What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolf Six #2
Kill Code
Preorder the next BRAND NEW edge-of-your-seat action thriller from author of Wolf Six, Alex Shaw 'A gritty, action packed adrenaline rush!' - Alan McDermott
Taking a life isn't hard, when you've already given your own.
Ruslan Akulov, the legendary Ukrainian assassin known as Wolf Six, wakes to find the plane he’s on plummeting, and with no real memory of how he got there…
Surviving the crash, only to be detained by a small-town sheriff and accused of two murders, that for once he didn’t commit, Akulov must piece together the fragments of his concussed memory to understand how his last mission in Canada as a black asset for the CIA went so catastrophically wrong.
Yet far darker forces are hunting him. A growing number of relentless adversaries including Triads baying for his blood, and the mysterious organisation known only as the ‘Syndicate’, determined to keep the truth buried.
With danger closing in, Akulov is alone on a sea of deceit and betrayal, and when Martin Basson, Akulov’s former colleague turned nemesis, enters the fray, Wolf Six is forced to fight his darkest fears, and the trained French assassin hell bent on destroying him.
Taking a life isn't hard, when you've already given your own.
Ruslan Akulov, the legendary Ukrainian assassin known as Wolf Six, wakes to find the plane he’s on plummeting, and with no real memory of how he got there…
Surviving the crash, only to be detained by a small-town sheriff and accused of two murders, that for once he didn’t commit, Akulov must piece together the fragments of his concussed memory to understand how his last mission in Canada as a black asset for the CIA went so catastrophically wrong.
Yet far darker forces are hunting him. A growing number of relentless adversaries including Triads baying for his blood, and the mysterious organisation known only as the ‘Syndicate’, determined to keep the truth buried.
With danger closing in, Akulov is alone on a sea of deceit and betrayal, and when Martin Basson, Akulov’s former colleague turned nemesis, enters the fray, Wolf Six is forced to fight his darkest fears, and the trained French assassin hell bent on destroying him.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2025
256 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Alex Shaw
22 books159 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 6, 2025
4.5★s
Wolf Six - Ruslan Akulov - was an assassin with a conscience. Ukrainian, with much history in Russia, he'd been seconded to another assassin, Bang Bang, with the contract to kill a crime family. But on the day, at the time, some innocent civilians arrived on the scene and Bang Bang wouldn't abort; while Wolf Six was trying to stop him, many, including the innocents, were killed. Rescued by his handler's driver, when Akulov next awoke he was on a plane, which was plummeting, no engine sounds, nothing electronic. Could he possibly survive?
Washing up on shore, picked up by a lone man, Akulov was in and out of consciousness. But what was going on in this small place he'd ended up? When the sheriff detained him, he still had no idea. But someone was determined to catch Akulov and kill him; he was equally determined to stay alive!
Kill Code is the 2nd in the Wolf Six series by Alex Shaw and I enjoyed it very much. Fast paced, with plenty of action as we travelled from country to country, staying ahead of assassins and those who would end up dead. Ruslan Akulov had a code; a kill code; and it wasn't one he'd deviate from. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Wolf Six - Ruslan Akulov - was an assassin with a conscience. Ukrainian, with much history in Russia, he'd been seconded to another assassin, Bang Bang, with the contract to kill a crime family. But on the day, at the time, some innocent civilians arrived on the scene and Bang Bang wouldn't abort; while Wolf Six was trying to stop him, many, including the innocents, were killed. Rescued by his handler's driver, when Akulov next awoke he was on a plane, which was plummeting, no engine sounds, nothing electronic. Could he possibly survive?
Washing up on shore, picked up by a lone man, Akulov was in and out of consciousness. But what was going on in this small place he'd ended up? When the sheriff detained him, he still had no idea. But someone was determined to catch Akulov and kill him; he was equally determined to stay alive!
Kill Code is the 2nd in the Wolf Six series by Alex Shaw and I enjoyed it very much. Fast paced, with plenty of action as we travelled from country to country, staying ahead of assassins and those who would end up dead. Ruslan Akulov had a code; a kill code; and it wasn't one he'd deviate from. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
August 7, 2025
I enjoyed the book but it didn’t wow me it’s part of 2 book series
Blurb
Taking a life isn't hard, when you've already given your own.
Ruslan Akulov, the legendary Ukrainian assassin known as Wolf Six, wakes to find the plane he’s on plummeting, and with no real memory of how he got there…
Surviving the crash, only to be detained by a small-town sheriff and accused of two murders, that for once he didn’t commit, Akulov must piece together the fragments of his concussed memory to understand how his last mission in Canada as a black asset for the CIA went so catastrophically wrong.
Yet far darker forces are hunting him. A growing number of relentless adversaries including Triads baying for his blood, and the mysterious organisation known only as the ‘Syndicate’, determined to keep the truth buried.
With danger closing in, Akulov is alone on a sea of deceit and betrayal, and when Martin Basson, Akulov’s former colleague turned nemesis, enters the fray, Wolf Six is forced to fight his darkest fears, and the trained French assassin hell bent on destroying him.
Blurb
Taking a life isn't hard, when you've already given your own.
Ruslan Akulov, the legendary Ukrainian assassin known as Wolf Six, wakes to find the plane he’s on plummeting, and with no real memory of how he got there…
Surviving the crash, only to be detained by a small-town sheriff and accused of two murders, that for once he didn’t commit, Akulov must piece together the fragments of his concussed memory to understand how his last mission in Canada as a black asset for the CIA went so catastrophically wrong.
Yet far darker forces are hunting him. A growing number of relentless adversaries including Triads baying for his blood, and the mysterious organisation known only as the ‘Syndicate’, determined to keep the truth buried.
With danger closing in, Akulov is alone on a sea of deceit and betrayal, and when Martin Basson, Akulov’s former colleague turned nemesis, enters the fray, Wolf Six is forced to fight his darkest fears, and the trained French assassin hell bent on destroying him.
June 12, 2025
I'm not always a fan of "spy" books but Akulov--Wolf Six--got me hooked right away! He's a ruthless assassin but we know he's brilliant and can elude any adversaries no matter what disguises they use. Able to disguise himself in any situation, he uses his opponents' shortcomings to forward his own agenda. It's thrilling and mind-bending!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 10, 2025
Another compulsive, must finish and find out what happens next, read.
Wolf Six is a well paid and efficient assassin who has depths of character that make him interesting and a lot more human than most killers tend to be.
He scores quite low on the psychotic psychopath scale. Not just justifying his trade by believing he only kills bad people like we may have read before in the contract killer’s CV, but genuinely risking his own life and freedom in avoiding innocent bystanders and ‘collateral damage’.
The unfortunate element in this second instalment is the convoluted narrative as the story follows several timelines and brings confusion before clarity. Those who push through will be given a fresh outlook upon the dramatic thriller and new insights into the interactions between the hit man and their controller.
What I especially liked here is that our protagonist makes mistakes; errors of judgement and isn’t always victorious in scenes of violence and confrontation. This plays out ultimately in a growing feud between two operatives who when asked to work together on a complicated contract fall out, when their approach to killing drives a rift between them.
Much of the book is then a search for the other guy to end their dispute in the death of one or both of the combatants.
The writing is bright and engaging. Without sleight of hand the story unfolds against a background of mystery, uncertainty regarding other players motives and an ever present threat to our main protagonist. I enjoyed the character development and the values and emotions shared.
It isn’t just glorified killing but when the action starts it is articulated with memorable set pieces, all consuming violence and cinematic aplomb.
As our ‘hero’ states ‘Anyone who points a weapon at me dies, that’s non-negotiable.’
But judge Alulov yourself and enjoy this latest episode in this innovative and enthralling series.
Wolf Six is a well paid and efficient assassin who has depths of character that make him interesting and a lot more human than most killers tend to be.
He scores quite low on the psychotic psychopath scale. Not just justifying his trade by believing he only kills bad people like we may have read before in the contract killer’s CV, but genuinely risking his own life and freedom in avoiding innocent bystanders and ‘collateral damage’.
The unfortunate element in this second instalment is the convoluted narrative as the story follows several timelines and brings confusion before clarity. Those who push through will be given a fresh outlook upon the dramatic thriller and new insights into the interactions between the hit man and their controller.
What I especially liked here is that our protagonist makes mistakes; errors of judgement and isn’t always victorious in scenes of violence and confrontation. This plays out ultimately in a growing feud between two operatives who when asked to work together on a complicated contract fall out, when their approach to killing drives a rift between them.
Much of the book is then a search for the other guy to end their dispute in the death of one or both of the combatants.
The writing is bright and engaging. Without sleight of hand the story unfolds against a background of mystery, uncertainty regarding other players motives and an ever present threat to our main protagonist. I enjoyed the character development and the values and emotions shared.
It isn’t just glorified killing but when the action starts it is articulated with memorable set pieces, all consuming violence and cinematic aplomb.
As our ‘hero’ states ‘Anyone who points a weapon at me dies, that’s non-negotiable.’
But judge Alulov yourself and enjoy this latest episode in this innovative and enthralling series.
August 13, 2025
Kill Code by Alex Shaw is the second book in the excellent Wolf Six series, what an excellent series this has been. Once you open this book and start to read Kill Code you will be hooked and I found it hard to put this book down, just like Alex's first book called Wolf Six which was a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. Kill Code was a fast paced, very gritty and full of excellent twists and turns throughout. I love the main character Akulov, who is the legendary Ukrainian assassin known as the famous "Wolf Six",
Akulov, wakes up to find the plane he’s on plummeting, and he has No memory of how he got there and why!
After Akulov survived the plane crash, he finds himself detained by a small town sherif and now is accused of two murders, which he did not commit. He may have killed many others in the past but Akulov did not kill these two people!
But, who did?
Now, Akulov must work out who killed them fast! However, his memory and being concussed is not helping him!
He has to work out how his last big mission to Canada as a Black asset for the famous CIA went so catastrophically wrong and why did it go wrong!?
Now, who is hunting Akulov and Why are they hunting him?
Danger is closing in around Akulov, but, he is alone and has no one to turn to to help him with all these questions. . . .
A former colleague called Martin Basson, who has turned nemesis, enters the fray, and Akulov, is forced to fight his darkest fears of all times! a very trained French assassin is getting closer to destroy Akulov, Wolf Six!
Time is running out will Akulov, survive when the trained French assassin finds him?
or Does Alulov get his revenge?
Kill Code can also be read as a standalone book, but I do recommend you go and read the first book, it will not disappoint. Another 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read. The ending was excellent!!!
I am looking forward to Alex's next book.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
Akulov, wakes up to find the plane he’s on plummeting, and he has No memory of how he got there and why!
After Akulov survived the plane crash, he finds himself detained by a small town sherif and now is accused of two murders, which he did not commit. He may have killed many others in the past but Akulov did not kill these two people!
But, who did?
Now, Akulov must work out who killed them fast! However, his memory and being concussed is not helping him!
He has to work out how his last big mission to Canada as a Black asset for the famous CIA went so catastrophically wrong and why did it go wrong!?
Now, who is hunting Akulov and Why are they hunting him?
Danger is closing in around Akulov, but, he is alone and has no one to turn to to help him with all these questions. . . .
