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Wolf Six #1
Wolf Six
The first in a BRAND NEW action thriller series from the Wilbur Smith Prize-Shortlisted author Alex Shaw. ‘Another excellent stripped-back, razor-edge thriller from Alex Shaw’ - New York Times bestselling author James Swallow
Killing for a living is easy, living for a reason is much harder
Meet Ruslan Akulov.
In the shadowy world of assassins for hire, he is known as ‘Wolf Six’.
A Ukrainian raised in Moscow, conscripted into Russia’s most covert Special Forces unit ‘The Werewolves’, Akulov is full of loathing for the country that built and then broke him. The only rules he follows now are his own.
Unable to shake the guilt of his past, Akulov has made it his business to seek out those who prey upon the innocent. The name Wolf Six is legendary - whispered by those who know it with fear. But when Akulov accidentally thwarts the armed robbery of a Chicago Bank, he pits himself against both the Russian Bratva and the CIA, setting into motion a spiralling sequence of events which will bring his past back to haunt him, and potentially turn his future to ashes…
His mission of retribution takes him from Chicago to Kyiv, to Havana and back into the US, where Akulov must stop at nothing if he is to remain alive. No simple mission, even for the world’s deadliest assassin.
Perfect for fans of Tom Wood, Vince Flynn and Mark Greaney, this is an explosive action thriller you won’t be able to put down.
Killing for a living is easy, living for a reason is much harder
Meet Ruslan Akulov.
In the shadowy world of assassins for hire, he is known as ‘Wolf Six’.
A Ukrainian raised in Moscow, conscripted into Russia’s most covert Special Forces unit ‘The Werewolves’, Akulov is full of loathing for the country that built and then broke him. The only rules he follows now are his own.
Unable to shake the guilt of his past, Akulov has made it his business to seek out those who prey upon the innocent. The name Wolf Six is legendary - whispered by those who know it with fear. But when Akulov accidentally thwarts the armed robbery of a Chicago Bank, he pits himself against both the Russian Bratva and the CIA, setting into motion a spiralling sequence of events which will bring his past back to haunt him, and potentially turn his future to ashes…
His mission of retribution takes him from Chicago to Kyiv, to Havana and back into the US, where Akulov must stop at nothing if he is to remain alive. No simple mission, even for the world’s deadliest assassin.
Perfect for fans of Tom Wood, Vince Flynn and Mark Greaney, this is an explosive action thriller you won’t be able to put down.
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2025
969 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Alex Shaw
22 books161 followersALEX SHAW B.A.(Hons), P.G.C.E. spent the second half of the 1990s in Kyiv, Ukraine, teaching Drama and running his own business consultancy before being head-hunted for a division of Siemens. The next few years saw him doing business for the company across the former USSR, the Middle East, and Africa.
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.
COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.
Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman
Alex is an active member of the ITW (The International Thriller Writers organisation) and the CWA (the Crime Writers Association). He is the author of the #1 International Kindle Bestselling 'Aidan Snow SAS thrillers' HETMAN & COLD BLACK and the new DELTA FORCE VAMPIRE series of books. His writing has also been published in the thriller anthologies DEATH TOLL, DEATH TOLL 2 and ACTION PULSE POUNDING TALES 2 alongside International Bestselling authors Stephen Leather and Matt Hilton. DANGEROUS, DEADLY, ELITE - The third Aidan Snow Thriller will be available in October 2014.
COLD BLACK is commercially published by ENDEAVOUR PRESS.
Alex, his wife and their two sons divide their time between homes in Kyiv, Ukraine and Worthing, England. Alex can be contacted via his website www.alexwshaw.com You can also follow Alex on twitter: @alexshawhetman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 20, 2025
Well, it seems I have found myself a new favourite author! Wolf Six by Alex Shaw is the first in a new series of the same name, and Ruslan Akulov brings Jack Reacher to mind, but only slightly. Akulov is tougher than Reacher...
Ruslan Akulov's home country was Ukraine, but he was raised in Russia, where he was part of the elite force - the Werewolves - along with eleven others. He was known as Wolf Six, and gradually his name became known, and he was feared. He had many regrets but the biggest one was the death of his beloved grandmother, who had raised him after his parents died. Now, with the hatred he felt for Russia, he followed his own rules. The day he entered a Chicago bank, preparing to empty his two safety deposit boxes and disappear, was the day his life changed once again. Raided by the Russian Bratva as he was about to leave, Akulov was torn. But deciding to protect the terrified customers was the right thing to do - except it brought him to the attention of both the Bratva and the CIA.
Working to stay ahead of those after him, Akulov went from Chicago to Kyiv, to Cuba and back to the US, all the while working to save others. The woman who'd been captured; he would rescue her. The evil creature who killed randomly; he would eliminate him. He couldn't change the past, but he could have control of his future.
