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Adrian Hell #2
Hunter's Games
Who is the predator, and who is the prey?
Adrian Hell, the legendary assassin, has been commissioned to take out a government official who’s found himself on the wrong side of the wrong people. The job goes as planned, but before Adrian can leave the scene, he’s taken into custody by the FBI.
Enter Grace Chambers, a no-nonsense FBI agent who asks Adrian for his help in bringing down a terrorist calling himself The Shark, who's responsible for several recent attacks.
He reluctantly agrees, but things aren't what they seem, and as the truth behind Adrian's involvement is revealed, so too is the full extent of The Shark's horrifying plans.
In this non-stop, blockbuster thriller, Adrian is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse, going bullet for bullet while the fate of thousands of innocent people hangs in the balance. The result is relentless action, laugh-out-loud humor and some of the most iconic set-pieces ever written, that will leave you slack-jawed and short of breath; gasping for more!
Adrian Hell, the legendary assassin, has been commissioned to take out a government official who’s found himself on the wrong side of the wrong people. The job goes as planned, but before Adrian can leave the scene, he’s taken into custody by the FBI.
Enter Grace Chambers, a no-nonsense FBI agent who asks Adrian for his help in bringing down a terrorist calling himself The Shark, who's responsible for several recent attacks.
He reluctantly agrees, but things aren't what they seem, and as the truth behind Adrian's involvement is revealed, so too is the full extent of The Shark's horrifying plans.
In this non-stop, blockbuster thriller, Adrian is forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse, going bullet for bullet while the fate of thousands of innocent people hangs in the balance. The result is relentless action, laugh-out-loud humor and some of the most iconic set-pieces ever written, that will leave you slack-jawed and short of breath; gasping for more!
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2014
334 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 3, 2016
I got this book as part of a compilation of the first three books.
Much like the first book, this book has plenty of action, and a pace that keeps you turning page after page.
In this book Adrian managers to change an opinion that I had of him in the first book. As assign I felt that he was the type that took a contact regardless of the target. Here we learn that he only accepts the ones that are bad guys, unless of course he's set up, and he has a heart and a moral code.
Some of the things that bothered me in the first book continue into this book and I hope that if not in the next then in the future, the author may address them.
I'm not a fan of the frequent internal monologue with comments to the reader. Once in awhile is ok but I'm not a fan really of the characters talking to the reader. Adrian constantly tells us what he can do and how easy it would be but never does it because of some person or circumstance.
The author gave us the bio of Adrian at the beginning of the series, that paints him as an almost mythical, superhuman operator. While I never mind this type of character, the issue here is that Adrian seems to rarely live up to that standard in the first two books. Don't get me wrong there are a few instances where that comes out but so far, it's not really living up to the hype.
He seems to be caught fairly easily, always losses his communication in the heat of the action, constantly surprised by an opponents speed which usually ends up with him shot or stabbed, and contrary to what we've been told it seems that it's not really that tough to pull the wool over his eyes.
If you're telling me that a character is legendary hitman, has abilities far surpassing everyone else, with a partner that is a tech wizard and both having far better than average intelligence, then you better deliver.
After two books, I have to ask, how in the heck did these two manage to survive?
All that being said, I really am enjoying the books so far and have started the third book. If you're an action/thriller fan then this series has great potential.
Much like the first book, this book has plenty of action, and a pace that keeps you turning page after page.
In this book Adrian managers to change an opinion that I had of him in the first book. As assign I felt that he was the type that took a contact regardless of the target. Here we learn that he only accepts the ones that are bad guys, unless of course he's set up, and he has a heart and a moral code.
Some of the things that bothered me in the first book continue into this book and I hope that if not in the next then in the future, the author may address them.
I'm not a fan of the frequent internal monologue with comments to the reader. Once in awhile is ok but I'm not a fan really of the characters talking to the reader. Adrian constantly tells us what he can do and how easy it would be but never does it because of some person or circumstance.
The author gave us the bio of Adrian at the beginning of the series, that paints him as an almost mythical, superhuman operator. While I never mind this type of character, the issue here is that Adrian seems to rarely live up to that standard in the first two books. Don't get me wrong there are a few instances where that comes out but so far, it's not really living up to the hype.
He seems to be caught fairly easily, always losses his communication in the heat of the action, constantly surprised by an opponents speed which usually ends up with him shot or stabbed, and contrary to what we've been told it seems that it's not really that tough to pull the wool over his eyes.
If you're telling me that a character is legendary hitman, has abilities far surpassing everyone else, with a partner that is a tech wizard and both having far better than average intelligence, then you better deliver.
After two books, I have to ask, how in the heck did these two manage to survive?
All that being said, I really am enjoying the books so far and have started the third book. If you're an action/thriller fan then this series has great potential.
August 25, 2016
Better than the first in the series. Plenty of action, but the actions are more like that of a superhero than a human, especially when Hell shoots down an active Stinger missile with a sniper rifle (with one shot)!
July 18, 2015
"Hunter's Games" is the second book in the Adrian Hell Thriller Series. Still fun, face-paced and full of terribly delightful villains. But there were a few things that kept it from keeping the rank of it's nearly Four Star prequel. Adrian Hell's story resumes with him going about his day on an every-day job . . . an assassination call on a City Hall employee in San Francisco, California. When the job is done, an unexpected and ugly surprise waits for him outside of City Hall that sends Hell into a dangerous spiral of old vendettas and some frighteningly organized terrorists! While the story line was good and the characters as witty and engaging as ever, there were some repeat situations from the first book that dragged me through the story. The middle of the story, while still engaging, was far less exciting than first book and slightly predictable in some scenarios. However, "Hunter's Games" was still a page-turner and a rather decent read. I'm hoping the next book in the series "One Last Bullet" ups it up a notch as Adrian returns to the city where darkness first consumed him for some overdue and much deserved revenge!
March 8, 2016
It had a few "James Bond" moments in it, including cool gadgets and fight scenes.
This is a Mystery/Thriller mixed with Crime Fiction.
Adrian accepts an assignment which he completes in record time. He thinks he will go on to another job but instead he is taken into custody by the FBI, targeted by a person who holds San Francisco 'hostage' as part of a 'game', and shot at by the Triad. Adrian is unsure which of the thousands of people that he has royally peeved off is after him or how to stop it from continuing. Will he figure it out before San Francisco goes up like fireworks?
The story is told from Adrian's viewpoint which is great because then the reader gets the clues the same time as he does. Sometimes I put the pieces together first, other times Adrian and his colleagues did. Other times it was watching a movie, where a couple of times I had to close my eyes until the 'scary' part was over.
Warning: This is for Mature Audiences due to somewhat graphic Violence, Adult Language, and subtle hints of sexual situations.
This is a Mystery/Thriller mixed with Crime Fiction.
Adrian accepts an assignment which he completes in record time. He thinks he will go on to another job but instead he is taken into custody by the FBI, targeted by a person who holds San Francisco 'hostage' as part of a 'game', and shot at by the Triad. Adrian is unsure which of the thousands of people that he has royally peeved off is after him or how to stop it from continuing. Will he figure it out before San Francisco goes up like fireworks?
The story is told from Adrian's viewpoint which is great because then the reader gets the clues the same time as he does. Sometimes I put the pieces together first, other times Adrian and his colleagues did. Other times it was watching a movie, where a couple of times I had to close my eyes until the 'scary' part was over.
Warning: This is for Mature Audiences due to somewhat graphic Violence, Adult Language, and subtle hints of sexual situations.
August 14, 2022
While first book was a brilliant fast paced action thriller, both in terms of action sequences, characters and plot, this one is a substandard follow up. The author just picked 2 random villains from the previous book and unconvincingly tried to make them menacing. The plot itself wasn't clear. Sometimes the villains wanted revenge on Adrian Hell while a while later they wanted to destroy the US. Not the kind of sequel I had expected. Let's see if I make up my mind to go for the 3rd one.
July 22, 2016
This was a freaking awesome read ! One of the best I've read in awhile. Fantastic plot, characters and loads of action. This will keep you turning page after page just to see what happens next !
June 12, 2023
Take the TV show Twenty-Four (24) and the older movie Speed and you have a good idea of what James P. Sumner’s new audiobook “Hunter’s Games” is all about. Add one of my favorite narrators, Gary Bennett who is a master at his narration, and you have an action packed moviesque audiobook that will keep you on your toes from the beginning to the end. At times I wanted the author to give me a few breaths of air, but I can say that this one holds the listener under for quite some time. Not something that ruins the story but note, listeners do need some time to decompress from the continuous action and tension or the story can become fatiguing. I can say this is one audiobook, in quite some time, that I did not want to put down and resume later. It kept me that captivated. I did not have the opportunity to listen and review the first audiobook in the series (True Conviction), but I can say this one appears to be a stand-alone story that does not require listening to the first to understand what is going on. if you like your action fast and non-stop, pick up this audiobook and give it a listen. The writing and narration are well worth the Audible credit and over eight hours of entertainment.
In this audiobook we open with an assassin for hire who finds himself working alongside the FBI to catch another assassin. The listener must question the level of deception on the part of all parties due to the many conflicting agendas at hand. Everyone in the story is unsure of the motives and goals of the others. We also have the hunter becoming the hunted and this adds a level of tension that I liked. There is a drive for revenge and payback for one’s past crimes and much more. If I were to describe the story in two words, I would say it was both engrossing and thrilling. We have diametrically opposed people needing to come together to stop a terrorist, and this starts very early in the tale. There is a fair amount of espionage and some technology sprinkled in keeping one focused. Although it is a rollercoaster ride of a story, I did like the pacing. I also enjoyed the picturesque story telling. It felt like I was listening to an action movie, yet my brain was able to create vivid images out of the text and narration.
Regarding the audiobook’s narration, there is not much I can say, that I have not already said in past review of Mr. Bennett’s professional narration works. His narration speed and consistency are on par with many of the best narrators out there. I do not recall any audio issues such as pops, background noise or swallowing. His voicing of characters is consistent throughout the story, and I liked the voices he gave to the main characters. Mr. Bennett gives the characters feeling and depth with his ability to use the right amount of inflection making all characters feel unique.
For parents and younger listeners, the audiobook contains some rather mature subjects including graphic violence, drug and alcohol use, profanity, along with some adult themes. I would not recommend this audiobook to younger audiences due to the subjects to includes.
In summary, the level of constant action is ten out of ten. The audiobooks narration is ten out of ten. The story and action keep me wanting more. There seemed to always be some questions on how our characters will get out of predicaments and would they be able to best their nemesis. If you want to find out, you will have to give the audiobook a listen. I can say that I look forward to another in the future.
In this audiobook we open with an assassin for hire who finds himself working alongside the FBI to catch another assassin. The listener must question the level of deception on the part of all parties due to the many conflicting agendas at hand. Everyone in the story is unsure of the motives and goals of the others. We also have the hunter becoming the hunted and this adds a level of tension that I liked. There is a drive for revenge and payback for one’s past crimes and much more. If I were to describe the story in two words, I would say it was both engrossing and thrilling. We have diametrically opposed people needing to come together to stop a terrorist, and this starts very early in the tale. There is a fair amount of espionage and some technology sprinkled in keeping one focused. Although it is a rollercoaster ride of a story, I did like the pacing. I also enjoyed the picturesque story telling. It felt like I was listening to an action movie, yet my brain was able to create vivid images out of the text and narration.
Regarding the audiobook’s narration, there is not much I can say, that I have not already said in past review of Mr. Bennett’s professional narration works. His narration speed and consistency are on par with many of the best narrators out there. I do not recall any audio issues such as pops, background noise or swallowing. His voicing of characters is consistent throughout the story, and I liked the voices he gave to the main characters. Mr. Bennett gives the characters feeling and depth with his ability to use the right amount of inflection making all characters feel unique.
For parents and younger listeners, the audiobook contains some rather mature subjects including graphic violence, drug and alcohol use, profanity, along with some adult themes. I would not recommend this audiobook to younger audiences due to the subjects to includes.
In summary, the level of constant action is ten out of ten. The audiobooks narration is ten out of ten. The story and action keep me wanting more. There seemed to always be some questions on how our characters will get out of predicaments and would they be able to best their nemesis. If you want to find out, you will have to give the audiobook a listen. I can say that I look forward to another in the future.
March 7, 2019
James P. Sumner is a local author. When I say “local author” I mean local to me. He lives in Tottington, Bury. Hunter’s Games is the second novel in Sumner’s Adrian Hell series. Adrian is an ex-military black ops operative who now works as a hitman. He only takes out the really bad guys – those who deserve to be taken out. So, there’s an element here of moral questioning of Hell’s motives. Is he cleansing the world of the most vicious of criminals or is he in it for the money. There is actually backstory that signals his motivation and has left him with emotional scars. He covers these scars with a sticking plaster that presents itself in his personality as arrogant, self-confident, flippant, cynical and more than a little flamboyant. As a result what could have been an annoying character, whose sarcastic wit and smart-alec remarks could have worn thin, actually grows on the reader as the novel progresses. Yes, the plot is derivative – Die Hard with a Vengeance meets James Bond meets Dirty Harry’s The Enforcer – but it zips along at a hell of a rate and is always entertaining. This could easily be seen as one of those Hollywood action thrillers starring a Liam Neeson-type macho male actor. Whilst I may have predicted some of the plot twists and rolled my eyes at the occasionally overly macho dialogue, I also smiled at the witty interplay between the characters. Sumner’s writing style, written in the present tense in order to heighten the tension, is engaging. He is a self-published author who has demonstrated how you can be successful without the support of the traditional publishing industry and his enthusiasm for his material is mightily evident in the pages of this novel.
June 5, 2023
Wow!
Hunter’s Games was one of those stories that I thought I was going to be able to predict (just a bit) from the way the last book went. But, boy, was I absolutely wrong. Sumner took what he built in the first Adrian Hell book and ran with it. This one includes so many different interactions and groups that I can’t mention any of them, or I’d risk spoiling the whole thing.
Knowing there was a bit of a revenge story with this made it even better. I found that getting Adrian out of his element a bit and playing from his back foot is what made it so interesting. I don’t think Sumner can pull this pacing and storytelling off with every book, but I am hopeful. I will say that he struck gold with this one, and it’s one that I won’t soon forget. I can’t wait to figure out where this series goes and what other stories and situations he’ll get himself into (or be forced into).
A few times, Adrian was humanized in Hunter’s Games, and it helped make him an even more likable character. Sure, he’s the best contract killer in the world, but even they have days off and can be caught off guard from time to time.
I will say that both Sumner and Bennett turned the volume up to 11 with this one. Sumner was relentless in the story. The number of situations that Hell found himself in was crazy, and Bennett’s narration was superb. One of his best yet.
I didn’t have a good place to put this, but this story was shot out of a cannon. It came at you and never stopped.
Hunter’s Games was one of those stories that I thought I was going to be able to predict (just a bit) from the way the last book went. But, boy, was I absolutely wrong. Sumner took what he built in the first Adrian Hell book and ran with it. This one includes so many different interactions and groups that I can’t mention any of them, or I’d risk spoiling the whole thing.
Knowing there was a bit of a revenge story with this made it even better. I found that getting Adrian out of his element a bit and playing from his back foot is what made it so interesting. I don’t think Sumner can pull this pacing and storytelling off with every book, but I am hopeful. I will say that he struck gold with this one, and it’s one that I won’t soon forget. I can’t wait to figure out where this series goes and what other stories and situations he’ll get himself into (or be forced into).
A few times, Adrian was humanized in Hunter’s Games, and it helped make him an even more likable character. Sure, he’s the best contract killer in the world, but even they have days off and can be caught off guard from time to time.
I will say that both Sumner and Bennett turned the volume up to 11 with this one. Sumner was relentless in the story. The number of situations that Hell found himself in was crazy, and Bennett’s narration was superb. One of his best yet.
I didn’t have a good place to put this, but this story was shot out of a cannon. It came at you and never stopped.
May 21, 2025
Exceedingly Well Written !!I
I really like this character, Adrian Hell !!
He seems to have just the right amount of confidence in his own abilities and a good judge of others abilities. Couple that with the innate talent to make a "Plan B" in the blink of an eye, to analyze the emotions he sees in a combatant and neutralize them and also take aim and put a bullet right where it should be !!
Thank You Again, James P Sumner !! You gave me another adventure that I won't soon forget. Looking forward to the next "chapter" !!!
(Maybe someone should consider a movie based on Adrian Hell !!!)
I really like this character, Adrian Hell !!
He seems to have just the right amount of confidence in his own abilities and a good judge of others abilities. Couple that with the innate talent to make a "Plan B" in the blink of an eye, to analyze the emotions he sees in a combatant and neutralize them and also take aim and put a bullet right where it should be !!
Thank You Again, James P Sumner !! You gave me another adventure that I won't soon forget. Looking forward to the next "chapter" !!!
(Maybe someone should consider a movie based on Adrian Hell !!!)
October 5, 2022
Our assassin just wants to get rid of the bad guys. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies treat him as a criminal. But this time the FBI needs his help to prevent the secretary of Defense from being killed by some other criminals. And the Secret Service doesn't want help from the FBI or the assassin.
Is this a great country or what?
But the story is interesting, if not a little over the top,
Is this a great country or what?
But the story is interesting, if not a little over the top,
September 25, 2019
An excellent series that continues to get better! Great writing, and even though you 'shouldn't' like Adrian, you really do love him and Josh. Really enjoyed this story, and now have all the series to read through... even though that means I won't be getting much else done in the meantime, as they're just so good, I can't put them down!! Highly recommended reading!!
July 5, 2022
Five Stars
This was the second book I have read in the series. Lots of action and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of tension together with quite a few worrying times for Adrian Hell and his associates. I will now make a start on the third book, One Last Bullet. A big thank you to the author James P Sumner and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was the second book I have read in the series. Lots of action and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of tension together with quite a few worrying times for Adrian Hell and his associates. I will now make a start on the third book, One Last Bullet. A big thank you to the author James P Sumner and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
May 17, 2017
Mr. Sumner has me hooked on the Adrian He!l series, action from cover to cover.
While this skirts the realm of fantasy fiction, its engrossing and hard to put down. Anticipating the next one and hoping it's just as exciting.
While this skirts the realm of fantasy fiction, its engrossing and hard to put down. Anticipating the next one and hoping it's just as exciting.
February 22, 2019
Good follow up book.
Good plausibile story line except for the James Bond car bit at the end,ending is very tense as the question is " Does our hero findnew love after facing the demons in his past?"
Better buy the next book and find out I guess !!!
Good plausibile story line except for the James Bond car bit at the end,ending is very tense as the question is " Does our hero findnew love after facing the demons in his past?"
Better buy the next book and find out I guess !!!
April 10, 2019
Suspend your disbelief and enjoy
Sigh. I love these books, but I was in the medical profession too long to buy into the quick recovery time Adrian and others in these adventures have. But just ignore all that and let him continue to take out the evil ones. It is fun!
Sigh. I love these books, but I was in the medical profession too long to buy into the quick recovery time Adrian and others in these adventures have. But just ignore all that and let him continue to take out the evil ones. It is fun!
July 25, 2022
ENJOYED!
I read this novel in one sitting. Adrian Hell is my kind of protagonist. I recommend this novel to all readers that enjoy this action/suspense genre. Thanks Mr Sumner. I am looking forward to the next adventure with you.
I read this novel in one sitting. Adrian Hell is my kind of protagonist. I recommend this novel to all readers that enjoy this action/suspense genre. Thanks Mr Sumner. I am looking forward to the next adventure with you.
August 23, 2022
Good follow up, really enjoy the characters, a little predictable and a few holes…..putting that aside a very enjoyable read. So much so that I’m moving on to the next one in anticipation of more good things to come….thanks James onward and upwards 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Read
September 8, 2022Wow! What a series!
I really like this series, wish I would have started in the beginning. Jumping around is doable, but you need info to make dense of the story line. Recommend this series without any doubt.
I really like this series, wish I would have started in the beginning. Jumping around is doable, but you need info to make dense of the story line. Recommend this series without any doubt.
March 29, 2023
Excellent character development
This author found a way to end this story on a high note. I enjoyed howveach character had the opportunity to expand their perspectives regarding performance and allegiance.
This author found a way to end this story on a high note. I enjoyed howveach character had the opportunity to expand their perspectives regarding performance and allegiance.
April 17, 2023
Good Guys Win
Sumner is doing a good job developing the character Adrian Hell. In this second book, trouble finds Hell again and, well, it gets complicated. Dialogue is authentic for the most part, and there’s some cool gadgets.
Sumner is doing a good job developing the character Adrian Hell. In this second book, trouble finds Hell again and, well, it gets complicated. Dialogue is authentic for the most part, and there’s some cool gadgets.
May 29, 2023
Antagonize and Capitalize
Good personality balance between characters. Author tries to keep readers interest with mini villain interactions. Definitely a book for the lover of violent confrontation resolution.
Good personality balance between characters. Author tries to keep readers interest with mini villain interactions. Definitely a book for the lover of violent confrontation resolution.
Read
April 1, 2022Nice book. Must read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
Looking forward to Pittsburg!!!
September 6, 2022
Written in the first person, so, very easy to follow. A very enjoyable story. Non-stop action.
September 8, 2022
Great action yarn
September 10, 2022
My review
I love Adrian Hell stories. He and Josh are a great team. He really does get blown up a lot.
I love Adrian Hell stories. He and Josh are a great team. He really does get blown up a lot.
September 28, 2022
Fast-moving, enjoyable "beach read".
October 1, 2022
Enjoyed the twists and turns. The characters were great.
October 3, 2022
A good read but....
I was disappointed with the ending,but it was a good read.. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
I was disappointed with the ending,but it was a good read.. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews