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Cold Hit: Shadowfast--The Valiant Thrillogy, Book 1
ACTUAL READER "A fun, action-packed romp."
“I’ve read few thrillers with an ending that felt this good.”
“So many twists that I never knew what was coming next. The action is fast, the characters are sharp… It feels real and believable.”
“Sophisticated writing in an action thriller is really a treat… which is what this book is.”
A traitor’s act sprawls out of control. Ruthless billionaires seek revenge. Caught in the Quinn Richards and his heavy metal heist crew, Shadowfast.
Con man Quinn Richards accepts a simple job for his band of retrieve data stolen from the feds. But sinister forces will do anything to keep that data. To stay out of jail, Quinn must match wits with a two-faced ex-POTUS, combat a right-wing militia, and trick two hard-hearted billionaires into trusting him and his crew. And that’s just the first week.
When his team decodes what the data really is, Quinn and Shadowfast confront a gut-wrenching do they free themselves from their persecutors? Or instead, choose justice for millions of innocents? Either way, someone must suffer a Cold Hit.
Clever twists, gripping quandaries, and pulse-pounding set pieces fill Cold Hit, Book 1 of The Valiant Thrillogy. Whether you're new to Shadowfast or a returning fan, Cold Hit is the perfect jumping-on point. Rock out with your Glock out experiencing the series for fans of Impossible, The A-Team, Lee Goldberg, Jason Kasper, and action thrillers. Chase your adventure now!
====================
Praise for Cole Chase and the Shadowfast Series
“Cold Hit brings... wise-cracking humor, bone-crunching action, wild twists, and a crazy-fast momentum. Cole Chase excels at grasping your attention throughout the narrative because there’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s cool action sequences, or intriguing drama, or hilarious comedy... Start a new adrenaline-pumping journey with Cold Hit and get immersed in the pedal to the metal rocking narrative with tons of quips and shocking moments to keep you hooked.” —Best Thriller Books“The narrative is crisp, unflagging, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments and startling cliffhangers.” --RIchard Huos
“… combines the techno-thriller aspect of a Impossible story with the comaraderie and humor of Guardians of the Galaxy. I've honestly never read an action book where I looked forward to the banter among the characters as much.” —ladame (Amazon reader)
"... combines the world of music with the excitement of high-stakes thievery. This unique blend of elements makes for an enthralling and unforgettable reading experience … readers are on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what happens next … an absolute must-read.” —Mark Holmes
“I’ve read few thrillers with an ending that felt this good.”
“So many twists that I never knew what was coming next. The action is fast, the characters are sharp… It feels real and believable.”
“Sophisticated writing in an action thriller is really a treat… which is what this book is.”
A traitor’s act sprawls out of control. Ruthless billionaires seek revenge. Caught in the Quinn Richards and his heavy metal heist crew, Shadowfast.
Con man Quinn Richards accepts a simple job for his band of retrieve data stolen from the feds. But sinister forces will do anything to keep that data. To stay out of jail, Quinn must match wits with a two-faced ex-POTUS, combat a right-wing militia, and trick two hard-hearted billionaires into trusting him and his crew. And that’s just the first week.
When his team decodes what the data really is, Quinn and Shadowfast confront a gut-wrenching do they free themselves from their persecutors? Or instead, choose justice for millions of innocents? Either way, someone must suffer a Cold Hit.
Clever twists, gripping quandaries, and pulse-pounding set pieces fill Cold Hit, Book 1 of The Valiant Thrillogy. Whether you're new to Shadowfast or a returning fan, Cold Hit is the perfect jumping-on point. Rock out with your Glock out experiencing the series for fans of Impossible, The A-Team, Lee Goldberg, Jason Kasper, and action thrillers. Chase your adventure now!
====================
Praise for Cole Chase and the Shadowfast Series
“Cold Hit brings... wise-cracking humor, bone-crunching action, wild twists, and a crazy-fast momentum. Cole Chase excels at grasping your attention throughout the narrative because there’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s cool action sequences, or intriguing drama, or hilarious comedy... Start a new adrenaline-pumping journey with Cold Hit and get immersed in the pedal to the metal rocking narrative with tons of quips and shocking moments to keep you hooked.” —Best Thriller Books“The narrative is crisp, unflagging, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments and startling cliffhangers.” --RIchard Huos
“… combines the techno-thriller aspect of a Impossible story with the comaraderie and humor of Guardians of the Galaxy. I've honestly never read an action book where I looked forward to the banter among the characters as much.” —ladame (Amazon reader)
"... combines the world of music with the excitement of high-stakes thievery. This unique blend of elements makes for an enthralling and unforgettable reading experience … readers are on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what happens next … an absolute must-read.” —Mark Holmes
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2025
6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 24, 2025
Cold Hit #1, has an interesting, original and suspenseful plot, with an intriguing and engaging storyline that had me glued to the book with the fast-paced action and heart-pounding tension.