A former colleague called Martin Basson, who has turned nemesis, enters the fray, and Akulov, is forced to fight his darkest fears of all times! a very trained French assassin is getting closer to destroy Akulov, Wolf Six!
Time is running out will Akulov, survive when the trained French assassin finds him?
or Does Alulov get his revenge?
Kill Code can also be read as a standalone book, but I do recommend you go and read the first book, it will not disappoint. Another 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read. The ending was excellent!!!
I am looking forward to Alex's next book.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
September 28, 2025
Kill Code by Alex Shaw
Wolf Six #2
~ Picked up where book one ended with an abrupt awakening and quick immersion into the story as Akulov plummeted to earth and fought to survive ~
What I liked:
* Ruslan Akulov: assassin, ex-elite soldier, strong, lethal, intelligent, tenacious, orphaned young, raised by his grandmother, strategic thinker, calm in crisis, intriguing, lives by his own Kill Code
* Valentina Tishina: broker for assassins, ex-assassin, Akulov’s lover in the past, strong, wily, intriguing
* Parnell & Casey: CIA agents that give Akulov his next “job” and provide some tactical support
* The insight into what might motivate assassins and wondering how much alike and different they are from one another
* What happens after Akulov survived the plane crash in small-town Michigan ~ definitely a few twists and turns there and a really big one near the end
* Being able to dislike the bad guys and not be upset by their demise
* That the characters were not all morally either black or white but many had shades of gray
* Desange: legionnaire with Basson and his longtime friend, moral compass still intact, wouldn’t mind seeing him again
* That I felt I got to know and understand the characters
* Finding myself liking Ruslan and Valentina even though I question their choice of profession
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The hook at the end that makes me wonder what his next job will be and if perhaps his future might be changing a little bit
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant to
* Martin Basson: assassin, ex-legionnaire, French, lethal, enjoys using explosives, doesn’t value one life over any other…except his own, easy to dislike
* Having to wait for the next book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Wolf Six #2
~ Picked up where book one ended with an abrupt awakening and quick immersion into the story as Akulov plummeted to earth and fought to survive ~
What I liked:
* Ruslan Akulov: assassin, ex-elite soldier, strong, lethal, intelligent, tenacious, orphaned young, raised by his grandmother, strategic thinker, calm in crisis, intriguing, lives by his own Kill Code
* Valentina Tishina: broker for assassins, ex-assassin, Akulov’s lover in the past, strong, wily, intriguing
* Parnell & Casey: CIA agents that give Akulov his next “job” and provide some tactical support
* The insight into what might motivate assassins and wondering how much alike and different they are from one another
* What happens after Akulov survived the plane crash in small-town Michigan ~ definitely a few twists and turns there and a really big one near the end
* Being able to dislike the bad guys and not be upset by their demise
* That the characters were not all morally either black or white but many had shades of gray
* Desange: legionnaire with Basson and his longtime friend, moral compass still intact, wouldn’t mind seeing him again
* That I felt I got to know and understand the characters
* Finding myself liking Ruslan and Valentina even though I question their choice of profession
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The hook at the end that makes me wonder what his next job will be and if perhaps his future might be changing a little bit
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant to
* Martin Basson: assassin, ex-legionnaire, French, lethal, enjoys using explosives, doesn’t value one life over any other…except his own, easy to dislike
* Having to wait for the next book
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
July 20, 2025
Wolf Six is back in action in the latest edge of the seat thriller from Alex Shaw, Kill Code, but he is in a bit of bind as he is on a plane with absolutely no idea how he got there. He has a terrific headache and for some reason the plane is very quiet, no engine noise, just the buffeting of the wind as it hurls the plane though space.
Hormann, a CIA operative is on the plane with him, but he has less than no idea what is going on, other than the plane is plummeting into a large body of water. Ruslan Akulov wonders for a fleeting moment as to whether this is the way he will die but understands whatever happens next, he is not going to like it.
So begins another stellar plot through the badlands of organised crime and the life of an assassin as Akulov discovers he has literally crash landed into a world of an organised crime syndicate in Black River that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, other than is it led by the local sheriff.
Locked in the local gaol he ponders what has happened, realising he has been on some sort of clandestine mission for the CIA that for whatever reason has gone terribly wrong. His nemesis Basson is also on his trail, determined to kill him for shooting him after a botched job in Amsterdam.
Basson has never forgiven Akulov for inflicting the wounds and Akulov has never forgiven Basson for stepping over the line and becoming a murderer.
As the private war between Akulov and Basson rages across Europe, closer to home Akulov is beginning to understand that whatever is going on in Black River may well see him killed unless something like a miracle occurs.
Once again Alex Shaw has delivered a fast paced, engrossing and in many ways enlightening storyline as Wolf Six, a man with a dark past sets out to not only complete a mission but level a score long overdue.
Hormann, a CIA operative is on the plane with him, but he has less than no idea what is going on, other than the plane is plummeting into a large body of water. Ruslan Akulov wonders for a fleeting moment as to whether this is the way he will die but understands whatever happens next, he is not going to like it.
So begins another stellar plot through the badlands of organised crime and the life of an assassin as Akulov discovers he has literally crash landed into a world of an organised crime syndicate in Black River that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, other than is it led by the local sheriff.
Locked in the local gaol he ponders what has happened, realising he has been on some sort of clandestine mission for the CIA that for whatever reason has gone terribly wrong. His nemesis Basson is also on his trail, determined to kill him for shooting him after a botched job in Amsterdam.
Basson has never forgiven Akulov for inflicting the wounds and Akulov has never forgiven Basson for stepping over the line and becoming a murderer.
As the private war between Akulov and Basson rages across Europe, closer to home Akulov is beginning to understand that whatever is going on in Black River may well see him killed unless something like a miracle occurs.
Once again Alex Shaw has delivered a fast paced, engrossing and in many ways enlightening storyline as Wolf Six, a man with a dark past sets out to not only complete a mission but level a score long overdue.
August 9, 2025
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This isn’t my usual genre but from the very first page you’re thrown straight into the chaos and it doesn’t let up for a second and that made me read it in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next. This is the second book in the series, I haven’t read the first one but I don’t feel that mattered. I could still easily follow what was happening. Ruslan Akulov, better known as Wolf Six, wakes to find himself in a nightmare—hurtling toward the ground in a plummeting plane, with no memory of how he got there. What follows is a relentless mix of survival, suspicion, and brutal action as Akulov tries to piece together the shattered fragments of his memory while being hunted by everyone from small-town law enforcement to the deadly Syndicate.
The action scenes are crisp and cinematic, reminding me of Jack Reacher or Jason Bourn. The vivid description of the Canadian wilderness, shady criminal networks, and gritty small-town tension all collide in a way that feels both dangerous and believable and immersed you in the book. The cast of villains, from Triad enforcers to a cold-blooded French assassin, ensures there’s never a lull in the danger.
If there’s a small drawback, I feel that the sheer amount of action leaves little room for deeper emotional beats. I found Akulov fascinating, but we only get brief glimpses beneath his hard, calculated surface. Still, for fans of non-stop, high-octane thrillers with a globe-trotting edge, Kill Code delivers in spades. I’ll definitely go back and read the first in the series now!
This isn’t my usual genre but from the very first page you’re thrown straight into the chaos and it doesn’t let up for a second and that made me read it in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next. This is the second book in the series, I haven’t read the first one but I don’t feel that mattered. I could still easily follow what was happening. Ruslan Akulov, better known as Wolf Six, wakes to find himself in a nightmare—hurtling toward the ground in a plummeting plane, with no memory of how he got there. What follows is a relentless mix of survival, suspicion, and brutal action as Akulov tries to piece together the shattered fragments of his memory while being hunted by everyone from small-town law enforcement to the deadly Syndicate.
The action scenes are crisp and cinematic, reminding me of Jack Reacher or Jason Bourn. The vivid description of the Canadian wilderness, shady criminal networks, and gritty small-town tension all collide in a way that feels both dangerous and believable and immersed you in the book. The cast of villains, from Triad enforcers to a cold-blooded French assassin, ensures there’s never a lull in the danger.
If there’s a small drawback, I feel that the sheer amount of action leaves little room for deeper emotional beats. I found Akulov fascinating, but we only get brief glimpses beneath his hard, calculated surface. Still, for fans of non-stop, high-octane thrillers with a globe-trotting edge, Kill Code delivers in spades. I’ll definitely go back and read the first in the series now!
August 8, 2025
I don't usually read this type of books but somehow I read about humours parts and thought "let's try". I suppose that I read the wrong blurb (need holiday) but I thoroughly enjoy it nonetheless as it's adrenalinic and fast paced
If you enjoy stories full of action, mystery, and secret missions, Kill Code by Alex Shaw is a great choice. It’s a fast-paced thriller that keeps you hooked from the first page.
Who Is the Main Character?
The story follows Ruslan Akulov, also known as Wolf Six. He’s a highly trained agent with a dangerous past. One day, he wakes up on a plane with no memory of how he got there. From that moment on, everything starts to go wrong.
Akulov finds himself in serious trouble and has to figure out what happened. He’s surrounded by enemies and doesn’t know who to trust. The tension builds as he tries to survive and uncover the truth.
What Kind of Book Is It?
• Genre: Spy thriller
• Tone: Serious and intense
• Style: Quick-moving and full of action
There’s no comedy in this book—it’s dark and dramatic. The story is full of fights, chases, and secrets. It feels like a movie, with scenes that are easy to imagine and full of energy.
Why You Might Like It
If you like:
• Strong, mysterious characters
• Stories about spies and secret missions
• Books that are exciting and hard to put down
Then Kill Code is a great pick. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with lots of twists and action
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Love Book Tours for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
If you enjoy stories full of action, mystery, and secret missions, Kill Code by Alex Shaw is a great choice. It’s a fast-paced thriller that keeps you hooked from the first page.
Who Is the Main Character?
The story follows Ruslan Akulov, also known as Wolf Six. He’s a highly trained agent with a dangerous past. One day, he wakes up on a plane with no memory of how he got there. From that moment on, everything starts to go wrong.
Akulov finds himself in serious trouble and has to figure out what happened. He’s surrounded by enemies and doesn’t know who to trust. The tension builds as he tries to survive and uncover the truth.
What Kind of Book Is It?
• Genre: Spy thriller
• Tone: Serious and intense
• Style: Quick-moving and full of action
There’s no comedy in this book—it’s dark and dramatic. The story is full of fights, chases, and secrets. It feels like a movie, with scenes that are easy to imagine and full of energy.
Why You Might Like It
If you like:
• Strong, mysterious characters
• Stories about spies and secret missions
• Books that are exciting and hard to put down
Then Kill Code is a great pick. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with lots of twists and action
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Love Book Tours for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
August 12, 2025
This is book two in the Wolf Six series. It can also be read as a standalone book. The story follows Ruslan Akulov, the legendary assassin known as Wolf Six. He is tasked with a job for the CIA, but things quickly go wrong. He ends up in a small town, concussed and everybody out to get him.
The story jumps around in timeline and is also told from the dual point of view of Akulov and Basson. Once I got used to this, it was easy to follow what was going on, and it was good to get background details about the characters and past events.
Basson is also an assassin, but his methods are much less orthodox than Akulov, this has caused a deep-rooted rivalry and tension between them, which will only end once one of them is no longer breathing. I enjoyed the cat and mouse element that this brought to the story, and some moments were really tense.
The book is well written, and the story had me fully engaged. It was action-packed, exciting and the author really ramps up the tension in some parts of the book. This worked really well and it felt like I was watching a movie. I really liked the cast of characters, despite some (most) of them being unlikeable! I found myself unable to put the book down as something would happen and I needed to know what was coming next. I really enjoyed this one!
With huge thanks to the author, publisher, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
The story jumps around in timeline and is also told from the dual point of view of Akulov and Basson. Once I got used to this, it was easy to follow what was going on, and it was good to get background details about the characters and past events.
Basson is also an assassin, but his methods are much less orthodox than Akulov, this has caused a deep-rooted rivalry and tension between them, which will only end once one of them is no longer breathing. I enjoyed the cat and mouse element that this brought to the story, and some moments were really tense.
The book is well written, and the story had me fully engaged. It was action-packed, exciting and the author really ramps up the tension in some parts of the book. This worked really well and it felt like I was watching a movie. I really liked the cast of characters, despite some (most) of them being unlikeable! I found myself unable to put the book down as something would happen and I needed to know what was coming next. I really enjoyed this one!
With huge thanks to the author, publisher, Netgalley and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
September 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Kill Code is the second installment in Alex Shaw’s explosive Wolf Six series, and it wastes no time throwing readers straight into the chaos. Ruslan Akulov—legendary assassin, feared as “Wolf Six”—wakes on a plummeting plane with no memory of how he got there. Surviving the crash is only the beginning. Injured, hunted, and accused of murders he didn’t commit, Akulov must piece together his fractured memory while staying one step ahead of enemies on all sides.
The story is told through shifting timelines and perspectives, which heightens the tension as Akulov’s deadly rivalry with fellow operative Martin Basson builds toward a brutal reckoning. Shaw’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and relentless—the action sequences crackle with energy, from small-town standoffs to globe-spanning chases. Yet what makes Wolf Six stand out is his moral code: he may be a killer, but one with a conscience, refusing collateral damage and haunted by the ghosts of past missions.
Gripping, gritty, and packed with twists, Kill Code is a pulse-pounding thriller that fans of Jason Bourne or Jack Reacher will devour. While it can be read as a standalone, starting with Wolf Six gives even more weight to Akulov’s journey.
Kill Code is the second installment in Alex Shaw’s explosive Wolf Six series, and it wastes no time throwing readers straight into the chaos. Ruslan Akulov—legendary assassin, feared as “Wolf Six”—wakes on a plummeting plane with no memory of how he got there. Surviving the crash is only the beginning. Injured, hunted, and accused of murders he didn’t commit, Akulov must piece together his fractured memory while staying one step ahead of enemies on all sides.
The story is told through shifting timelines and perspectives, which heightens the tension as Akulov’s deadly rivalry with fellow operative Martin Basson builds toward a brutal reckoning. Shaw’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and relentless—the action sequences crackle with energy, from small-town standoffs to globe-spanning chases. Yet what makes Wolf Six stand out is his moral code: he may be a killer, but one with a conscience, refusing collateral damage and haunted by the ghosts of past missions.
Gripping, gritty, and packed with twists, Kill Code is a pulse-pounding thriller that fans of Jason Bourne or Jack Reacher will devour. While it can be read as a standalone, starting with Wolf Six gives even more weight to Akulov’s journey.
July 27, 2025
While Kill Code is the second book in the Wolf Six series, it is very readable as a standalone. I didn't feel like I was missing any of the history by not reading the first book.
I found this a little bit of a slow starter. It starts off strong with the CIA tricking one of the best assassins in the world into meeting with them, having him pretend to be a triad member to take someone out and steal tech then his plane going down. Then there are dirty cops, a Canadian syndicate and assassins who want to kill each other. But it goes back over multiple timelines to show the history between the two who once shared a contract only for it to go wrong and a lot of bad history as a result.
While the past helps you understand just how much Wolf Six and the Bang Bang Man want to kill each other and the other players involved, I found myself wanting more of the present. Hopefully there is a follow-up with the Syndicate because how much 'waste disposal' can you need in a small town? What happens with the Sheriff?
But it is well paced, lots of action, betrayal and twists. They travel most of the globe through the years and it is an enjoyable read. Kill Code is available August 9th. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy for review.
I found this a little bit of a slow starter. It starts off strong with the CIA tricking one of the best assassins in the world into meeting with them, having him pretend to be a triad member to take someone out and steal tech then his plane going down. Then there are dirty cops, a Canadian syndicate and assassins who want to kill each other. But it goes back over multiple timelines to show the history between the two who once shared a contract only for it to go wrong and a lot of bad history as a result.
While the past helps you understand just how much Wolf Six and the Bang Bang Man want to kill each other and the other players involved, I found myself wanting more of the present. Hopefully there is a follow-up with the Syndicate because how much 'waste disposal' can you need in a small town? What happens with the Sheriff?
But it is well paced, lots of action, betrayal and twists. They travel most of the globe through the years and it is an enjoyable read. Kill Code is available August 9th. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy for review.
