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Bazaar
A high-profile homicide of a former ambassador's son in the nightlife district of the nation's capital gets connected to an assassination market on the dark web, turning the DC area into a battlefield over a new generation of class warfare. When the ex-diplomat, Chiedu Attah, hires an elite executive protection team headed by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma to guarantee his safety, the security firm realizes they are going up against a young, inventive contract killer who is determined to finish off the political VIP by any means necessary.
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
August 21, 2025
Out of my normal wheel house, but easily one of the most unique stories I've read, Bazaar is a crime/techno thriller that kept me up late last night.
Set in Washington D.C., it starts off with what seems like a typical murder mystery. The death of the ambassador's son sparks interest, who would want this student dead and why?
What we are dragged into is a world of the dark web, and a site for assassinations requests for the wealthy and powerful.
This book moves quick from there, and it reminds me of a John Wick film with it's quick, intense scenes mixed with so much depth that you find yourself identifying with prolific assassins.
Very well done, and I was shocked to find this a debut by Miles Joyner! I look forward to more from him!
Set in Washington D.C., it starts off with what seems like a typical murder mystery. The death of the ambassador's son sparks interest, who would want this student dead and why?
What we are dragged into is a world of the dark web, and a site for assassinations requests for the wealthy and powerful.
This book moves quick from there, and it reminds me of a John Wick film with it's quick, intense scenes mixed with so much depth that you find yourself identifying with prolific assassins.
Very well done, and I was shocked to find this a debut by Miles Joyner! I look forward to more from him!
April 11, 2025
Miles Joyner's debut novel, Bazaar, is a masterful techno-thriller that plunges readers into a frightening yet believable world where assassination markets on the dark web transform the streets of Washington D.C. into a modern battlefield. With immaculate attention to detail and a keen understanding of both technology and human nature, Joyner crafts a narrative that feels uncomfortably possible in today's digital landscape.
The Premise: Death for Sale in the Digital Age
At its core, Bazaar explores a chilling concept: what if assassination became a market-driven enterprise, where targets are listed with bounties and anyone with the skill and nerve could cash in? The novel centers around the Attah family, specifically former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah, whose son Adamu becomes the first high-profile victim of this new form of warfare. Following this tragedy, Chiedu hires Raptor, an elite security firm led by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma, to protect him from the same fate.
What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse game between Raptor's Executive Protection Team and Aaron Williams, a brilliant but disillusioned 18-year-old who has found his calling as a contract killer using his 3D-printed weaponry to fulfill "bids" placed on the Bazaar.
Character Depth: More Than Just Heroes and Villains
Joyner excels at creating multi-dimensional characters whose motivations blur the traditional lines between good and evil. Yemi Uzunma, the former Nigerian intelligence officer who leads Raptor's protection team, is disciplined, tactical, and principled—yet constantly wrestling with the morality of profiting from others' fear. His sister Karen, the business mind behind Raptor, balances ambition with compassion as they navigate their fledgling security company through dangerous waters.
Perhaps most compelling is Aaron Williams, the teenage assassin whose technical prowess and strategic thinking make him a formidable antagonist. Rather than portraying him as a one-dimensional villain, Joyner gives Aaron a complex backstory involving his father's suicide, financial struggles, and a deep disillusionment with a system he sees as fundamentally corrupt. His relationship with his friend Danny, who betrays him and later ends up in prison, adds another layer of emotional complexity to his character.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn—from Lyle Evans, the Jamaican security specialist with entrepreneurial dreams, to Nick Rice, the young technical expert fresh out of college, to the various factions vying for power and profit in this new digital frontier of violence.
Setting: Washington D.C. as You've Never Seen It
Bazaar transforms familiar Washington D.C. into something both recognizable and alien. Joyner knows the capital region intimately, evident in his descriptions of everything from Adams Morgan's nightlife to the corporate corridors of Northern Virginia and the socioeconomic divisions of Prince George's County, Maryland.
What makes the setting particularly effective is how Joyner weaves together the visible Washington—the government buildings, affluent neighborhoods, and bustling commercial districts—with its invisible counterpart: the digital underworld where lives are commodified and violence is just another transaction. This juxtaposition creates a constant tension that permeates every scene.
Technical Mastery: The Digital Arms Race
One of Bazaar's greatest strengths is Joyner's convincing portrayal of technology. The detailed descriptions of 3D-printed weapons, drone surveillance, thermal imaging, and encrypted communications feel thoroughly researched and plausible. Rather than relying on fictional tech that breaks the laws of physics, Joyner grounds his narrative in existing technology pushed to its logical extension.
The scenes involving Aaron's creation of untraceable weapons or Nick's drone monitoring operations are described with such precision that readers gain genuine insight into these technologies without becoming bogged down in excessive jargon. This technical authenticity adds a layer of disturbing realism to the story's premise.
Themes: The Dark Side of Digital Capitalism
While Bazaar delivers as a fast-paced thriller, it also explores several thought-provoking themes:
1. Democratization of violence: The novel examines how digital platforms can transform assassination from a specialized skill to a market-driven enterprise accessible to anyone with technical know-how.
2. Wealth inequality: Through characters like Chiedu Attah and the contrasting neighborhoods of D.C., Joyner highlights how economic disparities create fertile ground for conflict.
3. Digital ethics: The story constantly questions the moral boundaries of technology—when tools designed for legitimate purposes (like 3D printing) become weaponized, who bears responsibility?
4. Public vs. private security: As government agencies prove ineffective against this new threat, the narrative explores whether privatized security represents salvation or exploitation.
Prose and Pacing: Sharp, Smart, and Relentless
Joyner's writing style perfectly suits his subject matter—clean, efficient prose that moves the narrative forward with purpose. Dialog feels authentic to each character, whether it's the tactical communications of Raptor's team during operations or the street vernacular of Aaron's neighborhood acquaintances.
The pacing is masterful, alternating between tense action sequences—the shootout at Veterans Plaza is particularly noteworthy—and quieter moments of character development. Joyner knows exactly when to accelerate and when to let the reader catch their breath, creating a rhythm that makes the 400+ pages fly by.
Social Commentary: A Mirror to Our Times
What elevates Bazaar above typical genre fiction is its incisive social commentary. Through the assassination market concept, Joyner explores how technology can amplify existing societal tensions and create new avenues for violence. The novel asks uncomfortable questions about the logical endpoint of our increasing reliance on digital platforms to mediate human interactions—even deadly ones.
The international dimensions of the story, particularly the connections to Nigerian politics and oil exploitation, add another layer of relevance, highlighting how global power dynamics shape local conflicts. Without being didactic, Joyner illustrates how technology can be both liberating and destructive, depending on who wields it and to what end.
Why This Book Matters
In an era of increasing technological sophistication and growing economic inequality, Bazaar feels less like science fiction and more like a prescient warning. The novel demonstrates how quickly our digital tools can be repurposed for violence when conventional power structures fail to address underlying grievances.
For readers interested in the intersection of technology and security, Bazaar offers a thoughtful exploration of what happens when assassination becomes just another online marketplace. The book invites us to consider the potential consequences of our increasingly digitized lives and the vulnerabilities this creates.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read Techno-Thriller
Bazaar is that rare thriller that delivers both adrenaline-pumping action and intellectual stimulation. Miles Joyner has created a debut novel that feels both timely and timeless, combining cutting-edge technology with age-old themes of power, justice, and survival.
What makes the book particularly impressive is Joyner's ability to maintain narrative tension while developing complex characters whose motivations resist simple categorization. Neither Aaron nor Yemi fits neatly into the boxes of hero or villain; both are products of their circumstances, making choices based on their understanding of a deeply flawed system.
As a debut novel, Bazaar announces Joyner as a significant new voice in the techno-thriller genre. His background in television editing and his passion for understanding technology's impact on society shine through in the novel's cinematic pacing and nuanced exploration of digital ethics.
For fans of authors like Daniel Suarez, Brad Thor, or Barry Eisler, Bazaar offers a fresh take on the thriller genre that incorporates cutting-edge technology without sacrificing character development or social relevance. It's a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night while leaving you with plenty to think about long after you've finished.
Who Should Read This Book
Bazaar will appeal to:
• Techno-thriller enthusiasts looking for authentic technological elements
• Readers interested in the dark web and digital security
• Fans of character-driven action novels
• Anyone who enjoys stories about Washington D.C. and the intelligence community
• Readers who appreciate thrillers with international dimensions and diverse characters
With its blend of technical sophistication, character depth, and social commentary, Bazaar represents the best of what the modern thriller can achieve—entertainment that enlightens, excites, and endures.
The Premise: Death for Sale in the Digital Age
At its core, Bazaar explores a chilling concept: what if assassination became a market-driven enterprise, where targets are listed with bounties and anyone with the skill and nerve could cash in? The novel centers around the Attah family, specifically former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah, whose son Adamu becomes the first high-profile victim of this new form of warfare. Following this tragedy, Chiedu hires Raptor, an elite security firm led by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma, to protect him from the same fate.
What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse game between Raptor's Executive Protection Team and Aaron Williams, a brilliant but disillusioned 18-year-old who has found his calling as a contract killer using his 3D-printed weaponry to fulfill "bids" placed on the Bazaar.
Character Depth: More Than Just Heroes and Villains
Joyner excels at creating multi-dimensional characters whose motivations blur the traditional lines between good and evil. Yemi Uzunma, the former Nigerian intelligence officer who leads Raptor's protection team, is disciplined, tactical, and principled—yet constantly wrestling with the morality of profiting from others' fear. His sister Karen, the business mind behind Raptor, balances ambition with compassion as they navigate their fledgling security company through dangerous waters.
Perhaps most compelling is Aaron Williams, the teenage assassin whose technical prowess and strategic thinking make him a formidable antagonist. Rather than portraying him as a one-dimensional villain, Joyner gives Aaron a complex backstory involving his father's suicide, financial struggles, and a deep disillusionment with a system he sees as fundamentally corrupt. His relationship with his friend Danny, who betrays him and later ends up in prison, adds another layer of emotional complexity to his character.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn—from Lyle Evans, the Jamaican security specialist with entrepreneurial dreams, to Nick Rice, the young technical expert fresh out of college, to the various factions vying for power and profit in this new digital frontier of violence.
Setting: Washington D.C. as You've Never Seen It
Bazaar transforms familiar Washington D.C. into something both recognizable and alien. Joyner knows the capital region intimately, evident in his descriptions of everything from Adams Morgan's nightlife to the corporate corridors of Northern Virginia and the socioeconomic divisions of Prince George's County, Maryland.
What makes the setting particularly effective is how Joyner weaves together the visible Washington—the government buildings, affluent neighborhoods, and bustling commercial districts—with its invisible counterpart: the digital underworld where lives are commodified and violence is just another transaction. This juxtaposition creates a constant tension that permeates every scene.
Technical Mastery: The Digital Arms Race
One of Bazaar's greatest strengths is Joyner's convincing portrayal of technology. The detailed descriptions of 3D-printed weapons, drone surveillance, thermal imaging, and encrypted communications feel thoroughly researched and plausible. Rather than relying on fictional tech that breaks the laws of physics, Joyner grounds his narrative in existing technology pushed to its logical extension.
The scenes involving Aaron's creation of untraceable weapons or Nick's drone monitoring operations are described with such precision that readers gain genuine insight into these technologies without becoming bogged down in excessive jargon. This technical authenticity adds a layer of disturbing realism to the story's premise.
Themes: The Dark Side of Digital Capitalism
While Bazaar delivers as a fast-paced thriller, it also explores several thought-provoking themes:
1. Democratization of violence: The novel examines how digital platforms can transform assassination from a specialized skill to a market-driven enterprise accessible to anyone with technical know-how.
2. Wealth inequality: Through characters like Chiedu Attah and the contrasting neighborhoods of D.C., Joyner highlights how economic disparities create fertile ground for conflict.
3. Digital ethics: The story constantly questions the moral boundaries of technology—when tools designed for legitimate purposes (like 3D printing) become weaponized, who bears responsibility?
4. Public vs. private security: As government agencies prove ineffective against this new threat, the narrative explores whether privatized security represents salvation or exploitation.
Prose and Pacing: Sharp, Smart, and Relentless
Joyner's writing style perfectly suits his subject matter—clean, efficient prose that moves the narrative forward with purpose. Dialog feels authentic to each character, whether it's the tactical communications of Raptor's team during operations or the street vernacular of Aaron's neighborhood acquaintances.
The pacing is masterful, alternating between tense action sequences—the shootout at Veterans Plaza is particularly noteworthy—and quieter moments of character development. Joyner knows exactly when to accelerate and when to let the reader catch their breath, creating a rhythm that makes the 400+ pages fly by.
Social Commentary: A Mirror to Our Times
What elevates Bazaar above typical genre fiction is its incisive social commentary. Through the assassination market concept, Joyner explores how technology can amplify existing societal tensions and create new avenues for violence. The novel asks uncomfortable questions about the logical endpoint of our increasing reliance on digital platforms to mediate human interactions—even deadly ones.
The international dimensions of the story, particularly the connections to Nigerian politics and oil exploitation, add another layer of relevance, highlighting how global power dynamics shape local conflicts. Without being didactic, Joyner illustrates how technology can be both liberating and destructive, depending on who wields it and to what end.
Why This Book Matters
In an era of increasing technological sophistication and growing economic inequality, Bazaar feels less like science fiction and more like a prescient warning. The novel demonstrates how quickly our digital tools can be repurposed for violence when conventional power structures fail to address underlying grievances.
For readers interested in the intersection of technology and security, Bazaar offers a thoughtful exploration of what happens when assassination becomes just another online marketplace. The book invites us to consider the potential consequences of our increasingly digitized lives and the vulnerabilities this creates.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read Techno-Thriller
Bazaar is that rare thriller that delivers both adrenaline-pumping action and intellectual stimulation. Miles Joyner has created a debut novel that feels both timely and timeless, combining cutting-edge technology with age-old themes of power, justice, and survival.
What makes the book particularly impressive is Joyner's ability to maintain narrative tension while developing complex characters whose motivations resist simple categorization. Neither Aaron nor Yemi fits neatly into the boxes of hero or villain; both are products of their circumstances, making choices based on their understanding of a deeply flawed system.
As a debut novel, Bazaar announces Joyner as a significant new voice in the techno-thriller genre. His background in television editing and his passion for understanding technology's impact on society shine through in the novel's cinematic pacing and nuanced exploration of digital ethics.
For fans of authors like Daniel Suarez, Brad Thor, or Barry Eisler, Bazaar offers a fresh take on the thriller genre that incorporates cutting-edge technology without sacrificing character development or social relevance. It's a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night while leaving you with plenty to think about long after you've finished.
Who Should Read This Book
Bazaar will appeal to:
• Techno-thriller enthusiasts looking for authentic technological elements
• Readers interested in the dark web and digital security
• Fans of character-driven action novels
• Anyone who enjoys stories about Washington D.C. and the intelligence community
• Readers who appreciate thrillers with international dimensions and diverse characters
With its blend of technical sophistication, character depth, and social commentary, Bazaar represents the best of what the modern thriller can achieve—entertainment that enlightens, excites, and endures.
March 26, 2025
I loved the setting of this one and it is another book I couldn’t put down. Joyner’s writing just flows so naturally you actually forget you’re reading. An action packed thriller that takes you into another world full of crime, assassins, government agents and more.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this one, but I can say that I was all in by the end of chapter one. I can def see this being a limited series or movie. The term “page-turner” was coined for this exact type of book.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this one, but I can say that I was all in by the end of chapter one. I can def see this being a limited series or movie. The term “page-turner” was coined for this exact type of book.
April 16, 2025
A Pulse-Pounding Debut That Merges Technology with Tension
In his explosive debut novel Bazaar, Miles Joyner introduces readers to a chilling near-future where assassination has become a digital marketplace. Set primarily in the Washington D.C. area, the narrative unfolds in a world where targets are listed with price tags on the dark web, creating a deadly economy where anyone with technical skill and moral flexibility can cash in.
Joyner's storytelling prowess shines in his creation of the Uzunma siblings—Yemi and Karen—who run Raptor, a security firm specializing in protecting high-value targets from this new breed of tech-savvy assassins. Their client, former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah, finds himself in the crosshairs after his son becomes a victim of this disturbing new marketplace.
What makes Bazaar stand out is Joyner's nuanced portrayal of both sides of this deadly equation. The young assassin Aaron Williams isn't merely a villain but a product of his circumstances—brilliant, disillusioned, and equipped with 3D-printed weaponry that makes him virtually untraceable. His personal journey runs parallel to Yemi's tactical expertise, creating a cat-and-mouse game that escalates with each chapter.
The author's background in television editing is evident in the novel's cinematic quality and breathtaking pacing. Action sequences—particularly the tense standoffs between Raptor's Executive Protection Team and their adversaries—are choreographed with precision that rivals the best thriller films.
But Bazaar is more than just high-octane action. Joyner weaves in thoughtful commentary on technology's double edge, economic inequality, and the privatization of security without ever sacrificing narrative momentum. His intimate knowledge of the D.C. region, from Adams Morgan's nightlife to the corporate corridors of Northern Virginia, creates an authentic backdrop that grounds the novel's more speculative elements.
For readers who enjoy techno-thrillers that feel frighteningly plausible, Bazaar delivers an adrenaline rush coupled with genuine intelligence. Joyner has established himself as a formidable new voice in the genre, crafting a debut that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. This is the rare thriller that leaves you both breathless and thoughtful long after you've turned the final page.
In his explosive debut novel Bazaar, Miles Joyner introduces readers to a chilling near-future where assassination has become a digital marketplace. Set primarily in the Washington D.C. area, the narrative unfolds in a world where targets are listed with price tags on the dark web, creating a deadly economy where anyone with technical skill and moral flexibility can cash in.
Joyner's storytelling prowess shines in his creation of the Uzunma siblings—Yemi and Karen—who run Raptor, a security firm specializing in protecting high-value targets from this new breed of tech-savvy assassins. Their client, former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah, finds himself in the crosshairs after his son becomes a victim of this disturbing new marketplace.
What makes Bazaar stand out is Joyner's nuanced portrayal of both sides of this deadly equation. The young assassin Aaron Williams isn't merely a villain but a product of his circumstances—brilliant, disillusioned, and equipped with 3D-printed weaponry that makes him virtually untraceable. His personal journey runs parallel to Yemi's tactical expertise, creating a cat-and-mouse game that escalates with each chapter.
The author's background in television editing is evident in the novel's cinematic quality and breathtaking pacing. Action sequences—particularly the tense standoffs between Raptor's Executive Protection Team and their adversaries—are choreographed with precision that rivals the best thriller films.
But Bazaar is more than just high-octane action. Joyner weaves in thoughtful commentary on technology's double edge, economic inequality, and the privatization of security without ever sacrificing narrative momentum. His intimate knowledge of the D.C. region, from Adams Morgan's nightlife to the corporate corridors of Northern Virginia, creates an authentic backdrop that grounds the novel's more speculative elements.
For readers who enjoy techno-thrillers that feel frighteningly plausible, Bazaar delivers an adrenaline rush coupled with genuine intelligence. Joyner has established himself as a formidable new voice in the genre, crafting a debut that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. This is the rare thriller that leaves you both breathless and thoughtful long after you've turned the final page.
January 17, 2025
3.5 stars
Bazaar is a gangland technothriller set in the East coast states of America, particularly around Washington DC.
The story features a dark website known as Bazaar where high profile names are featured and subscribers place crypto currency bids to have them killed. This is seen as an opportunity by would be assassins to make some money.
Eighteen year old Aaron is one such assassin and the book opens with his first kill, a young boy. As the story progresses the boy’s father also becomes Aaron’s target. As key figures in the DC area scramble to protect themselves, several turn to a new private protection service run by siblings Yemi and Karen.
In this high stakes action story Yemi and Aaron meet several times as players on opposite sides.
The author’s television and filmmaking background shines through in the action scenes as does his interest in the effects of technology on society. There is a lot going on in this book with a large cast of characters and plenty of minor story threads; although I can imagine how this might play out on the screen, it is much harder to get across imagery and depth of character in fiction and this is where I found that not everything that the author had in his head projected to the written word.
Overall, I thought that this was a good story with lots of potential but it would benefit from tougher editing to trim away superfluous parts and lift both the story and the characters to their full potential.
Bazaar is a gangland technothriller set in the East coast states of America, particularly around Washington DC.
The story features a dark website known as Bazaar where high profile names are featured and subscribers place crypto currency bids to have them killed. This is seen as an opportunity by would be assassins to make some money.
Eighteen year old Aaron is one such assassin and the book opens with his first kill, a young boy. As the story progresses the boy’s father also becomes Aaron’s target. As key figures in the DC area scramble to protect themselves, several turn to a new private protection service run by siblings Yemi and Karen.
In this high stakes action story Yemi and Aaron meet several times as players on opposite sides.
The author’s television and filmmaking background shines through in the action scenes as does his interest in the effects of technology on society. There is a lot going on in this book with a large cast of characters and plenty of minor story threads; although I can imagine how this might play out on the screen, it is much harder to get across imagery and depth of character in fiction and this is where I found that not everything that the author had in his head projected to the written word.
Overall, I thought that this was a good story with lots of potential but it would benefit from tougher editing to trim away superfluous parts and lift both the story and the characters to their full potential.
February 26, 2025
Bazaar’s story is an intense mix of action, crime, and political intrigue. When a situation involves criminals and crime controllers/security providers/investigators, we often see the negative aspects of criminals' lives and actions, while crime controllers are portrayed as always being on the right side. In reality, the truth is often left unsaid. This story presents a complete picture of life revolving around individuals who are either working to control crime or fueling such scenarios.
This story reflects the pain and guilt that can strike a criminal’s mind while following the wrong path. At the same time, it shows how criminals often remain criminals for life and why stepping back is not always a choice due to the consequences and dominance of their evil acts over their personalities.
Crime investigators/controllers are often helpless, as they require the backing of power to resolve such cases. This power either comes from political support or law enforcement agencies, both of which are usually driven by their own interests. As a result, these bodies manipulate situations for their benefit.
The reality is that the system is compromised, created, and controlled by powerful entities that prioritize their own interests. Those who are genuinely committed to making a positive change are often handicapped and forced to obey the governing bodies according to set procedures.
This book highlights how technology and crime are conjoined. It explores how the dark web, cryptocurrency, and 3D-printed weapons are strengthening criminal activities.
Overall, this book written by; Miles Joyner would be of great interest to individuals who want to explore the realities of the modern criminal world while indulging in a gripping crime thriller.
This story reflects the pain and guilt that can strike a criminal’s mind while following the wrong path. At the same time, it shows how criminals often remain criminals for life and why stepping back is not always a choice due to the consequences and dominance of their evil acts over their personalities.
Crime investigators/controllers are often helpless, as they require the backing of power to resolve such cases. This power either comes from political support or law enforcement agencies, both of which are usually driven by their own interests. As a result, these bodies manipulate situations for their benefit.
The reality is that the system is compromised, created, and controlled by powerful entities that prioritize their own interests. Those who are genuinely committed to making a positive change are often handicapped and forced to obey the governing bodies according to set procedures.
This book highlights how technology and crime are conjoined. It explores how the dark web, cryptocurrency, and 3D-printed weapons are strengthening criminal activities.
Overall, this book written by; Miles Joyner would be of great interest to individuals who want to explore the realities of the modern criminal world while indulging in a gripping crime thriller.
June 1, 2025
Okay, I was pleasantly surprised by this book! Bazaar is a suspenseful roller coaster ride through the underground world of the Appalachia. The Bazaar is a dark market for assassins and high-profile kills. This book was masterfully crafted, the “world” was built well, and the characterization and dialogue gave the book a realistic feel. For me personally, I am familiar with many of the locations in the book so it took the realism to the next level for me. The only reason this isn’t a five star read for me is because it dragged in some parts with unnecessary details that affected the pacing. Overall, the book was suspenseful, thrilling, and totally entertaining.
April 16, 2025
Miles Joyner's debut thriller Bazaar sends a cold chill down your spine not because it's outlandish, but because it feels like tomorrow's headline. In this razor-sharp tale, the dark web hosts a marketplace where the wealthy and powerful can be eliminated for the right price—a terrifying proposition executed with unnerving plausibility.
When former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah's son becomes the first high-profile victim of this digital assassination market, Attah turns to Raptor Security, a startup run by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma. Their expertise in executive protection is immediately put to the test against a formidable opponent: a brilliant teenage assassin named Aaron who manufactures untraceable weapons through 3D printing technology. What follows is a lethal chess match where every move could be the last.
Joyner writes with the precision of someone who understands both tactical operations and human psychology. The firefights in downtown Silver Spring and the secure facilities of Northern Virginia crackle with tension and technical accuracy, while quieter moments reveal characters wrestling with loyalty, ambition, and survival. The author's familiarity with Washington D.C.'s complex ecosystem—from its political elites to its forgotten neighborhoods—provides a richly textured backdrop that enhances the story's authenticity.
What elevates Bazaar beyond genre conventions is its exploration of modern warfare's evolution. The novel suggests that future conflicts won't be fought solely between nation-states but through decentralized networks where anyone with technical know-how can become a significant threat. This democratization of violence raises unsettling questions about power, accountability, and justice in a digitally connected world.
The siblings Yemi and Karen form the moral center of the narrative—he with his tactical expertise honed in Nigerian intelligence, she with her business acumen and ambition. Their dynamic relationship grounds the novel's more explosive elements in relatable human terms.
Joyner has delivered a debut that's both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling. Bazaar doesn't just entertain; it forces us to consider the darker possibilities lurking within our technological revolution—a reality where death might be just another commodity available with a few clicks.
When former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah's son becomes the first high-profile victim of this digital assassination market, Attah turns to Raptor Security, a startup run by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma. Their expertise in executive protection is immediately put to the test against a formidable opponent: a brilliant teenage assassin named Aaron who manufactures untraceable weapons through 3D printing technology. What follows is a lethal chess match where every move could be the last.
Joyner writes with the precision of someone who understands both tactical operations and human psychology. The firefights in downtown Silver Spring and the secure facilities of Northern Virginia crackle with tension and technical accuracy, while quieter moments reveal characters wrestling with loyalty, ambition, and survival. The author's familiarity with Washington D.C.'s complex ecosystem—from its political elites to its forgotten neighborhoods—provides a richly textured backdrop that enhances the story's authenticity.
What elevates Bazaar beyond genre conventions is its exploration of modern warfare's evolution. The novel suggests that future conflicts won't be fought solely between nation-states but through decentralized networks where anyone with technical know-how can become a significant threat. This democratization of violence raises unsettling questions about power, accountability, and justice in a digitally connected world.
The siblings Yemi and Karen form the moral center of the narrative—he with his tactical expertise honed in Nigerian intelligence, she with her business acumen and ambition. Their dynamic relationship grounds the novel's more explosive elements in relatable human terms.
Joyner has delivered a debut that's both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling. Bazaar doesn't just entertain; it forces us to consider the darker possibilities lurking within our technological revolution—a reality where death might be just another commodity available with a few clicks.
March 27, 2025
Bazaar is the debut novel by Miles Joyner, set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C. The story kicks off with the cold-blooded murder of the son of a former ambassador, but what seems like a senseless killing quickly spirals into a complex web of intrigue. Who would want this student dead? The answer becomes clearer with the discovery of an assassination market operating on the dark web. That market is Bazaar.
This is a new kind of warfare—if your name appears on Bazaar and people are paying in bitcoin to have you killed, then you need serious protection. Enter Raptor, a fledgling security firm created by Yemi and Karen Uzunma. They’re eager to land business from Titus, the firm where Yemi previously worked.
When Chiedu Attah, the ex-diplomat father of the murdered student, lands near the top of Bazaar’s hit list, it’s up to Raptor to keep him alive during the 24 hours his life is most at risk. Yemi and Karen are terrific characters whose professional partnership is made even more interesting by their personal, familial bond. They’re supported by a capable, tight-knit team who always have each other’s backs—something that proves vital as they find themselves in a high-stakes showdown with a relentless contract killer who seems to anticipate their every move.
This isn’t just a high-octane action thriller (though it certainly is that). Joyner does a great job weaving in sharp dialogue and tense interactions among the protectors and the assassins alike. We get chilling perspectives from killers motivated purely by the bitcoin bounty, and, surprisingly, there’s even one assassin you might find yourself unexpectedly drawn to—despite them being on the wrong side.
For action lovers, this is a gritty, edge-of-your-seat read, especially in the final fifty pages where the tension really ramps up. It will hook you from start to finish. I’m already eager to see where book two takes Raptor—will the company thrive, or crumble under the weight of such dangerous work? One thing’s for sure: as long as Bazaar remains active, there will always be more contracts to fight against. And then there’s the lingering mystery of PAM—what, or who, could it be? That alone will keep you guessing.
In all honesty, I could easily see this adapted for television as a gripping series. A fantastic debut that leaves you wanting more.
This is a new kind of warfare—if your name appears on Bazaar and people are paying in bitcoin to have you killed, then you need serious protection. Enter Raptor, a fledgling security firm created by Yemi and Karen Uzunma. They’re eager to land business from Titus, the firm where Yemi previously worked.
When Chiedu Attah, the ex-diplomat father of the murdered student, lands near the top of Bazaar’s hit list, it’s up to Raptor to keep him alive during the 24 hours his life is most at risk. Yemi and Karen are terrific characters whose professional partnership is made even more interesting by their personal, familial bond. They’re supported by a capable, tight-knit team who always have each other’s backs—something that proves vital as they find themselves in a high-stakes showdown with a relentless contract killer who seems to anticipate their every move.
This isn’t just a high-octane action thriller (though it certainly is that). Joyner does a great job weaving in sharp dialogue and tense interactions among the protectors and the assassins alike. We get chilling perspectives from killers motivated purely by the bitcoin bounty, and, surprisingly, there’s even one assassin you might find yourself unexpectedly drawn to—despite them being on the wrong side.
For action lovers, this is a gritty, edge-of-your-seat read, especially in the final fifty pages where the tension really ramps up. It will hook you from start to finish. I’m already eager to see where book two takes Raptor—will the company thrive, or crumble under the weight of such dangerous work? One thing’s for sure: as long as Bazaar remains active, there will always be more contracts to fight against. And then there’s the lingering mystery of PAM—what, or who, could it be? That alone will keep you guessing.
In all honesty, I could easily see this adapted for television as a gripping series. A fantastic debut that leaves you wanting more.
June 13, 2025
This is one of those books that quietly pulls you in. It doesn't come with noise or attention-seeking drama. It just starts, and before you know it, you're somewhere else inside a story that feels disturbingly real. That's what happened to me. I sat with it for a while, and honestly, I didn't even realise how fast I went through it... It's been a long time since something felt that natural to read
The book explores an idea that gave me chills..a space where people actually bet on the deaths of others.
Not fiction with fantasy, but a world that could very well exist-hidden, silent, and terrifying. It's not a story about superheroes or detectives, but something much closer to reality. It shows how quiet systems can be dangerous, and how people, money, and the internet can create something cold, calculated, and very real
The plot follows lives that slowly get pulled into a dark online market, where death turns into prediction. There's no clear hero or villain - just choices, consequences, and uncomfortable truths. That's what makes it hit differently.
What I loved most is that the book never tries too hard. It doesn't over-explain or rush. It just moves with a quiet rhythm And that rhythm stays with you. The writing holds your attention without shouting. It gave me space to think - not because something shocking happened, but because even the silent parts had weight.
At one point, I stopped and thought we scroll so much every day and yet we barely realise what we're part of. That moment stayed with me, because the story isn't loud, but it makes you see the world a little differently.
I genuinely respect the author for writing this. The way it's handled shows care not just in the plot, but in the message behind it It's not made just to entertain. It's made to stay with the reader, and it definitely stayed with me.
This isn't one of those books you forget after closing. It leaves something behind - a feeling, a question, maybe even a bit of discomfort. And that's exactly why I feel people should read it.
Highly Recommended📖
The book explores an idea that gave me chills..a space where people actually bet on the deaths of others.
Not fiction with fantasy, but a world that could very well exist-hidden, silent, and terrifying. It's not a story about superheroes or detectives, but something much closer to reality. It shows how quiet systems can be dangerous, and how people, money, and the internet can create something cold, calculated, and very real
The plot follows lives that slowly get pulled into a dark online market, where death turns into prediction. There's no clear hero or villain - just choices, consequences, and uncomfortable truths. That's what makes it hit differently.
What I loved most is that the book never tries too hard. It doesn't over-explain or rush. It just moves with a quiet rhythm And that rhythm stays with you. The writing holds your attention without shouting. It gave me space to think - not because something shocking happened, but because even the silent parts had weight.
At one point, I stopped and thought we scroll so much every day and yet we barely realise what we're part of. That moment stayed with me, because the story isn't loud, but it makes you see the world a little differently.
I genuinely respect the author for writing this. The way it's handled shows care not just in the plot, but in the message behind it It's not made just to entertain. It's made to stay with the reader, and it definitely stayed with me.
This isn't one of those books you forget after closing. It leaves something behind - a feeling, a question, maybe even a bit of discomfort. And that's exactly why I feel people should read it.
Highly Recommended📖
December 9, 2024
In Bazaar, Miles Joyner crafts a fast-paced, intense thriller that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Set against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., the story opens with the chilling homicide of the son of a former ambassador in the city’s nightlife district, a murder that quickly spirals into a complex web of intrigue and danger. What seems like a high-profile murder soon leads to an assassination market on the dark web, opening the door to a battle that pits a new generation of class warfare against the backdrop of political power struggles.
One of the things that immediately drew me in was the central conflict—an elite executive protection team led by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma, who are hired to protect Chiedu Attah, the ex-diplomat father of the murdered son. As someone who enjoys stories with strong characters navigating high-stakes situations, I appreciated the dynamic between Yemi and Karen, whose sharp skills and familial bond add emotional depth to the tense atmosphere. Their relationship is tested as they face off against an inventive, relentless contract killer who seems to anticipate every move they make.
What truly elevates Bazaar is Joyner’s ability to balance pulse-pounding action with social commentary. As the case develops, it becomes clear that the assassin is not just after Attah for personal reasons, but is part of something larger—an uprising fueled by social unrest and a desire to shift the balance of power. This layer of class warfare adds a fascinating complexity to the plot, making it feel not only like a cat-and-mouse chase but also a reflection on the dynamics of privilege and power in the modern world.
The pacing is relentless, with twist after twist that kept me on the edge of my seat. The dark web's shadowy underworld and the threat it poses are vividly portrayed, giving a haunting sense of realism to the story. Joyner expertly builds tension, weaving together the personal stakes for the Uzunma siblings and the political intrigue surrounding Attah’s protection. The result is a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in a world where danger lurks at every corner, and no one is ever truly safe.
If you’re a fan of thrillers that combine action, sharp character dynamics, and a deeper exploration of societal issues, Bazaar is an absolute must-read. It’s a powerful, gripping novel that will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of the things that immediately drew me in was the central conflict—an elite executive protection team led by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma, who are hired to protect Chiedu Attah, the ex-diplomat father of the murdered son. As someone who enjoys stories with strong characters navigating high-stakes situations, I appreciated the dynamic between Yemi and Karen, whose sharp skills and familial bond add emotional depth to the tense atmosphere. Their relationship is tested as they face off against an inventive, relentless contract killer who seems to anticipate every move they make.
What truly elevates Bazaar is Joyner’s ability to balance pulse-pounding action with social commentary. As the case develops, it becomes clear that the assassin is not just after Attah for personal reasons, but is part of something larger—an uprising fueled by social unrest and a desire to shift the balance of power. This layer of class warfare adds a fascinating complexity to the plot, making it feel not only like a cat-and-mouse chase but also a reflection on the dynamics of privilege and power in the modern world.
The pacing is relentless, with twist after twist that kept me on the edge of my seat. The dark web's shadowy underworld and the threat it poses are vividly portrayed, giving a haunting sense of realism to the story. Joyner expertly builds tension, weaving together the personal stakes for the Uzunma siblings and the political intrigue surrounding Attah’s protection. The result is a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in a world where danger lurks at every corner, and no one is ever truly safe.
If you’re a fan of thrillers that combine action, sharp character dynamics, and a deeper exploration of societal issues, Bazaar is an absolute must-read. It’s a powerful, gripping novel that will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2025
In Bazaar, Miles Joyner presents a compelling literary inquiry into the sociopolitical ramifications of emergent digital infrastructures. The novel functions as a thoughtful experiment, positing a "death-prediction market" on the dark web as a disruptive force, profoundly altering the traditional dynamics of power and security. This concept alone merits scholarly attention, situating the work within contemporary discourse on cybernetics, economic inequality, and the privatization of state functions.
Joyner’s narrative structure is notably sophisticated, employing a dual perspective that illuminates both the tactical intricacies of elite protection and the complex psychological landscape of the disaffected operative. The character of Aaron Williams, in particular, warrants close examination; his trajectory from financial precarity to becoming a skilled, tech-enabled assassin offers a sharp critique of systemic failures and the weaponization of desperation. The author’s meticulous attention to technological verisimilitude—from 3D-printed armaments to advanced surveillance methodologies—lends significant weight to the novel’s predictive qualities, fostering a sense of unsettling plausibility.
Furthermore, the Washington D.C. mise-en-scène is not merely a setting but an active participant in the narrative, symbolizing the stratified realities that facilitate such illicit enterprises. Bazaar transcends its thriller classification, offering a robust platform for critical engagement with the evolving nature of conflict, the ethical boundaries of innovation, and the profound implications of digital capitalism. It is a valuable contribution to contemporary fiction, prompting rigorous reflection on the contours of our shared future.
Joyner’s narrative structure is notably sophisticated, employing a dual perspective that illuminates both the tactical intricacies of elite protection and the complex psychological landscape of the disaffected operative. The character of Aaron Williams, in particular, warrants close examination; his trajectory from financial precarity to becoming a skilled, tech-enabled assassin offers a sharp critique of systemic failures and the weaponization of desperation. The author’s meticulous attention to technological verisimilitude—from 3D-printed armaments to advanced surveillance methodologies—lends significant weight to the novel’s predictive qualities, fostering a sense of unsettling plausibility.
Furthermore, the Washington D.C. mise-en-scène is not merely a setting but an active participant in the narrative, symbolizing the stratified realities that facilitate such illicit enterprises. Bazaar transcends its thriller classification, offering a robust platform for critical engagement with the evolving nature of conflict, the ethical boundaries of innovation, and the profound implications of digital capitalism. It is a valuable contribution to contemporary fiction, prompting rigorous reflection on the contours of our shared future.
August 3, 2025
Bazaar is one of those rare books that feels thrilling and thoughtful at the same time. The concept itself is so bold , a dark web platform where people use cryptocurrency to place bounties on others. It sounds like fiction, but somewhere deep down, it also feels frighteningly real. That is what makes this story so powerful and unforgettable.
The book starts with a brutal murder and slowly unfolds into a world filled with danger, secrets, and tension. We meet Aaron, a lonely teen whose journey from being just a smart kid to becoming a deadly assassin is both heartbreaking and shocking. On the other side, there’s Yemi , a brave and experienced protector whose every action shows strength, loyalty, and pain. His bond with his sister Karen and their team at Raptor added even more emotion to the story 💔
What I personally loved was how this book had so many layers. There is fast-paced action 🔫 but there are also moments that make you stop and think. It makes you question how technology, power, and desperation can twist reality. The scenes are described so clearly that you can actually feel the tension , like watching a movie unfold in your mind 🎬
Even the side characters leave an impact. The way the author brings together multiple stories and characters, especially Merlin and Carlos, adds depth and emotion. Every chapter adds something new and keeps you hooked till the very end.
Miles Joyner has written a smart, intense, and deeply meaningful story. It is not just a regular thriller. It feels like a reflection of the world we are living in. If you love action-packed stories that also make you feel and think, then Bazaar is a must-read 💥
The book starts with a brutal murder and slowly unfolds into a world filled with danger, secrets, and tension. We meet Aaron, a lonely teen whose journey from being just a smart kid to becoming a deadly assassin is both heartbreaking and shocking. On the other side, there’s Yemi , a brave and experienced protector whose every action shows strength, loyalty, and pain. His bond with his sister Karen and their team at Raptor added even more emotion to the story 💔
What I personally loved was how this book had so many layers. There is fast-paced action 🔫 but there are also moments that make you stop and think. It makes you question how technology, power, and desperation can twist reality. The scenes are described so clearly that you can actually feel the tension , like watching a movie unfold in your mind 🎬
Even the side characters leave an impact. The way the author brings together multiple stories and characters, especially Merlin and Carlos, adds depth and emotion. Every chapter adds something new and keeps you hooked till the very end.
Miles Joyner has written a smart, intense, and deeply meaningful story. It is not just a regular thriller. It feels like a reflection of the world we are living in. If you love action-packed stories that also make you feel and think, then Bazaar is a must-read 💥
April 27, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0
An assassination market on the dark web where people bid on the murders of the influential and the rich.
Siblings Karen and Yemi who founded an elite executive protection team, determined to stop the murders.
An eighteen-year-old mastermind and his gang who are on a mission to take down the rich, and win the bids placed.
Bazaar has an amazing and thoroughly interesting plot that'll have you wanting to know more. The detailing and world-building is excellent, and honestly, it's hard to believe that this is Miles Joyner’s debut book.
While reading, I could see the scenes playing out right in front of me, and it feels like this is the kind of book that'd turn out to be an excellent movie adaptation. The suspense, the action, and the conversations between the characters makes it all so very vivid and exciting.
The sibling bonding between Karen and Yemi? Don't get me started on that one *slaps a wad of cash onto the table* As someone who always keeps an eye open for anything and everything sibling-related (I'm an only child 🫠), I give this book a 10/10. Hands down one of the best sibling relationships I've seen in books.
The book has a very different style of writing from what I'm accustomed to, but it was a great read. If you love thrillers, technology, and some good old suspense, I highly recommend this book to you.
An assassination market on the dark web where people bid on the murders of the influential and the rich.
Siblings Karen and Yemi who founded an elite executive protection team, determined to stop the murders.
An eighteen-year-old mastermind and his gang who are on a mission to take down the rich, and win the bids placed.
Bazaar has an amazing and thoroughly interesting plot that'll have you wanting to know more. The detailing and world-building is excellent, and honestly, it's hard to believe that this is Miles Joyner’s debut book.
While reading, I could see the scenes playing out right in front of me, and it feels like this is the kind of book that'd turn out to be an excellent movie adaptation. The suspense, the action, and the conversations between the characters makes it all so very vivid and exciting.
The sibling bonding between Karen and Yemi? Don't get me started on that one *slaps a wad of cash onto the table* As someone who always keeps an eye open for anything and everything sibling-related (I'm an only child 🫠), I give this book a 10/10. Hands down one of the best sibling relationships I've seen in books.
The book has a very different style of writing from what I'm accustomed to, but it was a great read. If you love thrillers, technology, and some good old suspense, I highly recommend this book to you.
May 30, 2025
Bazaar by Miles Joyner is the first book in a new series involving Raptor, which is a security contractor group that is dealing with the safety of the amabassador and also the aftermath of his own son's murder. There is a murderer/ contract killer named Aaron, an 18 year old, who is determined to finish off the ambassador named Chiedu Attah and everything he stands for and is connected to. I love how the author wrote about a concept like the black web and how people can get anything they want on that particular platform and even includes murder and contract killing. Very interesting concept!
Bazaar follows the Raptor group as they are growing in members and also the contract killer, Aaron as he is on his twisted way to end Attah's existence and political career. The author wrote an engaging thriller of a read following many different players in this book. The characters are well written and you can not help feeling a little bad for Aaron, our resident contract killer as he is on his journey. This was a great security thriller of a read! And I look forward to more books involving the Raptor team!
Bazaar follows the Raptor group as they are growing in members and also the contract killer, Aaron as he is on his twisted way to end Attah's existence and political career. The author wrote an engaging thriller of a read following many different players in this book. The characters are well written and you can not help feeling a little bad for Aaron, our resident contract killer as he is on his journey. This was a great security thriller of a read! And I look forward to more books involving the Raptor team!
August 3, 2025
This book shook me.
It’s dark. It’s intense. And it feels way too real for comfort.
Imagine a world where people place bets on when someone will die — and someone else makes sure it happens. That’s the twisted core of Bazaar. And through it all, we follow Aaron, a young man who’s brilliant but broken, printing guns with a 3D printer in his bedroom just to survive. His story is raw and haunting. On the other side, there’s Yemi — a former intelligence officer trying to fight the invisible war that no one’s ready to admit exists.
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s a mirror. To systems that fail people. To grief. To power, money & the gut-wrenching desperation to be invisible in a world that sees you as throw-away.
There were moments when I had to stop & sit with the heaviness of what I had just read. Moments where I had to hold back silently rooting for people I probably shouldn't have. But that’s what makes this book so good. It blurs the lines of morality, survival, right & wrong.
✨ It's bold, timely & terrifyingly believable.
Would I recommend it? Definitely!!! But be aware - Bazaar isn’t an easy read. It’s gritty, clever, and painfully honest.
🖤 If you like thought-provoking thrillers that don’t play it safe, pick this one up.
It’s dark. It’s intense. And it feels way too real for comfort.
Imagine a world where people place bets on when someone will die — and someone else makes sure it happens. That’s the twisted core of Bazaar. And through it all, we follow Aaron, a young man who’s brilliant but broken, printing guns with a 3D printer in his bedroom just to survive. His story is raw and haunting. On the other side, there’s Yemi — a former intelligence officer trying to fight the invisible war that no one’s ready to admit exists.
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s a mirror. To systems that fail people. To grief. To power, money & the gut-wrenching desperation to be invisible in a world that sees you as throw-away.
There were moments when I had to stop & sit with the heaviness of what I had just read. Moments where I had to hold back silently rooting for people I probably shouldn't have. But that’s what makes this book so good. It blurs the lines of morality, survival, right & wrong.
✨ It's bold, timely & terrifyingly believable.
Would I recommend it? Definitely!!! But be aware - Bazaar isn’t an easy read. It’s gritty, clever, and painfully honest.
🖤 If you like thought-provoking thrillers that don’t play it safe, pick this one up.
September 25, 2025
First, big thanks to the author himself, Miles Joyner, for gifting me a copy of his book. I really appreciate it.
It started as a cool and refreshing story for me, as this is my first time reading a technothriller genre. Joyner’s writing is easy to absorb, though the number of characters often overwhelmed me. However, the story speaks volumes and is deeply relevant.
The main characters—a brother and sister team—try to protect a powerful man from a clever young assassin. As they fight to stay ahead, we see how unfair the world can be, especially for those without money or power.
Personally, I find it really unsettling because the possibility of this book happening in real life is high. It shows that when it comes to killing, wealthy people will take any measures to protect themselves, while poor people are left exposed—it just highlights the injustice that people around the world are experiencing. Additionally, the way technology and the internet can be both helpful and harmful makes it even more thrilling.
Overall, this book is scary, but also it’s an eye opener.
It started as a cool and refreshing story for me, as this is my first time reading a technothriller genre. Joyner’s writing is easy to absorb, though the number of characters often overwhelmed me. However, the story speaks volumes and is deeply relevant.
The main characters—a brother and sister team—try to protect a powerful man from a clever young assassin. As they fight to stay ahead, we see how unfair the world can be, especially for those without money or power.
Personally, I find it really unsettling because the possibility of this book happening in real life is high. It shows that when it comes to killing, wealthy people will take any measures to protect themselves, while poor people are left exposed—it just highlights the injustice that people around the world are experiencing. Additionally, the way technology and the internet can be both helpful and harmful makes it even more thrilling.
Overall, this book is scary, but also it’s an eye opener.
June 4, 2025
ARC REVIEW 3.5
First of all the premise of this book to me was so so interesting. I haven't read anything like it before. I loved discovering this world that honestly isn't that far off on what can happen in reality even though it's kind of scary to think ofm
I honestly love anything that makes me bite my nails and there were scenes that had me wanting to with how action packed they were!! The suspense on these moments was top notch
I did feel that some parts were kind of confusing for me like I had no idea what the purpose of them but in the other hands they are a good reprieve from the anxiety.
Kind of felt like I was watching a movie with how amazing the author's writing is, honestly a movie I would 100% watch.
I can't wait to read the next installment
First of all the premise of this book to me was so so interesting. I haven't read anything like it before. I loved discovering this world that honestly isn't that far off on what can happen in reality even though it's kind of scary to think ofm
I honestly love anything that makes me bite my nails and there were scenes that had me wanting to with how action packed they were!! The suspense on these moments was top notch
I did feel that some parts were kind of confusing for me like I had no idea what the purpose of them but in the other hands they are a good reprieve from the anxiety.
Kind of felt like I was watching a movie with how amazing the author's writing is, honestly a movie I would 100% watch.
I can't wait to read the next installment
June 6, 2025
This is one action filled novel. I lost count of the deadly gun fights included. The plot concept is intriguing with people betting on an assassination day then plotting the very act to win the pool. The novel introduced me to a world I had not experienced, filled with unsavory characters and extreme gang violence.
Joyner's wordy writing style and use of adjectives took concentration for me to comprehend. Potential readers should also be aware that much of the dialogue is between gang members and includes much slang and many foul words. I had difficulty liking any of the characters. This is really a novel for readers who are ready to delve into groups containing people committed to violence.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Joyner's wordy writing style and use of adjectives took concentration for me to comprehend. Potential readers should also be aware that much of the dialogue is between gang members and includes much slang and many foul words. I had difficulty liking any of the characters. This is really a novel for readers who are ready to delve into groups containing people committed to violence.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 28, 2025
Bazaar is the assassination market, a murder-for-profit dark web marketplace that fuels a chilling new underworld economy where the deaths of public figures become commodities. The story begins with a young tech prodigy named Aaron who uses 3D-printed weapons to carry out assassinations bought and sold online. The book spirals into a complex geopolitical thriller. As the political circles begin to panic, ex-diplomat Chiedu Attah turns to a small but elite security firm run by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma. Tasked with protecting Attah before a second attempt is made, the team finds themselves in a race against a killer who is both highly inventive and disturbingly determined. As tensions rise across Washington D.C., a race begins between those placing bets on death and those trying to prevent them.
There’s a steady pulse to Miles Joyner’s writing that doesn’t let up. From the first page, I felt drawn into the rhythm of his world. I found the concept very intriguing. I saw some glimpse of a Bazaar-like dark-web in a MTV show called Eye Candy, but yes this book totally something else. The writing is sharp without trying too hard, always keeping pace with the momentum of the plot.
I appreciated how the author doesn’t spoon-feed his world-building. I found myself intrigued by the electric way Joyner writes about surveillance, technology, and power. I kept thinking about what it means when violence is turned into a business plan. This book isn’t just a thriller, it’s a warning. And a gripping and unsettling one. I can easily see a brilliant movie out of this book.
There’s a steady pulse to Miles Joyner’s writing that doesn’t let up. From the first page, I felt drawn into the rhythm of his world. I found the concept very intriguing. I saw some glimpse of a Bazaar-like dark-web in a MTV show called Eye Candy, but yes this book totally something else. The writing is sharp without trying too hard, always keeping pace with the momentum of the plot.
I appreciated how the author doesn’t spoon-feed his world-building. I found myself intrigued by the electric way Joyner writes about surveillance, technology, and power. I kept thinking about what it means when violence is turned into a business plan. This book isn’t just a thriller, it’s a warning. And a gripping and unsettling one. I can easily see a brilliant movie out of this book.
August 2, 2025
Bazaar is a chilling, high-stakes thriller that throws you into a world where death is just another transaction—and the internet is the auction block. It’s dark, daring, and dangerously close to reality. The idea of people bidding on lives through an anonymous online market? Wild… and yet it doesn’t feel too far-fetched.
The story blends technology, crime, and power in a way that’s sharp and unsettling. Every twist kept me on edge. It doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think about how far people are willing to go for profit, control, or survival. I appreciated how bold and different this story felt.
Big thanks to the author, Miles Joyner, for reaching out and trusting me with this read. I'm honored to be part of your debut journey. 👏🏻
📚 Bazaar is now published and available for orders. Don’t miss this gripping ride!
The story blends technology, crime, and power in a way that’s sharp and unsettling. Every twist kept me on edge. It doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think about how far people are willing to go for profit, control, or survival. I appreciated how bold and different this story felt.
Big thanks to the author, Miles Joyner, for reaching out and trusting me with this read. I'm honored to be part of your debut journey. 👏🏻
📚 Bazaar is now published and available for orders. Don’t miss this gripping ride!
August 5, 2025
When I picked up Bazaar, I felt intimidated — it was a book outside my comfort zone. But I was hooked from the first page! It has a gripping plot with powerful themes.
Two siblings, Yemi and Karen Uzunma, run a protective service team and are hired to keep Chiedu Attah, an ex-diplomat, safe from assassination.
Joyner masterfully writes a fast-paced story filled with tension, but also manages great character development.
I recommend this to anyone looking for an unputdownable book!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Two siblings, Yemi and Karen Uzunma, run a protective service team and are hired to keep Chiedu Attah, an ex-diplomat, safe from assassination.
Joyner masterfully writes a fast-paced story filled with tension, but also manages great character development.
I recommend this to anyone looking for an unputdownable book!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 15, 2025
Bazaar is one of those books that gradually seduces you. It forces you to see what is lurking just beneath the surface of our digital world. The story centers on a dark web marketplace where anyone can bet on the deaths of powerful people, and killers cash in with untraceable 3D-printed weapons. It’s a brutal, high-stakes game with real consequences.
Yemi and Karen Uzunma lead Raptor, a tight-knit security firm hired to protect former ambassador Chiedu Attah after his son’s shocking murder. Their adversary? Aaron Williams, a smart but troubled teen assassin who’s as unpredictable as he is deadly. What follows is a tense and fast-paced cat-and-mouse chase through Washington D.C.’s complex neighborhoods and political shadows.
What I liked best is that the book never overdoes it. It never over-explains and lacks a rush. It just ambles along with a soft pace, and that tempo stays with you. The writing holds your attention without screaming. It allowed me space to think, not because something brilliant happened, but because even the quiet moments had weight.
I stopped for a moment and thought about how much scrolling we do each day, and yet we barely pay attention to what we are a part of. That second stuck with me, because the story is not boisterous, but it makes you pay attention to the world a little differently.
Joyner’s writing is sharp and cinematic, packing in technical detail without slowing the story down. The action scenes hit hard, but it’s the gray-area characters and the tough questions about technology, power, and morality that really stick with you. This isn’t a black-and-white story of good guys vs. bad guys. It’s about people caught in a system that’s fast, cold, and unforgiving.
I really respect the author for writing this. How it's accomplished shows that concern is not only utilized in the narrative, but in the message itself. It's not created simply to entertain. It's created to stay with the reader, and it most certainly stayed with me.
If you want a smart, edge of your seat techno-thriller that also makes you think about where we’re headed, Bazaar delivers big time. It’s a debut that proves Miles Joyner is a writer to keep on your radar.
Yemi and Karen Uzunma lead Raptor, a tight-knit security firm hired to protect former ambassador Chiedu Attah after his son’s shocking murder. Their adversary? Aaron Williams, a smart but troubled teen assassin who’s as unpredictable as he is deadly. What follows is a tense and fast-paced cat-and-mouse chase through Washington D.C.’s complex neighborhoods and political shadows.
What I liked best is that the book never overdoes it. It never over-explains and lacks a rush. It just ambles along with a soft pace, and that tempo stays with you. The writing holds your attention without screaming. It allowed me space to think, not because something brilliant happened, but because even the quiet moments had weight.
I stopped for a moment and thought about how much scrolling we do each day, and yet we barely pay attention to what we are a part of. That second stuck with me, because the story is not boisterous, but it makes you pay attention to the world a little differently.
Joyner’s writing is sharp and cinematic, packing in technical detail without slowing the story down. The action scenes hit hard, but it’s the gray-area characters and the tough questions about technology, power, and morality that really stick with you. This isn’t a black-and-white story of good guys vs. bad guys. It’s about people caught in a system that’s fast, cold, and unforgiving.
I really respect the author for writing this. How it's accomplished shows that concern is not only utilized in the narrative, but in the message itself. It's not created simply to entertain. It's created to stay with the reader, and it most certainly stayed with me.
If you want a smart, edge of your seat techno-thriller that also makes you think about where we’re headed, Bazaar delivers big time. It’s a debut that proves Miles Joyner is a writer to keep on your radar.
October 9, 2025
What a fun one! It did take me a bit to get used to the characters, but once I was into it, it was definitely a page turner. The thrillers I normally read aren’t as action packed as this one, but I must say I was quite into it. Definitely would make a fun movie to watch!
Thank you to the author for sending me the book! All opinions are, of course, my own.
Thank you to the author for sending me the book! All opinions are, of course, my own.
May 4, 2025
'Bazaar' by Miles Joyner is a techno-thriller where we learn about Bazaar—a dark web platform where people can place bounties on high-profile individuals, with those carrying out the assassinations earning hefty profits. For me, this book felt like an intense, high-octane action thriller staged in three acts.
In the first act, we’re introduced to Aaron, and with the assassination of Chaidu's son, the plot is set in motion. Characters like Yemi, Karen, and their commercial security agency Raptors—which offers protection to high-profile individuals at risk of assassination—are established. In the second act, the tension escalates as we witness the extreme lengths people will go to eliminate the targets listed on Bazaar for a particular day. The third act raises the stakes even higher with the longest action sequence I’ve read in a while, and the way each character is used to serve their purpose makes the ending truly satisfying.
This is a fast-paced read, and at times the story gets so intense that it kept me on edge, biting my nails. Even with tight security, when Aaron and his group attack the facilities, there’s a palpable sense of helplessness—especially in moments where Yemi and his versatile team are cornered or overpowered. The author's writing is commendable throughout, creating a constant atmosphere of uncertainty, followed by a relentless dance of bullets and death. Characters like Yemi and Aaron—on opposite sides—are layered and add the necessary depth that’s essential in an action thriller where the stakes are high on both ends.
The most remarkable part for me was the side story of Merlin and Carlos. I only wish it had been explored a bit more—especially Merlin, who reminded me of John Wick or Robert McCall from The Equalizer movies.
I found this book thoroughly entertaining. The author checks every box—plot, pacing, storyline, characterization, action sequences, and gripping writing that kept me hooked. It ends with an unexpected twist that I didn’t see coming and sets a solid foundation for the sequel.
I highly recommend Bazaar to anyone who loves action-packed movies or books. It delivers all the thrills and heart-pounding moments you could ask for.
In the first act, we’re introduced to Aaron, and with the assassination of Chaidu's son, the plot is set in motion. Characters like Yemi, Karen, and their commercial security agency Raptors—which offers protection to high-profile individuals at risk of assassination—are established. In the second act, the tension escalates as we witness the extreme lengths people will go to eliminate the targets listed on Bazaar for a particular day. The third act raises the stakes even higher with the longest action sequence I’ve read in a while, and the way each character is used to serve their purpose makes the ending truly satisfying.
This is a fast-paced read, and at times the story gets so intense that it kept me on edge, biting my nails. Even with tight security, when Aaron and his group attack the facilities, there’s a palpable sense of helplessness—especially in moments where Yemi and his versatile team are cornered or overpowered. The author's writing is commendable throughout, creating a constant atmosphere of uncertainty, followed by a relentless dance of bullets and death. Characters like Yemi and Aaron—on opposite sides—are layered and add the necessary depth that’s essential in an action thriller where the stakes are high on both ends.
The most remarkable part for me was the side story of Merlin and Carlos. I only wish it had been explored a bit more—especially Merlin, who reminded me of John Wick or Robert McCall from The Equalizer movies.
I found this book thoroughly entertaining. The author checks every box—plot, pacing, storyline, characterization, action sequences, and gripping writing that kept me hooked. It ends with an unexpected twist that I didn’t see coming and sets a solid foundation for the sequel.
I highly recommend Bazaar to anyone who loves action-packed movies or books. It delivers all the thrills and heart-pounding moments you could ask for.
October 3, 2025
This book is one of those thrillers that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. The atmosphere is dark, the stakes are high, and the whole concept of a death market on the dark web feels terrifyingly believable. What begins with a brutal murder spirals into a tense, relentless chase where morality and survival constantly blur.
Washington, D.C.’s vibrant nightlife becomes sinister legend the moment the son of a former ambassador is murdered in cold blood, seemingly at random. What unfolds, though, is far more disturbing: this crime connects to a dark web assassination market called “Bazaar,” where death itself is auctioned off in cryptocurrency. That initial setup didn’t just catch my interest, it deeply unsettled me.
The story unfolds through two visceral threads:
Aaron Williams, an 18-year-old hacker-assassin who prints gun metal with a 3D printer in his bedroom. His first kill, an act both brutal and heartbreakingly desperate, sets a terrifying tone. As his story plays out, I found myself torn between shock at his actions and recognition of a broken system that turned him lethal.
Yemi and Karen Uzunma, siblings running Raptor, an elite security outfit. When they’re hired by Chiedu Attah (the murdered boy’s father) to protect him from the Bazaar listings, the stakes skyrocket. Their bond, personal and professional, offered the emotional grounding that kept the story from collapsing under its own dark premise
If you’ve ever watched a thriller directed in montage, that’s how Bazaar reads: fast, focused, and razor-sharp. Scenes punctuate each other like compelling visuals, and Joyner’s background in television editing is evident in the kinetic energy of every confrontation.
The assassination marketplace isn’t sci-fi, it’s disturbingly feasible. Crypto, anonymity, dark web accessibility, all are plausible catalysts for this dystopia. Th author doesn’t just present a killer concept; he makes you believe it could exist tomorrow.
What elevated the story for me was how the plot served as social commentary as much as entertainment. Power, class warfare, disenfranchisement, all woven into the chase. There are no cartoon villains or heroes. Everyone reflects real pressures: Aaron’s violence emerges from desperation, while Yemi’s vigilance comes from a sense of duty and grief.
I found myself pausing throughout, not out of boredom, but to acknowledge how close to reality the novel felt. In one scene, an assassin mauls a wound, and dismisses alcohol or peroxide, explaining they "can damage the tissue." That detail made me stop reading and think, Yes, this author did his research.
The cast is broad, and while that scope adds intensity, some characters, particularly the “good guys,” felt a step removed, almost predictable in their moral clarity. A few narrative threads seemed packed, especially in the middle, making it slightly denser at times. But honestly? The momentum barely wavered.
it is a debut that hits the mark on multiple levels: it’s a pulse-pounder, a thought-provoker, and, above all, a story that lingers. The dark web auction of death isn’t just a neat thriller hook, it’s a terrifying mirror held up to our tech-saturated, inequality-stricken world.
If you prefer your thrillers smart, gritty, and uncomfortably plausible, this one will keep you turning pages. It’s a sharp, soulful debut that announces Miles Joyner as a major new voice in techno-thrillers.
Washington, D.C.’s vibrant nightlife becomes sinister legend the moment the son of a former ambassador is murdered in cold blood, seemingly at random. What unfolds, though, is far more disturbing: this crime connects to a dark web assassination market called “Bazaar,” where death itself is auctioned off in cryptocurrency. That initial setup didn’t just catch my interest, it deeply unsettled me.
The story unfolds through two visceral threads:
Aaron Williams, an 18-year-old hacker-assassin who prints gun metal with a 3D printer in his bedroom. His first kill, an act both brutal and heartbreakingly desperate, sets a terrifying tone. As his story plays out, I found myself torn between shock at his actions and recognition of a broken system that turned him lethal.
Yemi and Karen Uzunma, siblings running Raptor, an elite security outfit. When they’re hired by Chiedu Attah (the murdered boy’s father) to protect him from the Bazaar listings, the stakes skyrocket. Their bond, personal and professional, offered the emotional grounding that kept the story from collapsing under its own dark premise
If you’ve ever watched a thriller directed in montage, that’s how Bazaar reads: fast, focused, and razor-sharp. Scenes punctuate each other like compelling visuals, and Joyner’s background in television editing is evident in the kinetic energy of every confrontation.
The assassination marketplace isn’t sci-fi, it’s disturbingly feasible. Crypto, anonymity, dark web accessibility, all are plausible catalysts for this dystopia. Th author doesn’t just present a killer concept; he makes you believe it could exist tomorrow.
What elevated the story for me was how the plot served as social commentary as much as entertainment. Power, class warfare, disenfranchisement, all woven into the chase. There are no cartoon villains or heroes. Everyone reflects real pressures: Aaron’s violence emerges from desperation, while Yemi’s vigilance comes from a sense of duty and grief.
I found myself pausing throughout, not out of boredom, but to acknowledge how close to reality the novel felt. In one scene, an assassin mauls a wound, and dismisses alcohol or peroxide, explaining they "can damage the tissue." That detail made me stop reading and think, Yes, this author did his research.
The cast is broad, and while that scope adds intensity, some characters, particularly the “good guys,” felt a step removed, almost predictable in their moral clarity. A few narrative threads seemed packed, especially in the middle, making it slightly denser at times. But honestly? The momentum barely wavered.
it is a debut that hits the mark on multiple levels: it’s a pulse-pounder, a thought-provoker, and, above all, a story that lingers. The dark web auction of death isn’t just a neat thriller hook, it’s a terrifying mirror held up to our tech-saturated, inequality-stricken world.
If you prefer your thrillers smart, gritty, and uncomfortably plausible, this one will keep you turning pages. It’s a sharp, soulful debut that announces Miles Joyner as a major new voice in techno-thrillers.
May 17, 2025
In the debut thriller, Bazaar, from Miles Joyner, a former counterterrorism analyst must outmaneuver cyber-killers and global extremists to protect a high-profile target—before a bet on his life comes due.
Bazaar opens with the chilling murder of two university students in Washington, D.C., committed by Aaron Williams, a brilliant but disillusioned young man who uses a 3D-printed, untraceable firearm. The act, orchestrated to appear as a robbery, is in fact tied to an emerging dark web platform known as the Bazaar, a death-prediction market where anonymous users place cryptocurrency bets on high-profile individuals' death dates. Aaron, driven by financial desperation and a desire to escape poverty, becomes a pawn in a dangerous new form of cyber-crime that fuses predictive algorithms with contract killings.
It's a dystopian intersection of markets and mortality: “Imagine this, Miss Van Zandt. On the right day, anybody from a trained killer to an ambitious busboy can make a few dollars off a bullet to your head or... a little cyanide in your glass.”
The narrative shifts to Yemi Uzunma, a strategic analyst with a counterterrorism background who uncovers the true purpose and growing influence of the Bazaar. As the murder of Adamu Attah—son of a politically connected Nigerian family—garners global attention, Yemi connects the killing to a spike in Bazaar market activity and begins tracing its sponsors, including a fundamentalist group known as the Anat Network. Disillusioned with the bureaucracy at his consulting firm Titus which feels "like a cage," Yemi leaves to join his sister Karen's fledgling security company, Raptor.
As tensions rise, Raptor is hired to protect Chiedu Attah, Adamu’s father and a former Nigerian diplomat, whose death is next on the Bazaar's ledger. The novel deepens its complexity by introducing a rogue’s gallery of mercenaries, idealists, and dark web opportunists, weaving a thrilling intersection of technology, international politics, and private security. The climax sets the stage for a lethal showdown between new-school assassins and the old guard of security professionals fighting to adapt to an era where death is not only inevitable but profitable.
Miles Joyner’s Bazaar is a razor-sharp, high-concept thriller that brilliantly fuses contemporary issues (cryptocurrency, cybercrime, and global extremism) into a pulse-pounding narrative of survival and justice. With cinematic pacing, clever dialogue, and a premise that feels terrifyingly plausible, Joyner delivers both thrills and sobering insight, painting a chilling portrait of a future that feels one click away.
Bazaar opens with the chilling murder of two university students in Washington, D.C., committed by Aaron Williams, a brilliant but disillusioned young man who uses a 3D-printed, untraceable firearm. The act, orchestrated to appear as a robbery, is in fact tied to an emerging dark web platform known as the Bazaar, a death-prediction market where anonymous users place cryptocurrency bets on high-profile individuals' death dates. Aaron, driven by financial desperation and a desire to escape poverty, becomes a pawn in a dangerous new form of cyber-crime that fuses predictive algorithms with contract killings.
It's a dystopian intersection of markets and mortality: “Imagine this, Miss Van Zandt. On the right day, anybody from a trained killer to an ambitious busboy can make a few dollars off a bullet to your head or... a little cyanide in your glass.”
The narrative shifts to Yemi Uzunma, a strategic analyst with a counterterrorism background who uncovers the true purpose and growing influence of the Bazaar. As the murder of Adamu Attah—son of a politically connected Nigerian family—garners global attention, Yemi connects the killing to a spike in Bazaar market activity and begins tracing its sponsors, including a fundamentalist group known as the Anat Network. Disillusioned with the bureaucracy at his consulting firm Titus which feels "like a cage," Yemi leaves to join his sister Karen's fledgling security company, Raptor.
As tensions rise, Raptor is hired to protect Chiedu Attah, Adamu’s father and a former Nigerian diplomat, whose death is next on the Bazaar's ledger. The novel deepens its complexity by introducing a rogue’s gallery of mercenaries, idealists, and dark web opportunists, weaving a thrilling intersection of technology, international politics, and private security. The climax sets the stage for a lethal showdown between new-school assassins and the old guard of security professionals fighting to adapt to an era where death is not only inevitable but profitable.
Miles Joyner’s Bazaar is a razor-sharp, high-concept thriller that brilliantly fuses contemporary issues (cryptocurrency, cybercrime, and global extremism) into a pulse-pounding narrative of survival and justice. With cinematic pacing, clever dialogue, and a premise that feels terrifyingly plausible, Joyner delivers both thrills and sobering insight, painting a chilling portrait of a future that feels one click away.
April 16, 2025
In the murky corners of the dark web, where cryptocurrency flows like digital blood money, Miles Joyner's debut techno-thriller Bazaar introduces a marketplace more terrifying than any black market weapons bazaar or drug emporium: a prediction market where assassinations are crowdfunded and executed by tech-savvy killers.
Joyner's narrative encryption is flawless, weaving multiple storylines through a complex network of characters connected by .onion domains and blockchain transactions. At the center is Chiedu Attah, a former Nigerian ambassador whose family becomes entangled in the macabre economy of the Bazaar, and the Uzunma siblings who run Raptor Security, a startup firm specializing in protecting the high-value targets listed on the platform.
The technical architecture of Bazaar impresses with its authenticity. Joyner navigates the mechanics of 3D-printed weapons, drone surveillance systems, and encrypted messaging protocols with the confidence of someone who's spent countless hours in both legitimate and shadow networks. His portrayal of teenage assassin Aaron Williams' methodical manufacturing of untraceable "ghost guns" feels disturbingly plausible, while the tactical countermeasures employed by Raptor's Executive Protection Team create a digital arms race that escalates with each chapter.
What distinguishes this novel from standard cyberpunk fare is its grounding in contemporary socioeconomic reality. The D.C. metro area becomes a microcosm of digital-age inequality, where those with technical skills but limited opportunities find themselves drawn to underground economies promising financial liberation through violence. The contrast between the palatial homes of Northern Virginia and the struggling neighborhoods of Prince George's County provides a stark backdrop to the virtual marketplace that connects them in deadly transactions.
Joyner's prose operates with machine-learning efficiency, adapting its pacing to match the acceleration of events as multiple factions converge on high-value targets. The firefights in Bazaar are coded with precision, each tactical movement and technological counter-measure executed with the cold logic of battle algorithms.
For readers seeking a techno-thriller that doesn't just appropriate digital culture but fundamentally understands it, Bazaar delivers a high-bandwidth narrative that never buffers or crashes. This is next-generation thriller writing where the dark web isn't just window dressing—it's the operating system on which the entire deadly program runs.
Joyner's narrative encryption is flawless, weaving multiple storylines through a complex network of characters connected by .onion domains and blockchain transactions. At the center is Chiedu Attah, a former Nigerian ambassador whose family becomes entangled in the macabre economy of the Bazaar, and the Uzunma siblings who run Raptor Security, a startup firm specializing in protecting the high-value targets listed on the platform.
The technical architecture of Bazaar impresses with its authenticity. Joyner navigates the mechanics of 3D-printed weapons, drone surveillance systems, and encrypted messaging protocols with the confidence of someone who's spent countless hours in both legitimate and shadow networks. His portrayal of teenage assassin Aaron Williams' methodical manufacturing of untraceable "ghost guns" feels disturbingly plausible, while the tactical countermeasures employed by Raptor's Executive Protection Team create a digital arms race that escalates with each chapter.
What distinguishes this novel from standard cyberpunk fare is its grounding in contemporary socioeconomic reality. The D.C. metro area becomes a microcosm of digital-age inequality, where those with technical skills but limited opportunities find themselves drawn to underground economies promising financial liberation through violence. The contrast between the palatial homes of Northern Virginia and the struggling neighborhoods of Prince George's County provides a stark backdrop to the virtual marketplace that connects them in deadly transactions.
Joyner's prose operates with machine-learning efficiency, adapting its pacing to match the acceleration of events as multiple factions converge on high-value targets. The firefights in Bazaar are coded with precision, each tactical movement and technological counter-measure executed with the cold logic of battle algorithms.
For readers seeking a techno-thriller that doesn't just appropriate digital culture but fundamentally understands it, Bazaar delivers a high-bandwidth narrative that never buffers or crashes. This is next-generation thriller writing where the dark web isn't just window dressing—it's the operating system on which the entire deadly program runs.
April 16, 2025
Miles Joyner bursts onto the thriller scene with Bazaar, a debut that immediately establishes him as a formidable new voice in techno-thrillers. Set in the familiar yet transformed landscape of Washington D.C., Joyner crafts a narrative that feels alarmingly prescient—a world where assassination has become a service available to the highest bidder on the dark web.
The novel centers on the fallout after the son of former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah becomes the first high-profile victim claimed by this digital death market. Desperate to avoid the same fate, Attah hires Raptor Security, run by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma. What follows is a high-stakes chess match between Raptor's Executive Protection Team and a teenage assassin whose 3D-printed weaponry and tactical savvy make him a terrifying adversary.
Joyner's prose hits like a volley of bullets—direct, impactful, and leaving no room for unnecessary flourishes. His action sequences unfold with a choreographer's precision, each movement and countermove building toward explosive confrontations that leave readers breathless. Yet the novel's quieter moments prove equally compelling, particularly the complex dynamics within the Uzunma siblings' operation and the surprising depth given to the young assassin Aaron, whose path to becoming a contract killer is rooted in a society that failed him.
The author's knowledge of the D.C. metro area shines through on every page, from the nightlife of Adams Morgan to the corporate wealth of Northern Virginia to the economic struggles of Prince George's County. This regional authenticity grounds the novel's more speculative elements in a reality readers will recognize.
What truly distinguishes Bazaar is its exploration of how technology transforms violence. By making assassination an open marketplace, Joyner creates a thought-provoking metaphor for our digital age, where barriers to entry for destructive activities continuously lower. The novel never lectures but instead allows readers to witness the consequences of this shift through characters caught in its deadly currents.
With its perfect balance of adrenaline-pumping action and thoughtful contemplation of technology's darker applications, Bazaar announces Joyner as an author whose work demands attention. This is a debut that leaves you both entertained and unsettled—the hallmark of truly effective thriller fiction.
The novel centers on the fallout after the son of former Nigerian ambassador Chiedu Attah becomes the first high-profile victim claimed by this digital death market. Desperate to avoid the same fate, Attah hires Raptor Security, run by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma. What follows is a high-stakes chess match between Raptor's Executive Protection Team and a teenage assassin whose 3D-printed weaponry and tactical savvy make him a terrifying adversary.
Joyner's prose hits like a volley of bullets—direct, impactful, and leaving no room for unnecessary flourishes. His action sequences unfold with a choreographer's precision, each movement and countermove building toward explosive confrontations that leave readers breathless. Yet the novel's quieter moments prove equally compelling, particularly the complex dynamics within the Uzunma siblings' operation and the surprising depth given to the young assassin Aaron, whose path to becoming a contract killer is rooted in a society that failed him.
The author's knowledge of the D.C. metro area shines through on every page, from the nightlife of Adams Morgan to the corporate wealth of Northern Virginia to the economic struggles of Prince George's County. This regional authenticity grounds the novel's more speculative elements in a reality readers will recognize.
What truly distinguishes Bazaar is its exploration of how technology transforms violence. By making assassination an open marketplace, Joyner creates a thought-provoking metaphor for our digital age, where barriers to entry for destructive activities continuously lower. The novel never lectures but instead allows readers to witness the consequences of this shift through characters caught in its deadly currents.
With its perfect balance of adrenaline-pumping action and thoughtful contemplation of technology's darker applications, Bazaar announces Joyner as an author whose work demands attention. This is a debut that leaves you both entertained and unsettled—the hallmark of truly effective thriller fiction.
December 6, 2025
Bazaar is technothriller. On the dark web, a new type of gambling is emerging—betting on the death dates of the rich, famous, and politically powerful. Two men see opportunity. Yemi Uzunma and his sister, Karen, see a need for a new breed of personal security force. A need their security company Raptor can fill. Aaron Williams sees a solution to his money problems and all he needs is his 3-D printer. As the betting pool grows, Yemi’s and Aaron’s squads face off with one trying to protect and the other trying to kill the prize.
Bottom line: Bazaar is for you if you like your thrills hinged on technology with an element of lion versus tiger
The premise and storytelling are the shining stars of Bazaar. It is a seldom read mix of high tech and street smart. The leading characters are interesting and do lead to being invested in their outcomes. This is a shoot-‘m-up action story and those scenes are intense. The actions on both sides are inventive and kept this reader engaged.
Bazaar is a unique story because the storyline is driven by the online betting arena with both Yemi and Aaron reacting to it. Yemi is hired by people at the top of the prize pool. Once he and Karen accept the job, they do drive Raptor’s protection planning and execution. Similarly, once Aaron accepts the challenge, he largely drives the planning and execution for his team. Aaron and Yemi don’t know each other, there is no personal animosity or history. It is simply business. Yemi or Aaron could have stopped and the story would have continued on as long as the Bazaar was up and function.
Standing at the end and looking to the front, the logic largely stands up. Yemi’s and Aaron’s actions make sense, given what they know. I do end with questions that are not resolved on the page.
The one area where I struggled was with the unconventional formatting. I found myself frequently confused about who was speaking when it came to dialog. The result was that I had to read slowly, often re-reading passages, which slowed down the pace of the story. Readers who read quickly may find this distracting or potentially read over without notice. Whether reading fast or slow, this is a sophisticated story that can’t be raced through.
All-in-all, Bazaar was a satisfying read and an excellent addition to the thriller and technothriller genres.
Bottom line: Bazaar is for you if you like your thrills hinged on technology with an element of lion versus tiger
The premise and storytelling are the shining stars of Bazaar. It is a seldom read mix of high tech and street smart. The leading characters are interesting and do lead to being invested in their outcomes. This is a shoot-‘m-up action story and those scenes are intense. The actions on both sides are inventive and kept this reader engaged.
Bazaar is a unique story because the storyline is driven by the online betting arena with both Yemi and Aaron reacting to it. Yemi is hired by people at the top of the prize pool. Once he and Karen accept the job, they do drive Raptor’s protection planning and execution. Similarly, once Aaron accepts the challenge, he largely drives the planning and execution for his team. Aaron and Yemi don’t know each other, there is no personal animosity or history. It is simply business. Yemi or Aaron could have stopped and the story would have continued on as long as the Bazaar was up and function.
Standing at the end and looking to the front, the logic largely stands up. Yemi’s and Aaron’s actions make sense, given what they know. I do end with questions that are not resolved on the page.
The one area where I struggled was with the unconventional formatting. I found myself frequently confused about who was speaking when it came to dialog. The result was that I had to read slowly, often re-reading passages, which slowed down the pace of the story. Readers who read quickly may find this distracting or potentially read over without notice. Whether reading fast or slow, this is a sophisticated story that can’t be raced through.
All-in-all, Bazaar was a satisfying read and an excellent addition to the thriller and technothriller genres.
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