Wolf Six by Alex Shaw was a fast paced and action packed read which captivated me from the first page! Akulov is a likeable character, as is his friend, his "brother", another of the Werewolves. Another great character is Murphy. I'm so glad I came into this series at the beginning, and am very much looking forward to #2. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Ruslan Akulov's home country was Ukraine, but he was raised in Russia, where he was part of the elite force - the Werewolves - along with eleven others. He was known as Wolf Six, and gradually his name became known, and he was feared. He had many regrets but the biggest one was the death of his beloved grandmother, who had raised him after his parents died. Now, with the hatred he felt for Russia, he followed his own rules. The day he entered a Chicago bank, preparing to empty his two safety deposit boxes and disappear, was the day his life changed once again. Raided by the Russian Bratva as he was about to leave, Akulov was torn. But deciding to protect the terrified customers was the right thing to do - except it brought him to the attention of both the Bratva and the CIA.
Working to stay ahead of those after him, Akulov went from Chicago to Kyiv, to Cuba and back to the US, all the while working to save others. The woman who'd been captured; he would rescue her. The evil creature who killed randomly; he would eliminate him. He couldn't change the past, but he could have control of his future.
Wolf Six by Alex Shaw was a fast paced and action packed read which captivated me from the first page! Akulov is a likeable character, as is his friend, his "brother", another of the Werewolves. Another great character is Murphy. I'm so glad I came into this series at the beginning, and am very much looking forward to #2. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
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July 13, 2025
Alex Shaw - Wolf Six #1 - Wolf Six
@ 25% "Wolf Six" is a declared DNF
Audiobook: 08:13 Hours - Narrator: Simon Mattacks
Commenced: July 13, 2025
Heard: 02:03 Hours - Balance: 06:10 Hours
From the 'Blurb':
"Meet Ruslan Akulov. In the world of assassins for hire, he is named "Wolf Six", and is 'known' to be the best and most feared Assassin in the world.🙄"
From the audiobook:
"Assassin clichés... Murder clichés... More Assassin clichés... "
"Three rounds in the face, the head, the throat, clichés..."
"Kill all eight bank robbers with a 'borrowed' gun clichés..."
"Lots of dodgy 'Russian' accented clichés..."
"Survive to 'rinse and repeat' clichés..."
*S-i-i-g-g-h-h* (that's another cliché😎)
And for what it's worth, in my opinion Simon Mattacks' soft, yet 'husky' voice is totally unsuitable for this type of 'Action' audiobook and his reading contributed nothing positive to my listening experience. Mattacks could benefit from hearing some of Scott Brick's narrations.
@ 25% "Wolf Six" is a declared DNF
Audiobook: 08:13 Hours - Narrator: Simon Mattacks
Commenced: July 13, 2025
Heard: 02:03 Hours - Balance: 06:10 Hours
From the 'Blurb':
"Meet Ruslan Akulov. In the world of assassins for hire, he is named "Wolf Six", and is 'known' to be the best and most feared Assassin in the world.🙄"
From the audiobook:
"Assassin clichés... Murder clichés... More Assassin clichés... "
"Three rounds in the face, the head, the throat, clichés..."
"Kill all eight bank robbers with a 'borrowed' gun clichés..."
"Lots of dodgy 'Russian' accented clichés..."
"Survive to 'rinse and repeat' clichés..."
*S-i-i-g-g-h-h* (that's another cliché😎)
And for what it's worth, in my opinion Simon Mattacks' soft, yet 'husky' voice is totally unsuitable for this type of 'Action' audiobook and his reading contributed nothing positive to my listening experience. Mattacks could benefit from hearing some of Scott Brick's narrations.
August 22, 2025
For a first book it was not what it could have been given the outline and synopsis.
May 28, 2025
Wolf Six
Another new series, another new action hero.
Killing for a living is easy, living for a reason is much harder
Meet Ruslan Akulov.
In the shadowy world of assassins for hire, he is known as ‘Wolf Six’.
A Ukrainian raised in Moscow, conscripted into Russia’s most covert Special Forces unit ‘The Werewolves’, Akulov is full of loathing for the country that built and then broke him. The only rules he follows now are his own.
Unable to shake the guilt of his past, Akulov has made it his business to seek out those who prey upon the innocent. The name Wolf Six is legendary - whispered by those who know it with fear. But when Akulov accidentally thwarts the armed robbery of a Chicago Bank, he pits himself against both the Russian Bratva and the CIA, setting into motion a spiralling sequence of events which will bring his past back to haunt him, and potentially turn his future to ashes…
His mission of retribution takes him from Chicago to Kyiv, to Havana and back into the US, where Akulov must stop at nothing if he is to remain alive. No simple mission, even for the world’s deadliest assassin.
Lots of great twists, good action, good character, a busy story
Book 2 out soon, another series to enjoy
4 stars
Another new series, another new action hero.
Killing for a living is easy, living for a reason is much harder
Meet Ruslan Akulov.
In the shadowy world of assassins for hire, he is known as ‘Wolf Six’.
A Ukrainian raised in Moscow, conscripted into Russia’s most covert Special Forces unit ‘The Werewolves’, Akulov is full of loathing for the country that built and then broke him. The only rules he follows now are his own.