June 29, 2025
Kill Code is a very fast paced thriller that really delivers with plenty of action and suspense. Exactly the kind of read I enjoy and look for. Akulov is on a mission which doesn't go to plan and finds himself being hunted by a very dangerous group of individuals. When his nemesis reappears intent on killing him Akulov knows he needs to rely on his skills to stay alive. I've always liked Akulov from his appearances in the authors other books and he is the sort of character that you just root for and I'm enjoying finding out more about him and what makes
him who he is now. The authors writing is really good and engaging and the story flows effortlessly. The plot is intricately layered and moves from past to present effortlessly. I wondered many times how everything would tie up and I wasn't disappointed at all. The story races to a thrilling ending that sets up the next book perfectly.
I will definitely want to read what is in store for Akulov next, and would recommend this if you like full on action thrillers although I'd say read Wolf Six first to know the character from the beginning.
4 stars
him who he is now. The authors writing is really good and engaging and the story flows effortlessly. The plot is intricately layered and moves from past to present effortlessly. I wondered many times how everything would tie up and I wasn't disappointed at all. The story races to a thrilling ending that sets up the next book perfectly.
I will definitely want to read what is in store for Akulov next, and would recommend this if you like full on action thrillers although I'd say read Wolf Six first to know the character from the beginning.
4 stars
August 6, 2025
First time reading Wolf Six, and he is my favorite character. Ruslan Akulov is a ruthless assassin, but he is also ethical. When a kill job goes wrong and innocents are killed, Akulov adds another enemy to his already long list. They call him Bang Bang, Basson is another assassin who loves explosives. He is the one who crossed Akulov. Akulov is sent on a mission by the CIA, but his plane crashes into a river, where he is rescued but later is jailed. And here is where the spyness and action really start to kick in.
Enjoyed Akulov as a main character. Basson is crazy but enjoyable, though he can be morally gray at times. Loved all the places they traveled to in the past and present, and learning a bit about each place was very enjoyable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and all the men and the messes they created. Oh, and Tishina is awesome!
Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Enjoyed Akulov as a main character. Basson is crazy but enjoyable, though he can be morally gray at times. Loved all the places they traveled to in the past and present, and learning a bit about each place was very enjoyable. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and all the men and the messes they created. Oh, and Tishina is awesome!
Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 10, 2025
Not really a spy thriller, though there are some elements of that , this book is about two hired assassins. One is a killer with a conscience who takes out "the baddies" , the other is not so discerning. This book follows them through Europe, America and the Middle East as they attempt to kill the other one. The plot s told from different points of view, take place in various locations and at different times, though the chapters are headed and once I got into the book it was not confusing.
There is a lot of action and bloodshed/violence in the book. It took me a couple of chapters to engage with the characters and the plot, but once I had, I enjoyed the fast pace and build up of suspense and it became a real page turner. I liked the descriptions of places which give a good picture of locations and characterizations are also well written.
A good entertaining read, but with the killings not for readers with a delicate nature, thanks to Net Galley for a great read
There is a lot of action and bloodshed/violence in the book. It took me a couple of chapters to engage with the characters and the plot, but once I had, I enjoyed the fast pace and build up of suspense and it became a real page turner. I liked the descriptions of places which give a good picture of locations and characterizations are also well written.
A good entertaining read, but with the killings not for readers with a delicate nature, thanks to Net Galley for a great read
August 9, 2025
Kill Code by Alex Shaw is a story about two elite, international assassins who are out to kill one another. As you can imagine, that is quite a feat. It does take a few other turns, particularly to a small town in America and it’s domineering sheriff. This place almost does Wolf Six in. Wolf Six, so called because he was part of an elite unit trained many years earlier called Werewolves. His enemy is Martin Basson, known as the Bang Bang Man, as he likes to blow things up. It is very violent, fairly short on plot other than violence. The characters are very one-dimensional, only interesting in their next job. Not much else. It was relatively entertaining in this small dose, but as a series it is repetitive.
I was invited to read Kill Code by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #AlexShaw #KillCode
I was invited to read Kill Code by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #AlexShaw #KillCode
August 10, 2025
I haven't read anything by Alex Shaw before and am disappointed that I didn't read the first in this series, Wolf Six, but that in no way affected how much I enjoyed this, the second in the series which I loved.
I admit to struggling to get into it at first due to the chopping and changing of time lines however, once I overcame that and got used to the writing style, I was on the edge of my seat ... it's engaging, exciting, thrilling, fast-paced and totally entertaining. Ruslan Akulov (aka Wolf Six) is a brilliant character and I was completely drawn into his story and can't wait to read the next instalment.
If you like Jason Bourne, you will love this and with plenty of action, violence and scenes of peril; this is a book that didn't disappoint.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this action-packed book.
I admit to struggling to get into it at first due to the chopping and changing of time lines however, once I overcame that and got used to the writing style, I was on the edge of my seat ... it's engaging, exciting, thrilling, fast-paced and totally entertaining. Ruslan Akulov (aka Wolf Six) is a brilliant character and I was completely drawn into his story and can't wait to read the next instalment.
If you like Jason Bourne, you will love this and with plenty of action, violence and scenes of peril; this is a book that didn't disappoint.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this action-packed book.
August 11, 2025
This is the second book in this series, and I havent read the first, but it didnt matter at all.
It follows the assassin Wolf Six, Akunor, who is working with another assassin on a job. When he ignores the command to abort, it sets them up as enemies for life, and a chase across the globe for revenge.
I really liked Akunor. Despite being an assassin he had morals, hated the loss of innocent people and didnt like to kill women.
In a strange way I quite liked Bang Bang man Bassanor. He wasn't reprehensible, like some baddies are written.
This had the full on fast paced globetrotting action you'd expect. It also had a bit more depth to the characters and I particularly enjoyed that.
A thrilling climax with a great twist ensured this got an easy 5 stars and I will be going back to read book 1 to see what I missed.
It follows the assassin Wolf Six, Akunor, who is working with another assassin on a job. When he ignores the command to abort, it sets them up as enemies for life, and a chase across the globe for revenge.
I really liked Akunor. Despite being an assassin he had morals, hated the loss of innocent people and didnt like to kill women.
In a strange way I quite liked Bang Bang man Bassanor. He wasn't reprehensible, like some baddies are written.
This had the full on fast paced globetrotting action you'd expect. It also had a bit more depth to the characters and I particularly enjoyed that.
A thrilling climax with a great twist ensured this got an easy 5 stars and I will be going back to read book 1 to see what I missed.
September 10, 2025
Y’all! Alex Shaw’s Kill Code doesn’t bother with a warm-up—it hurls you out of a crashing plane alongside Ruslan “Wolf Six” Akulov and dares you to hang on. He wakes mid-crash, memory scrambled, and quickly gets accused of murders he didn’t commit. From small-town sheriffs to Triads to a shadowy Syndicate, everyone wants him dead, and the danger never lets up.
This is a relentless spiral of betrayal, bullets, and blood—you’ll smell the smoke, taste the grit, and feel every bone-crunching fight. Ruslan is both lethal and haunted, Basson oozes icy menace, and Shaw’s lean, cinematic writing delivers nonstop adrenaline.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Dark, gritty, and edge-of-your-seat chaos. Perfect for fans of Bourne, Greaney, and thrillers with zero chill. 🔫🔥
Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing this review copy via #NetGalley #KillCode
This is a relentless spiral of betrayal, bullets, and blood—you’ll smell the smoke, taste the grit, and feel every bone-crunching fight. Ruslan is both lethal and haunted, Basson oozes icy menace, and Shaw’s lean, cinematic writing delivers nonstop adrenaline.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Dark, gritty, and edge-of-your-seat chaos. Perfect for fans of Bourne, Greaney, and thrillers with zero chill. 🔫🔥
Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing this review copy via #NetGalley #KillCode
August 10, 2025
Wolf Six, AKA Ruslan Akulov, Ukrainian spy and assassin, has woken up in a bit of a quandary, The small aircraft he is in is plummeting towards hard ground and he remembers nothing about boarding a plane! A fellow passenger has as much information as him and together they try to piece together what has happened.
Wolf ends his day in as much trouble as it started and a small town sheriff has decided he's the perfect suspect for a murder committed locally. Organised crime and assassins kind of go hand in hand but Wolf has a code that he won't break, no matter what is offered and he's determined to find out who wants him dead!
Basson, aka Bang Bang is our hilariously but apt named antagonist and I really enjoyed watching Wolf unfurl the details of the plot and learn more about those he can trust and who are out to get him.
Completely immersive plot, fast paced action and a morally grey protagonist you can root for!
Wolf ends his day in as much trouble as it started and a small town sheriff has decided he's the perfect suspect for a murder committed locally. Organised crime and assassins kind of go hand in hand but Wolf has a code that he won't break, no matter what is offered and he's determined to find out who wants him dead!
Basson, aka Bang Bang is our hilariously but apt named antagonist and I really enjoyed watching Wolf unfurl the details of the plot and learn more about those he can trust and who are out to get him.
Completely immersive plot, fast paced action and a morally grey protagonist you can root for!
August 10, 2025
Kill Code is a high adrenaline thriller and the follow-up of the book Wolf Six. I received a copy from Boldwood Books via Netgalley. It came out yesterday!
Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a complex character—tough but also vulnerable as he tries to piece together his memory after surviving a plane crash. Falsely accused of murders he didn’t commit, Akulov is thrust into a dangerous game with powerful enemies, including the Triads and the mysterious Syndicate.
What I loved most was how Shaw balanced action with emotional stuggles of the main character. Akulov’s internal struggles and rivalry with former colleague Martin Basson added an extra depth to this story. I’m already looking forward to more from this series.
4/5⭐️
Ruslan Akulov, aka Wolf Six, is a complex character—tough but also vulnerable as he tries to piece together his memory after surviving a plane crash. Falsely accused of murders he didn’t commit, Akulov is thrust into a dangerous game with powerful enemies, including the Triads and the mysterious Syndicate.
What I loved most was how Shaw balanced action with emotional stuggles of the main character. Akulov’s internal struggles and rivalry with former colleague Martin Basson added an extra depth to this story. I’m already looking forward to more from this series.
4/5⭐️
August 9, 2025
Great opening, Ruslan Akulov (also known as Wolf Six – the world’s greatest assassin) is in trouble, deep water type trouble – literally!
Carrying out a job for the CIA has brought him to this point and he needs to get out of trouble really quickly. Unfortunately, getting out of the deep water will soon get him into hot water with the locals and he’s going to have no idea why.
From the start this is fast paced action with lots of scary moments for Ruslan. Past and present events are neatly woven together to tell the story of what created his present-day problems. Great fun to read with a heck of a surprise at the end.
Carrying out a job for the CIA has brought him to this point and he needs to get out of trouble really quickly. Unfortunately, getting out of the deep water will soon get him into hot water with the locals and he’s going to have no idea why.
From the start this is fast paced action with lots of scary moments for Ruslan. Past and present events are neatly woven together to tell the story of what created his present-day problems. Great fun to read with a heck of a surprise at the end.
July 2, 2025
Wolf Six is the code name for the international assassin Akulov who is feared and hated by most everyone in the global espionage community. This is a real pulse racing unputdownable thriller!
I requested and received a temporary electronic review galley from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
#KillCode by @alexshawthrillerwriter #WolfSixBk2 #NetGalley @theboldbookclub Pub Date Aug 09, 2025 @the.storygraph @goodreads @bookbub #librarything #betrayal #espionage #actionthriller #europe #assassin #riveting #absorbing #spyfiction #politicalthriller #tense #racingpacing #internationalintrigue
I requested and received a temporary electronic review galley from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
#KillCode by @alexshawthrillerwriter #WolfSixBk2 #NetGalley @theboldbookclub Pub Date Aug 09, 2025 @the.storygraph @goodreads @bookbub #librarything #betrayal #espionage #actionthriller #europe #assassin #riveting #absorbing #spyfiction #politicalthriller #tense #racingpacing #internationalintrigue
July 23, 2025
The second book to feature “Wolf Six”, Russian trained Ukrainian now a top assassin.
A job with the CIA goes wrong and our assassin finds himself the sole survivor of a plane crash, with head injuries and no real idea of where he is. Where he is appears to be a small town on the US side of the Canadian border. Rather than being helpful, the locals have secrets and think he may have been sent in to discover them. Soon everyone is after him, including another top assassin on a revenge mission.
Ruslan Akulov (Wolf Six) is a great character. There are obvious similarities to Tom Wood’s “Victor” but this is no clone, it is fast paced and well written thriller. I’ve read all of the author’s thrillers and they are consistently excellent.
A job with the CIA goes wrong and our assassin finds himself the sole survivor of a plane crash, with head injuries and no real idea of where he is. Where he is appears to be a small town on the US side of the Canadian border. Rather than being helpful, the locals have secrets and think he may have been sent in to discover them. Soon everyone is after him, including another top assassin on a revenge mission.
Ruslan Akulov (Wolf Six) is a great character. There are obvious similarities to Tom Wood’s “Victor” but this is no clone, it is fast paced and well written thriller. I’ve read all of the author’s thrillers and they are consistently excellent.
July 24, 2025
Thanks to @alexshawthrillerwriter @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for the ARC.
Well what can I say apart from this was a fabulous 2nd book! It had Espionage, Assassins, the CIA, everything I love, and if it had MI6 then that would've completed it (maybe the next book)! It was a fast-paced action thriller, full of plot twists and it kept me guessing throughout. I did get a bit bored with the whole bit in Black River but it wasn't of any real detriment to the overall book. I definitely can't wait for the 3rd book!
Well what can I say apart from this was a fabulous 2nd book! It had Espionage, Assassins, the CIA, everything I love, and if it had MI6 then that would've completed it (maybe the next book)! It was a fast-paced action thriller, full of plot twists and it kept me guessing throughout. I did get a bit bored with the whole bit in Black River but it wasn't of any real detriment to the overall book. I definitely can't wait for the 3rd book!
August 3, 2025
This is a high stakes spy thriller, with espionage rivals, corrupt cops, and crime syndicates.
It had plenty of action, betrayals and twists, and I liked seeing the MMC adapt to different situations and use his skills and alias cover to blend in.
It had plenty of small town corruption with the local law enforcement, and I liked the flashbacks in time that showed more of the assassins world and his history with Basson, although sometimes it was a bit hard to keep track with the jumps.
Overall it felt like a cross of The Bourne Identity and Jack Reacher, and had an entertaining plot.
It had plenty of action, betrayals and twists, and I liked seeing the MMC adapt to different situations and use his skills and alias cover to blend in.
It had plenty of small town corruption with the local law enforcement, and I liked the flashbacks in time that showed more of the assassins world and his history with Basson, although sometimes it was a bit hard to keep track with the jumps.
Overall it felt like a cross of The Bourne Identity and Jack Reacher, and had an entertaining plot.
August 11, 2025
This is book 2 in the Wolf Six series, you can quite easily read as a standalone too.
I really enjoyed the first book called Wolf Six so was really pleased to get a chance to read Kill Code.
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 book one and this is just as good I cannot wait to see what trouble Akulov finds himself in next.
I really enjoyed the first book called Wolf Six so was really pleased to get a chance to read Kill Code.
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 book one and this is just as good I cannot wait to see what trouble Akulov finds himself in next.
August 13, 2025
When I tell you this book hits the ground running and doesn’t stop the entire way through … it’s not the first book in the series but that didn’t matter, the story was easy to read as a standalone - though I do want to go back and catch up on what I have missed. The plot is action packed and frenetic, with sharp dialogue but paced beautifully. I was gripped but never felt rushed. This was a really solid read. A thriller with a huge streak of adventure and a not inconsiderable amount of intrigue and jeopardy. An airport style novel that would make the perfect holiday read.
July 16, 2025
An action packed, adrenaline filled, rollercoaster read of a thriller. It is fast paced, filled with interesting characters and a brilliant piece of plotting. I am ashamed to say that I really liked Akulov, an assassin, in this fast paced read which takes you all over the world. I really look forward to the next read in the series to find out what comes next for Akulov and would recommend it to lovers of the thriller genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
August 1, 2025
Another fabulously riveting Wolf pack story.
Wolf Six is on a CIA plane went it crashes, leaving him with almost no solid memories to rely on. Hazy and not sure what really happened, the Ukraine's former most famous assassin, now a black ops CIA asset, is forced to run for his life as threatening forces chase him down.
Great action, suspense and characters that literally jump right off the pages.
Shaw has definitely hit the top shelf with Wolf Six.
Kill Code is a study in thrilling reads.
Next.
Wolf Six is on a CIA plane went it crashes, leaving him with almost no solid memories to rely on. Hazy and not sure what really happened, the Ukraine's former most famous assassin, now a black ops CIA asset, is forced to run for his life as threatening forces chase him down.
Great action, suspense and characters that literally jump right off the pages.
Shaw has definitely hit the top shelf with Wolf Six.
Kill Code is a study in thrilling reads.
Next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews