Kill Zone

by Paul Heatley

Every legend starts somewhere.

Fresh out of CIA training, Tom’s first black ops mission is in the unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan.

He’ll join an elite team assigned to capture notorious Iranian torturer Babak Rashidi. But betrayed by a trusted asset, the operation fails and team member Zeke Greene—a father with everything to lose—is captured by the enemy.

While the rest of his unit retreats, Tom refuses to abandon Zeke. With only Maryam Hussain, daughter of another captured asset, as his unlikely ally, Tom must navigate a lethal web of double agents and drug kingpins as he fights to save Zeke.

The trail leads to The Abattoir—Babak's torture compound hidden deep in Iranian territory. Racing to save his friend, Tom launches a one-man assault against impossible odds.

A relentless prequel that forges a legend in blood and betrayal.

Kill Zone – Book 18 in the outstanding Tom Rollins action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.


What readers are saying about Kill Zone:

“Paul Heatley does a fantastic job in writing a really well done thriller novel…” -Netgalley Reviewer

“The action is immense and the ending will surprise you. This is definitely a book well worth reading…” -Booksprout Reviewer

“Another excellent action thriller… totally entertaining…” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Be prepared for a wild ride on this one. I was cheering Tom on the whole way.” -Booksprout Reviewer

“Great storytelling and some thrilling twists… an entertaining read.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“…compelling characters… constant movement… 5 stars.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Once again I have stayed up late with one of Paul Heatley's novels. Highly recommend.” -Netgalley Reviewer

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2025

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading these Tom Rollins stories for some time now and in Kill Zone by Paul Heatley we get a prequel. We get to follow a fresh out of training CIA officer on his first mission with him being the high man on the totem pole. It turns out that Rollins is nothing what the team expected and that is what makes this book so good. Great storytelling and some thrilling twists with a great set of characters both good and evil. I am glad I discovered this author and I recommend that you support him and try his work. Once again I thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for this advance copy of an entertaining read.

[Emerald Maple · Rating 5 out of 5]

While book 18 of the Tom Rollins series, this time we have a prequel going back to first black ops mission. We usually see Tom on Reacher-esque terms, “retired” from that life, he is nomadic and often working odd jobs before he gets pulled into some kind of trouble. But this time, we are going back to the start.

I will admit, I am not a big fan of prequels. They can sometimes lean more ‘I have run out of ideas’ than an origin story but I enjoyed this one. An easy read. Typical thriller where everyone in their path dies but shows Tom’s loyalty to those he thinks deserve it as well as his loyalty to the cause was an integral part of him even before the CIA years.

Tom is cockier in the prequel, but I always thought that the years in black-ops hardened him, but he is very much a loner even back then. Loyal to those he considers friends but careful in choosing them. Unlike his teammates who leave one behind then Tom when he wants to rescue him.

I have a feeling that there is more to Marayam that we haven’t seen. A woman in her 20s in Afghanistan, more educated than most, unmarried and knows computers. I hope we see more of her in the future, either with Tom or a standalone.

If you are squeamish, there is a lot of violence in this, some graphic but the torture not as graphic as some. You know what he is doing, but other books go into a lot more detail. Still a lot of bloody and violent content.

This book reminds me of Dead Reckoning by Rob Sinclair with the villain flaying his victims and enjoying it and needing to save someone from butcher’s lair. The storylines are different as Hades/Peake had his teammates by his side and the book focuses on his later life but some similarities between the two. If you enjoy this series, you may want to check that one out too.

Thanks to Inkubator Books and Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill Zone takes readers back to the very beginning of Tom Rollins’ story, serving as a prequel that explores his first mission straight out of training. While most of the series shows Tom as a hardened lone wolf, already shaped by years of black ops experience, here we see him younger, cockier, and still finding his footing. It is fascinating to watch the traits that define him later—his loyalty, his determination, and his unwillingness to abandon those he fights beside—already firmly in place, even if his edges are a little rougher.

Prequels can be hit or miss, often feeling unnecessary, but this one delivers an exciting and action-packed look at Rollins before the CIA years ground him down. Heatley balances fast-paced thrills with glimpses into Tom’s character, showing how his instincts set him apart from his teammates. The violence is frequent and sometimes graphic, but never to the point of overshadowing the story. Instead, it underscores just how dangerous this world is and how quickly loyalties and lives can be lost.

The supporting cast adds depth, particularly Zeke, who has great potential as a partner, and Marayam, whose intelligence and mysterious background make her a standout. She feels like a character with more story to tell, and I hope we see her again in future books. The villains are brutal, and while some of the darker scenes may not be for everyone, the tension and high stakes kept me hooked.

Overall, Kill Zone is a strong entry that both longtime fans and new readers can enjoy. It delivers everything you expect from a Tom Rollins thriller—unrelenting action, tough moral choices, and a protagonist who is as lethal as he is loyal. Paul Heatley continues to prove why this series is such a reliable and entertaining ride.

Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Paul Heatley for the advance copy.

[Ganesh Subramanian]

Tom Rollins is back, this time joining a secret CIA Black Ops team on a high-stakes mission: to capture Babak, a notorious terrorist hiding in Afghanistan. The small, five-person CIA team, using local informers, slips into the country to strike at Babak's hideout.
When they reach the compound, something feels wrong. The security is too easy—a major red flag that immediately makes Tom Rollins wary. But the team leader pushes on. Tom’s gut feeling was right: it was a deadly trap! Babak wasn't the target; the CIA team was! Babak's real plan was to capture the agents to get information about Bill Reynolds, the elusive CIA chief he's been trying to find.
The ambush is sprung, and two people are immediately captured: Zeke, one of Tom’s teammates, and a local informer. Babak is known for his brutal torture—planning to skin them alive to get the truth!
The rest of the CIA team manages to escape, but true to his compassionate nature, Tom Rollins won't leave a man behind. In a split-second decision, he jumps out of the escape car to rescue Zeke!
Now, Tom Rollins is alone, deep inside enemy territory, out of ammo, and cut off from support. Yet, his mission continues: he must save Zeke. He finds an unlikely ally in Maryam, the daughter of a key Afghan informer. Together, they hatch a daring, desperate plan to free the prisoners.
The story is a non-stop, pulse-pounding thriller that grips you until the final page. It’s a fascinating look at a dangerous world, showcasing Tom Rollins' incredible resourcefulness and ingenuity under extreme pressure. This is a must-read!
Thank you to BookSprout for providing an advance copy of this book for review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story has Rollins just finished training with the CIA and being assigned to a team. His first assignment takes the team to Afghanistan where they are to try and capture Babak,an Iranian who enjoys using a special type of torcher on those that get captured. It seems that Babak has been seen in the area and the team once the location is discovered makes a plan to capture him. The time comes and they begin their movement, but it seems that Babak has laid a trap to capture the American team. During the battle they run into an ambush, but one of the team, Zeke, is taken. The remaining members comprised of Tom and three others escape, Tom, rather than going back decides to make an attempt to free Zeke and one other that was also taken. Tom was told by his team leader to forget about it, but Tom went on his own.

Follow along and learn what measures Tom had to take in order to find the location and what his plan was eventually as he laid siege.

The action is immense and the ending will surprise you. This definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Paul Heatley for taking us back to the beginning - finally - of Rollins' rollicking adventures here in book #18. This story not only gave us insight to Rollins' fierce loyalty, grit and determination, it also ties back to the first book in understanding why he went AWOL from his CIA black ops team in the first place.

It's a seat of your pants, against-all-odds journey, but what else do you expect when Tom Rollins is in play? He's a good guy to have on your side, and a foe you don't want to mess with if you're one of the bad guys.

For anyone who hasn't started in on the series yet, I recommend this origin story before circling back to Blood Line (book #1). Even after 18 books, this series remains fresh, and I'm looking forward to Heatley keeping Rollins in action for many more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mark Philpott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Rip-Roaring Adventure!

I was very sad to finish this one as it means, sob, I am now up to day with the series and have to wait for the next book for the first time over the last 18 reads (all which were, without exception, brilliantly exciting).
In this one, we go back to visit Tom’s previous life as he is recruited from the army for Black Ops missions.
As usual, it doesn’t take long to heat up and become a compelling, action packed page turner!
This one has a particularly unpleasant villain who you hope gets a violent comeuppance from our hero. You’ll have to read it to see if he does though!
This really is a consistently brilliant series for action fans and easily tops out the now well worn “lone ex soldier drifts America getting into scrapes” genre.
Please keep them coming, Mr Heatley!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the eighteenth in the series, it's actually a prequel and brings us back to Rollins first mission where he meets Zeke for the first time. Their mission is in Afghanistan and as expected, there's lots of violence when Zeke is captured and his team leave him behind. Rollins is determined to rescue him and finds himself doing it single-handedly albeit with the aid of Maryam. She is a character that seems very interesting and intriguing with the possibility, I hope, of seeing her in more of the series.

As usual, I read this very quickly as it was a riveting read and one I just wanted to keep on reading. I hope there's plenty more to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ricki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Without warning, we get a prequel to the Tom Rollins series. How he got to the CIA, his team members and what made Tom.

He's in Afghanistan, on his first op, only one of his four team members is at all likeable-but whatever, he's not here to make friends but to do a job. However, he's the only one who goes to the mat for a team member taken by the enemy. It's a one man war against evil without backup to get his teammate- Zeke back.

Be prepared for a lot of grisly torture.

Tom is a one man war machine.

It wasn't what I was expecting. There was no indication it was a prequel and about a 2.25 for me.

[K. Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories…subpar writing.

The author comes up with engaging and entertaining stories, for sure.

However, the writing style diminishes the 5-star capacities. There is a period every 3-8 words, making the over punctuation difficult to get through. For example: “He picks up the phone. It rings. He listens. It rings again. The phone is answered. They talk. He ends the call.”One would think that the style is used to build suspense. Yet, since it is overdone, it doesn’t add anything to the story, the engagement, the thrill, nothing.

Idk. Maybe it’s how the English does things.

[Krishna Prabhakar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The problem with western writers is that they have their own social values which are not applicable to countries with strict sharia regime. The depiction of Maryam;n a Afghani girl is far fetched from reality; shown having her own choice and decision making power. Author must note that when it comes to religion in such parts of the world; every non believer is an enemy ; however close he or she may be. There are ample evidence by way of jihadi attacks in Europe and in America. Otherwise the book is fast paced and holds your attention.

[Sandra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great prequel. How Rollins started in CIA. Great book in a great series and Author Heatley never disappoints and as usual action from the first page. This is quite a first outing for the young Rollins. Full of tension and suspense. Worth reading just for the ending as the finale is absolute mayhem. Tom is absolutely great. A one-man wrecking machine. Don't miss this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

We learn the back story of Tom Rollins, when he first comes out of CIA training and his first black ops mission. We get to see him as an idealistic young agent who wants to do what is right. And becomes a one-man army to save his friend and fellow team member.
Action-packed and with twists you don't see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Rollins doesn't run from danger he runs directly into it to rescue a fellow soldier and others being held by a madman. This book kept me on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop on Tom. Where author Heatley gets his ideas for his stories I'll never know I'm just glad to read his intense thrillers that kept me glued to the pages.

[Jackthedad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

This was my fifth Tom Rollins book and it races along at 100 mph just like the others. However, this story is about Rollins in the past when he joined the CIA. I've said it before, Paul Heatley writes great, easy-reading books.

[Jim Cerone The Perfect Host DJ MC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shift In Tone

This book seems to be a shift in tone for the Rollins series: grittier, darker. Rather than a present day setting, this is a flashback to Rollins’ first mission in the CIA. The technique mostly works, allowing for lots of action sequences, but the ending rings a little hollow.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill Zone is a good read. It's where Zeke and Tom meet which is super important.

The Tom Rollins character is always on the move and always helping someone and this book is no different. It's good and Tom shows us some of his skills.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review .

[jimmy robson]

Afghan cookies

Tom is a machine and this one really sets the tone, keeps calm and takes them head on when needed too. Manages to take the fight all the way to Iran. Sets the tone of his fellow team members.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting addition to the series. We get a glimpse at the beginning of Tom’s CIA career. Quite a few interesting twists in this one. I am looking forward to more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Kill Zone" is a non-stop action thriller where Paul Heatley delivers a literary punch. It features great characters, a compelling plot, and fast-paced military action at its finest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[john alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars

I am an avid fan of all the Tom Rollins books. I have read them all in order and have never been disappointed. This book was no exception. A big thank you to the author Paul Heatley and from me another well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes you back to the beginning of the CIA operation that was Paul’s first time with the team. This was the beginning of how everything started, and how he went on the run when he got back. This was a good book, taking you back to how everything started.

[Murdoch Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Rollins Earlier Life

Very good read, wasn’t sure what it was gonna be like because of his previous novels, but surprisingly good I enjoyed it. And it leaves it at a point of another story, whereas it might be in the past or in a future story.

[T Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The usual fast and entertaining action, and this time with a good and more believable plot. Well written, and even if it's set outside the US and a few years earlier, the main character stays true.

[Ken Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice change of pace

Getting into the early years of Tom Rollins, loved the story line. I appreciated the history of Zeke and Tom's friendship. Great read

[tracy walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One if the best

I loved this book one of the best of the series for me non stop action and a glimpse of Tom's past I highly recommend the whole series

[Maureen Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all Paul Heatley's Tom Rollins series. This prequel set in the Middle East is total action. Hard to. put down and I didn't until I got through the ending.

[M Rosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a 5 star review for the Tom Rollins series. Love them all!

[David Berkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertainment!

A thrilling plot that only Rollins can solve all by himself. One of the more enjoyable books in the series.

[sandy medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting

Wow! A great read. Never a dull moment. One man against many. But I was not prepared for the ending. Won’t spoil. You gotta read it.