Move Fast and Break Things

by Kit Walker

There is something wrong with Victor Keane. This makes him the ideal choice to lead a team of mercenaries, hired to recover an oil baron's granddaughter from a tech billionaire's personal cult. But the job gets more complicated when the team encounters Adrian Yates, a kidnapped academic with peculiar insight into the darkness of Victor's own mind. And when things go wrong, Victor must make a the success of the mission, or Adrian's life.

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Kit Walker is a genderqueer writer of horror, crime fiction, and dark sci-fi/fantasy. Born and raised in Canada, they’ve recently been shipped overseas to Newcastle upon Tyne in England.

Reviews

[Kassu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already read the first Jay Moriarty short story and enjoyed it a lot, but this one... this one blew me away. It seems Kit Walker is one of the authors that can really squeeze incredible stories in just a few pages. So much backstory here with intensive action and a hint of preternatural horror. I loved it to bits! And will definitely devour the author's catalogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a short story, this book sure packs a punch! It's essentially an extraction story with a small group of mercenaries sent into a megalomaniac's home to rescue a rich and powerful man's family member.

Vincent, our MMC, comes out of retirement to lead a group of 4 who have been paid to rescue the hostages but not to harm the psychopath while doing it. Along the way, Vincent and the team meet Adrian, one of the young people kidnapped but held captive due to his skill with ancient herbs that induce psychosis. Cameron is forcing Adrian to use his skill to develop a drug that will help reach some kind of divine and transcendent experience. Adrian is held separate from the others and Vincents team discover him first.

Vincent is instantly attracted to the young Adrian and his protective instincts remain throughout the rest of the story. Adrian, feeling the same, helps the team get into the main "lair" and provides invaluable feedback as to layout and guards.

A lot happens really quickly but the story doesn't suffer from the short length. It's fast paced, and the characters are engaging. There is no sexy time as the book is about the action and adventure. The attraction between the two main characters is but a backdrop. The final scene is awesome, and this reader is left wanting more of Vincent. There is more than enough intrigue and tantalizing clues that would flesh out into a full novel. One I hope this author considers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made me so angry that I wasted my time.
I really enjoy short stories that make you feel so much because the author has a way that expressed themselves that leaves you totally lost in the story, but with this book I just wondered where the rest of the story was I didn’t feel that the connection between Victor and Aiden really went anywhere. When they first really spoke, when Victor was on guard, he abruptly left, like he couldn’t wait to get away from Aiden. I I felt I know what should happen, but we never quite got there. And I hate giving bad reviews but I also have to give you my honest feelings from me reading this book. Would I give this author another chance to grab my interest I think I would just to see if maybe this book wasn’t for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move Fast and Break Things by Kit Walker is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. Victor Keane is a fascinating, flawed protagonist, perfect for leading a team of mercenaries on a seemingly straightforward mission that quickly spirals into chaos. The tension ramps up when Victor encounters Adrian Yates, whose mysterious knowledge about Victor’s dark psyche adds layers of complexity. The blend of action, intrigue, and psychological depth makes this book impossible to put down. It’s an exciting, fast-paced read with unexpected twists that leave a lasting impact.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

For 37 pages there was so much in this story. This was packed with action and tension that before I knew it I had finished it. Added to that there was Victor's and in parts Adrian's backstory that helped you understand both characters. I would love to read more of these characters and find out more about Victor.
I am curious to read more from this author and am going to check out their other works

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 31 page short story so it was fast paced and exciting. The problem with short stories is that there isn't enough time to answer all the questions. I always want more. I need to know what Victor brought home. I need ro know what Adrian sees in him. I need to know what made Spaulding loose his grip on reality. I need to know what happens next with Victor and Adrian. And lastly, i need to know if there is a part 2 to this story.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was short, sweet and to the point. i can't knock it for that. I honestly wish there was more. Backstory on Phaedra maybe. Some on Vic. How is Adrian holding up? What's the backlash going to be worth what happened in the end? So many things I want to know
But it was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[la review bleu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very short novel. So short, I couldn't get into the story. There were too many characters, and too much happened in a very short time. Some action, and one really heartwarming scene, no spice. The plot is a good idea, if it only would be longer. I like the cover.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is about a billionaire who wants to find immortality and will do anything to find it and the people sent to stop him. It's suspenseful and is a page turner. The characters held my interest and I wanted the the good guys to win. I really enjoyed this book.

[LO Loverun (A. Lavas Lead) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating my experience: 2.5 out of 5

I stumbled upon Move Fast and Break Things through the Libby library app while searching for available horror books. After reading a sample, I decided to give it a try. I quickly realized that this is more of a short story than an entire book, and although it’s tagged as horror, it feels more like an action thriller. Neither of these discoveries took away from my experience, but adjusting the genre tags might help the right audience find it more easily. At its core, Move Fast and Break Things contains some genuinely engaging elements. One refreshing aspect was the portrayal of an LGBTQIA+ mercenary, which added an unexpected and interesting layer, and some solid action sequences helped drive the story forward. Still, the pacing is extremely fast and sacrifices descriptions. The characters and environments' visuals can be vague for a story involving mercenaries on a precision mission, where spatial clarity and vivid setting are crucial. That said, it feels like the writer was enthusiastic, giving the story a charm. Move Fast and Break Things might be for you if you want something quick and different.

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