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The Peacemaker #1
The Peacemaker
A secret plot to start a war. Two old enemies who must work together to foil it.
Under any other circumstances, hired assassin Cassandra Wu would be trying to kill her partner. But that’ll have to wait. Right now, they need to stop a war.
After escaping US custody in a deadly battle that leaves three FBI agents dead and another wounded, Wu is kidnapped by The Peacemakers, a Deep State organization dedicated to achieving peace on Earth. Unfortunately, to bring that about they must initiate WWIII and Wu must assassinate an impossible the Russian president.
Former British SAS sniper turned freelance assassin Nero is in hiding for crimes committed in the US when former lover and FBI operative Ellie Millard pays him a visit and blows his cover. She forces him to work for us and stop Wu, or go to prison.
The last time Nero saw his arch enemy Wu, she almost succeeded in killing him. As Nero moves behind enemy lines in Siberia to track the elusive Wu, he uncovers a secret web of deep state operatives about to pull the strings on a deadly plot. To stop them, Nero realizes the only other person he can trust is the one he’s been sent to Cassandra Wu.
Will Nero and Wu be able to put aside their differences and combine forces to stop The Peacemakers? Or will the temptation to kill each other prove too great? If you like the thrills of Jack Reacher or the intense action of John Wick, then you’ll burn through The Peacemaker.
Buy The Peacemaker today and hang on. It’s a rough ride!
Under any other circumstances, hired assassin Cassandra Wu would be trying to kill her partner. But that’ll have to wait. Right now, they need to stop a war.
After escaping US custody in a deadly battle that leaves three FBI agents dead and another wounded, Wu is kidnapped by The Peacemakers, a Deep State organization dedicated to achieving peace on Earth. Unfortunately, to bring that about they must initiate WWIII and Wu must assassinate an impossible the Russian president.
Former British SAS sniper turned freelance assassin Nero is in hiding for crimes committed in the US when former lover and FBI operative Ellie Millard pays him a visit and blows his cover. She forces him to work for us and stop Wu, or go to prison.
The last time Nero saw his arch enemy Wu, she almost succeeded in killing him. As Nero moves behind enemy lines in Siberia to track the elusive Wu, he uncovers a secret web of deep state operatives about to pull the strings on a deadly plot. To stop them, Nero realizes the only other person he can trust is the one he’s been sent to Cassandra Wu.
Will Nero and Wu be able to put aside their differences and combine forces to stop The Peacemakers? Or will the temptation to kill each other prove too great? If you like the thrills of Jack Reacher or the intense action of John Wick, then you’ll burn through The Peacemaker.
Buy The Peacemaker today and hang on. It’s a rough ride!
- GenresThriller
Audible Audio
Published April 26, 2020
220 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
293 books345 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 7, 2020
THE PEACEMAKER.......Blair Howard
A city that doesn’t sleeps, the fates of nations are decided, in the game of politics. A meeting stating his people are in place, a month from now, a goal has been achieved ‘ of peace on earth’.Breaking news Cassandra Wu been changed of murders In Tennessee. Through efforts of the local law enforcement and Detective Harry Starke
Transporting Wu back to London she escapes and now kidnapped by The Peacemakers. To bring peace to earth, first another war, another assassination must occur, and needing Wu. Nero has been in hiding for his
killings, they don’t give him any opinion. Can Wu wanting revenge and Nero work together to stop The Peacemakers
A new and different story line, which brings in the future and fast action adventure.
A city that doesn’t sleeps, the fates of nations are decided, in the game of politics. A meeting stating his people are in place, a month from now, a goal has been achieved ‘ of peace on earth’.Breaking news Cassandra Wu been changed of murders In Tennessee. Through efforts of the local law enforcement and Detective Harry Starke
Transporting Wu back to London she escapes and now kidnapped by The Peacemakers. To bring peace to earth, first another war, another assassination must occur, and needing Wu. Nero has been in hiding for his
killings, they don’t give him any opinion. Can Wu wanting revenge and Nero work together to stop The Peacemakers
A new and different story line, which brings in the future and fast action adventure.
May 2, 2020
This is a separate thriller from the author and covers some of the characters that were first shown to readers in The Assassin, part of the Harry Starke Genesis series. The main characters are Cassy Wu and Nero (Albert Westwood), formers colleagues in a private mercenary company, which took on jobs others couldn’t handle. Cassy turned her skills to the assassin side of this job and on the wrong side of the law. She was captured during her last assassination job and had been held in prison, until her transfer to the UK for a trial for her crimes overseas. A young, newly promoted agent in charge, Ellie is put in charge of her transportation from the prison to the private plane, for her transfer. She is accompanied by a man who taught her loads and who she is having a relationship with, hidden from their colleagues.
When they reach the plane, matters don’t go well and someone obviously has a different agenda and the agents from both sides are taken out by someone calling themselves the Peacemaker! Wu is taken by this man and soon finds herself surrounded by the other members of this man’s team. She is soon shown the power of whoever was behind her escape and the consequences of not doing as she is told by a mysterious voice over the phone. The journey takes her first to Russia and then to South America, before being taken elsewhere. Agent Ellie was lucky to survive, but wants vengeance on the people that killed her boyfriend and allowed her prisoner to be taken!
Ellie contacts the one man that she knows has a chance of chasing down Cassy Wu, the man known as Nero, or more commonly as Albert Westwood, amongst one of his false names. He had been living in relative peace and quiet out in the wilds of Montana, but that life has now been shot, by Ellie’s actions. Both Wu and Nero would love to see the other dead, but first Nero must follow Wu’s tracks and see where they lead. A small group of different agencies, including the CIA and MI6 from the UK, are all concerned with tracking Wu and getting her back and finding out who was responsible for all of the other agent’s deaths. But what Wu is part of, is much larger and more dangerous than any could imagine. Someone is ready to start a war and they are willing to use some stolen Russian weapons of mass destruction, to get what they want.
Part of Wu’s role in this team, is to assassinate a world leader, using her world class sniper skills and Nero must work out where she may try to undertake this shot and stop her in her tracks. Agent Ellie wants her dead, but Nero soon finds out that there may be other people pulling even his strings and that matters are not quite as simple as just an assassination to be stopped. Nero and Wu will have to try and work together against all those agencies that want them dead and also to stop the start of a colossal new World War, which could see whole countries and billions of people decimated. Will they be able to work together long enough to stop the Peacemakers and find out who is at the top of these plans? Or will they just end up killing each other?
There are some wonderful characters in this story, but also complex villains, some hidden in positions of power, using their influence to twist who is on the side of good and who may be on the side of utter evil and madness. Even when you believe you have worked out who everyone is and who is on the right side, another spanner is thrown in the works and you get taken off on another tangent. The alphabet soup, as the author calls it, of all the government organisations that should be there to stop such attacks, have moles amongst their numbers and who can you trust? A great thriller and a book you won’t want to put down. Having read a lot of the author’s Harry Starke and offshoot series’, the characters are amongst some of the best he’s ever written. I look forward to reading some more books in this theme from the author and would recommend this book to all who love a fantastic read and well-written thriller.
When they reach the plane, matters don’t go well and someone obviously has a different agenda and the agents from both sides are taken out by someone calling themselves the Peacemaker! Wu is taken by this man and soon finds herself surrounded by the other members of this man’s team. She is soon shown the power of whoever was behind her escape and the consequences of not doing as she is told by a mysterious voice over the phone. The journey takes her first to Russia and then to South America, before being taken elsewhere. Agent Ellie was lucky to survive, but wants vengeance on the people that killed her boyfriend and allowed her prisoner to be taken!
Ellie contacts the one man that she knows has a chance of chasing down Cassy Wu, the man known as Nero, or more commonly as Albert Westwood, amongst one of his false names. He had been living in relative peace and quiet out in the wilds of Montana, but that life has now been shot, by Ellie’s actions. Both Wu and Nero would love to see the other dead, but first Nero must follow Wu’s tracks and see where they lead. A small group of different agencies, including the CIA and MI6 from the UK, are all concerned with tracking Wu and getting her back and finding out who was responsible for all of the other agent’s deaths. But what Wu is part of, is much larger and more dangerous than any could imagine. Someone is ready to start a war and they are willing to use some stolen Russian weapons of mass destruction, to get what they want.
Part of Wu’s role in this team, is to assassinate a world leader, using her world class sniper skills and Nero must work out where she may try to undertake this shot and stop her in her tracks. Agent Ellie wants her dead, but Nero soon finds out that there may be other people pulling even his strings and that matters are not quite as simple as just an assassination to be stopped. Nero and Wu will have to try and work together against all those agencies that want them dead and also to stop the start of a colossal new World War, which could see whole countries and billions of people decimated. Will they be able to work together long enough to stop the Peacemakers and find out who is at the top of these plans? Or will they just end up killing each other?
There are some wonderful characters in this story, but also complex villains, some hidden in positions of power, using their influence to twist who is on the side of good and who may be on the side of utter evil and madness. Even when you believe you have worked out who everyone is and who is on the right side, another spanner is thrown in the works and you get taken off on another tangent. The alphabet soup, as the author calls it, of all the government organisations that should be there to stop such attacks, have moles amongst their numbers and who can you trust? A great thriller and a book you won’t want to put down. Having read a lot of the author’s Harry Starke and offshoot series’, the characters are amongst some of the best he’s ever written. I look forward to reading some more books in this theme from the author and would recommend this book to all who love a fantastic read and well-written thriller.
November 22, 2020
I just finished reading this first book in the Peacemaker's series. I had previously read the second one and I thought it was magnificent, so I was really excited to read this one. I love Nero, just about as much as Harry Stark, another awesome character in the series by his name. Mr Howard writes stories that suck you right in and you really don't want to have to put them down. Then when you are finished you start to miss the characters immediately, so you start searching Amazon to see if he has any books out that you have missed. Mr. Howard knows how to write books that are written with so much attention to detail that you feel like you really know his characters. You not only cheer for the main character to win the battle but to somehow stay alive while they do it. This book has so many twists and turns if you think you have found the guilty character, you better hold off on judgement until you are able to see the whole picture and lol sometimes you are still on the wrong track. You should know that there is going to be some blood, guns, action, and suspense in this authors books, but it is a clean story that you can read easily without having to pass any of the passages. I love how the main male characters in Mr. Howard's books are always good looking and the ladies are hoping that he will pick them for some romance in his books. Although in his Detective Kate Gazzara series she is the main character but she is also the beauty the men are hoping to get to spend some time with. His main characters always have a humorous side to and are very smart in the ways that criminals think, well lol that would be because they don't mind having friends in low places! This book can be read stand alone but the books are so great you will want to keep reading to see what the main character is going to get into next. I also noticed this book is free right now! Grab it while you can!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion of not only this book but every one I have read or listened to by this author.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is totally my own honest opinion of not only this book but every one I have read or listened to by this author.
February 11, 2020
Well Blair Howard you have done it again, I thought that I would miss Harry Starke in this book but enter Nero aka Albert Westwood.
Nero, a former SAS operative who is wanted for committing crimes in various countries and is now living incognito, that is until his cover is blown by FBI operator and former lover Ellie Millard. Ellie gives Nero the choice of working with her to annihilate Cassandra Wu or go to prison. Wu trained with Nero and was now a hired assassin, she and Nero had locked horns before. she blamed him for her incarceration and is out for revenge.
This story moves at a very fast pace, Wu had escaped from US custody leaving numerous FBI agents dead. The body count escalates as she is kidnapped by the Peacemakers, whose aim is world peace but they have a bizarre way of achieving it.
Nero and Wu want to kill each other but end up working together to defeat the Peacemakers who are a secret organisation who have infiltrated the FBI, MI6 in fact all the alphabet soup organisations as Nero calls them
Nero and Wu had absolutely no idea which agents were working for the government and which had been seduced by the Peacemakers. My head was in a spin trying to figure out who was on which side and frequently being proved wrong as the story twists and turns.
This story is action packed and suspense ridden, a real page turner that I didn't want to put down. I am sure that we haven't seen the last of Nero and Wu and I can't wait to meet up with them again. A well deserved 5 stars
Nero, a former SAS operative who is wanted for committing crimes in various countries and is now living incognito, that is until his cover is blown by FBI operator and former lover Ellie Millard. Ellie gives Nero the choice of working with her to annihilate Cassandra Wu or go to prison. Wu trained with Nero and was now a hired assassin, she and Nero had locked horns before. she blamed him for her incarceration and is out for revenge.
This story moves at a very fast pace, Wu had escaped from US custody leaving numerous FBI agents dead. The body count escalates as she is kidnapped by the Peacemakers, whose aim is world peace but they have a bizarre way of achieving it.
Nero and Wu want to kill each other but end up working together to defeat the Peacemakers who are a secret organisation who have infiltrated the FBI, MI6 in fact all the alphabet soup organisations as Nero calls them
Nero and Wu had absolutely no idea which agents were working for the government and which had been seduced by the Peacemakers. My head was in a spin trying to figure out who was on which side and frequently being proved wrong as the story twists and turns.
This story is action packed and suspense ridden, a real page turner that I didn't want to put down. I am sure that we haven't seen the last of Nero and Wu and I can't wait to meet up with them again. A well deserved 5 stars
February 13, 2020
A Hurricane of twit’s, turns and full on action.
A must read and a real non-stop action page turner with so many twists and turns double crosses and surprises that you just can’t stop reading until the end. Really.
Blair writing is just brilliant, he characters are so good, the main character Nero aka Albert Westwood a former SAS operative wanted for committing crimes in various countries, but yet he’s the good guy. The story starts with Nero’s cover being blown by FBI Agent in charge Ellie Millard who also happens to be an ex lover of Nero’s who offers Nero the option of working with her in return for his pardon and freedom if he annihilates a Cassandra Wu who was a former CIA agent turned mercenary and responsible for allegedly series of murders in Chattanooga Tennessee.
Now both Nero and Wu have had past love hate relationships and both vowed to kill each other given the chance. The story develops and is fast moving not giving you time to catch your breath with Wu escaping custody and a secret organisation called “The Peacemakers” who are threatening to blow up somewhere in the world with nuke missiles causing an Armageddon. With the CIA – FBI and MI6 involved and someone within double crossing Nero has to decide on who he can really trust as his life and the world are depending on him.
As I have said areal page turner you can’t put down, a great plot with never ending twists and you can’t guess who is on which side and who is good or bad. “Blair has done it once again with a five star read!”
A must read and a real non-stop action page turner with so many twists and turns double crosses and surprises that you just can’t stop reading until the end. Really.
Blair writing is just brilliant, he characters are so good, the main character Nero aka Albert Westwood a former SAS operative wanted for committing crimes in various countries, but yet he’s the good guy. The story starts with Nero’s cover being blown by FBI Agent in charge Ellie Millard who also happens to be an ex lover of Nero’s who offers Nero the option of working with her in return for his pardon and freedom if he annihilates a Cassandra Wu who was a former CIA agent turned mercenary and responsible for allegedly series of murders in Chattanooga Tennessee.
Now both Nero and Wu have had past love hate relationships and both vowed to kill each other given the chance. The story develops and is fast moving not giving you time to catch your breath with Wu escaping custody and a secret organisation called “The Peacemakers” who are threatening to blow up somewhere in the world with nuke missiles causing an Armageddon. With the CIA – FBI and MI6 involved and someone within double crossing Nero has to decide on who he can really trust as his life and the world are depending on him.
As I have said areal page turner you can’t put down, a great plot with never ending twists and you can’t guess who is on which side and who is good or bad. “Blair has done it once again with a five star read!”
March 1, 2020
An Earth Shattering Mission Must Be Stopped
Nero, a former British SAS sniper hiding under the name of Albert Westwood, is trying to live a peaceful life in a remote cabin in the US. Then the FBI shows up and reveals his cover is not so secret after all. To stay free he must cooperate with the FBI and capture his ex-partner, Cassandra Wu, who has fallen in with a group determined to destroy the world in order to save it. The chase is on as Nero follows leads across the globe, tracking Cassandra and avoiding his old enemies while at the same time trying to discover the meaning of the Cause that is fueling her quest to kill the Russian President. Complications and dead bodies abound, as operatives are killed and Nero finds he cannot trust anyone, not even those supposedly on his side.
The Peacemaker is an exciting keep-you-awake thriller. The author has revived his characters from the Harry Starke series and sent them on an adventure of their own. A fast-paced thriller, the action never ceases but just keeps moving from one venue to another in pursuit of the end game. The overreaching physical prowess of Nero, though, did cause me to suspend my disbelief that a person could persevere after sustaining so many injuries. I received an advanced copy from the author for my honest review.
Nero, a former British SAS sniper hiding under the name of Albert Westwood, is trying to live a peaceful life in a remote cabin in the US. Then the FBI shows up and reveals his cover is not so secret after all. To stay free he must cooperate with the FBI and capture his ex-partner, Cassandra Wu, who has fallen in with a group determined to destroy the world in order to save it. The chase is on as Nero follows leads across the globe, tracking Cassandra and avoiding his old enemies while at the same time trying to discover the meaning of the Cause that is fueling her quest to kill the Russian President. Complications and dead bodies abound, as operatives are killed and Nero finds he cannot trust anyone, not even those supposedly on his side.
The Peacemaker is an exciting keep-you-awake thriller. The author has revived his characters from the Harry Starke series and sent them on an adventure of their own. A fast-paced thriller, the action never ceases but just keeps moving from one venue to another in pursuit of the end game. The overreaching physical prowess of Nero, though, did cause me to suspend my disbelief that a person could persevere after sustaining so many injuries. I received an advanced copy from the author for my honest review.
November 22, 2020
This is the 1st book in the Peacemaker series. I read the 2nd book 1st. This story introduces all of the characters who ultimately will play a major role in both stories. The story begins with Casey Wu being transported by the FBI to be flown to the U.K. When the transfer is made, the individuals that taking over wind up shooting all of the FBI personnel and abduct Casey. Nero is recruited by the FBI person who was responsible for the transfer to the U.K. personnel. She tasks him with finding Casey Wu and learning what info she had and then killing her.
Nero along with a team that was formed for him to lead follows Wu to Russia where he engages in a shooting match. He is not successful in accomplishing his mission and he then travels to another location where Wu has been tasked with a specific mission and Nero is sent to break it up. The mission is stopped and Nero, along with Wu, begin chasing the Peacemaker organization. He, along with his team, travel to another location where he winds up on a plane which is headed to start a war.
To discover how he was able to overcome the problems that he went through on the plane and who were identified as members of the Peacemaker organization, then you must read this book. You will want to get the second one to discover what happens later.
Nero along with a team that was formed for him to lead follows Wu to Russia where he engages in a shooting match. He is not successful in accomplishing his mission and he then travels to another location where Wu has been tasked with a specific mission and Nero is sent to break it up. The mission is stopped and Nero, along with Wu, begin chasing the Peacemaker organization. He, along with his team, travel to another location where he winds up on a plane which is headed to start a war.
To discover how he was able to overcome the problems that he went through on the plane and who were identified as members of the Peacemaker organization, then you must read this book. You will want to get the second one to discover what happens later.
February 25, 2020
I received an ARC from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. Once again Mr.Howard has created an amazing story. There are wonderful characters, some good, some not so good, and some you aren't sure of where they stand. There is more action than your favorite shoot 'em up and spy movie combined. I would love to see this story on the big screen. It would make a terrific movie. In fact, I have casting suggestions if anyone's interested. Anyway, the story is very intriguing and grabbed my interest from the very beginning and I stayed hooked until the very end. I will say, the "voice" or story-telling style of The Peacemaker is much different from the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara stories. Instead of being told in the first person, it's told in the third person. Not what I'm used to from Mr. Howard, but it works well. I can see this becoming a very successful series and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. Be sure and check it out. Oh, and for those reviewers who were complaining that some of the actions in this book were a little outlandish; have you not ever read Ian Fleming? I think he must have invented outlandish and Mr. Howard picks up the ball and runs with it!
February 28, 2020
A Spin-off That’s Better Than The Original Introduction
Al, AKA Nero, was an important character in one of the recent Harry Starke novels. This spinoff, unlike others including the great LT Kate Gazzara series, takes off in a new genre and a very different world.
Al has gone into seclusion following the adventure in Chattanooga. Other forces push him back into action. The ensuing story takes us around the world and plays against a backdrop of an alphabet of spy and police agencies and a sinister group with their own idea of how to bring peace to the world. The Peacemaker is a plot that Al and a strange group including Casey Wu from the original story are trying to stop.
Friends and enemies and sides change at a rapid pace. The action is intense at times but has some great interludes where we get to know Al, many of the main characters, and the world in which they operate.
The plot twists go in directions that aren’t expected. It was an engrossing and enjoyable read.
Al, AKA Nero, was an important character in one of the recent Harry Starke novels. This spinoff, unlike others including the great LT Kate Gazzara series, takes off in a new genre and a very different world.
Al has gone into seclusion following the adventure in Chattanooga. Other forces push him back into action. The ensuing story takes us around the world and plays against a backdrop of an alphabet of spy and police agencies and a sinister group with their own idea of how to bring peace to the world. The Peacemaker is a plot that Al and a strange group including Casey Wu from the original story are trying to stop.
Friends and enemies and sides change at a rapid pace. The action is intense at times but has some great interludes where we get to know Al, many of the main characters, and the world in which they operate.
The plot twists go in directions that aren’t expected. It was an engrossing and enjoyable read.
February 17, 2020
I am a great fan of the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara novels from this author, unfortunately for me this first book in a new genre (international special agent thriller) doesn't quite work as well.
The characters of Nero and Cassandra Wu are quite well defined but I did find that some of the other characters were rather sketchily described, sometimes making it rather tricky to differentiate between them.
Don't get me wrong, this is still a good book, and an exciting story with lots of twists and turns, and where the reader is never quite sure who is on which side. With this being the first book in the series, I am very hopeful that subsequent books will raise this series to the heady heights achieved by the author's other offerings.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
The characters of Nero and Cassandra Wu are quite well defined but I did find that some of the other characters were rather sketchily described, sometimes making it rather tricky to differentiate between them.
Don't get me wrong, this is still a good book, and an exciting story with lots of twists and turns, and where the reader is never quite sure who is on which side. With this being the first book in the series, I am very hopeful that subsequent books will raise this series to the heady heights achieved by the author's other offerings.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
February 22, 2020
Maybe somebody could introduce Blair Howard to a better sort of people: in this yarn he resurrects a horrible female bad-guy, and drags out of self-imposed retirement a good guy who is unliked by the world's intelligence and peacekeeping agencies. They spar across the globe over an effort to launch some missiles with huge nuclear payloads to trigger … well, I've said too much. Just be aware that Howard has taken the ancient proverb about to the many things that can intervene between cup and lip and turned this tense yarn into an intense rollercoaster that wouldn't be allowed to operate anywhere on earth, so this quotation from Dante's "Divine Comedy seems chillingly appropriate: "Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrzate", most frequently translated as "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."—Dante Alighieri, in "Inferno".
April 17, 2020
The Peacemaker by Blair Howard is a fast paced story about 2 ex M15 agents turned hired assassins that once worked together, then swore to kill each other, only to find themselves having to depend on each other in order to best an enemy that they never expected. This book takes off quickly and doesn't let up, so don't pick it up if you don't have the time to enjoy it for a while. Characters flesh out very realistically and the plot is eerily believable. Mr Howard knows his stuff!
I can't wait to see what's next!
I was given a promotional copy of this book at no cost for the purpose of review. My review is a reflection of my experience with the book. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am not associated with the author in any way.
I can't wait to see what's next!
I was given a promotional copy of this book at no cost for the purpose of review. My review is a reflection of my experience with the book. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am not associated with the author in any way.
October 5, 2021
Frienemies Abound in This Tale of Espionage
Albert "Nero" Westwood and Cassandra "Casey" Wu are assassins who once worked together and now are arch enemies. But in this tale the lines between the two are blurred as an international cabal has decided their method to achieve world peace can be quickly gotten. Of course, dropping five neutron bombs on the middle east probably won't get the desired results. Having different and confusing missions by the Peacemakers doesn't help. Nero and Casey work on again/off again throughout this thriller with a result that is bittersweet for both sides but the getting there presents the reader with guesses and second guesses with the plot twists and surprises that Author Blair Howard is known for, at least by this reader. I've already downloaded book two. Gotta get started!
Albert "Nero" Westwood and Cassandra "Casey" Wu are assassins who once worked together and now are arch enemies. But in this tale the lines between the two are blurred as an international cabal has decided their method to achieve world peace can be quickly gotten. Of course, dropping five neutron bombs on the middle east probably won't get the desired results. Having different and confusing missions by the Peacemakers doesn't help. Nero and Casey work on again/off again throughout this thriller with a result that is bittersweet for both sides but the getting there presents the reader with guesses and second guesses with the plot twists and surprises that Author Blair Howard is known for, at least by this reader. I've already downloaded book two. Gotta get started!
February 23, 2020
We first met Cassandra Wu and Albert Westwood in The Assassin (Harry Starke Genesis Book 3) but that is the only tie Harry has to them. Wu and Westwood are assassins and enemies, wanted for murder in Tennessee. Wu is captured and returned to the US where she is kidnapped by an unkown group called the Peacemakers. Westwood, known as Nero, has "retired" to the woods of Idaho where his former lover FBI agent Ellie Millard finds him and gives him an ultimatum: Find Wu or go to prison. The story that follows is full of action, international intrigue, the latest spy technology, and lots of blood. Wu and Nero are forced to work together to prevent WWIII. Totally different from Harry Starke with an international setting, I found this book easy to read and compelling with great characters. Thanks to Blair Howard for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this great book.
February 29, 2020
Who would expect that a book centered around a couple of assassins would have me rooting for them to complete their mission and for them to work together? But that is the case with this story which features Cassandra Wu (former CIA) and Albert "Nero" Westwood (former SAS sniper), both turned assassins.
As the plot of The Peacemakers to start WWIII unfolds, Casey and Nero find that they need to work together, at least temporarily, to dismantle the plot. There are several characters they have to deal with who may or may not be good guys or actually a part of The Peacemakers.
The story takes us to several international settings and there is plenty of action, deceptions, and twists along the way. It won't be easy to put the book down until you get to the end.
As the plot of The Peacemakers to start WWIII unfolds, Casey and Nero find that they need to work together, at least temporarily, to dismantle the plot. There are several characters they have to deal with who may or may not be good guys or actually a part of The Peacemakers.
The story takes us to several international settings and there is plenty of action, deceptions, and twists along the way. It won't be easy to put the book down until you get to the end.
March 9, 2020
A solid 4.5 stars raised to a 5. Nero is today’s James Bond. He is an assassin who has ‘retired’ and is, by circumstances returned to his duties to locate Wu, a woman who has the same background and is as good at it as Nero is. They are (or aren’t as the case may be) looking for missing nukes and a series of individuals who think war will lead to peace or at least something resembling it. No one knows who they can or cannot trust and he learns the hard way he has made some mistakes. The action is almost nonstop and takes place in the US, Russia, India, Britain and over the Arabian Sea. The ending is exactly what the reader hopes for and appears to be the introduction to a new series. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC for an honest review.
February 13, 2020
If you read the Harry Starke series, you might remember Casey Wu and Albert Westwood, you might even have thought that would be the end of them. And if so, you were very wrong. The Peacemaker, what this reader hopes to be a new SERIES starring Wu and Westwood. Full of action, intrigue, life and death. This book trots the globe with a fantastic plot, great character and life like descriptions. Watch yourself, there are enough twists and turns to keep you wondering who are the bad guys and who are the good guys! As an ARC reader for Blair Howard, I was given a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review. In all fairness and honesty, this was a great page turning book.
February 18, 2020
A pair of former assassins end up being forced to work together despite their hatred for each other when a shadow organization called "The Peacemakers" embarks on a plan to destroy much of the world, believing the remainder will be forced to live in peace. The tendrils of the Peacemakers seem to reach into every country's government, including all black ops. The characters are realistic and interesting, but you cannot determine who to trust. This is one of the most suspenseful and exciting books I have read in a long time. I received an advanced copy from the author, and I want to share my admiration for this book.
February 26, 2020
I always enjoy Blair Howard’s books, and I’ve read quite a few. This book is a spin off from The Assassin, Harry Starke Genesis Book 3 where we first meet Wu and Nero, and it’s the first in a new series. The story is packed with action and twists and turns. You never know who to trust. Nero takes you on a wild ride, and you can never guess what will happen next.
I gave this book four stars instead of five because I found it difficult to follow sometimes. There were so many characters from so many alphabet agencies that I got confused about which ones were the good guys. (Of course, that’s part of the story.) I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I gave this book four stars instead of five because I found it difficult to follow sometimes. There were so many characters from so many alphabet agencies that I got confused about which ones were the good guys. (Of course, that’s part of the story.) I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
March 1, 2020
The bad guys are the good guys and vice versa.
Author Howard Blair has penned another winner. The excitement is there; the suspense is there; and the action – oh boy, is it there. You will enjoy this story more if you have read "Harry Starke" by the same author, but it is a stand-alone story and seems headed for a series. While most series books use a cliff-hanger to pull you back and there are many opportunities to create one; the author relies on the curiosity of the reader to return to see what is going to happen in the protagonist's life. Highly recommended. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Author Howard Blair has penned another winner. The excitement is there; the suspense is there; and the action – oh boy, is it there. You will enjoy this story more if you have read "Harry Starke" by the same author, but it is a stand-alone story and seems headed for a series. While most series books use a cliff-hanger to pull you back and there are many opportunities to create one; the author relies on the curiosity of the reader to return to see what is going to happen in the protagonist's life. Highly recommended. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Locked, loaded and ready to fire."
The first in a new series by Author Blair Howard, the Peacemaker has the characteristic well rounded characters and fast, clearly choreographed action of the Harry Stark novels. When a former lover and colleague convicted of murder escapes from prison whilst en route to Britain and MI6, the man also known as Nero is recruited to find her and bring her down. An exciting read made all the more so by the fine performance of Tom Lennon who seems to perfectly inhabit Al Westward, aka Nero. His warm, lagubriously accented voice helps infuse the whole with both tension and calm to bring everything to life.
My thanks to the rights holder of The Peacemaker, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of the book. Most enjoyable and Recommended.
"Locked, loaded and ready to fire."
The first in a new series by Author Blair Howard, the Peacemaker has the characteristic well rounded characters and fast, clearly choreographed action of the Harry Stark novels. When a former lover and colleague convicted of murder escapes from prison whilst en route to Britain and MI6, the man also known as Nero is recruited to find her and bring her down. An exciting read made all the more so by the fine performance of Tom Lennon who seems to perfectly inhabit Al Westward, aka Nero. His warm, lagubriously accented voice helps infuse the whole with both tension and calm to bring everything to life.
My thanks to the rights holder of The Peacemaker, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of the book. Most enjoyable and Recommended.
August 4, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is an action-packed story from beginning to end with so many curve balls thrown at you, you're unsure who to trust or who to really root for or what conspiracy theory to believe. Lots of fun and intrigue.
The narrator, Tom Lennon, overall did a good job. His downfall is his attempt at accents. For example, I did not know, from his narration, that Nero, the MC, was British until it was revealed in the description late in the story.
This is an action-packed story from beginning to end with so many curve balls thrown at you, you're unsure who to trust or who to really root for or what conspiracy theory to believe. Lots of fun and intrigue.
The narrator, Tom Lennon, overall did a good job. His downfall is his attempt at accents. For example, I did not know, from his narration, that Nero, the MC, was British until it was revealed in the description late in the story.
August 10, 2020
And heads will roll.
Very good read. Nero & Wu on the same side, but not trusting each other.
A group of egotistical people believing they can save the world from future war, by blowing up a large chunk of the Middle East.
Of course, they will be in charge of World order, if they achieve their desire.
Not going to happen with Al & Casey around.
Plenty of high drama, suspense and gunfire, but the pair do work well together on the same side.
Different from the Harry & Kate police proceduals, but good none the less.
Very good read. Nero & Wu on the same side, but not trusting each other.
A group of egotistical people believing they can save the world from future war, by blowing up a large chunk of the Middle East.
Of course, they will be in charge of World order, if they achieve their desire.
Not going to happen with Al & Casey around.
Plenty of high drama, suspense and gunfire, but the pair do work well together on the same side.
Different from the Harry & Kate police proceduals, but good none the less.
February 19, 2020
A plot to start WW 3, stolen nuclear missiles and a plan to take over the world. The Peacemaker and this organization are head of this devious plan. A number of high ranking officials in a number of organizations around the world are involved. Casey Wu, a trained assassin, is hired by the Peacemaker to take out a High ranking official. Westwood, aka Nero, also a trained assassin, is brought out of retirement to kill Wu. This is a page turning thriller with a lot of action.
February 19, 2020
This first book in a spin-off from the authors other series if full of non-stop action and edge of your seat twists and turns. If anyone can keep the momentum going it’s Blair Howard!
Stopping a group of individuals with ties to the CIA, FBI, M16 and the like won’t be easy. Especially when you don’t know who’s on which side. But two trained assassins join forces to stop the start of what could be WWIII.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Stopping a group of individuals with ties to the CIA, FBI, M16 and the like won’t be easy. Especially when you don’t know who’s on which side. But two trained assassins join forces to stop the start of what could be WWIII.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
February 22, 2020
Another brilliant read from Blair Howard with only the merest mention of Harry Starke. Nevertheless, this is a very good read. I was surprised how quickly I came to the end, then realised I had hardly stopped reading so engrossed was I.
What a combination--- Nero and Wu. This is a fast paced, action packed thriller.
I won't go into detail as others have done it already, suffice to say read and enjoy. I did.
What a combination--- Nero and Wu. This is a fast paced, action packed thriller.
I won't go into detail as others have done it already, suffice to say read and enjoy. I did.
February 22, 2020
This is a real page turner!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 22, 2020
Nero, a former British sniper is recruited by the FBI to help capture his former partner, Cassandra Wu. International thriller where all is not what it seems and no one can be trusted. I found it hard to believe that Nero could do some of the things he did after being injured. He is not so young anymore. But things have to be done to save the world from destruction. Full of action. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the Author and this is my honest review.
February 29, 2020
Nero, a legendary international name among covert operatives and assassins. He had become a ghost with authorities still hunting him. With one nemesis dead and another ex-friend in jail, he had not expected Ellie to turn up on his doorstep, especially alone. This is definitely and action-packed, page turner that will keep you engrossed, with a twisty, intricate plot that is a little too possible.
February 29, 2020
The Peacemaker is quite different from the Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara series but, like them, you are drawn into the story from the first page. Plenty of action, great characters, and a really enjoyable read. I think I prefer the Starke/Gazzara books a little bit but this was still enjoyable and I’d happily read more like this.
I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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