“I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both; and I believe they both get paid in the end; but the fools firvst.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson,
Kidnapped,”
A captivating story with gritty settings, snappy dialogue, witty banter together with smooth and banter had characters. The MCs’ surprising “day job” as a heavy metal band, and at the same time private security and espionage contractors was a unique and original feature. Unexpected plot twists, betrayals, immersive storytelling, page-turning thrills, with an unpredictable ending that left me wanting to know more.
An engrossing and exciting story! Looking forward to reading Play Dumb #2!
“I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both; and I believe they both get paid in the end; but the fools firvst.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson,
Kidnapped,”
A captivating story with gritty settings, snappy dialogue, witty banter together with smooth and banter had characters. The MCs’ surprising “day job” as a heavy metal band, and at the same time private security and espionage contractors was a unique and original feature. Unexpected plot twists, betrayals, immersive storytelling, page-turning thrills, with an unpredictable ending that left me wanting to know more.
An engrossing and exciting story! Looking forward to reading Play Dumb #2!
February 14, 2025
Cole Chase’s Cold Hit is the first installment of his latest series, The Valiant Thrillogy, which follows his previous series, The Skyhaus Thrillogy, chronicling the adventures of Shadowfast, a covert heist crew operating under the guise of a heavy metal band specializing in cons, cyber-infiltration, and high-stakes deception. It’s a high-stakes thriller with relentless fast pacing that plunges headfirst into a story of cyber warfare, espionage, and modern heist tactics. The story delivers a mix of tense action sequences, elaborate cons, and sharp, humorous dialogue.
At the story's heart is Quinn Richards, a witty team leader who operates in the grey. Each member of Quinn’s crew brings a distinct skill set and personality, which adds depth to the novel's fast-moving narrative. Its greatest strength is the blending of humour-filled camaraderie and tension, making the characters more than just archetypal operatives in a high-tech game. As a retired Army veteran, I found the witty camaraderie among the characters especially resonant, reminding me of the close bonds and banter that are hard to replace after leaving the service. Even amidst the high-octane thrills, the dynamic between the team felt like home—a rare and welcome feeling for those who have experienced that kind of brotherhood firsthand.
Chase’s writing is intelligent and engaging, layering technical details without losing the plot's momentum. The book explores the vulnerabilities of digital infrastructure, the influence of private organizations on law enforcement, and the terrifying ease with which information can be weaponized, making the story relevant and engaging to read. The novel concludes with a gripping cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next installment. However, it doesn’t feel like a frustrating gut punch, as Chase’s rapid publishing cycle ensures a quick payoff. With the second book set for release in March 2025 and the third following in April, readers won’t have to wait long to continue the story—something I’m personally looking forward to.
The book’s complexity regarding cybersecurity and system infiltration runs a slight risk of being overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the subject, though this is likely by design, making it an appealing read for fans of technothrillers. The relentless pacing is exhilarating; however, it leaves little room for deeper introspection and character exploration, sacrificing a degree of emotional depth for gripping twists and revelations.
Overall, Cold Hit is a compelling and intelligent read that marries action with sharp social commentary. Chase provides us a world where trust is a currency and information is the ultimate weapon while keeping readers on edge throughout the story. The novel is ideal for fans of fast-moving espionage thrillers with a healthy blend of Ocean’s Eleven. I rate this a solid 4.8 out of 5.
At the story's heart is Quinn Richards, a witty team leader who operates in the grey. Each member of Quinn’s crew brings a distinct skill set and personality, which adds depth to the novel's fast-moving narrative. Its greatest strength is the blending of humour-filled camaraderie and tension, making the characters more than just archetypal operatives in a high-tech game. As a retired Army veteran, I found the witty camaraderie among the characters especially resonant, reminding me of the close bonds and banter that are hard to replace after leaving the service. Even amidst the high-octane thrills, the dynamic between the team felt like home—a rare and welcome feeling for those who have experienced that kind of brotherhood firsthand.
Chase’s writing is intelligent and engaging, layering technical details without losing the plot's momentum. The book explores the vulnerabilities of digital infrastructure, the influence of private organizations on law enforcement, and the terrifying ease with which information can be weaponized, making the story relevant and engaging to read. The novel concludes with a gripping cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next installment. However, it doesn’t feel like a frustrating gut punch, as Chase’s rapid publishing cycle ensures a quick payoff. With the second book set for release in March 2025 and the third following in April, readers won’t have to wait long to continue the story—something I’m personally looking forward to.