Unable to shake the guilt of his past, Akulov has made it his business to seek out those who prey upon the innocent. The name Wolf Six is legendary - whispered by those who know it with fear. But when Akulov accidentally thwarts the armed robbery of a Chicago Bank, he pits himself against both the Russian Bratva and the CIA, setting into motion a spiralling sequence of events which will bring his past back to haunt him, and potentially turn his future to ashes…
His mission of retribution takes him from Chicago to Kyiv, to Havana and back into the US, where Akulov must stop at nothing if he is to remain alive. No simple mission, even for the world’s deadliest assassin.
Lots of great twists, good action, good character, a busy story
Book 2 out soon, another series to enjoy
4 stars
August 6, 2025
It is always good to get in at the start of a series.
A talented young author who came to my attention through his Aidan Snow series has embarked on a new venture.
This is the first outing for Ruslan Akulov aka Wolf Six. It is a promising start and hopefully will lead to many more episodes in this conflicted assassin’s life.
The author has a detailed understanding of Ukraine and a distinct appreciation for that country. This brings a refreshing approach to this thriller genre and adds an authenticity to the overlapping themes and memes surrounding plot and message.
It is an actioned filled and unrelenting narrative of various organisations and government agencies working with and against each other. Seemingly for material gain rather than noble patriotism. I liked the duplicity at work here that largely passes our protagonist by. He is shown to be a person of some moral fortitude and honour while his day job is killing people. In the main the distinction being he will not take on a contract to ‘waste’ an “innocent” party or be so trigger happy that collateral casualties will result.
This internal value and moral judgement seems at odds with his background and criminal associates but those distinctions are drawn out throughout the story.
I found the book fast paced and deserving of being read in one sitting. We call these accounts, page-turners and this one certainly fits that title. In part because it is original and mainly due to its main character. He is constantly placed into danger and while he can extricate himself from most situations he is constantly compromised by external factors beyond his control.
How he deals with these situations. How he stays calm and overcomes blackmail and betrayal makes you want to read on, to see not just if but how he can get out of situations.
He cannot save everyone but he is resourceful and faithful to his friends and holds a moral compass.
A terrific beginning to a new series, one I hope will spawn many more episodes of an agent we can get behind and a man who can find his true homeland and destiny.
A talented young author who came to my attention through his Aidan Snow series has embarked on a new venture.
This is the first outing for Ruslan Akulov aka Wolf Six. It is a promising start and hopefully will lead to many more episodes in this conflicted assassin’s life.
The author has a detailed understanding of Ukraine and a distinct appreciation for that country. This brings a refreshing approach to this thriller genre and adds an authenticity to the overlapping themes and memes surrounding plot and message.
It is an actioned filled and unrelenting narrative of various organisations and government agencies working with and against each other. Seemingly for material gain rather than noble patriotism. I liked the duplicity at work here that largely passes our protagonist by. He is shown to be a person of some moral fortitude and honour while his day job is killing people. In the main the distinction being he will not take on a contract to ‘waste’ an “innocent” party or be so trigger happy that collateral casualties will result.
This internal value and moral judgement seems at odds with his background and criminal associates but those distinctions are drawn out throughout the story.
I found the book fast paced and deserving of being read in one sitting. We call these accounts, page-turners and this one certainly fits that title. In part because it is original and mainly due to its main character. He is constantly placed into danger and while he can extricate himself from most situations he is constantly compromised by external factors beyond his control.
How he deals with these situations. How he stays calm and overcomes blackmail and betrayal makes you want to read on, to see not just if but how he can get out of situations.
He cannot save everyone but he is resourceful and faithful to his friends and holds a moral compass.
A terrific beginning to a new series, one I hope will spawn many more episodes of an agent we can get behind and a man who can find his true homeland and destiny.
March 1, 2025
Wolf Six is the first book in a brand new thriller series. I haven't read any of Alex Shaw's books previously and loved the sound of this one. The cover and blurb were right up my street! I enjoy thrillers, which are jam-packed with action and espionage, and all things that bring the adrenaline. I wasn't sure just what to expect, so I kept an open mind and sat down to read.
Wolf Six is a Ukrainian who has been raised in Russia and trained to be part of the elite Werewolves division. He is now an assassin for hire with a hatred for the country that made him what he is. He now plays by his own rules.
Wow! What an introduction to Alex Shaw's writing. Wolf Six is a thriller that ticked all my boxes. Action packed and with enough adrenaline inducing moments to keep me glued to my seat and my Kindle. Akulov A.K.A Wolf Six takes on a mission that should be relatively easy until it isn’t. Akulov finds himself in a situation where he is the hunted one. The race is on, and Alex Shaw takes Akulov and the reader on a journey where there is no let up.
I felt like I had been on an armchair whistle stop tour of the globe. The intensity of the storytelling immersed me so much. I found myself liking Akulov and investing in him as the plot unfolded. This is due to how well the author has created Akulov. He could have been a flesh and blood person in my mind.
The twists and turns were carefully placed and made this a fast-paced one more chapter book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be looking at Alex Shaw's other books now. I don't know how I missed this author, but I found him now!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
Wolf Six is a Ukrainian who has been raised in Russia and trained to be part of the elite Werewolves division. He is now an assassin for hire with a hatred for the country that made him what he is. He now plays by his own rules.
Wow! What an introduction to Alex Shaw's writing. Wolf Six is a thriller that ticked all my boxes. Action packed and with enough adrenaline inducing moments to keep me glued to my seat and my Kindle. Akulov A.K.A Wolf Six takes on a mission that should be relatively easy until it isn’t. Akulov finds himself in a situation where he is the hunted one. The race is on, and Alex Shaw takes Akulov and the reader on a journey where there is no let up.
I felt like I had been on an armchair whistle stop tour of the globe. The intensity of the storytelling immersed me so much. I found myself liking Akulov and investing in him as the plot unfolded. This is due to how well the author has created Akulov. He could have been a flesh and blood person in my mind.
The twists and turns were carefully placed and made this a fast-paced one more chapter book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be looking at Alex Shaw's other books now. I don't know how I missed this author, but I found him now!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
May 1, 2025
Alex Shaw’s Wolf Six is an amazing start to a brand-new action thriller series, introducing Ruslan Akulov, a Ukrainian assassin raised in Moscow and trained in Russia’s most covert Special Forces unit, The Werewolves. Known as Wolf Six, Akulov has built a reputation as a ruthless yet principled killer, seeking justice in a world where morality is often blurred. I received a copy from Boldwood Books via Netgalley.
The story kicks off with Akulov inadvertently stumbling across an armed robbery in Chicago, an act that sets off a dangerous chain of events. Suddenly, he finds himself entangled with both the Russian Bratva and the CIA, forcing him into a relentless battle for survival. His mission of retribution takes him across the globe—from Chicago to Kyiv, Havana, and back to the U.S., where he must outmanoeuvre powerful enemies if he hopes to stay alive.
Shaw’s writing is sharp, delivering pulse-pounding action sequences and a protagonist who is both lethal and deeply conflicted. Akulov’s internal struggles—his hatred for the country that shaped him and his relentless pursuit of justice—add layers of complexity to his character, making him more than just a skilled assassin.
Some plot developments feel predictable, and certain moments could have benefited from deeper emotional exploration. But, the gritty realism, international intrigue, and explosive confrontations more than make up for these minor shortcomings.
Overall, Wolf Six is a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled ride that marks a great start to a new series!
4,5/5 ⭐️
The story kicks off with Akulov inadvertently stumbling across an armed robbery in Chicago, an act that sets off a dangerous chain of events. Suddenly, he finds himself entangled with both the Russian Bratva and the CIA, forcing him into a relentless battle for survival. His mission of retribution takes him across the globe—from Chicago to Kyiv, Havana, and back to the U.S., where he must outmanoeuvre powerful enemies if he hopes to stay alive.
Shaw’s writing is sharp, delivering pulse-pounding action sequences and a protagonist who is both lethal and deeply conflicted. Akulov’s internal struggles—his hatred for the country that shaped him and his relentless pursuit of justice—add layers of complexity to his character, making him more than just a skilled assassin.
Some plot developments feel predictable, and certain moments could have benefited from deeper emotional exploration. But, the gritty realism, international intrigue, and explosive confrontations more than make up for these minor shortcomings.
Overall, Wolf Six is a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled ride that marks a great start to a new series!
4,5/5 ⭐️
December 26, 2025
It’s an okay action thriller, but suffers from lack of suspense. Hero gets in a jam. Using his advanced training, strength, perspicacity and military skills, he gets out of it. Hero gets in a jam again. Hero gets out of it again. Rinse and repeat several more times. Ho hum. I’m writing this a couple of days after reading it, and I already forget the details of the plot.
March 2, 2025
great.start of a new series
I be never read anything by this author, but he’s got me hooked. A well written story with lots of intrigue and action. A hero who you can get behind and bad guys you can hate. Looking forward to next book!
I be never read anything by this author, but he’s got me hooked. A well written story with lots of intrigue and action. A hero who you can get behind and bad guys you can hate. Looking forward to next book!
March 12, 2025
A number of years ago I stumbled across a book that featured an orphan trained as an assassin who had turned his special set of skills toward helping others, often by “removing” the people who were creating problems for them. That was hardly the first thriller of its type, and many others have been published since.
Recently, Wolf Six came to me for a blog tour, and I made the mistake of starting it in the evening. I finished it that same night. Wolf Six is the name by which Ruslan Akulov is known. He is an assassin for hire, but is very picky about the assignments he takes. His code does not let him hurt bystanders, nor children. As a former member of the Russian Spetznatz, he was trained in weapons, hand-to-hand combat, infiltration, and many other things that let him get in and take someone out. Ideally, they also let him escape. So far, so good.
After spending some time in Chicago and completing an assignment, he has decided it was time to leave the area. He had stored money and fake passports in a safety deposit box at a Chicago bank, and had come to pick them up.
In the kind of coincidence that tends to happen in thrillers and action movies, some Russian gangsters, Bratva, picked that same time to rob the bank. Not wanting to be killed, captured, arrested, or have his money stolen, Ruslan takes a gun from one of the robbers and kills almost all of them before the police arrive. He then makes his escape in the confusion of the hostages leaving the building.
Unfortunately for him, his face was captured by a security camera, and he is recognized by both one of the gangsters and by the FBI agent they were working with. Not knowing this, he takes on another assignment, this one personal. Many years before he had been tricked into killing an innocent priest. Since then, he had hoped to take out the man who tricked him. A recently widowed woman reaches out to his handler asking him to kill that same man, who had tortured and murdered her husband.
In cascading fashion, the separate plots twist and combine, then twist again and separate. The Bratva, the FBI, and the CIA all want to capture and either keep or kill Wolf Six. His handler is kidnapped and held by the Bratva in hopes of forcing him into their hands. Ruslan travels from the US to Ukraine, then through several other countries before flying to Cuba. Along the way he recruits help from a former brother in arms from Spetznatz, from various people with other skills and morality for purchase, and receives help from a very unexpected source at the very end.
I won’t pretend this is going to change the future of the international thriller. Although I enjoyed it very much, it is very much part of a select genre. I just really, really like that genre.
Wolf Six is not groundbreaking. It doesn’t need to be. It is a fast paced, fun read, capable of being read in one sitting (though don’t start it after dark if you intend to do that). Some of the seams show where the plot was stitched together, but sometimes those are the most delightful comfort reads.
Recently, Wolf Six came to me for a blog tour, and I made the mistake of starting it in the evening. I finished it that same night. Wolf Six is the name by which Ruslan Akulov is known. He is an assassin for hire, but is very picky about the assignments he takes. His code does not let him hurt bystanders, nor children. As a former member of the Russian Spetznatz, he was trained in weapons, hand-to-hand combat, infiltration, and many other things that let him get in and take someone out. Ideally, they also let him escape. So far, so good.
After spending some time in Chicago and completing an assignment, he has decided it was time to leave the area. He had stored money and fake passports in a safety deposit box at a Chicago bank, and had come to pick them up.
In the kind of coincidence that tends to happen in thrillers and action movies, some Russian gangsters, Bratva, picked that same time to rob the bank. Not wanting to be killed, captured, arrested, or have his money stolen, Ruslan takes a gun from one of the robbers and kills almost all of them before the police arrive. He then makes his escape in the confusion of the hostages leaving the building.
Unfortunately for him, his face was captured by a security camera, and he is recognized by both one of the gangsters and by the FBI agent they were working with. Not knowing this, he takes on another assignment, this one personal. Many years before he had been tricked into killing an innocent priest. Since then, he had hoped to take out the man who tricked him. A recently widowed woman reaches out to his handler asking him to kill that same man, who had tortured and murdered her husband.
In cascading fashion, the separate plots twist and combine, then twist again and separate. The Bratva, the FBI, and the CIA all want to capture and either keep or kill Wolf Six. His handler is kidnapped and held by the Bratva in hopes of forcing him into their hands. Ruslan travels from the US to Ukraine, then through several other countries before flying to Cuba. Along the way he recruits help from a former brother in arms from Spetznatz, from various people with other skills and morality for purchase, and receives help from a very unexpected source at the very end.
I won’t pretend this is going to change the future of the international thriller. Although I enjoyed it very much, it is very much part of a select genre. I just really, really like that genre.
Wolf Six is not groundbreaking. It doesn’t need to be. It is a fast paced, fun read, capable of being read in one sitting (though don’t start it after dark if you intend to do that). Some of the seams show where the plot was stitched together, but sometimes those are the most delightful comfort reads.
February 28, 2025
Wolf Six by Alex Shaw
Wolf Six #1
Pulse pounding thrill ride from beginning to end ~ Couldn’t put it down!
What I liked:
* Ruslan Akulov: elite soldier, assassin, ghost, strong, lethal, intelligent, orphaned young, raised by his grandmother, loyal friend, strategic thinker, calm in crisis, The Machine or Wolf 6, intriguing
* Bato Dorzhiev: The Beast or Wolf 12, taller than many, strong, ex-military, loyal friend, lethal, Ruslan’s friend and like a brother, hope he shows up in future books
* Mandy Murphy: ex-FBI analyst, computer wizard, grieving widow, wants revenge for her husband’s death, brilliant, possibly lethal, enjoyed watching her and hope she will be part of the series
* Getting to know Akulov as the story progressed and the complexity of his character
* That I felt part of the story and cared about the outcome
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Reading a new-to-me author that I would like to read again
* Coming in on the first book of a new series
* The way all the threads of the story came together
* The twists and turns with some truly bad guys to hate and some morally gray ones, too
* Knowing that there is another book in the series to look forward to
* That it was set in Ukraine as it is in the news at the moment
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about what must go into training elite military men and women and how it might impact them positively and negatively
* Thinking about the motivations of some of the characters in this book and what might have caused them to be and do what they did
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
Wolf Six #1
Pulse pounding thrill ride from beginning to end ~ Couldn’t put it down!
What I liked:
* Ruslan Akulov: elite soldier, assassin, ghost, strong, lethal, intelligent, orphaned young, raised by his grandmother, loyal friend, strategic thinker, calm in crisis, The Machine or Wolf 6, intriguing
* Bato Dorzhiev: The Beast or Wolf 12, taller than many, strong, ex-military, loyal friend, lethal, Ruslan’s friend and like a brother, hope he shows up in future books
* Mandy Murphy: ex-FBI analyst, computer wizard, grieving widow, wants revenge for her husband’s death, brilliant, possibly lethal, enjoyed watching her and hope she will be part of the series
* Getting to know Akulov as the story progressed and the complexity of his character
* That I felt part of the story and cared about the outcome
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Reading a new-to-me author that I would like to read again
* Coming in on the first book of a new series
* The way all the threads of the story came together
* The twists and turns with some truly bad guys to hate and some morally gray ones, too
* Knowing that there is another book in the series to look forward to
* That it was set in Ukraine as it is in the news at the moment
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about what must go into training elite military men and women and how it might impact them positively and negatively
* Thinking about the motivations of some of the characters in this book and what might have caused them to be and do what they did
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author/in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
January 13, 2025
Wolf Six is a great start to Alex Shaw's new series. I really liked Akulov's character when he appeared in the authors previous books and wanted to know more about him. If you like entertaining, thrilling reads that have lots of action, suspense and intrigue then this book is definitely for you. Alex Shaw certainly knows how to connect with his readers through his writing and characters. I was drawn into the story quickly and it held my attention and interest to the end. The writing is good and easy to follow, the plot line is fast paced and moves from past to present seamlessly. I was constantly trying to second guess what would happen next. Akulov takes on what should be a straightforward mission that gets complicated by others with their own agendas and motives. There are lots of threads here that go off in surprising ways where I felt I was unwrapping layers of deceit and subterfuge. I loved finding out more about Akulov, his past, and what he believes in. The ending is very fitting and I hope a couple of characters I really like here are in the next book.
If you like books with lots of thrills and excitement I'd definitely recommend Wolf Six and recommend this authors other books too, they are just as good.
4 stars
If you like books with lots of thrills and excitement I'd definitely recommend Wolf Six and recommend this authors other books too, they are just as good.
4 stars
February 23, 2025
I really enjoyed Wolf Six as the first book in this new series. Ruslan Akulov is a great character—dangerous, highly trained, and always on the move. The action reminded me a lot of Victor the Assassin and The Gray Man series. Akulov is a freelance assassin with a past that keeps pulling him back in, and his fights against the Russian Bratva and the CIA make for a fast, intense story.
The book moves quickly, with plenty of action, suspense, and well-detailed locations. One moment you're in Chicago, then Kyiv, then Havana—it never slows down. Akulov is ruthless, but he's also someone you want to root for. I liked how the story gave hints about his past while keeping the focus on his present mission.
The writing is sharp and easy to follow, and the fights and shootouts are described in a way that makes you feel like you're right there. If you like high-stakes thrillers with a lone wolf hero taking on impossible odds, Wolf Six is a must-read. I'm excited to see what happens in book two!
The book moves quickly, with plenty of action, suspense, and well-detailed locations. One moment you're in Chicago, then Kyiv, then Havana—it never slows down. Akulov is ruthless, but he's also someone you want to root for. I liked how the story gave hints about his past while keeping the focus on his present mission.
The writing is sharp and easy to follow, and the fights and shootouts are described in a way that makes you feel like you're right there. If you like high-stakes thrillers with a lone wolf hero taking on impossible odds, Wolf Six is a must-read. I'm excited to see what happens in book two!
January 6, 2025
Fans of Mark Greaney’s Grey Man and Tom Wood’s Victor the Assassin will love this. Wolf Six is a freelance assassin but his origins are rooted in a top Spetsnaz unit. Highly trained by the Russians, his sympathies are with his Ukrainian origins. Wolf Six is very dangerous indeed. A moderately simple assignment goes wrong and suddenly hidden agendas and mysterious entities come into play. Can an apex predator survive being hunted? It’s a non stop thriller, action, locations with no time to rest for either the reader or poor old Wolf Six. The current war in Ukraine takes a slight background here which was odd given the locations of the story and the origins of those involved but the author knows the area well and has obviously chosen to focus on the small picture. I’ve read all Alex Shaw’s books and enjoyed them all, he writes action thrillers extremely well and without a drop in quality. This is obviously set up for a series and I look forward to the next one.
March 4, 2025
WoW. . . . . . . . . . Wolf Six by Alex Shaw is the 1st book in the new Wolf Six series and what an excellent start it is.
I ended up reading all day and I just had to finish it to find out what happens especially as it takes you to some amazing places. The main character Ruslan Akulov: was orphaned young, and was raised by his grandmother his loyal friend. When he grew older he became an elite soldier and a cold blooded freelance assassin. He is very dangerous, and always on the move. This is why he is known as ‘Wolf Six’.
Within this book we travel with him to Chicago to Ukraine, Cuba, Russia, and many other places, he never stops! which made it a very entertaining action-packed page-turner, and I loved it.
I highly recommend this book and looking forward to part 2 within this series. Superb read.
Big thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
I ended up reading all day and I just had to finish it to find out what happens especially as it takes you to some amazing places. The main character Ruslan Akulov: was orphaned young, and was raised by his grandmother his loyal friend. When he grew older he became an elite soldier and a cold blooded freelance assassin. He is very dangerous, and always on the move. This is why he is known as ‘Wolf Six’.
Within this book we travel with him to Chicago to Ukraine, Cuba, Russia, and many other places, he never stops! which made it a very entertaining action-packed page-turner, and I loved it.
I highly recommend this book and looking forward to part 2 within this series. Superb read.
Big thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
February 26, 2025
Wolf Six by Alex Shaw is certainly a thrilling thriller. It takes the reader from Chicago to Ukraine, Cuba, Russia, and many other places.
Our main character, Ruslan, is usually a cold-blooded assassin, but all that's about to change as we follow him through this tale of double-crossing and vengeance. There is a split timeline narrative, with some elements explaining how Ruslan came to be as he is while also following him in the present, in which he's managed to unintentionally get himself caught up in all sorts of difficulties with all sorts of baddies and intelligence agencies.
I very much enjoyed the whistlestop tour of the world through Ruslan's eyes, and you certainly have to be on your toes to keep up with all the action.
I do have a soft spot for thrillers of this genre, and I will certainly be reading more of Ruslan's adventures.
Our main character, Ruslan, is usually a cold-blooded assassin, but all that's about to change as we follow him through this tale of double-crossing and vengeance. There is a split timeline narrative, with some elements explaining how Ruslan came to be as he is while also following him in the present, in which he's managed to unintentionally get himself caught up in all sorts of difficulties with all sorts of baddies and intelligence agencies.
I very much enjoyed the whistlestop tour of the world through Ruslan's eyes, and you certainly have to be on your toes to keep up with all the action.
I do have a soft spot for thrillers of this genre, and I will certainly be reading more of Ruslan's adventures.
February 11, 2025
Thanks, @netgalley, for the ARC.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I will definitely be picking up another of their books after this one!
Wolf Six is a legend in the murky espionage, assassin for hire world. A Ukrainian but raised in Moscow who is conscripted into Russia's most covert Special Forces unit called 'The Werewolves' and who are trained to be the deadliest of deadly! For an assassin, he really is quite likeable!
This was a wonderfully fast-paced thriller with a few twists and turns that you don't see coming, and that takes our Wolf across all corners of the globe!
The only character that I thought was weak and who I wasn't keen on was Mandy Murphy, but that's my opinion!
It's definitely worth a read!
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I will definitely be picking up another of their books after this one!
Wolf Six is a legend in the murky espionage, assassin for hire world. A Ukrainian but raised in Moscow who is conscripted into Russia's most covert Special Forces unit called 'The Werewolves' and who are trained to be the deadliest of deadly! For an assassin, he really is quite likeable!
This was a wonderfully fast-paced thriller with a few twists and turns that you don't see coming, and that takes our Wolf across all corners of the globe!
The only character that I thought was weak and who I wasn't keen on was Mandy Murphy, but that's my opinion!
It's definitely worth a read!
January 6, 2025
Wolf Six is a great protagonist. As a former member of the Werewolves, an elite Russian Special Forces group, he has been a free-agent assassin (with principals) for some time. He’s taken a new contract when everything seems to fall apart. He’s made enemies on all sides and must put his unique skills on display to survive the Russian mafia, the CIA, and others. Lots of action, and it works without suspending credibility. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
March 1, 2025
Excellent start to a series by a must read author. Ruslan Akulov, Ukrainian born, Russian raised, trained assassin. He changed sides after they killed his grandmother. He was in the Chicago bank when members of the Russian mafia tried to rob it. He ended up killing most of the gang and they do not believe it was a coincidence. Former FBI agent Mandy Murphy contracts with Akulov to kill the man that killed her husband. It turns out he is the same person who had Akulov kill an innocent person. There is so much action in this book, you won't want to put it down.
March 4, 2025
The first book in the new Wolf Six series has a complex and challenging protagonist in Ruslan Akulov and a cast of diverse characters who are flawed and, in many cases, unlikeable. Akulov is a relatable anti-hero who regrets some of his actions and seeks to make amends. He is likeable, and you invest in his unorthodox crusade for vigilante justice. A suspenseful plot and hard-hitting action scenes give it a contemporary relevance. Its evocative settings, enhanced with relevant history and political insight, make this an engaging read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 6, 2025
Ruslan Akulov, trained by the Russians, has now gone freelance and is an assassin for hire. He’s been hired by a widow to kill the man who ordered the killing of her husband. Unknown to her, Wolf Six has his own reasons for also wanting this man dead so it’s an assignment he’s very happy to accept.
An interesting start leads to a fast and well-paced story with lots of thrilling action as Wolf Six gets into and out of many dangerous situations. I really enjoyed this book from an author who is new to me and I will certainly look for other books by him.
An interesting start leads to a fast and well-paced story with lots of thrilling action as Wolf Six gets into and out of many dangerous situations. I really enjoyed this book from an author who is new to me and I will certainly look for other books by him.
January 6, 2025
I love thrillers that take place in different places and cultures (bonus points for having occasional words in other languages to decipher) and author Alex Shaw expertly delivers that in Wolf Six. The fast-paced action happens in locales such as: Zurich/Vienna, Kyiv, Moscow, Morocco, Havana, Chicago and more. Could not put this one down, can’t wait for the next installment in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood, and of course Alex Shaw for this ARC copy to review.
February 15, 2025
This book starts out like a really good action novel, but then strange things happen. There are several chapters going back in time, and these are not part of the story here, but rather a description of the main character and his friend (who could never have been a Spetsnaz). Then there are several chapters with a woman that has a miniscule part in this story, and to top it off, there's a lot of tactical nonsense.
August 11, 2025
This is first book in the Wolf Six series, you can quite easily read as a standalone
The concept of a Ukrainian Assassin as the main character sounds so good and Ruslan Akulov is a man with a past and enemies everywhere.
Non stop action makes for a thrilling read, I was gripped from first page right to the last, I loved this book and hopefully future books are just as good I cannot wait to see what trouble Akulov finds himself in next.
The concept of a Ukrainian Assassin as the main character sounds so good and Ruslan Akulov is a man with a past and enemies everywhere.
Non stop action makes for a thrilling read, I was gripped from first page right to the last, I loved this book and hopefully future books are just as good I cannot wait to see what trouble Akulov finds himself in next.
September 25, 2025
Wolf Six -
I’m struggling a little with this review. In some ways I enjoyed the book, but in other ways it didn’t keep my attention like some other stories. There was quite a bit of action within the plot, but the world best assassin tended to be caught so often and escaped, more than James Bond. I also felt the story seemed to jump quickly forward on occasions. On saying this, I still quite enjoyed it. However, probably only enough to give it 4 out of 5.
I’m struggling a little with this review. In some ways I enjoyed the book, but in other ways it didn’t keep my attention like some other stories. There was quite a bit of action within the plot, but the world best assassin tended to be caught so often and escaped, more than James Bond. I also felt the story seemed to jump quickly forward on occasions. On saying this, I still quite enjoyed it. However, probably only enough to give it 4 out of 5.
October 9, 2025
Action Packed
A great action filled story. Many layers. We have the world's best assassin, a bank robbery, the Russian mafia, drug cartels, a vengeful widow, duplicitous secret service and a little bit of Ukraine / Russian conflict.
But there's more - the assassin's broker has been kidnapped and he is being blackmailed into carrying out some kills for free. By the way, he is also developing a conscience and will only take the jobs if they are justifiable for the greater human good and, further, if the target is a truly bad individual, he'll do the job for free!
The story moves quickly, it is well written and exciting. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I didn't get the Ukrainian / Russian aspect and I didn't think that it added any interest to the story.
A great action filled story. Many layers. We have the world's best assassin, a bank robbery, the Russian mafia, drug cartels, a vengeful widow, duplicitous secret service and a little bit of Ukraine / Russian conflict.
But there's more - the assassin's broker has been kidnapped and he is being blackmailed into carrying out some kills for free. By the way, he is also developing a conscience and will only take the jobs if they are justifiable for the greater human good and, further, if the target is a truly bad individual, he'll do the job for free!
The story moves quickly, it is well written and exciting. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I didn't get the Ukrainian / Russian aspect and I didn't think that it added any interest to the story.
October 13, 2025
Go with review by T. Olsen dated 2/25/25. They gave it a better rating than I did but it was hard to follow for me.
A Ukrainian forced into Russian special forces now takes work as a paid assassin in the US. He has a "broker" to find him jobs and a few of them are connected in the story. There are a few chapters of background on his time as a special forces "Werewolf" but it distracted more than told his story.
Not sure how this was described "for fans of" Vince Flynn & Mark Greaney.
A Ukrainian forced into Russian special forces now takes work as a paid assassin in the US. He has a "broker" to find him jobs and a few of them are connected in the story. There are a few chapters of background on his time as a special forces "Werewolf" but it distracted more than told his story.
Not sure how this was described "for fans of" Vince Flynn & Mark Greaney.
March 25, 2025
The first book in a new series and the book does not disappoint. Full of action as well as giving you a back story to the character, Rulsan Akulov who was part of an elite force in Russia named the Wlofes. This book has everything that you are looking for in action and shooting, fighting, and getting help from another retired Wolf. Plenty of action from beginning to end a good book.
August 16, 2025
Superb
Absolutely amazing read right from the beginning all the way to the end. Everything about it was unbelievable and mind blowing, the hero was definitely worthy of all he encountered.. did the Russian. Women make it out alive? I may have missed her part. Thank you for truly amazing read 😊
Absolutely amazing read right from the beginning all the way to the end. Everything about it was unbelievable and mind blowing, the hero was definitely worthy of all he encountered.. did the Russian. Women make it out alive? I may have missed her part. Thank you for truly amazing read 😊
August 16, 2025
another writer to catch up on
Not having read anything previously by Alex Shaw, I thought that I would start with a new series. I really enjoyed the story with its main character being a jaded anti-hero with morals. It had certainly added a new author int on my list and given me a back catalogue to work my way through. Really happen to have bought this.
Not having read anything previously by Alex Shaw, I thought that I would start with a new series. I really enjoyed the story with its main character being a jaded anti-hero with morals. It had certainly added a new author int on my list and given me a back catalogue to work my way through. Really happen to have bought this.
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