Savage

Chess Team Adventure #6

by Jeremy Robinson

For more than a hundred million years, the Dark Continent has kept a savage secret.

While on the trail of a stolen tactical nuclear weapon, Jack Sigler, callsign: King, and his black ops Chess Team, answer a cry for help. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the verge of exploding into another bloody civil war that will engulf all of Africa and put millions at risk, a crisis too politically volatile for any outside nation to touch. As the team, unfettered by political constraints, deploys across the globe, the threats spin out of control.

A search for the Congo’s missing president becomes a quest to solve a century old mystery, and uncover a secret that powerful men will kill to protect. A mission to rescue a team of scientists from violent revolutionaries devolves into a desperate run through the jungle, pursued by both modern man and ancient beast. And the effort to stop a revolution becomes a brutal contest, pitting King against the most cunning and sadistic foe he has ever faced—a deadly mercenary known as the Red Queen.

King has traveled around the globe and across time to protect the people he loves. Now, he must face a harsh truth: he cannot save everyone.

Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis, the bestselling team of The Brainstorm Trilogy and Prime return with an action-packed tale rivaling the best of Matthew Reilly and James Rollins. Savage is a fresh re-launch for Jack Sigler and the Chess Team, so if you’ve never tried a Jack Sigler thriller, this is the perfect point to jump in and enjoy the chaos. And if you’re a long time fan, welcome back, and prepare yourself...

Genres: Thriller, Adventure, Fiction, Action, Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Chess

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2014

About the author

Jeremy Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of seventy novels and novellas, including Apocalypse Machine, Island 731, and SecondWorld, as well as the Jack Sigler thriller series and Project Nemesis, the highest selling, original (non-licensed) kaiju novel of all time. He’s known for mixing elements of science, history and mythology, which has earned him the #1 spot in Science Fiction and Action-Adventure, and secured him as the top creature feature author. Many of his novels have been adapted into comic books, optioned for film and TV, and translated into thirteen languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children. Visit him at www.bewareofmonsters.com.

Reviews

[Jonathan Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

[Julie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been almost 9 years since I read this book, and it still packs a punch. The audiobook was excellent and the story was just as good the second time around.

This was my first Chess Team book and I absolutely loved it! I usually read book series in order, but I started with this one because it was chosen by a book club I participate in. It did not matter that I had not read the first books, as I was still able to follow this fast-paced story with no trouble! I love that this book started out as a political story then evolved into so much more. I cannot wait to go back and read this series from the beginning to see what I have missed!

[Reeda Booke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in love with the characters since I have first met them! Another fantastic thrill ride for the Chess Team, this time as they go to Africa to help with a brewing Civil War, a kidnapped President, a psycho woman with a nuke, and a mystery that started with a fantastic tale told by Dr. Livingstone.

Non-stop action and adventure that will leave you breathless! And that "haymaker" that was brought up by another reviewer? It made my stomach drop! Just remember to read to the very end of the book!

Already can't wait for their next adventure!

[Angela Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the Description:

For more than a hundred million years, the Dark Continent has kept a savage secret.

While on the trail of a stolen tactical nuclear weapon, Jack Sigler, callsign: King, and his black ops Chess Team, answer a cry for help. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the verge of exploding into another bloody civil war that will engulf all of Africa and put millions at risk, a crisis too politically volatile for any outside nation to touch. As the team, unfettered by political constraints, deploys across the globe, the threats spin out of control.

A search for the Congo’s missing president becomes a quest to solve a century old mystery, and uncover a secret that powerful men will kill to protect. A mission to rescue a team of scientists from violent revolutionaries devolves into a desperate run through the jungle, pursued by both modern man and ancient beast. And the effort to stop a revolution becomes a brutal contest, pitting King against the most cunning and sadistic foe he has ever faced—a deadly mercenary known as the Red Queen.

King has traveled around the globe and across time to protect the people he loves. Now, he must face a harsh truth: he cannot save everyone.

Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis, the bestselling team of The Brainstorm Trilogy and Prime return with an action-packed tale rivaling the best of Matthew Reilly and James Rollins. Savage is a fresh re-launch for Jack Sigler and the Chess Team, so if you've never tried a Jack Sigler thriller, this is the perfect point to jump in and enjoy the chaos. And if you're a long time fan, welcome back, and prepare yourself...

I have been a huge Chess Team fan since I read the first book in the series. Savage has the Team spread out trying to save the lives of millions in the Congo from a megalomaniac called the Red Queen. The story is fast paced and leaves the reader holding their breath on the edge of their seat. With nods to Jules Verne and Jurassic Park this book is full of all the things I've come to love about a Jeremy Robinson thriller. There are soo many things I want to say about this book but I don't want to give anything away!! I finished the last page by exclaiming out loud NO! I can't wait for the next thrill ride! Do yourself a giant favor and grab this and the rest of the Chess Team books today. A thrilling, breathless 5 star read.

[Cherei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rip roaring, fast-paced adventure that has you thumbin' your kindle so fast.. that you may actually start a fire! :) YES!! It's that excellent! The team is drawn into an adventure that will forever change the face of the Chess team. What I really liked about this novel.. it's a stand alone! So, even if you have not read the earlier books.. you'll still be able to easily follow the action without feeling like you're missing parts of past adventures!

[Terry Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Could'nt hardly believe what they found in Africa. Pretty neat and something everyone would love to see. But as for the ending, I'm not buying it! And for those who read these books will understand why. Now I can hardly wait for the next one.

[Wayne Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent really enjoyed this book

[Warren Thoms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just under 4 stars. 3.95 if they could mark them that way. This was another thriller from Robinson with the Chess team going to Africa to help quell a coup before it gets to far. The team has gone through a lot and just keeps on ticking. I love the ending. Giving a hint about a member without actually saying much of anything. Just a few sentences. For me this was one minor step down from Omega, although I loved King going back in time with Hercules. this is another fun read for fans of the team. If you have not read any before this, I think you could read it and still get a feel for the series but there would be some things that are mentioned that you would not know about because of not reading the previous books.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another action packed Chess Team adventure that moves at a breakneck pace. There lots of thrills, chills and surprises. LOTS of surprises! The books in this series never fail to deliver and this one delivers in spades. The monsters were mostly human but there were still a few of the non-human type that will keep you riveted. And the emphasis isn't so much on King this time so we get to spend more quality time with the rest of the Chess Team. I love these books and hope the authors keep them coming.

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the mess that was Ragnarok and the semi-successful attempt to right the ship with Omega, it seems that ChessTeam novels are finally back on track on with Savage.

Savage is typical Robinson/Ellis fare, in that it’s a techno-thriller/military/creature feature mash up that tends to work far more often than not...which, after the previous 2 novels, is a nice thing to see. Even better, that more realistic restraint and lack of over the top genetics and unkillalbe antagonists, made for much more enjoyable read than past works.

[Gio C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of his better novels. The series seems to be loosing its luster. It is becoming extremely predictable. I felt like the supernatural occurrence in this novel was a let down. It had barely if any impact on the novels outcome. You could have kept the whole supernatural element out of it and written the same book with the same outcome. I will he finishing the series and I really hope that it can come back and be as fun and exciting as the first ones were.

[Michael Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping and action packed

Black ops team designated: Chess Team set out on a mission to bring home hostages held captive by rebel soldiers in the Congo. chess Team is no ordinary group of warriors. Working in the superbly synchronized fashion they have each developed over the years together, Chess Team takes on more than they bargained for. Great story by two great writers. Highly recommended!

[Delbouille Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coincidence

Hard to give a review without giving away anything about the story. I'm stil a big fan of chess team and i feel sympathy for it's members. The evolution each member has gone trough and King's reactions in some events. Though that's the second time the team split up and meets up again by chance... Looking forward to Canibal.

[Shawn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!

I found this a great read as I don't know much African history. If it isn't Egyptian or from Tarzan, I'm a bit lost, so even though this is fiction i do like that some of the plot lines are based on a bt of true fact or known legends.

[Maggie Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to an exceptional series!

Slower paced at the beginning but sweeping to a strong 4.75 stars in the second half and a rebounding crescendo by the final pages.... Continues to be a superlatives tie by an outstanding author!

[Snorre L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules Verne would be proud.

[Raqual Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if i hate you guys or love you but WTF....not who i was expecting...my heart is beyond shattered. may favourite chess piece...really 😭😭

[Aritra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most American exceptionalist, military hoo-hah book of the series. And we also have underground dinosaurs. After Ragnarok and Omega, this one was really stale and boring.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Danny Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good installment

It’s a good book. You should read it.
12 more words are required before I can submit this book here.

[Marc K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Good book well written. Goes well withe other books in this series. Great character development as well. Fits in nicely withe series

[Vanessa Kiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good

I felt like this one good have been so much more or better, but it never really took off. It was very slow throughout, and the ending was very abrupt.

[Priscilla Del Gesso · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Chess Team book to occur post-Ridley Saga, and is designed to be much more stand alone. As such, it makes a good entry point into the series for new fans – and they will be fans by the end of the book, mark my words on that one.

The back story here starts with Henry Morton Stanley trying to find the money to get back to Africa. It seems that Dr. Livingstone had told him a fantastical tale that he just had to go see for himself…

Flash forward nearly a century, and a man running from the constant wars of mid 20th century Africa finds a mysterious cave that two of his friends quickly die in.

And then we come to the modern era, where we are quickly introduced to a bunch of tourists in Egypt. One is Chinese, two appears to be a German couple, and two more appear to be tourists from some other Arab country. Of course they are none other than Shin Dae-jung, call sign KNIGHT, Stan Tremblay, call sign ROOK, Zelda Baker, call sign QUEEN, Erik Sommers, call sign BISHOP, and the man who has now lived through millenia, Jack Sigler – call sign KING. Yes, all of these tourists are our Chess Team, and they are on yet another mission to set up yet another book.

The tale this time mostly centers in Africa, but with a couple of side trips – QUEEN and ROOK only – to Europe to save a President and kill some bad guys, CHESS TEAM style. Along the way, we get a spin on the Team that is becoming somewhat the norm in these later books with the story splitting the team up in different objectives before bringing them all back together for the final battle. Along the way, we encounter at least a couple of people who are holdovers from the Ridley Saga, we get some great action, some funny humor… and a gut punch about mid way through.

But that midpoint gut punch is NOTHING like the haymaker that lands in the final 12% of the book. To the tune that I actually sent Jeremy this message via Facebook:

NO. I’m 89% in. If you do what it looks like you’re about to do, there *will* be cursing involved. A lot of it.

Hence the title of this review. But I have to admit, it is *because* of this haymaker that this story stands head and shoulders above any CHESS TEAM book before it. Because of this haymaker, I recommend reading at least a few of the previous books first, just to get the full weight of what is happening, though it isn’t strictly necessary. (But seriously, who starts reading a series with Book 6?? Seriously – you’ll have a LOT more fun if you start off with PRIME or PULSE, then skip ahead and read this one if you must. Hell, go ahead and buy all three!

This haymaker will change the course of the team forever… Or will it? As with Marvel’s Avenger Series movies, make sure you stay through the end credits. Or in this case, the “Coda” after the Epilogue…

[Jamey Goodyear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis continues to entertain with imaginative story-telling, new gadgets, and exotic locations. There is little down time for the Chess Team which means non-stop action for us. I enjoyed the adventure and with each story become more devoted to the team. Robinson has a life-long fan here, as does Ellis. This is a must read if you are following the Chess Team’s exploits. If you’re not, why aren’t you? I recommend you pick up this series if you love adventure, new technology, military action, and sometimes, awesome monsters.

Join King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, and Rook with a little help from Pawn, in the newest save the world adventure by Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis. The Congo has a secret. It also has a possible new source of energy. The Chess Team get pulled into the conflict in the Congo through a stolen Russian nuclear bomb.

The newly elected President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has gone missing. Queen and Rook head to England to try to find him. Rebels are about to attack a special research camp that is investigating a possible new energy source in the Congo. Bishop and Knight head there to evacuate the camp. King and Pawn head to the capital of the Congo to lead support to the interim president. As can be expected when a team is divided, it is not as unstoppable as it is when they are together.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage is an outstanding military action adventure with a Michael Crichton like twist. Sean Ellis, Jeremy Robinson's co-author brings a unique perspective to the military special ops action which is both plausible and exciting. The action is virtually non stop and the characters run the gambit of raw emotion while exhibiting strength and fortitude in the face of severe adversity.

Although a continuation of Jeremy Robinson's fantastic spec ops/sci fi Chess Team series, Savage (being Book 6 in the series) can easily be read as a starting off point to those not familiar with the series. For those familiar with the Chess Team and its outstanding cast of characters this book kicks up the excitement, the action and the emotions to explosive new levels. For those new to the series be prepared to be thrilled, entertained and hooked. You will become invested in these characters to the point where you will want to pick up the preceding books in the Chess Team series so you can invest in the back story which has lead up to the events withing Savage. Each and every book and novella in the series is just as exciting and action packed as Savage but, as I mentioned, Savage brings all that action and excitement to extraordinary new levels.

[Linda Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book from the author, Jeremy Robinson, for a review...Whether a good review or bad, but I had to write one...I have read all of Mr. Robinson's books, especially all the Chess Teams novels..When I received Savage, I was floored... An amazing read..If you have never read any of Mr. Robinson's books, let me tell you..He puts you almost in the shoes of his characters and you start to get emotionally involved in storyline..Savage is about The Chess Team..A group of Ex-Navy Seals, Marines , Army and an ex-president of the United States of America as their handler, known as Deep Blue..The Chess Team consists of King, Queen, Bishop, Rook and Knight,..They fight anything from golems, monsters,bigfoot and so on..I expected a lot from Savage and I got it...I laughed, got angry and cried for 2 hours...Like I said emotionally involved with the characters lives...This is definitely a must read..Don't want to give too much away , but King goes out looking for a stolen nuclear bomb and it goes downhill from there...This time there are aliens and they are NOT nice...Get the book, you're gonna love it...

[Nilesh Nimkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feeling about this book. Being a huge fan of Jeremy and specially Chess Team I loved this book but felt it was not at par with the previous books. The story felt looks and did not have enough threads that tied it together. The threat this time was not big enough to keep me on the edge of my seat as opposed to the threat in the previous books. The science felt shooed in and was largely a mcguffin that was put in the story largely to satisfy the used rather than anything that tied back to the story. The cave with creatures did not have actual bearings on the story and could have been anything and did not affect the story at all. The history and the science element, which are always the central element of all the previous books and always tie in with each other in fascinating ways (Pulse, Threshold, All chess novels actually)are poorly thought out and do not tie in together. They are never expanded on at all. The villain is a one dimensional character with no explanation for her motives.
The book does make for a thrilling read in bits and pieces, it is a chess team novel after all, however I cannot rate it at the high bar that the previous books have set.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't 100% sure how this book would work, what with all the loose ends being tied up in Omega, however, I was pleasantly surprised, which shouldn't come as a shock as both these authors have a habit of writing good, fun books. Savage was no exception, it is hard to write anything about the book without revealing any spoilers, so let me just say, this book is fantastically awesome. Everyone should go buy it, read it and enjoy. I don't think you have to read the other books in the chess team series for this one, everything is explained in a way that makes it very easy to enjoy it without worrying about reading the others, you also don't feel like you are missing out. I lost sleep, which I'd gladly do again. It keeps the reader in the story from beginning to end, always wondering, questioning. Tears ensue, cursing and relief. Just go enjoy it. I think this may be my favourite book in the chess team series. I will read anything these two write, they make one heck of a writing duo.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can really not explain how much I loved this book. The last book in this series, "Omega", wrapped up the storyline that had been running over the last five books, so you can quite safely come in to this series, not having read any of the previous Chess Team books. I feel, though, that the emotional kick of this book is all the more stronger HAVING read the previous adventures. I seriously laughed, cried, held my breath, got angry - for what could be described as a simple adventure novel, "Savage" is a thrill ride you will both want to get off and at the same time, wish it would never end! I eagerly await the next instalment! Thank you to Jeremy Robinson and Sean Ellis for the roller coaster!!