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Chess Team Adventure #3.8
Callsign: King - Book 3 - Blackout
Twice before, Jack Sigler—Callsign: King—has stopped the mysterious ‘Brainstorm’ from destroying all life on earth. Twice before, he’s survived Brainstorm’s assassins. So when the mastermind behind Brainstorm surfaces in Paris, King goes on the offensive.
As the final showdown unfolds in the legendary City of Lights, the villain’s scheme to plunge the world into literal darkness is revealed. But even Brainstorm isn’t ready for the destructive force that has been unleashed…an entity of darkness imprisoned for more than a thousand years, set free now to devour...everything.
The blackout has begun… When the sun rises, the world will end.
Callsign: King – Blackout was the eighth in a series of Chess Team novellas released in 2011, and the conclusion to the story arc in the first two Callsign: King stories. Each of the eight books in the entire series—deemed the ‘Chesspocalypse’—follows a single member of the team and is co-authored by Jeremy Robinson and one of six other fantastic authors. The stories take place after the events of Threshold, the third Jack Sigler thriller, and before the events of Ragnarok, the fourth full-length novel in the series. The Chesspocalypse novellas are designed to introduce readers to the series. If you haven’t read the novels, no worries. Enjoy the ride!
Praise for Robinson
“Rocket-boosted action, brilliant speculation, and the recreation of a horror out of the mythologic past, all seamlessly blend into a rollercoaster ride of suspense and adventure.”
—James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Eye of God
“With Threshold Jeremy Robinson goes pedal to the metal into very dark territory. Fast-paced, action-packed and wonderfully creepy! Highly recommended!”
—Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin
“Jeremy Robinson is the next James Rollins”
—Chris Kuzneski, New York Times bestselling author of The Einstein Pursuit
“If you like thrillers original, unpredictable and chock-full of action, you are going to love Jeremy Robinson...”
—Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author of Pirate Alley
“How do you find an original story idea in the crowded action-thriller genre? Two words: Jeremy Robinson.”
—Scott Sigler, New York Times bestselling author of Pandemic
“There’s nothing timid about Robinson as he drops his readers off the cliff without a parachute and somehow manages to catch us an inch or two from doom.”
—Jeff Long, New York Times bestselling author of The Descent
Praise for Ellis
“Some books are just plain unbridled fun, others are edge of the seat gripping entertainment, some make you think, a few open your eyes. Sean Ellis is a magician, doing it all with a deftness that pulls you in and draws you along from page one breathlessly to the end of the book.”
—Steven Savile, international bestselling author of Silver
“Sean Ellis delivers another high-octane romp, exploring mythical lost civilizations and alternative histories, with the unrelenting pace of your favorite summer blockbuster.”
—Stel Pavlou, bestselling author of Decipher
“[The Adventures of Dodge Dalton in the Shadow of Falcon’s Wings] is high flying adventure at its best. Cleverly conceived, original, and multi-layered, the action literally jumps off the page and takes the reader through unexpected twists and turns.”
—Rob MacGregor, New York Times bestselling author of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Hawk Moon
As the final showdown unfolds in the legendary City of Lights, the villain’s scheme to plunge the world into literal darkness is revealed. But even Brainstorm isn’t ready for the destructive force that has been unleashed…an entity of darkness imprisoned for more than a thousand years, set free now to devour...everything.
The blackout has begun… When the sun rises, the world will end.
Callsign: King – Blackout was the eighth in a series of Chess Team novellas released in 2011, and the conclusion to the story arc in the first two Callsign: King stories. Each of the eight books in the entire series—deemed the ‘Chesspocalypse’—follows a single member of the team and is co-authored by Jeremy Robinson and one of six other fantastic authors. The stories take place after the events of Threshold, the third Jack Sigler thriller, and before the events of Ragnarok, the fourth full-length novel in the series. The Chesspocalypse novellas are designed to introduce readers to the series. If you haven’t read the novels, no worries. Enjoy the ride!
Praise for Robinson
“Rocket-boosted action, brilliant speculation, and the recreation of a horror out of the mythologic past, all seamlessly blend into a rollercoaster ride of suspense and adventure.”
—James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Eye of God
“With Threshold Jeremy Robinson goes pedal to the metal into very dark territory. Fast-paced, action-packed and wonderfully creepy! Highly recommended!”
—Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin
“Jeremy Robinson is the next James Rollins”
—Chris Kuzneski, New York Times bestselling author of The Einstein Pursuit
“If you like thrillers original, unpredictable and chock-full of action, you are going to love Jeremy Robinson...”
—Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestselling author of Pirate Alley
“How do you find an original story idea in the crowded action-thriller genre? Two words: Jeremy Robinson.”
—Scott Sigler, New York Times bestselling author of Pandemic
“There’s nothing timid about Robinson as he drops his readers off the cliff without a parachute and somehow manages to catch us an inch or two from doom.”
—Jeff Long, New York Times bestselling author of The Descent
Praise for Ellis
“Some books are just plain unbridled fun, others are edge of the seat gripping entertainment, some make you think, a few open your eyes. Sean Ellis is a magician, doing it all with a deftness that pulls you in and draws you along from page one breathlessly to the end of the book.”
—Steven Savile, international bestselling author of Silver
“Sean Ellis delivers another high-octane romp, exploring mythical lost civilizations and alternative histories, with the unrelenting pace of your favorite summer blockbuster.”
—Stel Pavlou, bestselling author of Decipher
“[The Adventures of Dodge Dalton in the Shadow of Falcon’s Wings] is high flying adventure at its best. Cleverly conceived, original, and multi-layered, the action literally jumps off the page and takes the reader through unexpected twists and turns.”
—Rob MacGregor, New York Times bestselling author of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Hawk Moon
ebook
First published April 24, 2012
36 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Robinson
164 books2,609 followersJeremy Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of seventy novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and Action-Adventure, and secured him as the top creature feature author. Many of his novels have been adapted into comic books, optioned for film and TV, and translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. Visit him at www.bewareofmonsters.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 23, 2023
I am enjoying the Callsign series, and like the insight that it gives us into the Chess Team members. With this installment in the Callsign: King series, Brainstorm is back with a vengeance. Also back for this story is Hercules, better known as Alexander Diotrophes. The ongoing distrust between him and King make for an intense story that I didn't want to put down. Fiona had a large part in the story, and I like learning more about her each time she is involved.
Now off to find some more Callsign books to read!
Now off to find some more Callsign books to read!
December 29, 2019
Welcome to the ultimate battle between the unknown entity, Brainstorm, and Jack Sigler (otherwise known by his Black Ops Callsign - KING). Previous conflicts has seen King emerging victorious but, winning each new battle has become even more critical as the potential results of those battles has escalated to the point of global disaster. And now, in this the final confrontation, the true enemy is revealed and the deadly plan for humanity is uncovered and it may take the efforts of not only King and all his abilities, but the help of some of his deadliest enemies and that of his closest family...and failure may lose the world.
Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis wrap up the three part Callsign: King series...AND...the eight book Chesspocalypse interwoven adventure that highlighted each of the individual members of the Black Ops unit known as the CHESS TEAM. Robinson is truly one of the current masters of the thriller/horror/military genres and his story telling skills continue to grow with each new book. And, with the help of Sean Ellis who, in his own right, is a wonderful writer of adventures and stories of action and adventure, the two continue to entertain and amaze the readers of all things Jack Sigler and the Chess Team.
Casual readers picking this book up as the first time reading a Jack Sigler adventure... and it also being the end of the CALLSIGN:KING trilogy... will enjoy the story but may have a harder time understanding all the background and the players that make up this story.
Still and all, this was another wonderful entry in the SIGLER story and a fun and exciting addition to the universes of Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis.
Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis wrap up the three part Callsign: King series...AND...the eight book Chesspocalypse interwoven adventure that highlighted each of the individual members of the Black Ops unit known as the CHESS TEAM. Robinson is truly one of the current masters of the thriller/horror/military genres and his story telling skills continue to grow with each new book. And, with the help of Sean Ellis who, in his own right, is a wonderful writer of adventures and stories of action and adventure, the two continue to entertain and amaze the readers of all things Jack Sigler and the Chess Team.
Casual readers picking this book up as the first time reading a Jack Sigler adventure... and it also being the end of the CALLSIGN:KING trilogy... will enjoy the story but may have a harder time understanding all the background and the players that make up this story.
Still and all, this was another wonderful entry in the SIGLER story and a fun and exciting addition to the universes of Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis.
February 26, 2018
Upon conclusion Callsign: King- Blackout puts me in a weird position. While I won't say that the final volume in Robinson's Chesspocolypse series was horrible (because it did have its moments of fun), I have to say that after 14 months of getting through them, I am a little bit glad to be done with these 8 short novels.
In all honesty, while this book and the majority of the others are thrillers of the highest order, after about the 4th book, it was just a lot of the same thing, over and over again. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with that, and, after all, Robinson is known as one of the best in this sub-genre as well as the creator of the Chess Team, so there is going to be a rather common theme of familiarity throughout these stories, it's just that after 8 books of basically the same plot recycled with a different facade, the creativity and originality start to wane and the non stop action can't really do much to save it.
That's not to say that Blackout isn't good. Despite its repetition, I would have to say it ranks among the best of the entire series, maybe only beat by Callsign: Bishop and the first Callsign: King. Ellis and Robinson make a great team as authors (although it's pretty evident most, if not all, of the writing here was Ellis's). In typical Chess Team fashion, this final book is fast and has enough action to keep even the most apathetic readers at least marginally entertained.
In all honesty, while this book and the majority of the others are thrillers of the highest order, after about the 4th book, it was just a lot of the same thing, over and over again. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with that, and, after all, Robinson is known as one of the best in this sub-genre as well as the creator of the Chess Team, so there is going to be a rather common theme of familiarity throughout these stories, it's just that after 8 books of basically the same plot recycled with a different facade, the creativity and originality start to wane and the non stop action can't really do much to save it.
That's not to say that Blackout isn't good. Despite its repetition, I would have to say it ranks among the best of the entire series, maybe only beat by Callsign: Bishop and the first Callsign: King. Ellis and Robinson make a great team as authors (although it's pretty evident most, if not all, of the writing here was Ellis's). In typical Chess Team fashion, this final book is fast and has enough action to keep even the most apathetic readers at least marginally entertained.
August 5, 2019
Robinson continues to set the bar for good stories and characters. King continues, or rather we get to see more of his depth in Blackout, along with a little bit of Hercules. I started another book right after Blackout and it just not the same. Tangents that go nowhere, long description of activities or areas that are meaningless. It is hard not to read all the Robinson books as soon as I get them.
November 18, 2021
And this marks the end of the Chessppocalypse series of novellas. The brainstorm series felt like a standout novel on its own, which ends with a black-hole-with-brain. I mean, why the hell not right?! But I just couldn't stand the 'quantum theory proves faith works' crap. This irks me so much! Anyway. Overall, it was fun and enjoyable.
September 16, 2020
What a wild ride characteristic of a Jeremy Robinson book! A mysterious computer named Brainstorm, assassins, quantum computers, black holes and lullabies.
September 29, 2022
Insanely great book, and series!
December 31, 2016
I think this was the best so far. Keep them coming!
March 4, 2014
The fun never stops.
King, Jack Sigler, is having some family time with his girlfriend, Sara, and his adopted daughter, Fiona when he gets called in to apprehend Brainstorm. And he’s on his way to Paris.
Brainstorm is at it again, trying to control the world’s power supply. In his efforts, he hires a computer hacker to set up a series of smart phones that will give him control of 10 major power plants. However, Brainstorm’s hacker has his own plans. Brainstorm is handing out his smart phones to specially selected people on a river cruise in Paris. King crashes the party. The Soviets also send a team to capture Brainstorm.
In the meantime, Sara and Fiona fly to Paris to surprise King when his mission is complete. While visiting the Louvre, they see someone they know. Following him, they find out he is posing as a researcher. But he is actually trying to divert a disaster. While King is capturing Brainstorm, Sara and Fiona get caught when a black hole is created inside the museum.
This story moves along very swiftly. It is engaging and the characters are familiar friends from previous stories. I highly recommend reading this short story.
King, Jack Sigler, is having some family time with his girlfriend, Sara, and his adopted daughter, Fiona when he gets called in to apprehend Brainstorm. And he’s on his way to Paris.
Brainstorm is at it again, trying to control the world’s power supply. In his efforts, he hires a computer hacker to set up a series of smart phones that will give him control of 10 major power plants. However, Brainstorm’s hacker has his own plans. Brainstorm is handing out his smart phones to specially selected people on a river cruise in Paris. King crashes the party. The Soviets also send a team to capture Brainstorm.
In the meantime, Sara and Fiona fly to Paris to surprise King when his mission is complete. While visiting the Louvre, they see someone they know. Following him, they find out he is posing as a researcher. But he is actually trying to divert a disaster. While King is capturing Brainstorm, Sara and Fiona get caught when a black hole is created inside the museum.
This story moves along very swiftly. It is engaging and the characters are familiar friends from previous stories. I highly recommend reading this short story.
February 26, 2014
Listened to the Audible version this time around, and what a great thrill ride it was. Once again, Jeffrey Kafer has brought this amazing story and fantastic characters to life/
Originally read in 2012 - Brainstorm is back AGAIN! But this time, it's in danger of being superseded by an even more dangerous and ancient evil!! It also brings back Hercules (Alexander Diotrephes) and we are once again wondering where his loyalties lie. I really enjoyed the return of Fiona and Sara and seeing King as a family man. I just worry that Jeremy Robinson will follow other action novelists who seem to feel that action heroes aren't allowed to be happy family men (yes, you know who you are, Matthew Reilly and Vince Flynn). Very much looking forward to the next full length novel!,
Originally read in 2012 - Brainstorm is back AGAIN! But this time, it's in danger of being superseded by an even more dangerous and ancient evil!! It also brings back Hercules (Alexander Diotrephes) and we are once again wondering where his loyalties lie. I really enjoyed the return of Fiona and Sara and seeing King as a family man. I just worry that Jeremy Robinson will follow other action novelists who seem to feel that action heroes aren't allowed to be happy family men (yes, you know who you are, Matthew Reilly and Vince Flynn). Very much looking forward to the next full length novel!,
July 19, 2012
Brainstorm is back AGAIN! But this time, it's in danger of being superseded by an even more dangerous and ancient evil!! It also brings back Hercules (Alexander Diotrephes) and we are once again wondering where his loyalties lie. I really enjoyed the return of Fiona and Sara and seeing King as a family man. I just worry that Jeremy Robinson will follow other action novelists who seem to feel that action heroes aren't allowed to be happy family men (yes, you know who you are, Matthew Reilly and Vince Flynn). Very much looking forward to the next full length novel!,
April 13, 2016
The last volume of this novella series is simply awesome. I had trouble sleeping because I couldn't stop reading. Fortunately I forced my self to read it for longer, just for the pure pleasure of enjoying an extremely creative techno-thriller. One of the best in the Callsign series. Jeremy Robinson never ceases to surprise us with his gripping, fast-paced and exciting creative writing. He is the best writer that can pursue the excellence found in Michael Crichton.
February 10, 2014
this novella grabs you and never lets go. I really love jack sigler - chess team. The books are always full of action and surprises.
this is a the third book in the set, but they do not need to be read in sequence.
I am really looking forward to reading more of the chess team.
this is a the third book in the set, but they do not need to be read in sequence.
I am really looking forward to reading more of the chess team.
February 14, 2014
This last chapter of The Brainstorm trilogy is fast and fun. Everything comes to a head and the stuff really hits the fan. An awesome ending to a nice little trilogy. Also the last in the Call Sign novellas, it wraps up a nice little bunch of stories with a climactic ending. Don't skip this one! Now onto Ragnarok....
July 27, 2012
Loved it! A really great must read.....loved the appearance of..."Graham Brown"....thru out the 3 Novellas. Jeremy & Sean are both great Authors.....together they are excellent.....right Graham?
I highly recommend all 3 Novellas in the Chess Team King-Brainstorm Series.
I highly recommend all 3 Novellas in the Chess Team King-Brainstorm Series.
February 23, 2014
The Chess Team books are a blast to read and I loved each of the Callsign books. Get to know each character a little better with a great story. You can't go wrong with Jeremy Robinson's books, check them out!
March 24, 2014
Yet another great action novel and the end of the Brainstorm Trilogy. This brought all the loose end together to a great and climatic conclusion. For another quicker action novel this is a great one, but needs to be read after the first two. For all you Jack Sigler fans this is a must.
May 29, 2012
Good.
December 10, 2012
I enjoy these one-off stories, but I'm definitely ready for the band to get back together.
March 24, 2015
The third instalment in the King Trilogy doesn't disappoint, just like the others, it's full of action, intrigue, mysteries and family. It has some great moments of character development.
March 7, 2014
Wow, what a twist! Callsign: King - Book 3 - Blackout by Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis was a shockingly addictive way to end the Brainstorm trilogy! I did not see that coming.
April 7, 2014
JACKS BACK!!!!!
I do like that this is getting really into Jacks mind....
What I want to know is where is Jacks Parents???!!!!!
I do like that this is getting really into Jacks mind....
What I want to know is where is Jacks Parents???!!!!!
March 15, 2015
Meh. Not one of my favorites of the series. Done with the novellas though, back to the novels.
February 14, 2018
This last installment was definitely the best among the three. I think perhaps it ties in with less of Brown's overall involvement and more of the supernatural element.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews