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John Lago Thriller #2
Hostile Takeover
Professional assassin John Lago faces off against his deadliest adversary yet—his wife—in Hostile Takeover, the exciting sequel to Shane Kuhn’s bestselling debut The Intern’s Handbook, which the New York Post called “a sexy, darkly comic thriller.”
At the end of The Intern’s Handbook, John tracks down his nemesis Alice but instead of putting a bullet in her head, he puts a ring on her finger and marries her. Together, they execute a hostile takeover of Human Resources, Inc., the “placement agency” that trains young assassins to infiltrate corporations disguised as interns and knock off high profile targets. As HR’s former top operatives, they are successful until conflicting management styles cause an ugly breakup that locks John out of the bedroom and the boardroom.
But when Alice takes on a new HR target, John is forced to return to the office battlefield in a role he swore he would never play again: the intern. What starts out as a deadly showdown turns into the two of them fighting side by side to save HR, Inc.—and their marriage.
“Those who like Dexter will love John Lago” (Booklist), and in Shane Kuhn’s sequel to The Intern’s Handbook, readers will be rooting for this smart, witty antihero to come out on top.
At the end of The Intern’s Handbook, John tracks down his nemesis Alice but instead of putting a bullet in her head, he puts a ring on her finger and marries her. Together, they execute a hostile takeover of Human Resources, Inc., the “placement agency” that trains young assassins to infiltrate corporations disguised as interns and knock off high profile targets. As HR’s former top operatives, they are successful until conflicting management styles cause an ugly breakup that locks John out of the bedroom and the boardroom.
But when Alice takes on a new HR target, John is forced to return to the office battlefield in a role he swore he would never play again: the intern. What starts out as a deadly showdown turns into the two of them fighting side by side to save HR, Inc.—and their marriage.
“Those who like Dexter will love John Lago” (Booklist), and in Shane Kuhn’s sequel to The Intern’s Handbook, readers will be rooting for this smart, witty antihero to come out on top.
246 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2015
52 people are currently reading
1376 people want to read
About the author
Shane Kuhn
9 books229 followersShane Kuhn is a writer, director, and producer with fifteen years of experience working in the entertainment business and advertising. He is also one of the original cofounders of the Slamdance Film Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
August 11, 2016
I received an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
My Review of the first book: The Intern's Handbook
and the short story:Casual Friday
I read the first book, The Intern's Handbook, months ago, but I can still remember most of what happened in it. It was an amazing introduction to John Lago. JL is one of those fictional characters that stick with you, even after reading. He has a James Bond aura that I really like. James Bond is one of my favorite characters, and JL feels like his son.
This book continues where the first book left off. JL being a character I already like, this was an easy read for me. Alice was also really good in this novel. Both of them developed even more and the twists were really good too. While this novel focused on their relationship more than the action, I still found this book enjoyable. The writing of the author was great as usual, and the romance was not cheesy in any way possible. I'm really liking the JL-Alice team.
The only thing that didn't make me rate this a 5 would be the ending. The twist in the end was not good enough for me. I didn't see it coming, but it wasn't grand either. I was hoping for something more dramatic but I guess it wasn't that bad. The overall novel was amazing, and I can't wait for more JL adventures.
4/5 stars. The first book was still slightly better than this, but not by a lot. While the first one had a more appealing plot, this book was more character-centered. I like character-centered books but the first one had an amazing plot, so my expectations for this second one was a more plot oriented novel. I can't wait to read more of the series. The author replied to my tweet saying that there will be more books to come in the series. My only problem would be the unbearable waiting. Highly recommended.
My Review of the first book: The Intern's Handbook
and the short story:Casual Friday
I read the first book, The Intern's Handbook, months ago, but I can still remember most of what happened in it. It was an amazing introduction to John Lago. JL is one of those fictional characters that stick with you, even after reading. He has a James Bond aura that I really like. James Bond is one of my favorite characters, and JL feels like his son.
This book continues where the first book left off. JL being a character I already like, this was an easy read for me. Alice was also really good in this novel. Both of them developed even more and the twists were really good too. While this novel focused on their relationship more than the action, I still found this book enjoyable. The writing of the author was great as usual, and the romance was not cheesy in any way possible. I'm really liking the JL-Alice team.
The only thing that didn't make me rate this a 5 would be the ending. The twist in the end was not good enough for me. I didn't see it coming, but it wasn't grand either. I was hoping for something more dramatic but I guess it wasn't that bad. The overall novel was amazing, and I can't wait for more JL adventures.
4/5 stars. The first book was still slightly better than this, but not by a lot. While the first one had a more appealing plot, this book was more character-centered. I like character-centered books but the first one had an amazing plot, so my expectations for this second one was a more plot oriented novel. I can't wait to read more of the series. The author replied to my tweet saying that there will be more books to come in the series. My only problem would be the unbearable waiting. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2015
When I read The Intern's Handbook, I thought it was going to be a standalone. I actually liked that it was a standalone with a kind of messy ending ("messy" meaning in this case that things weren't tied up perfectly). I really should have known better. This isn't the sort of book that they let be. No, it's the sort of book that they drag on and squeeze the money out of (Janet Evanovich style). So it should not have surprised me that within a year and half of the first book coming out, the author has already published a prequel and sequel and sold the film rights. Still, I shrugged and gave this sequel a try.
It runs in the same vein as its predecessor. There were certain things were slightly better, some things that were missing, and some things stayed the same but should have been improved upon. I'll start with the nice stuff.
I liked that they got rid of the FBI report files as a means of giving information. In real life, files and transcripts are boring, and they are pretty boring in fiction as well. Instead, you in-person FBI interviews. Ok, that is still a gimmicky was of relaying information, but at least it was slightly more interesting.
It's a short book and fairly fast-paced. It's the sort of no-brainer action book you read when you want something to entertain you but don't want to be bogged down by things like character development or expressive writing.
Oops. Looks like I am out of nice things to say about this book. Now I'm going to have to be blunt (and possibly harsh).
I didn't read the author's bio the last time. Having finished this book and read the blurb about the author in the back, it has become apparent that Kuhn works in and around the film industry. And it is evident in these books. They are written more like screenplays than full novels. To be more specific, they are written like screenplays for generic, no-brainer action movies. I remember thinking as I read the first book that is was just screaming to be made into a movie. And to be fair, I could see it transitioning to the screen fairly well. Hopefully the rough edges would get smoothed out and the result would be worth watching. I think Kuhn should have just written this as a screenplay to begin with. The first book had shaky legs but managed to stand. But with its even wobblier successor leaning on it, they both fall down.
From the first few pages, I startled to get the nagging feeling I get when books are inconsistent with each other. I am a huge stickler for continuity. So when it became clear that Kuhn switched up some details regarding what had happened in the first book, it irked me. You really couldn't work with what you already published (such a short time ago)? You couldn't make sure your details lined up with something you wrote one year ago??
You are also immediately put into a common film/movie gimmick: starting the character out in a stressful situation and then flash back to everything that lead up to that point. You flash forward a couple of times to remind you what is coming. Overall, the non-chronological skipping around didn't bother me as much as it does in some books. Probably because I accepted early on that this was written with the gleaming hope of skipping its way to the big screen like its predecessor is now doing.
There is no character development in either book. John Lago is for all intents and purposes the same person coming out of the second book as he was going into the first book. Certainly some circumstances have changed, but there just wasn't any development. Adding a sidekick does not equal personal growth.
There is no originality in this book. The Intern's Handbook at least had the quirky angle of assassins undercover as interns. But that angle is gone in the sequel, and all that is left is a generic action book that rips off numerous movies. I am not exaggerating about ripping off movies! The main character flat out says that he always uses movies as inspirations for his kills. This was in the first book as well, but I feel like it got a lot worse in this book. He will spend a page or so recapping what happened in a movie (such as Scareface) and then tell you exactly how he is going to rip it off in his current situation. And half the time, the idea never gets executed. For example, he would tell you how he was going to use such and such movie and then realize some reason why it wouldn't work and move onto the next movie. So you wasted two pages reading a movie synopsis that has absolutely nothing to do with the feeble plot.
As with the first book, Hostile Takeover had over-abundance of pop-culture references not just movie references (or plagiarism), but also tons of brand name dropping. And Kuhn seemed determined to prove that he spent many hours doing Google searches for every weapon ever made. I guess that was supposed to be impressive. But I would have gladly traded most of that for a little more plot or character development.
Unfortunately this sequel lost almost all of the snarkiness which was the highlight of the first book. This one barely managed to register on the sarcasm radar. Lago spent more time trying to play head-games. The publisher seems determined to compare this series with the Darkly Dreaming Dexter series. While they both attempted to be snarky, quirky looks inside the mind of a sociopath, Dexter succeeded far better at that goal. The main reason for this is that John Lago is simply not a sociopath. Oh, he does bad things for sure. He kills people, and his moral compass is smashed to bits. But he does not meet the definition of a sociopath. Despite being an assassin, he actually does have a conscience (which is what keeps getting him in trouble). But he lacks that macabre humor that Dexter features.
The book spends about a third of the time recapping what has already happened and restomping on ground covered by the first book. Another large portion is spent talking about various movies or relating past experiences that overall have nothing to do with the main story. So only about one-third of the book covers the actual plot.
"One-third?" you say. "Isn't the entire book only 246 pages??"
"Why, yes! It most certainly is only 246 pages from cover to cover!" I reply
"And the author really couldn't manage to scrounge up enough original material to fill a novella?!"
"No. Obviously not."
It was entertaining enough, but so generic, so lacking in content or writing skill, and such an obvious, grabbing attempt to bust out a cross-media hit that I won't give it above two stars. The first book had enough going for it that I gave it three stars. But overall, Hostile Takeover took a step in the wrong direction. Possibly off a cliff. Hopefully without a parachute.
It runs in the same vein as its predecessor. There were certain things were slightly better, some things that were missing, and some things stayed the same but should have been improved upon. I'll start with the nice stuff.
I liked that they got rid of the FBI report files as a means of giving information. In real life, files and transcripts are boring, and they are pretty boring in fiction as well. Instead, you in-person FBI interviews. Ok, that is still a gimmicky was of relaying information, but at least it was slightly more interesting.
It's a short book and fairly fast-paced. It's the sort of no-brainer action book you read when you want something to entertain you but don't want to be bogged down by things like character development or expressive writing.
Oops. Looks like I am out of nice things to say about this book. Now I'm going to have to be blunt (and possibly harsh).
I didn't read the author's bio the last time. Having finished this book and read the blurb about the author in the back, it has become apparent that Kuhn works in and around the film industry. And it is evident in these books. They are written more like screenplays than full novels. To be more specific, they are written like screenplays for generic, no-brainer action movies. I remember thinking as I read the first book that is was just screaming to be made into a movie. And to be fair, I could see it transitioning to the screen fairly well. Hopefully the rough edges would get smoothed out and the result would be worth watching. I think Kuhn should have just written this as a screenplay to begin with. The first book had shaky legs but managed to stand. But with its even wobblier successor leaning on it, they both fall down.
From the first few pages, I startled to get the nagging feeling I get when books are inconsistent with each other. I am a huge stickler for continuity. So when it became clear that Kuhn switched up some details regarding what had happened in the first book, it irked me. You really couldn't work with what you already published (such a short time ago)? You couldn't make sure your details lined up with something you wrote one year ago??
You are also immediately put into a common film/movie gimmick: starting the character out in a stressful situation and then flash back to everything that lead up to that point. You flash forward a couple of times to remind you what is coming. Overall, the non-chronological skipping around didn't bother me as much as it does in some books. Probably because I accepted early on that this was written with the gleaming hope of skipping its way to the big screen like its predecessor is now doing.
There is no character development in either book. John Lago is for all intents and purposes the same person coming out of the second book as he was going into the first book. Certainly some circumstances have changed, but there just wasn't any development. Adding a sidekick does not equal personal growth.
There is no originality in this book. The Intern's Handbook at least had the quirky angle of assassins undercover as interns. But that angle is gone in the sequel, and all that is left is a generic action book that rips off numerous movies. I am not exaggerating about ripping off movies! The main character flat out says that he always uses movies as inspirations for his kills. This was in the first book as well, but I feel like it got a lot worse in this book. He will spend a page or so recapping what happened in a movie (such as Scareface) and then tell you exactly how he is going to rip it off in his current situation. And half the time, the idea never gets executed. For example, he would tell you how he was going to use such and such movie and then realize some reason why it wouldn't work and move onto the next movie. So you wasted two pages reading a movie synopsis that has absolutely nothing to do with the feeble plot.
As with the first book, Hostile Takeover had over-abundance of pop-culture references not just movie references (or plagiarism), but also tons of brand name dropping. And Kuhn seemed determined to prove that he spent many hours doing Google searches for every weapon ever made. I guess that was supposed to be impressive. But I would have gladly traded most of that for a little more plot or character development.
Unfortunately this sequel lost almost all of the snarkiness which was the highlight of the first book. This one barely managed to register on the sarcasm radar. Lago spent more time trying to play head-games. The publisher seems determined to compare this series with the Darkly Dreaming Dexter series. While they both attempted to be snarky, quirky looks inside the mind of a sociopath, Dexter succeeded far better at that goal. The main reason for this is that John Lago is simply not a sociopath. Oh, he does bad things for sure. He kills people, and his moral compass is smashed to bits. But he does not meet the definition of a sociopath. Despite being an assassin, he actually does have a conscience (which is what keeps getting him in trouble). But he lacks that macabre humor that Dexter features.
The book spends about a third of the time recapping what has already happened and restomping on ground covered by the first book. Another large portion is spent talking about various movies or relating past experiences that overall have nothing to do with the main story. So only about one-third of the book covers the actual plot.
"One-third?" you say. "Isn't the entire book only 246 pages??"
"Why, yes! It most certainly is only 246 pages from cover to cover!" I reply
"And the author really couldn't manage to scrounge up enough original material to fill a novella?!"
"No. Obviously not."
It was entertaining enough, but so generic, so lacking in content or writing skill, and such an obvious, grabbing attempt to bust out a cross-media hit that I won't give it above two stars. The first book had enough going for it that I gave it three stars. But overall, Hostile Takeover took a step in the wrong direction. Possibly off a cliff. Hopefully without a parachute.
July 2, 2017
This book was so much better than the first one!!!
John Lago and Alice get together in one of the most memorable weddings ever. Lol
They are both the coolest assassins with great one-liners. It's like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but cooler.
John Lago and Alice get together in one of the most memorable weddings ever. Lol
They are both the coolest assassins with great one-liners. It's like Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but cooler.
July 20, 2015
OVERALL RATING = 3.5 stars
Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: I was thoroughly enamored by The Intern’s Handbook as it combined action, intricate plot twists and showed a super slice of dark humor that befit a story of a hitman for hire. We got to learn about John Lago and his initiation into HR, Inc. The story involved one last job before John retires however the story with all its twists and action-packed climax wowed me completely. The story ended on a couple of massive twists and the ending basically begs the reader to grab the sequel.
Hostile Takeover begins with John Lago surprisingly in a holding cell in Quantico, Virginia in the present day. The story then goes back to three years to that night wherein The Intern’s Handbook ended so precariously. We get to see what happens next and going with the tone of the preceding novel, it seems completely appropriate. We find that Alice and John have decided to get hitched and take over HR, Inc. They do manage to take over after getting rid of the new “Bob” and find themselves with a gaggle of “Interns” who are awed by John.
They (the interns) having read John’s work, look up to him and soon John & Alice have things going top-notch. The only issue, there might be a mole and John still doesn’t know who truly controls HR. It will be up to both these psychopaths to add their mental muscle along with their killing finesse to figure out the answers. The only problem, can they survive each other’s love? I enjoyed this sequel as I was expecting more of the kickass humor along with dark, action-packed plot. The story does seem to build on the story that was introduced and this time around, the thrill is finding out what exactly happened for John to land up in the FBI’s clutches. The story from its start has a streamlined structure that makes the reader zip through the story. Plus the action and intrigue are present and doubled due to certain happenings in the story.
However this sequel certainly doesn’t quite hold up to the excellence that was The Intern’s Handbook. One thing that went against it is the dark humour and the snappy quotes that were such a core part of The Intern’s Handbook. This book while being a fun sequel plays a little differently and is more like a straight thriller. The plot twists in this one while being zany aren’t entirely unpredictable. The middle part of the story went through a predictable route with regards to Alice and John and again in the ending. The twist that the plot hinges upon isn’t entirely believable and hence that dulled the read for me.
CONCLUSION: Hostile Takeover is a fun sequel that tries to build up on the predecessor and while it had its good moments, for me it was a good book that didn’t quite match the high of The Intern’s Handbook. You’ll enjoy it if you go in with an open mind and don’t expect too much.
October 22, 2015
John Lago is a hitman who takes over Human Resources Inc – a company of assassins who become interns for high-profile targets before killing them.
In Shoot The Messenger, John has been captured and is secured at the FBI. His interrogator, Assistant Director William Fletcher, wants to know his story and Lago agrees to tell him on one condition. John wants to see his wife, the traitorous Alice, who is also a deadly killer, once more.
The story is told in first person through the eyes of the crazy hitman. It is an entertaining read with interesting characters and lots of action. I am sure that Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie would consider this ideal fodder for a screenplay.
In Shoot The Messenger, John has been captured and is secured at the FBI. His interrogator, Assistant Director William Fletcher, wants to know his story and Lago agrees to tell him on one condition. John wants to see his wife, the traitorous Alice, who is also a deadly killer, once more.
The story is told in first person through the eyes of the crazy hitman. It is an entertaining read with interesting characters and lots of action. I am sure that Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie would consider this ideal fodder for a screenplay.
February 22, 2016
I DEVOURED this book!! Just like I did with
it's brilliant!! Release date is still a decent amount of time away so I'm going to hold off on a full review, but this is hands down another winner and must read from Shane Kuhn Seriously, Brilliant, Genious, Ruthless, John Lago is back !!!!!!!
It felt like an eternity, after having read and loved "The Intern's Handbook", to be able to read this and I'm SO thrilled I finally could while at the same time I didn't want this one to end so I need more Shane Kuhn books! Hands a down one of the best Authors I've ever read.......
Proper review to come.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Available: July 14, 2015 projected date
Pre-order available now!!!
I already had mine pre-ordered so I still get to look forward to that so I can share quotes and trivia against a finished copy. Also, I get to read it again! I'm definitely going to be rereading "TIH" before the finished copy comes in.
A million thanks for the chance to have read this early. Ibegged and pleaded asked very calmly, nice and patiently for an ARC so thank you to the book God who sent this to me!! Eternally grateful :)
Grab "The Intern's Handbook" now, read it and pre-order "Hostile Takeover" because these books, the Author, and John Lago are insanely killer awesome
More to come closer to release date or tomorrow because I'm too excited to wait that long, lol! xD
it's brilliant!! Release date is still a decent amount of time away so I'm going to hold off on a full review, but this is hands down another winner and must read from Shane Kuhn Seriously, Brilliant, Genious, Ruthless, John Lago is back !!!!!!!It felt like an eternity, after having read and loved "The Intern's Handbook", to be able to read this and I'm SO thrilled I finally could while at the same time I didn't want this one to end so I need more Shane Kuhn books! Hands a down one of the best Authors I've ever read.......
Proper review to come.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Available: July 14, 2015 projected date
Pre-order available now!!!
I already had mine pre-ordered so I still get to look forward to that so I can share quotes and trivia against a finished copy. Also, I get to read it again! I'm definitely going to be rereading "TIH" before the finished copy comes in.
A million thanks for the chance to have read this early. I
Grab "The Intern's Handbook" now, read it and pre-order "Hostile Takeover" because these books, the Author, and John Lago are insanely killer awesome
More to come closer to release date or tomorrow because I'm too excited to wait that long, lol! xD
July 25, 2015
This is the second book about hitman/intern John Lago.
John works for HR Inc, after killing the boss of the company he sets his sights on Alice.
He gets the girl but instead of a bullet he gives her a ring.
Upon getting married the two stage a takeover of HR Inc,but after a few missions together it appears they have contrasting styles of how to get things done efficiently and safely.
This is where the fun begins for these two...
He loved to breathe in the steam coming off the dancing bear's nuts like some Z-list actorbator in a Lipton commercial
John works for HR Inc, after killing the boss of the company he sets his sights on Alice.
He gets the girl but instead of a bullet he gives her a ring.
Upon getting married the two stage a takeover of HR Inc,but after a few missions together it appears they have contrasting styles of how to get things done efficiently and safely.
This is where the fun begins for these two...
He loved to breathe in the steam coming off the dancing bear's nuts like some Z-list actorbator in a Lipton commercial
August 19, 2015
The second installment in this series was just as amazing if not better than the first book! It had all my favourite elements of a John Lago thriller including humour, intense action, surprises and some romance mixed in. This book was simply brilliant and I believe anyone could get enjoyment out of this exciting trill ride. Shane Kuhn is truly a unique author who has the ability to put many spectacular elements into his writing which makes it a great read for a variety of people. I will be desperately awaiting a third book!
August 14, 2015
Outstanding, enthralling, and another exciting rollercoaster of violence, humor and romance. There may have a been a few moments that were hard to believe, but this book is just so much damn fun I'm already looking forward to the next adventure Mr. Kuhn throws out there. So interesting how "real" relationship problems show up in a love affair with assassins. Fuckin loved it!
August 27, 2015
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
John Lago is back, folks -- and he picks up right where he left off, with some of the most adrenaline and testosterone-fueled writing you'll come across this year. That may not be your cup of tea.
Hostile Takeover is one of those sequels I didn't think needed to exist. Seriously, who was dissatisfied with where things ended up for Lago? It was narratively sufficient as it was -- but as the opening lines of this book could've literally been the next page in The Intern's Handbook, it's hard to complain.
So, John decides to tie up two loose ends: 1. Alice and 2. HR, Inc. He marries Alice and the two take over HR but it doesn't take too long (at least not many pages) before both of those go wrong -- they break up and she kicks him out of the company (not really spoiler material, folks, it's in the Jacket Copy). John switches to Plan B, the complete destruction of both. Which is not the most mature of plans, you've got to admit.
Which is the bulk of the book -- John going undercover again, John trying (and/or being the target of) elaborate assassination schemes, great fight scenes and enough munitions used to make Michael Bay choke. All delivered in that movie-obsessed, rapid-fire (no pun intended) narration that won over so many fans before.
I thoroughly enjoyed, have used already, and will continue to do so, Lago's comments on the movie Fletch. It was that line that reminded me how much I liked the first book.
Did I enjoy this as much as The Intern's Handbook? Nope. Only because it didn't blow me away with it's freshness. But it's a worthy sequel, as good as it's predecessor and leaves me wanting more. An intense, fast read -- buckle up and enjoy the ride
---
John Lago is back, folks -- and he picks up right where he left off, with some of the most adrenaline and testosterone-fueled writing you'll come across this year. That may not be your cup of tea.
Hostile Takeover is one of those sequels I didn't think needed to exist. Seriously, who was dissatisfied with where things ended up for Lago? It was narratively sufficient as it was -- but as the opening lines of this book could've literally been the next page in The Intern's Handbook, it's hard to complain.
So, John decides to tie up two loose ends: 1. Alice and 2. HR, Inc. He marries Alice and the two take over HR but it doesn't take too long (at least not many pages) before both of those go wrong -- they break up and she kicks him out of the company (not really spoiler material, folks, it's in the Jacket Copy). John switches to Plan B, the complete destruction of both. Which is not the most mature of plans, you've got to admit.
Which is the bulk of the book -- John going undercover again, John trying (and/or being the target of) elaborate assassination schemes, great fight scenes and enough munitions used to make Michael Bay choke. All delivered in that movie-obsessed, rapid-fire (no pun intended) narration that won over so many fans before.
I thoroughly enjoyed, have used already, and will continue to do so, Lago's comments on the movie Fletch. It was that line that reminded me how much I liked the first book.
Did I enjoy this as much as The Intern's Handbook? Nope. Only because it didn't blow me away with it's freshness. But it's a worthy sequel, as good as it's predecessor and leaves me wanting more. An intense, fast read -- buckle up and enjoy the ride
September 7, 2019
Not my usual read, but highly entertaining. I like John Lago so much and the author somehow makes all the intricate fighting very interesting and funny.
December 27, 2017
Na vánoce se člověk fakt nechce pouštět do ničeho náročného, takže jsem vytáhl druhý díl Kuhnovy thrillerové série. A je na tom hezky vidět, jak se u dvojek rozchází autor se čtenáři. Čtenáři ke dvojkám přistupují s pocitem: "Tak na jedničce se autor rozcvičil a hodně naučil, takže u dvojky bude jen to nejlepší z jedničky a všechny chyby zmizí." Zatímco autor sedí nad dvojkou a říká si "Evidentně se mi u jedničky něco povedlo... jak jsem to kurva udělal? Co se na tom, sakra, lidem líbilo? Musím to zjistit a udělat to zas - a přitom se neopakovat. Áááááá!" Takže to nakonec vyřeší tím, že prostě jen znovu napíše jedničku, s okouřeným zvukem.
Ono už o jedničce jsem psal, že je to zábavná jízda na řetízkovém kolotoči. Dvojka už je centrifuga. Stejně rychlá, zběsilá... a se stejně hlubokomyslným dějem. V podstatě si autor vypůjčil Pána a paní Smithovi... nebo prostě jakýkoliv příběh, ve kterém proti sobě stojí manželský pár zabijáků. Bohužel už jim nepřidal žádnou pořádnou motivaci - tedy kromě té, že je zdejší paní Smithová pěkná kráva. Z příběhu mizí i ta funkce stážistů. I když hrdina přebírá celou organizaci nájemných vrahů, brzo se to stane jen takovou motivací na pozadí řetězce akčních scén, během kterých dává hrdina až moc najevo, jaký je drsňák. Jo, je, ale v jedničce to bylo zajímavější - i tím, že tam měl nějaké vedlejší psychologické motivace. Tady už působil jako nafoukaný superborecký debil.
Ale jasně, pořád jsem to přečetl skoro na jeden zátah a tu jízdu jsem si užil. Akorát se člověk pak nesmí moc ohlížet zpátky a přemýšlet o ději. To pak dopadne jako s tou centrifugou. "Co jsem tam dělal? No... točil se dokola... a dokola... a dokola..."
Ono už o jedničce jsem psal, že je to zábavná jízda na řetízkovém kolotoči. Dvojka už je centrifuga. Stejně rychlá, zběsilá... a se stejně hlubokomyslným dějem. V podstatě si autor vypůjčil Pána a paní Smithovi... nebo prostě jakýkoliv příběh, ve kterém proti sobě stojí manželský pár zabijáků. Bohužel už jim nepřidal žádnou pořádnou motivaci - tedy kromě té, že je zdejší paní Smithová pěkná kráva. Z příběhu mizí i ta funkce stážistů. I když hrdina přebírá celou organizaci nájemných vrahů, brzo se to stane jen takovou motivací na pozadí řetězce akčních scén, během kterých dává hrdina až moc najevo, jaký je drsňák. Jo, je, ale v jedničce to bylo zajímavější - i tím, že tam měl nějaké vedlejší psychologické motivace. Tady už působil jako nafoukaný superborecký debil.
Ale jasně, pořád jsem to přečetl skoro na jeden zátah a tu jízdu jsem si užil. Akorát se člověk pak nesmí moc ohlížet zpátky a přemýšlet o ději. To pak dopadne jako s tou centrifugou. "Co jsem tam dělal? No... točil se dokola... a dokola... a dokola..."
October 28, 2015
Instead of putting a bullet in his nemesis Alice, John Lago puts a ring on her finger and marries her. Then, the newly weds execute a hostile takeover of HR, Inc. and they are quite successful until conflicting managements styles cause a horrible breakup. But when Alice takes on a new HR target, John has to play a part he never thought he would have to go back to: the intern. What begins as a deadly showdown becomes the two of them fighting side-by-side to save HR, Inc. - and their marriage.
Hostile Takeover by Shane Kuhn is an exciting sequel to The Intern's Handbook. It has a fantastic sense of dark humor and it's action-packed. I nearly couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see what was just around the corner for John and Alice. This one picks up almost immediately from where the first left off and it doesn't waste any time getting up to a breakneck pace. The twists and the turns are so much fun to follow and I like seeing how John and Alice work as a team, since we've seen them at each others throats. I'm really looking forward to the next installment of this series, Shoot the Messenger! If you liked Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Office, and Dexter, I think you'll want to meet John Lago.
Hostile Takeover by Shane Kuhn is an exciting sequel to The Intern's Handbook. It has a fantastic sense of dark humor and it's action-packed. I nearly couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to see what was just around the corner for John and Alice. This one picks up almost immediately from where the first left off and it doesn't waste any time getting up to a breakneck pace. The twists and the turns are so much fun to follow and I like seeing how John and Alice work as a team, since we've seen them at each others throats. I'm really looking forward to the next installment of this series, Shoot the Messenger! If you liked Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Office, and Dexter, I think you'll want to meet John Lago.
March 4, 2016
As good as the first John Lago (Kill Your Boss/The Intern's Handbook). This second book in the series follows the same theme, but now John and Alice are running HR. What could possibly go wrong?
I have thoroughly enjoyed 246 more pages of John's lighthearted narrative and his obvious enjoyment of the inventiveness that he and others employ to get the job done. There are twists I didn't see coming, others I saw coming but couldn't have guessed.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series... after a good gap. I read these first two with little time between but don't think they're binge-reading material. Not a series to think too hard about or consider in depth - more something you enjoy as you read and then move on to something else.
I have thoroughly enjoyed 246 more pages of John's lighthearted narrative and his obvious enjoyment of the inventiveness that he and others employ to get the job done. There are twists I didn't see coming, others I saw coming but couldn't have guessed.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series... after a good gap. I read these first two with little time between but don't think they're binge-reading material. Not a series to think too hard about or consider in depth - more something you enjoy as you read and then move on to something else.
September 8, 2015
Another great installment in the John Lago Thriller Series. It is packed with fun, adventure and action. It picks up right where the first book (The Intern's Handbook) left off and kept me just as entertained as the first book did. It is dark with twisted humor and great story telling! Wickedly fun yet again...4.5 stars
August 15, 2015
This book was just hilarious and crazy!
November 21, 2015
Flat depthless characters. Not very funny. Lots of action. Semi interesting plot
February 25, 2024
Human Resources
Die Human Resources Inc. hat John Lagos groß gemacht. Doch nicht so wie man vielleicht denkt. Als Praktikant werden er und seine Kollegen in Firman eingeschleust, um Geheimnisse auszuspionieren oder auch mal einen Auftragsnord zu begehen. Gemeinsam mit Alice übernimmt John die Firma. Sie sind ein echt heißes Paar und zur Hochzeit schenkt John ihr einen Auftrag. Ewig dauern die Flitterwochen aber nicht und irgendwann beginnt das Misstrauen zwischenJohn und seiner Liebsten zu wachsen. Werden die beiden nun vom glücklichen Paar zu erbitterten Feinden?
Bisher gibt es zwei Bücher um John Lago und Alice, wobei sie sich im ersten Band kennengelernt haben und nun im zweiten ihre Zusammenarbeit perfektionieren, soweit es bei ihren unterschiedlichen Persönlichkeiten eben geht. Am Anfang sind sie glücklicher als es die Polizei normalerweise erlauben würde. Leider bricht die Wirklichkeit nur allzu bald über sie herein. Es muss einen eigentlichen Boss ihrer Firma geben, nach dem, den sie ausgeschalter haben. Und wohlmöglich einen jemanden bei FBI, der nicht nach den Regeln spielt. Irgendwann sind Alice und John kurz davor, sich gegenseitig an die Gurgel zu gehen.
Ein lustiges Auftragsmorden zieht sich durch den gesamten Roman. Gleich neben einem Husten Ehegattenmorden. Das ist witzig und rasant zu lesen. Allerdings ist vorstellbar, dass es sich mit der Zeit ein wenig abnutzt. Von der Reihe gibt es bisher nur die erwähnten zwei Bände. Und man spürt nicht das ganz dringende Bedürfnis nach mehr. Dennoch kann man mit dem Buch unterhaltsame Stunden verbringen. Es ist spannend wie sich Alice und John immer mehr aufeinander einschießen im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes und wie sich immer mehr die Geschichte hinter der Geschichte enthüllt. Auch die kreativen Ideen des lustigen Tötens lenken schön vom tristen Alltag ab. Ein Thriller zum Abschalten an einem winterlichen Sonntag.
3,5 Sterne
Die Human Resources Inc. hat John Lagos groß gemacht. Doch nicht so wie man vielleicht denkt. Als Praktikant werden er und seine Kollegen in Firman eingeschleust, um Geheimnisse auszuspionieren oder auch mal einen Auftragsnord zu begehen. Gemeinsam mit Alice übernimmt John die Firma. Sie sind ein echt heißes Paar und zur Hochzeit schenkt John ihr einen Auftrag. Ewig dauern die Flitterwochen aber nicht und irgendwann beginnt das Misstrauen zwischenJohn und seiner Liebsten zu wachsen. Werden die beiden nun vom glücklichen Paar zu erbitterten Feinden?
Bisher gibt es zwei Bücher um John Lago und Alice, wobei sie sich im ersten Band kennengelernt haben und nun im zweiten ihre Zusammenarbeit perfektionieren, soweit es bei ihren unterschiedlichen Persönlichkeiten eben geht. Am Anfang sind sie glücklicher als es die Polizei normalerweise erlauben würde. Leider bricht die Wirklichkeit nur allzu bald über sie herein. Es muss einen eigentlichen Boss ihrer Firma geben, nach dem, den sie ausgeschalter haben. Und wohlmöglich einen jemanden bei FBI, der nicht nach den Regeln spielt. Irgendwann sind Alice und John kurz davor, sich gegenseitig an die Gurgel zu gehen.
Ein lustiges Auftragsmorden zieht sich durch den gesamten Roman. Gleich neben einem Husten Ehegattenmorden. Das ist witzig und rasant zu lesen. Allerdings ist vorstellbar, dass es sich mit der Zeit ein wenig abnutzt. Von der Reihe gibt es bisher nur die erwähnten zwei Bände. Und man spürt nicht das ganz dringende Bedürfnis nach mehr. Dennoch kann man mit dem Buch unterhaltsame Stunden verbringen. Es ist spannend wie sich Alice und John immer mehr aufeinander einschießen im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes und wie sich immer mehr die Geschichte hinter der Geschichte enthüllt. Auch die kreativen Ideen des lustigen Tötens lenken schön vom tristen Alltag ab. Ein Thriller zum Abschalten an einem winterlichen Sonntag.
3,5 Sterne
July 18, 2023
Here we go again with the lack of internal consistency... in the first book, he proposes to Alice with a 2-carat diamond. In Chapter 2 of this book, the same stone is suddenly a four-carat diamond. Where is the editor?!?!
A little thrown by the sudden implication in Chapters 4+5 that this couple in Jewish -- reference to Yahweh at the wedding, Alice calling John her sheyne punim in Yiddish...
How does he go from wanting to get out of the business so bad, to wanting to take it over entirely? The character that showed up at the wedding felt like a whole new person.
As in the first book, my favorite parts are the logistical ones related to intern training. I particularly like the noncombat skill training -- how else are the intern assassins going to learn how to make copies and use a water cooler? I also do like the characters of the new interns.
As in the first book there are some fun lines between all the bad writing, like:
"This not only takes the cake, it kidnaps, tortures, and dismembers the pastry chef."
"He intended to burn the CEO at the stake outside the UN and pass out marshmallows. Actually, I was a little bummed out I had to whack him. He was kind of a modern-day corporate anarchist."
"Of course, I've been there, done that, and bought a T-shirt."
"The English had a saying when I was in school: You can be cordial at the gates of hell."
"You'll go to interesting places...meet unique and stimulating people from all walks of life --' 'And kill them."
I was going to give this 2 stars because I did read the entire thing and enjoyed parts of it, but then I went back and remembered that the plot-telling was so crazy dis-jointed that I never want to look at it again.
A little thrown by the sudden implication in Chapters 4+5 that this couple in Jewish -- reference to Yahweh at the wedding, Alice calling John her sheyne punim in Yiddish...
How does he go from wanting to get out of the business so bad, to wanting to take it over entirely? The character that showed up at the wedding felt like a whole new person.
As in the first book, my favorite parts are the logistical ones related to intern training. I particularly like the noncombat skill training -- how else are the intern assassins going to learn how to make copies and use a water cooler? I also do like the characters of the new interns.
As in the first book there are some fun lines between all the bad writing, like:
"This not only takes the cake, it kidnaps, tortures, and dismembers the pastry chef."
"He intended to burn the CEO at the stake outside the UN and pass out marshmallows. Actually, I was a little bummed out I had to whack him. He was kind of a modern-day corporate anarchist."
"Of course, I've been there, done that, and bought a T-shirt."
"The English had a saying when I was in school: You can be cordial at the gates of hell."
"You'll go to interesting places...meet unique and stimulating people from all walks of life --' 'And kill them."
I was going to give this 2 stars because I did read the entire thing and enjoyed parts of it, but then I went back and remembered that the plot-telling was so crazy dis-jointed that I never want to look at it again.
March 28, 2020
Well, unfortunately, this was a bit underwhelming. I don't think it was as good as the first novel and it definitely didn't live up to my expectations (see gifs below). It was enjoyable but not as good as the first. First of all, John and Alice were too cheesy sometimes, in a way that didn't feel right with their characters. And they went from being all lovey-dovey to suddenly literally wanting to kill each other. I get that this is the point of the book, but it feel out of character. Also, the first book had few secondary characters but they were enough for that story. However, since they mostly died in the previous novel, now the author need it to introduce new characters and make then a central part of the story and it feel a bit shoehorned in.
Previous review:
This is me just knowing that this book exists
Previous review:
This is me just knowing that this book exists
November 24, 2017
Another fun John Lago story. The John and Alice are back with a few new characters as they navigate the world of assassinations and double cross at HR Inc. I thought the books was just as fun as the first one with a few more twists and turns, and while the plot stays on tasks and has a good amount of action and plot development. I wish there was a bit more reminiscing from John about some of his past jobs which I though was interesting (maybe his greatest “hits” book is coming next). The writing is great and really makes you feel connected with the story and the characters. I hope there is more to come in the series!
May 13, 2023
Dropped halfway. Might pick it up back again, but it's just too much. Feel the need for Bible breaks in between chapters. Vulgar, violent, sexual, too much Hollywood in one book.
On the other hand, I gotta give it to Kuhn, style is incredibly good. Humorous and vividly visual, I never thought I'd bookmark a paragraph about spilling brains into an ice bowl for beautiful writing.
Couple therapy intervention urgently needed.
On the other hand, I gotta give it to Kuhn, style is incredibly good. Humorous and vividly visual, I never thought I'd bookmark a paragraph about spilling brains into an ice bowl for beautiful writing.
Couple therapy intervention urgently needed.
January 13, 2026
Non ho avuto occasione di leggere il libro precedente.
Il personaggio principale è il tipico rambo-riesco-in-tutto dei film, pomposo.
La scrittura in prima persona in questo caso non aiuta a farselo piacere.
Anche se il ritmo è buono la trama è forzata, i colpi di scena scontati.
Si vede che è stato creato con l'intento di farci film in un secondo momento.
Potrebbero pure uscirne delle cose belle, ma come libro non ci siamo.
Il personaggio principale è il tipico rambo-riesco-in-tutto dei film, pomposo.
La scrittura in prima persona in questo caso non aiuta a farselo piacere.
Anche se il ritmo è buono la trama è forzata, i colpi di scena scontati.
Si vede che è stato creato con l'intento di farci film in un secondo momento.
Potrebbero pure uscirne delle cose belle, ma come libro non ci siamo.
May 10, 2017
Hostile Takeover was a solid follow up to The Intern's Handbook. Story continues with John Lago getting into crazy mess. Some of the story lines seemed a bit forced to me but book was entertaining. Characters seemed to get thinner in this book but if you aren't looking for anything really deep and just entertainment this is a good choice. I'd read another John Lago thriller if were released.
July 11, 2018
John Lago rocks!
Another exciting chapter! No longer an intern, John is now running HR, Inc. with Alice by his side. Plenty of dark humor, action, and double crosses make this a series to watch. Occasionally the prose feels like it's trying too hard to be cool, but that's a minor complaint. 4.5 stars, and I'm rounding up.
Another exciting chapter! No longer an intern, John is now running HR, Inc. with Alice by his side. Plenty of dark humor, action, and double crosses make this a series to watch. Occasionally the prose feels like it's trying too hard to be cool, but that's a minor complaint. 4.5 stars, and I'm rounding up.
September 21, 2018
This book was good. Not quite as good as the first but still pretty good. John Lago is a brilliant character and you can never quite tell what twists are going to come next and nothing is quite predictable about the storyline, although I felt in this book that the action was a tad far fetched. Still though, worth a read if you enjoyed the first one like I did.
October 11, 2017
One word to describe John & Alice's relationship: dysfunctional. Another word: co-dependent. This one had so many plot twists and turns that it made mys head spin. It was entertaining and exciting, but not quite as good as book 1. Still a decent read though.
November 27, 2017
Enjoyed the twist and turns. The action and the humor. The ending that said grab the sequel. That was book one. This did not live up to book one at all. No LOL moments. Many meh’s from me. Actually I’m kind of bummed this wasn’t better.
January 9, 2018
A fast paced action book that's about as realistic as a Die Hard or James Bond movie. That's the fun part to see what over-the-top action scene comes next.
Do read Book #1 though, "The Intern's Handbook"
Do read Book #1 though, "The Intern's Handbook"
January 26, 2018
A continuation of the first book in the John Lago series,the author very nicely left it open to the next phase of Alice and John trying to kill each other. A few humorous incidents to lighten to lighten the subject.
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