The book’s complexity regarding cybersecurity and system infiltration runs a slight risk of being overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the subject, though this is likely by design, making it an appealing read for fans of technothrillers. The relentless pacing is exhilarating; however, it leaves little room for deeper introspection and character exploration, sacrificing a degree of emotional depth for gripping twists and revelations.
Overall, Cold Hit is a compelling and intelligent read that marries action with sharp social commentary. Chase provides us a world where trust is a currency and information is the ultimate weapon while keeping readers on edge throughout the story. The novel is ideal for fans of fast-moving espionage thrillers with a healthy blend of Ocean’s Eleven. I rate this a solid 4.8 out of 5.
February 18, 2025
This book is a fast-paced thriller that delivers on its promise of high-stakes action and tension. The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and the intense scenes were well-executed. While I personally love a bit more focus on character development, I still really enjoyed the ride. If you're looking for a gripping, action-driven story that keeps you turning the pages, this is definitely one to check out!
February 9, 2025
I came across this little piece of the internet, Military Thriller Book Group, about two (maybe two and a half) years ago. This Facebook group has introduced me to a slew of great authors and books to read (or to add to my precariously stacked TBR pile). As I read each book, I try to offer a review of said work and my "humble" thoughts. The book I wish to offer my thoughts on is by the author, Cole Chase, and his latest offering, "Cold Hit" (to be released 14 February 2025).
Recently, a Facebook group (Military Thriller Book Group) turned me onto an author (who is also a member of the same group), Cole Chase, and his new literary release (Cold Hit). Cold Hit is the first book of this author's second trilogy. This trilogy (as well as the last one) centers around a heavy metal band, led by Quinn Richards.
This story opens in the midst of a massive e-sports (Gonfalon Jack) competition on the campus of the University of Washington as members of Shadowfast scramble to find what essentially turns to be the proverbial needle-in-a-haystack promotional item, a 30-ounce Gonfalon Jack tumbler filled a white viscous liquid (which has the stolen IAFIS data, stored in the form of a DNA liquid, from the feds).
- Info on IAFIS -
The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) is a computerized system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 1999. It is a national automated fingerprint identification and criminal history system. IAFIS provides automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses. IAFIS houses the fingerprints and criminal histories of 70 million subjects in the criminal master file, 31 million civil prints, and fingerprints from 73,000 known and suspected terrorists processed by the U.S. or by international law enforcement agencies.
These agencies acquire fingerprints through criminal arrests or from non-criminal sources, such as employment background checks and the US-VISIT program. The FBI then catalogs the fingerprints along with any criminal history linked with the subject.
Law enforcement agencies can then request a search in IAFIS to identify crime scene (latent) fingerprints obtained during criminal investigations. Civil searches are also performed, but the FBI charges a fee and the response time is slower.
A more advanced Next Generation Identification system became operational in 2011.
-------
Con man Quinn Richards accepts a simple job for Shadowfast, a group of friends who had formed a heavy metal band that is also a heist crew: retrieve data stolen from the Feds. But sinister forces will do anything to keep that data. To stay out of jail, Quinn must match wits with a two-faced ex-POTUS, combat a clean-cut right-wing militia (aptly titled the "Tie Guys" in the early portions of the book and later on as "Valiant Vigil"), and trick two hard-hearted billionaires, Victor and Viv Valiant, into trusting him and his crew.
Apparently, one of the revenue streams of the Valiants involves the private corrections industry which unlike most of its competitors (either other private entities or state/federal corrections) generates a substantial amount of revenue through the administration of fines to its "guests" - enough revenue is generated in this fashion that their profits from this revenue stream have increased from the standard 15% that is usually charged by the private prison industry to an almost unheard of 50%.
As one of the organizations that are involved in the "private corrections" industry, the Valiants and their subsidiary companies have direct access to government computers and databases.
Coming on the heels of the band's last adventure, in this novel, the members of Shadowfast find that they’re in cahoots with an ex-POTUS, Kerchoff, as a means to stay out of jail after being implicated in more than a few con jobs.
The second part of the book gives a better definition of the antagonists - Vic and Viv Valiant and their right-wing private militia (aka Valiant Vigil) and defines some of their actions. It is in this part of the book that the timeline over which the antagonists have acquired the data.
It is in the third part of the book that the reader finds out exactly what the data that the Valiants have managed to acquire, what our protagonists have done (which sets up the scope for the next two books in the series), and the potential consequences of their actions.
As the team decodes what the data is, Quinn and the other members of Shadowfast must confront a gut-wrenching choice: do they turn over possession of the stolen data in exchange for their freedom from persecution or do they keep the data and choose justice for millions of innocents?
Filled with clever twists, gripping quandaries, and pulse-pounding set pieces, I enjoyed reading Cold Hit, Book 1 of Shadowfast: The Valiant Thrillogy, and as such would give this book three-and-a-half stars (which rounds to four on Goodreads) on my self-determined five-point scale. Whether you're new to Shadowfast or a returning fan, Cold Hit is the perfect jumping-on point.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just some of my five cents worth.
Recently, a Facebook group (Military Thriller Book Group) turned me onto an author (who is also a member of the same group), Cole Chase, and his new literary release (Cold Hit). Cold Hit is the first book of this author's second trilogy. This trilogy (as well as the last one) centers around a heavy metal band, led by Quinn Richards.
This story opens in the midst of a massive e-sports (Gonfalon Jack) competition on the campus of the University of Washington as members of Shadowfast scramble to find what essentially turns to be the proverbial needle-in-a-haystack promotional item, a 30-ounce Gonfalon Jack tumbler filled a white viscous liquid (which has the stolen IAFIS data, stored in the form of a DNA liquid, from the feds).
- Info on IAFIS -
The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) is a computerized system maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 1999. It is a national automated fingerprint identification and criminal history system. IAFIS provides automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent searching capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses. IAFIS houses the fingerprints and criminal histories of 70 million subjects in the criminal master file, 31 million civil prints, and fingerprints from 73,000 known and suspected terrorists processed by the U.S. or by international law enforcement agencies.
These agencies acquire fingerprints through criminal arrests or from non-criminal sources, such as employment background checks and the US-VISIT program. The FBI then catalogs the fingerprints along with any criminal history linked with the subject.
Law enforcement agencies can then request a search in IAFIS to identify crime scene (latent) fingerprints obtained during criminal investigations. Civil searches are also performed, but the FBI charges a fee and the response time is slower.
A more advanced Next Generation Identification system became operational in 2011.
-------
Con man Quinn Richards accepts a simple job for Shadowfast, a group of friends who had formed a heavy metal band that is also a heist crew: retrieve data stolen from the Feds. But sinister forces will do anything to keep that data. To stay out of jail, Quinn must match wits with a two-faced ex-POTUS, combat a clean-cut right-wing militia (aptly titled the "Tie Guys" in the early portions of the book and later on as "Valiant Vigil"), and trick two hard-hearted billionaires, Victor and Viv Valiant, into trusting him and his crew.
Apparently, one of the revenue streams of the Valiants involves the private corrections industry which unlike most of its competitors (either other private entities or state/federal corrections) generates a substantial amount of revenue through the administration of fines to its "guests" - enough revenue is generated in this fashion that their profits from this revenue stream have increased from the standard 15% that is usually charged by the private prison industry to an almost unheard of 50%.
As one of the organizations that are involved in the "private corrections" industry, the Valiants and their subsidiary companies have direct access to government computers and databases.
Coming on the heels of the band's last adventure, in this novel, the members of Shadowfast find that they’re in cahoots with an ex-POTUS, Kerchoff, as a means to stay out of jail after being implicated in more than a few con jobs.
The second part of the book gives a better definition of the antagonists - Vic and Viv Valiant and their right-wing private militia (aka Valiant Vigil) and defines some of their actions. It is in this part of the book that the timeline over which the antagonists have acquired the data.
It is in the third part of the book that the reader finds out exactly what the data that the Valiants have managed to acquire, what our protagonists have done (which sets up the scope for the next two books in the series), and the potential consequences of their actions.
As the team decodes what the data is, Quinn and the other members of Shadowfast must confront a gut-wrenching choice: do they turn over possession of the stolen data in exchange for their freedom from persecution or do they keep the data and choose justice for millions of innocents?
Filled with clever twists, gripping quandaries, and pulse-pounding set pieces, I enjoyed reading Cold Hit, Book 1 of Shadowfast: The Valiant Thrillogy, and as such would give this book three-and-a-half stars (which rounds to four on Goodreads) on my self-determined five-point scale. Whether you're new to Shadowfast or a returning fan, Cold Hit is the perfect jumping-on point.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just some of my five cents worth.
February 2, 2025
A new author and style to me, but I liked it. Fans of techno-games, metal rock, and big egos in government getting their comeuppance will enjoy this fast paced thriller.
Yes, the Reader may have to work a bit to get through to the action and witty reprises, but once done the flow it right on there.
Let’s see what happens in the next book in the series.
Yes, the Reader may have to work a bit to get through to the action and witty reprises, but once done the flow it right on there.
Let’s see what happens in the next book in the series.
March 18, 2025
This is the first book in what appears to be a tale of intrigue and suspense. Quinn Richards is a con man. When he takes a job to retrieve some data, things get a little crazy. Quinn and his band of fellow con men are finding there is danger everywhere they go. This is a story that grabs at you quickly and never lets go. If you want a thriller filled with action grab this.
April 8, 2025
What a fun ride! Chase's prose is excellent and I especially enjoyed the banter among the members of the team. Five stars!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews