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Lara King #2
Asset Two
“Thriller writing at its best.”
--Midwest Book Review (Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author Jack Mars (with over 10,000 five-star reviews) comes a groundbreaking new spy thriller orphan Lara King has been raised and trained from a young girl to become one of the CIA’s deadliest and most effective agents.
In ASSET TWO (Book #2), a plot involving dirty bombs propels CIA Agent Lara King into a shadowy race against time across urban battlegrounds. But the game changes when Lara uncovers explosive secrets about her parents and the agency she calls home—secrets that could ignite a war within her own heart.
The Lara King series delivers a captivating spy thriller with twists you won’t see coming, hooking you from start to finish. Embark on a riveting adventure with this new and thrilling action protagonist that guarantees to keep you engrossed well past your bedtime. Fans of Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor, and Lee Child are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are also available!
“Thriller enthusiasts who relish the precise execution of an international thriller, but who seek the psychological depth and believability of a protagonist who simultaneously fields professional and personal life challenges, will find this a gripping story that's hard to put down.”
--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“One of the best thrillers I have read this year. The plot is intelligent and will keep you hooked from the beginning. The author did a superb job creating a set of characters who are fully developed and very much enjoyable. I can hardly wait for the sequel.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
--Midwest Book Review (Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author Jack Mars (with over 10,000 five-star reviews) comes a groundbreaking new spy thriller orphan Lara King has been raised and trained from a young girl to become one of the CIA’s deadliest and most effective agents.
In ASSET TWO (Book #2), a plot involving dirty bombs propels CIA Agent Lara King into a shadowy race against time across urban battlegrounds. But the game changes when Lara uncovers explosive secrets about her parents and the agency she calls home—secrets that could ignite a war within her own heart.
The Lara King series delivers a captivating spy thriller with twists you won’t see coming, hooking you from start to finish. Embark on a riveting adventure with this new and thrilling action protagonist that guarantees to keep you engrossed well past your bedtime. Fans of Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor, and Lee Child are sure to fall in love.
Future books in the series are also available!
“Thriller enthusiasts who relish the precise execution of an international thriller, but who seek the psychological depth and believability of a protagonist who simultaneously fields professional and personal life challenges, will find this a gripping story that's hard to put down.”
--Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“One of the best thrillers I have read this year. The plot is intelligent and will keep you hooked from the beginning. The author did a superb job creating a set of characters who are fully developed and very much enjoyable. I can hardly wait for the sequel.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Any Means Necessary)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2024
259 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Jack Mars
256 books667 followersJack Mars is author of the bestselling LUKE STONE thriller series, which include the suspense thrillers ANY MEANS NECESSARY (book #1), OATH OF OFFICE (book #2) and SITUATION ROOM (book #3).
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 14, 2024
Ok, but could be better
So Lara and the team have to find a terrorist that has lots of material for dirty bombs
Usual team, usual interactions, usual result. And that's where improvements are needed it's just the usual stuff
Where it does improve is around the relationships of the team, especially those towards Kayden. I expect more of this as the books progress, but TBH the storylines themselves need to be less predictable
So Lara and the team have to find a terrorist that has lots of material for dirty bombs
Usual team, usual interactions, usual result. And that's where improvements are needed it's just the usual stuff
Where it does improve is around the relationships of the team, especially those towards Kayden. I expect more of this as the books progress, but TBH the storylines themselves need to be less predictable
December 16, 2025
"Asset Two" by Jack Mars is an adrenaline-fueled spy thriller that plunges CIA Agent Lara King into a high-stakes race against time. In this second installment of the Lara King series, Mars masterfully crafts a narrative filled with intricate plot twists, well-developed characters, and a pervasive sense of urgency. The story kicks off with a chilling threat: dirty bombs scattered across urban landscapes, setting the stage for a relentless pursuit that demands Lara's unwavering focus and expertise. As Lara navigates through shadowy alleys and dangerous locales, she uncovers a web of explosive secrets about her parents and the very agency she serves. This revelation adds a deeply personal dimension to the story, forcing Lara to confront her own identity and allegiances while battling external threats. The narrative tension is palpable as Lara grapples with the moral complexities of her mission, making split-second decisions that could have global consequences.
Lara King emerges as a compelling protagonist, embodying strength, intelligence, and vulnerability. Her character development is a standout feature of the novel, as she evolves from a skilled agent to a complex individual wrestling with her past and future. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. The dynamic between Lara and her colleagues adds layers of intrigue, with shifting alliances and hidden agendas keeping the reader guessing. The plot twists are strategically placed, delivering shocking revelations that upend expectations and propel the narrative forward. One particularly impactful twist involves the discovery of a long-buried family secret, which forces Lara to question everything she thought she knew about her parents' involvement with the CIA. Another twist reveals a mole within the agency, creating a sense of paranoia and distrust that permeates every scene. These plot elements are seamlessly woven together, enhancing the overall suspense and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The tone of "Asset Two" is dark and gritty, reflecting the high-stakes world of espionage and counterterrorism. Mars expertly balances moments of intense action with quieter, more introspective scenes, allowing the reader to connect with Lara on a deeper level. The author's attention to detail is evident in the vivid descriptions of urban battlegrounds and the technical accuracy of the spycraft. This realism adds authenticity to the story, making the reader feel like they are right there alongside Lara, navigating the dangerous terrain. The novel's themes are particularly resonant, exploring the complexities of loyalty, the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the personal sacrifices required in the name of national security. Lara's internal conflict between her duty to the agency and her desire to uncover the truth about her family forms the emotional core of the story. The book also delves into the moral ambiguities of espionage, questioning the justifications for covert operations and the potential for abuse of power. These themes elevate "Asset Two" beyond a simple action thriller, prompting readers to consider the ethical implications of the spy world.
In conclusion, "Asset Two" is a gripping and thought-provoking spy thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. Jack Mars delivers a compelling narrative with well-developed characters, intricate plot twists, and a pervasive sense of suspense. The novel's exploration of complex themes adds depth and resonance, making it a standout in the genre. If you enjoyed "Asset Two," you might also like Vince Flynn's "American Assassin," Brad Taylor's "One Rough Man," and Lee Child's "Killing Floor." These books share similar elements of high-stakes action, complex characters, and morally ambiguous situations, ensuring a thrilling reading experience.
Lara King emerges as a compelling protagonist, embodying strength, intelligence, and vulnerability. Her character development is a standout feature of the novel, as she evolves from a skilled agent to a complex individual wrestling with her past and future. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. The dynamic between Lara and her colleagues adds layers of intrigue, with shifting alliances and hidden agendas keeping the reader guessing. The plot twists are strategically placed, delivering shocking revelations that upend expectations and propel the narrative forward. One particularly impactful twist involves the discovery of a long-buried family secret, which forces Lara to question everything she thought she knew about her parents' involvement with the CIA. Another twist reveals a mole within the agency, creating a sense of paranoia and distrust that permeates every scene. These plot elements are seamlessly woven together, enhancing the overall suspense and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The tone of "Asset Two" is dark and gritty, reflecting the high-stakes world of espionage and counterterrorism. Mars expertly balances moments of intense action with quieter, more introspective scenes, allowing the reader to connect with Lara on a deeper level. The author's attention to detail is evident in the vivid descriptions of urban battlegrounds and the technical accuracy of the spycraft. This realism adds authenticity to the story, making the reader feel like they are right there alongside Lara, navigating the dangerous terrain. The novel's themes are particularly resonant, exploring the complexities of loyalty, the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the personal sacrifices required in the name of national security. Lara's internal conflict between her duty to the agency and her desire to uncover the truth about her family forms the emotional core of the story. The book also delves into the moral ambiguities of espionage, questioning the justifications for covert operations and the potential for abuse of power. These themes elevate "Asset Two" beyond a simple action thriller, prompting readers to consider the ethical implications of the spy world.
In conclusion, "Asset Two" is a gripping and thought-provoking spy thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. Jack Mars delivers a compelling narrative with well-developed characters, intricate plot twists, and a pervasive sense of suspense. The novel's exploration of complex themes adds depth and resonance, making it a standout in the genre. If you enjoyed "Asset Two," you might also like Vince Flynn's "American Assassin," Brad Taylor's "One Rough Man," and Lee Child's "Killing Floor." These books share similar elements of high-stakes action, complex characters, and morally ambiguous situations, ensuring a thrilling reading experience.
January 10, 2025
An okay read
This book could have been good if there was a person editing the writing. Several places used: "Lana" in place of "Lara". There were several missed spelled words throughout the book. The story was okay. This is not a book I would recommend to someone looking to read a thriller.
This book could have been good if there was a person editing the writing. Several places used: "Lana" in place of "Lara". There were several missed spelled words throughout the book. The story was okay. This is not a book I would recommend to someone looking to read a thriller.
May 29, 2025
Exciting Terror Plot
Jack Mars has done it again. Agent Lara King is phenomenal in the fast paced terrorist plot to kill hundreds of people all over the EU. You will not put this down till finished! Highly recommend
Jack Mars has done it again. Agent Lara King is phenomenal in the fast paced terrorist plot to kill hundreds of people all over the EU. You will not put this down till finished! Highly recommend
December 25, 2025
Lara King series are great reads!!
Lara is leaning towards her partner. Maybe partnership isn't so bad after all? They make quite the pair. Together they set out to stop the bombs. A lot of action and suspense.
Lara is leaning towards her partner. Maybe partnership isn't so bad after all? They make quite the pair. Together they set out to stop the bombs. A lot of action and suspense.
May 10, 2025
Fantastic book by a great author
May 19, 2025
The first book wasn’t spectacular but this one was a significant improvement.
June 2, 2025
Single day audio book!
I’m really enjoying the series, Asset 2 is another saving the world mission! The slow burn chemistry between partners - will they won’t they?!?
We will see!!
I’m really enjoying the series, Asset 2 is another saving the world mission! The slow burn chemistry between partners - will they won’t they?!?
We will see!!
December 21, 2025
great read
June 12, 2025
4 stars yet the first book was a bit better.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews