. government has a secret Penumbra Division—a covert bureau where the line between right and wrong blurs in the name of national security. We are introduced to the protagonist, an agent who goes by the pseudonym Adam Knight, as he is called upon to investigate the murder of a world-renowned geneticist.
The investigation turns into a race against time as Knight uncovers a clandestine genetic modification weapons program that threatens global security and could shift the balance of power into dangerous hands.
From the car chase where Knight met his would-be killer ex-SVR operative Savchenko to the repurposed missile silo the action never stopped. This novel will surely be a favourite of fans of the high-octane narratives of Tom Clancy, Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn.
On a five-star scale, the action-packed story is easily worthy of the four-star rating.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
Tense
A great story, well written with lots of tension.
Knight is a member of an off the books Government organisation called Penumbra. Knight is not his real identity but it’s unlikely anyone in the organisation uses their own name.
Some high profile scientists have been murdered and Penumbra believes they know who did it, Jordan Cain. Cain is an augmented soldier and the dead scientists were part of the organisation developing augmented soldiers.
Knight is sent to remove Cain as the danger of augmented soldiers is quite obvious, they are mega soldiers and their fighting skills are second to none.
Another Penumbra member, Feeney is also sent on the trail and she pairs up with Knight in pursuit of Cain and one other augmented soldier, Burns.
Feeney and Knight have worked together previously many years ago in Cairo and it seems that Feeney is still sulking about how things worked out then. Will Feeney let things go or continue to sulk?
There are some really good fight scenes full of tension and brutality. It’s gripping and keeps you engaged throughout, although it’s a bit of a slow burn.
Have Knight and Feeney met their match? Read the book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from Sam Cogley as this is a very impressive book.
A great story, well written with lots of tension.
Knight is a member of an off the books Government organisation called Penumbra. Knight is not his real identity but it’s unlikely anyone in the organisation uses their own name.
Some high profile scientists have been murdered and Penumbra believes they know who did it, Jordan Cain. Cain is an augmented soldier and the dead scientists were part of the organisation developing augmented soldiers.
Knight is sent to remove Cain as the danger of augmented soldiers is quite obvious, they are mega soldiers and their fighting skills are second to none.
Another Penumbra member, Feeney is also sent on the trail and she pairs up with Knight in pursuit of Cain and one other augmented soldier, Burns.
Feeney and Knight have worked together previously many years ago in Cairo and it seems that Feeney is still sulking about how things worked out then. Will Feeney let things go or continue to sulk?
There are some really good fight scenes full of tension and brutality. It’s gripping and keeps you engaged throughout, although it’s a bit of a slow burn.
Have Knight and Feeney met their match? Read the book to find out. I can’t wait to read more from Sam Cogley as this is a very impressive book.
July 19, 2025
Shadow Operator by Sam Cogley lands squarely in the realm of the "just okay." It’s a competent, straightforward read with the familiar beats of a political thriller or espionage novel, but it doesn’t break new ground or leave a lasting impression. While the plot moves along at a decent pace and the author clearly knows the genre, there weren’t many moments that truly wowed me or stood out as memorable.
The characters felt serviceable but not especially deep or distinctive. The twists were predictable enough, and the writing style, while clear, lacked the kind of punch or originality that might elevate it above similar titles. That said, I did finish the book, and there’s something to be said for a story that carries you through from start to finish, even if it doesn’t dazzle.
Overall, Shadow Operator is a moderately average read. If you’re a fan of espionage fiction and just looking for something to pass the time, it might fit the bill. Just don’t go in expecting anything groundbreaking.
The characters felt serviceable but not especially deep or distinctive. The twists were predictable enough, and the writing style, while clear, lacked the kind of punch or originality that might elevate it above similar titles. That said, I did finish the book, and there’s something to be said for a story that carries you through from start to finish, even if it doesn’t dazzle.
Overall, Shadow Operator is a moderately average read. If you’re a fan of espionage fiction and just looking for something to pass the time, it might fit the bill. Just don’t go in expecting anything groundbreaking.
January 30, 2024
Shadow Operative is the 1st in series of thrillers featuring the off-the-books operative Adam Knight. There's plenty of blood and violence in myriad forms with lots of pieces added to the puzzle, chapter by chapter, for the first half of the book, with locations all over the globe. Then, as the picture of the opposition emerges, Adam is paired with a fellow operative to bring the mission. Together, they have to fight the odds, before the can bring the mission to a close. In a thriller's version of a HEA, they both live to see another day. Fans of action-filled, fast-paced reads that still pay attention to small details will love this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2024
Fast moving thriller.
A fast moving thriller that has Knight sent on a mission to uncover the secrets of a medical company which eventually ends up with him and a fellow agent in Russia. There they discover that the last scientist of the company still alive was behind genetic engineering of two superhuman beings currently restrained in a laboratory. Subsequent attempts to destroy the facility results in Knight surrendering to save his partner from capture and her exploits resulting in the release of Knight and the two superhuman beings who go on a killing spree. Eventually they somehow survive and accomplish their mission.
A fast moving thriller that has Knight sent on a mission to uncover the secrets of a medical company which eventually ends up with him and a fellow agent in Russia. There they discover that the last scientist of the company still alive was behind genetic engineering of two superhuman beings currently restrained in a laboratory. Subsequent attempts to destroy the facility results in Knight surrendering to save his partner from capture and her exploits resulting in the release of Knight and the two superhuman beings who go on a killing spree. Eventually they somehow survive and accomplish their mission.
September 25, 2024
A very entertaining book
This book is a page turner that I thoroughly enjoy reading. Even though it is a fictional book, I got caught up in the story so often that I had to remind myself that the story is fiction. The author did a great job in developing the characters which kept the continuity of the story flowing so well that I wanted to read faster to see what happened next. I seldom write reviews but this book deserved to be recognized for the quality of the writing as well as for the content of the story. The book was full of action and adventure that r extremely well written. I recommend this book without reservation.
This book is a page turner that I thoroughly enjoy reading. Even though it is a fictional book, I got caught up in the story so often that I had to remind myself that the story is fiction. The author did a great job in developing the characters which kept the continuity of the story flowing so well that I wanted to read faster to see what happened next. I seldom write reviews but this book deserved to be recognized for the quality of the writing as well as for the content of the story. The book was full of action and adventure that r extremely well written. I recommend this book without reservation.
August 22, 2025
Don't read this book thinking it is your usual secret government division and action spy thriller, this book series is different and better by far. Adam Knight uncovers threats against national security and in turn has become the target of those who wish to ensure the balance of power tips their way.
This is book one is a series and by the time you finish this you will be like me and in a hurry to start book two in the Adam Knight series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced action of this book and the audio version is brilliantly narrated, especially with the range of accents. You get fully immersed in the conspiracy aspects of the story.
A brilliant read.
This is book one is a series and by the time you finish this you will be like me and in a hurry to start book two in the Adam Knight series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced action of this book and the audio version is brilliantly narrated, especially with the range of accents. You get fully immersed in the conspiracy aspects of the story.
A brilliant read.
October 13, 2025
Adam Knight, an operative for the shadow CIA Penumbra, is tasked with finding and eliminating the killer of a genetic scientist. However that killing is not the first and he seems behind in his race to find the killer identified as Jordan Cain, an American from a small Montana town.
From the first, he's being tracked (and if he's from this ultimate super spy group) why does he never figure that out? He survives many attempts on his life, finds Cain but never the real puppet master behind this new threat.
As a first in the series it was about a 2.5 for me and it didn't draw me in enough to want to read the next installment but it evoked sympathy for the exploited Jordan Cain.
From the first, he's being tracked (and if he's from this ultimate super spy group) why does he never figure that out? He survives many attempts on his life, finds Cain but never the real puppet master behind this new threat.
As a first in the series it was about a 2.5 for me and it didn't draw me in enough to want to read the next installment but it evoked sympathy for the exploited Jordan Cain.
January 27, 2024
A suspenseful page turner from the beginning to the end. Shadow -Operative was a perfect read following Patriot Recruit. The characters, as well as their surroundings seemed real. From the car chase where Knight met his would be killer ex-SVR operative Savchenko to the repurposed missile silo the action never stopped.
Feeney’s character exhumed bravery, confidence and deadly force. Her weapons and computer tech knowledge saved the day.
I highly recommend this book if you love fast paced action from beginning to end.
Feeney’s character exhumed bravery, confidence and deadly force. Her weapons and computer tech knowledge saved the day.
I highly recommend this book if you love fast paced action from beginning to end.
May 15, 2025
I had hopes for this series after a quick scan of reviews but was disappointed. No originality, poorly conceived action and over use of adjectives and adverbs that detract from pacing and proved fatal for maintaining interest. Why include Knight's dream sequences? They led nowhere and added nothing to the plot. Maybe Mr Cogley had intentions for further development in future instalments, but I'll never know because I won't be reading them. A good editor would have made some serious cuts and changes and may have even helped deliver an entertaining 220 page novel instead of a 300 page trial.
February 20, 2025
Action from Good Guy & Bad Guy.
The book has action with the bad guys leaving a trail of bodies. Most of the bad guys bodies were from a Doctor that engineered the bad guys by using medicine to invent the super human soldier. Sam was send to stop the engineered person from killing more people and shutting down the Doctors lab. This starts in the US, goes to Europe and finally Russia. This is an interesting book if you go for older type international spy type of story.
The book has action with the bad guys leaving a trail of bodies. Most of the bad guys bodies were from a Doctor that engineered the bad guys by using medicine to invent the super human soldier. Sam was send to stop the engineered person from killing more people and shutting down the Doctors lab. This starts in the US, goes to Europe and finally Russia. This is an interesting book if you go for older type international spy type of story.
February 9, 2024
This was a great story to start off this series. I had to laugh a little at one point because it reminded me of V for Vendetta a bit, and that's one of my favorite movies. I'm curious to see what will come next. This promises to be a good series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2024
A real knight with a V8 horse
Well written , storyline flows effortlessly. Push all the right buttons I look for when reading a book. Strong storyline, humor, action, suspense. What makes the story so great is that the hero doesn't appear untouchable. He is a trained individual that comes up on top with skill and a lot of luck. Great awesome read. Where's the next one
Well written , storyline flows effortlessly. Push all the right buttons I look for when reading a book. Strong storyline, humor, action, suspense. What makes the story so great is that the hero doesn't appear untouchable. He is a trained individual that comes up on top with skill and a lot of luck. Great awesome read. Where's the next one
March 3, 2024
A good read
Adam Knight is a well thought out character with a bit of history, an active and intelligent personality prepared to do whatever is needed to serve his country in the shadows. The future is likely more of the same with the twists and turns that a messy world and creative author can conjure up.
Adam Knight is a well thought out character with a bit of history, an active and intelligent personality prepared to do whatever is needed to serve his country in the shadows. The future is likely more of the same with the twists and turns that a messy world and creative author can conjure up.
March 10, 2024
Wow, now this is what I call an action/adventure. I have always been intrigued by secret agents and black op escapades, so this book was no disappointment. I read this book on my computer, but I plan on buying any & all I can find in print form by this author. I love his characters, and reading this was an edge of your seat read.
May 7, 2024
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This is a standalone read and a great start to this series. Adam Knight is assigned to go in and get the bad guys and his training has served him well in getting the task done. Plenty of action you don't want to miss out on and a book you just can't put down.
October 25, 2024
The premise of the story was good, as was the character development. But, overall it was just alright. Plenty of action, but felt it moved at a snails pace at times. Got hung up in the minutae of unnecessary details. I might have a go at the next book in the series, but won't be rushing to get it anytime soon.
July 27, 2025
Super Soldiers, Possible ?
This story gives a view into a future warfare technique that most 21st century readers do not think about, a super human soldier physically but also emotionally & intellectually. The setting in Europe and Russia provide all the pace and intrigue one finds in a Cold War novel or a modern research project gone wrong.
This story gives a view into a future warfare technique that most 21st century readers do not think about, a super human soldier physically but also emotionally & intellectually. The setting in Europe and Russia provide all the pace and intrigue one finds in a Cold War novel or a modern research project gone wrong.
February 1, 2024
This inos an action Thriller very well written the author did a great job with this story I very much enjoyed reading this book this is book 1 in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2024
I've been looking for a new author to follow and I'm excited to report that Sam Cogley is on the list! This is a great tale of the cloak and dagger variety. If you like spy novels or mysteries, then check this one out!
April 1, 2024
Another American superhero who works for a secret agency as a hitman. This one involves tracking down the killer of an American geneticist - a somewhat routine thriller but readable and mildly entertaining.
June 30, 2024
Really poor on facts... disappointing read
Has no-one told you that diesel doesn't burn when you light it ?
This is school children basic science, and is just one glaring error in a tome of errors that spoil an average story.
Has no-one told you that diesel doesn't burn when you light it ?
This is school children basic science, and is just one glaring error in a tome of errors that spoil an average story.
September 20, 2024
Suspenseful
The first in the series build very good character development. A fast passed action packed book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Well written and very well presented.
The first in the series build very good character development. A fast passed action packed book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Well written and very well presented.
February 16, 2025
Excellent Tale
This book tells an excellent story It is fast- paced with lots of twists and turns. It even has a fairly good ending though not a happily-ever-after ending, just a fairly realistic ending. If you like fast-paced thrillers,this is a book for you.
This book tells an excellent story It is fast- paced with lots of twists and turns. It even has a fairly good ending though not a happily-ever-after ending, just a fairly realistic ending. If you like fast-paced thrillers,this is a book for you.
February 24, 2025
An unsanctioned spy
An unsanctioned spy group can do what they need to do to get the job done using anything necessary including eliminating evil doers. Lots of action in this book.
An unsanctioned spy group can do what they need to do to get the job done using anything necessary including eliminating evil doers. Lots of action in this book.
May 8, 2025
An interesting spy thriller, has a Jack Reacher type of character as the lead. The plot was good and the characters had some mystery about them. The scenes felt over-described in my opinion and distracted from the thriller pacing.
August 26, 2025
Knight and bourbon
Author really describes everything on each page, very descriptive. Involves another super secret organisation, main character Adam pretty cool, seems to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat each time.
Author really describes everything on each page, very descriptive. Involves another super secret organisation, main character Adam pretty cool, seems to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat each time.
February 8, 2024
It's a kind of novel that visually plays out in your head as you read it. The guns, knives, hand-to-hand combat and the thrill. It is all immersive and awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews