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Beyond Honor #1
Beyond Honor
A CIA analyst hunting a conspiracy that leads to the Oval Office. A paramilitary operative confronting his grief on a path of retribution. A Russian agent hiding in plain sight. Jason Matthews’s Red Sparrow meets Jack Carr’s The Terminal List in Beyond Honor, a debut political thriller that plunges readers into a world of international espionage, where loyalty and duty are tested.
Whitney Skyler’s investigation into a Russian-backed bank on American soil leads to the President of the United States. CIA paramilitary operative Kevin Rhoads, a man forged in war zones, is shattered by loss. Recruited for a solo extraction mission deep inside Siberia, he discovers a devastating betrayal.
At CIA headquarters, Director Cynthia King plays an audacious gambit, leveraging a thirty-year debt of honor to save a captured American agent. But in this world of shifting alliances, even the most careful plans can unravel.
Skyler faces an impossible expose her mentor’s dangerous game to protect national security, or reveal to Rhoads, the man she loves, a truth that will transform him into a force of vengeance with death in his wake.
From the war-torn streets of Damascus to the merciless Siberian tundra, from the rugged Kenai Peninsula to the polished corridors of Langley, Virginia, Beyond Honor is a white-knuckled thriller about duty, betrayal, and the impossible choices made by those who serve in the shadows.
Whitney Skyler’s investigation into a Russian-backed bank on American soil leads to the President of the United States. CIA paramilitary operative Kevin Rhoads, a man forged in war zones, is shattered by loss. Recruited for a solo extraction mission deep inside Siberia, he discovers a devastating betrayal.
At CIA headquarters, Director Cynthia King plays an audacious gambit, leveraging a thirty-year debt of honor to save a captured American agent. But in this world of shifting alliances, even the most careful plans can unravel.
Skyler faces an impossible expose her mentor’s dangerous game to protect national security, or reveal to Rhoads, the man she loves, a truth that will transform him into a force of vengeance with death in his wake.
From the war-torn streets of Damascus to the merciless Siberian tundra, from the rugged Kenai Peninsula to the polished corridors of Langley, Virginia, Beyond Honor is a white-knuckled thriller about duty, betrayal, and the impossible choices made by those who serve in the shadows.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
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September 17, 2026
This debut is an excellent take on the modern political thriller. At its heart, the book operates as a high-stakes game of global chess, a game near and dear to me. The metaphor is well-executed. Every player on this board, from a lethal paramilitary operative in the snows of Siberia to the President’s best friend, is treated like a pawn being moved toward an endgame with a satisfying payoff.
What sets this book apart from some in the genre is its emotional depth. The Brodskys care just as much about psychological trauma, grief, and complex relationships as they do about special operations. It elevates the story into something deeply human that makes its case for broad appeal outside the shelves of spy novels. This book challenges others in this genre to work harder to get better.
A note on the audiobook production: The narration itself is excellent. While it did take me a few chapters to fully settle into the narrator's specific pacing and cadence, once I did, he really brought the intense atmospheric tension to life.
Minor critique: The first half features an intricate, multi-layered plot with detailed subplots that take some time to come together. But don't mistake a meticulous buildup for a slow story. In fact, this complexity is one of its greatest strengths. When the pieces fall and the rest finally align, the narrative hits the climax with a big payoff that leaves you ready for book 2.
A brilliant, sharp, and gritty 4.5-star listen that illustrates the disposable nature of humanity, morals, and honor when it comes to the pursuit of power.
What sets this book apart from some in the genre is its emotional depth. The Brodskys care just as much about psychological trauma, grief, and complex relationships as they do about special operations. It elevates the story into something deeply human that makes its case for broad appeal outside the shelves of spy novels. This book challenges others in this genre to work harder to get better.
A note on the audiobook production: The narration itself is excellent. While it did take me a few chapters to fully settle into the narrator's specific pacing and cadence, once I did, he really brought the intense atmospheric tension to life.
Minor critique: The first half features an intricate, multi-layered plot with detailed subplots that take some time to come together. But don't mistake a meticulous buildup for a slow story. In fact, this complexity is one of its greatest strengths. When the pieces fall and the rest finally align, the narrative hits the climax with a big payoff that leaves you ready for book 2.
A brilliant, sharp, and gritty 4.5-star listen that illustrates the disposable nature of humanity, morals, and honor when it comes to the pursuit of power.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Retroactively hypothesized as being part of a trilogy crafted by Italian horror-schlock director Lucio Fulci, THE BEYOND didn't even arrive on U.S. shores until two years after its initial Euro release in 1981. Heavily edited and renamed to SEVEN DOORS OF DEATH, THE BEYOND is a surreal tale of black magic, the walking dead, whipping a condemned man with chains, and what lies beyond life and human sense of reality. While entering the gray plains of hell is reserved for the most dastardly walking the earth and the Russians might or might not go to the violent extremes in THE BEYOND, they certainly go BEYOND HONOR to accomplish the aims of their Motherland and its ruthless leader. BEYOND HONOR whips in heavy as a well-crafted Clancy-esque spy thriller that takes advantage of the foreign interference in America's politics over the last ten or so years, both imagined and real, capturing the zeitgeist and sub rosa tradecraft of the spy business intertwined with big time finance and high stakes real estate. The cold war is back on, it's eagle versus bear and the gloves are off. It's total war and it's BEYOND HONOR.
Working the Greek philosopher angle of whole vs sum of parts, BEYOND HONOR does a minimal effort to sandwich MIL-shlock mantra into the equation by starting things off on a US base in Syria, inside the mechanics of Omega team. A buried line-item crew of former Tier Ones, led by James Bondian Kevin Rhoads, ex Delta Force, now CIA Special Activities Division. And special means they're problem solvers, or perhaps problem eliminators with a LICENSE TO KILL. When things go off the rails, they're called up to head deep into Iran, no backup, no second chances. BEYOND HONOR is quite clear; when you take a seat at the grown-up table, you'll have to start acting like grown-ups. You play for keeps. In the halls of power, people much more dangerous than bullets and Babari scheme to restore Americans' faith in their government and make America look less like a Banana Republic. With stakes this high, of course the Russians are in the mix and the rube at the table is a New York City real estate developer who desperately wants to be seen as cultured, wealthy and interesting. In the course of the project of projects that will change the skyline of Manhattan and make him the most famous developer in NYC history, the carefully crafted illusion of a dashing Master of the Universe will expose that the person hiding behind it is nothing of the sort. Taking a slight detour into sexpionage, once a big staple of Soviet spycraft, BEYOND HONOR lays down a ruthless kompromat operation targeting a man that seems to be a composite of the 45th man behind the Resolute Desk and his "wheeling and dealing" milquetoast son-in-law. And the results couldn't be more threatening to the White House, to Democracy. To America.
In light of PROJECT 2025 and the newly started US-Iran war of March 2026, BEYOND HONOR is an interesting read and more than timely and appropriate for 2026's geopolitical climate. Above and beyond a shoutout to NAVY SEALS (1990) and the assertion that theft and blood is how (certain) Russians amass wealth, BEYOND HONOR is a thriller's thriller featuring a cockle-warming rescue and repatriation that'll strum the heartstrings of any ossified action fanatic. Though never delving into what exactly lies BEYOND HONOR--perhaps patriotism, virtue, morals or ethics--the 80s Clancy vibes hit hard, presenting an extraordinary spy adventure that is beyond doubt must-read entertainment. Espionage, politics, action, sex, treason, assassination; in a global play for the biggest prize of them all, national security and the future of America lies just BEYOND HONOR. Get into the game.
Big thanks to KB Brodsky, NetGalley & Simon & Schuster (and imprints) for the ARC. <3
September 1, 2026
An operative seeks revenge for his teammates' deaths
Kevin Rhoads, raised in the Alaskan wilderness, is an experienced high level CIA paramilitary operative and is part of a close-knit team which is regularly sent out on difficult missions. On one such mission they are joined by rising CIA analyst Whitney Skyler, and the two form the beginnings of a romantic bond. At the conclusion of the operation the team is to accompany US technicians who need to assist Ukranian forces in Ukranian territory sub rosa. At the last minute Rhoads receives word that his father has been hospitalized and is pulled from the mission so that he can head to his father's side, while Skyler returns to Washington. Neither is prepared for the news that the team's transport has been shot down by Russian forces with no survivors, and Rhoads in particular is devastated, guilty that he survived while his team perished. As Skyler delves into information retrieved in the last mission she uncovers a financial trail that leads from Russia back to a close confidante of the newly elected US President and which is connected to the failed op. At the direction of the CIA Director and Skyler's new boss, she helps to reverse engineer the suspected communication flow to discover the whereabouts of a captive US operative held at a black site deep in Siberia. Rhoads is the perfect person to insert into Russia to rescue the man given his background and training and Skyler is directed to recruit him for the mission....without revealing that she and her superiors know who was behind the leak of information that resulted in his team's death. Can Rhoads succeed in his mission to rescue the captured agent? Will he discover Skyler's deception? What happens when an operative's mission veers from that to which he has been assigned?
Beyond Honor is the debut of a planned series of military/political thriller by the husband and wife team whose pen name is K. B. Brodsky. It weaves together elements of espionage, international intrigue, and paramilitary action/adventure as it travels from Syria to Alaska, and Siberia to Langley, VA, following the storylines of different characters until they begin to intersect. The book is a bit slow in the beginning as the authors build up the characters and their respective situations, but as the narratives start to converge the pace picks up. There is emotional depth as characters deal with loss, grief, and complicated relationships as well as betrayal, moral ambiguity and the quest for vengeance. The ending sets the stage for future outings, with certain threads left deliberately dangling. There are certainly elements often seen in books of the genre, from the operator who goes rogue and conspiracies that are tied to the highest level of government, but overall I found it a strong new entry into the field which bodes well for future installments. I got a little bit annoyed at the detailing to the minutest detail specific brands/labels/etc, be it for weaponry or alcohol choices, but thats just me....I rate this at 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5, and would recommend it to readers of Jack Carr, Jason Matthews (the Red Sparrow books) and Brad Thor. My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for allowing me access to this intriguing debut in exchange for my honest review....and look forward to what comes next for Rhoads, Skyler and other key characters.
Kevin Rhoads, raised in the Alaskan wilderness, is an experienced high level CIA paramilitary operative and is part of a close-knit team which is regularly sent out on difficult missions. On one such mission they are joined by rising CIA analyst Whitney Skyler, and the two form the beginnings of a romantic bond. At the conclusion of the operation the team is to accompany US technicians who need to assist Ukranian forces in Ukranian territory sub rosa. At the last minute Rhoads receives word that his father has been hospitalized and is pulled from the mission so that he can head to his father's side, while Skyler returns to Washington. Neither is prepared for the news that the team's transport has been shot down by Russian forces with no survivors, and Rhoads in particular is devastated, guilty that he survived while his team perished. As Skyler delves into information retrieved in the last mission she uncovers a financial trail that leads from Russia back to a close confidante of the newly elected US President and which is connected to the failed op. At the direction of the CIA Director and Skyler's new boss, she helps to reverse engineer the suspected communication flow to discover the whereabouts of a captive US operative held at a black site deep in Siberia. Rhoads is the perfect person to insert into Russia to rescue the man given his background and training and Skyler is directed to recruit him for the mission....without revealing that she and her superiors know who was behind the leak of information that resulted in his team's death. Can Rhoads succeed in his mission to rescue the captured agent? Will he discover Skyler's deception? What happens when an operative's mission veers from that to which he has been assigned?
Beyond Honor is the debut of a planned series of military/political thriller by the husband and wife team whose pen name is K. B. Brodsky. It weaves together elements of espionage, international intrigue, and paramilitary action/adventure as it travels from Syria to Alaska, and Siberia to Langley, VA, following the storylines of different characters until they begin to intersect. The book is a bit slow in the beginning as the authors build up the characters and their respective situations, but as the narratives start to converge the pace picks up. There is emotional depth as characters deal with loss, grief, and complicated relationships as well as betrayal, moral ambiguity and the quest for vengeance. The ending sets the stage for future outings, with certain threads left deliberately dangling. There are certainly elements often seen in books of the genre, from the operator who goes rogue and conspiracies that are tied to the highest level of government, but overall I found it a strong new entry into the field which bodes well for future installments. I got a little bit annoyed at the detailing to the minutest detail specific brands/labels/etc, be it for weaponry or alcohol choices, but thats just me....I rate this at 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5, and would recommend it to readers of Jack Carr, Jason Matthews (the Red Sparrow books) and Brad Thor. My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for allowing me access to this intriguing debut in exchange for my honest review....and look forward to what comes next for Rhoads, Skyler and other key characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve given this review a lot of reflection as my thoughts on the book are all over the place. Overall, I enjoyed the story and recommend it for fans of spy thrillers.
For a debut novel, the story telling is compelling and interesting. However with all the different plot lines the authors introduce, especially at the beginning, it gets convoluted and confusing pretty quickly. Eventually they started merging and became easier to follow.
Additionally, it’s clear that this is only part of a larger story as we learn more about characters through flashbacks which is fun for the reader and author because it can open up more/future storylines.
The biggest piece of the novel I struggled with is the pacing in trying to make it make sense. Best I can understand, this is clearly intended to be part of a larger story, based on the ending, and how long/short it took for different aspects of the story took to play out. I also look at is as a bit of world building, similar to what Jack Carr did with the Terminal List, in the authors showing us who Kevin Rhodes (one of the main characters) is and how he transforms from the beginning of this novel until its end.
Despite some of the items listed here, the story telling here is compelling and the cliff hanger that the authors leave us with more than enough make up for the things that didn’t feel right and make me want to read the next installment when it’s available.
I’ve given this review a lot of reflection as my thoughts on the book are all over the place. Overall, I enjoyed the story and recommend it for fans of spy thrillers.
For a debut novel, the story telling is compelling and interesting. However with all the different plot lines the authors introduce, especially at the beginning, it gets convoluted and confusing pretty quickly. Eventually they started merging and became easier to follow.
Additionally, it’s clear that this is only part of a larger story as we learn more about characters through flashbacks which is fun for the reader and author because it can open up more/future storylines.
The biggest piece of the novel I struggled with is the pacing in trying to make it make sense. Best I can understand, this is clearly intended to be part of a larger story, based on the ending, and how long/short it took for different aspects of the story took to play out. I also look at is as a bit of world building, similar to what Jack Carr did with the Terminal List, in the authors showing us who Kevin Rhodes (one of the main characters) is and how he transforms from the beginning of this novel until its end.
Despite some of the items listed here, the story telling here is compelling and the cliff hanger that the authors leave us with more than enough make up for the things that didn’t feel right and make me want to read the next installment when it’s available.
September 27, 2026
I am conflicted over this book and how best to position a proper review. The positives: it had all the essential ingredients of a good political espionage thriller. However, it felt as if it could have “baked” a little longer … meaning one more serious rounding of edits to refine the flow and build the characters. It was a bit confusing at times with respect to how the characters and elements were introduced and then woven together later … but that is common in this genre and didn’t really hang me up. The storytelling could have used more breakpoints within chapters when switching points of view between characters. I often found myself having to circle back a few lines or a paragraph to realize that the speaker or point of view had changed without a good transition. In this way, the story felt Jim together and a little unpolished. In fact, there were many times as I read wondering if elements of this book were AI generated. (apologies to the human authors as I’m sure this is a rough statement.) But I read a lot … and I do mean a lot … and I won’t waste it my time on any books that have less than a four star review. I was excited for this one and want to give credit where it’s due … I completed the book and read the entire story. I kept wanting it to come together a little more cohesively and for the characters to develop with more depth. It didn’t happen for me, but I am following the author and Will give the next book a shot because I do believe that there is real promise here.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This gripping debut thriller delivers everything fans of high-stakes espionage and political intrigue could want. At its heart is a battle-hardened paramilitary operative struggling to navigate overwhelming grief after a devastating personal loss. What begins as a quest for vengeance quickly evolves into something far more dangerous as a determined CIA agent uncovers a conspiracy that reaches all the way to the Oval Office.
The novel masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, including a Russian intelligence operative who has spent years hiding in plain sight, manipulating events from the shadows. The tension builds steadily as secrets unravel, alliances shift, and the lines between patriot and traitor become increasingly blurred.
Fast-paced and cinematic, the story balances explosive action with genuine emotional depth. The protagonist’s journey through loss and retribution gives the novel a strong emotional core, while the intricate web of political corruption and international espionage keeps the pages turning. For a debut novel, the author displays remarkable confidence in crafting suspense, memorable characters, and shocking twists.
Fans of modern spy thrillers will find plenty to enjoy in this compelling, adrenaline-fueled story that proves revenge can be a dangerous path—and that some enemies are far closer than they appear.
The novel masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, including a Russian intelligence operative who has spent years hiding in plain sight, manipulating events from the shadows. The tension builds steadily as secrets unravel, alliances shift, and the lines between patriot and traitor become increasingly blurred.
Fast-paced and cinematic, the story balances explosive action with genuine emotional depth. The protagonist’s journey through loss and retribution gives the novel a strong emotional core, while the intricate web of political corruption and international espionage keeps the pages turning. For a debut novel, the author displays remarkable confidence in crafting suspense, memorable characters, and shocking twists.
Fans of modern spy thrillers will find plenty to enjoy in this compelling, adrenaline-fueled story that proves revenge can be a dangerous path—and that some enemies are far closer than they appear.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Nerve-wracking, relentlessly suspenseful and emotionally gripping, Beyond Honor is a thrilling tale of espionage and deceit, brotherhood and family, politics and capitalism, and how far some will push the envelope to beat their adversaries. K.B. Brodsky delivers an enthralling, nail-biting tale that pays homage to the great spy novels of years past with a contemporary edge.
Beyond Honor is the merging of old school espionage novels with modern day military thrillers. Pitting US and Russian intelligence agencies against each other in ways that would make Jason Matthew’s Red Sparrow and Nelson DeMille’s The Charm School proud. And bringing the emotion and kinetic action of paramilitary operations that show the influence of Jack Carr’s The Terminal List and Mark Greaney’s Gray Man series. It keeps readers on their toes for most of the book by navigating between multiple threads to avoid predictability, before converging into a linear sprint to the finish with an almost certain outcome that leads to a cliffhanger finish, brilliantly keeping multiple possibilities available for the future of this nascent series.
Nerve-wracking, relentlessly suspenseful and emotionally gripping, Beyond Honor is a thrilling tale of espionage and deceit, brotherhood and family, politics and capitalism, and how far some will push the envelope to beat their adversaries. K.B. Brodsky delivers an enthralling, nail-biting tale that pays homage to the great spy novels of years past with a contemporary edge.
Beyond Honor is the merging of old school espionage novels with modern day military thrillers. Pitting US and Russian intelligence agencies against each other in ways that would make Jason Matthew’s Red Sparrow and Nelson DeMille’s The Charm School proud. And bringing the emotion and kinetic action of paramilitary operations that show the influence of Jack Carr’s The Terminal List and Mark Greaney’s Gray Man series. It keeps readers on their toes for most of the book by navigating between multiple threads to avoid predictability, before converging into a linear sprint to the finish with an almost certain outcome that leads to a cliffhanger finish, brilliantly keeping multiple possibilities available for the future of this nascent series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was unexpected. WOW. WHAT A DEBUT.
Thank you to Atria, Emily Bestler Books, K. B. Brodsky for the release through NetGalley.
I didn't know what I was getting into when I pulled down this instant offering from NetGalley, but knowing Emily Bestler's name was attached gave me some hope. Am I glad I gave this a read!
This is a mix of spy/espionage and special operations action thriller, pitting America vs Russia in the shadow world of political manipulation. I will say that the 3 plotlines at the beginning seemed so far apart that I did not know how they were going to come together. Don't get me wrong, they were all interesting and probably could have been their own average story, but the way they spun and weaved the lines together make it one of best books out there.
You feel the tension, the anguish, the sorrow that the characters feel. The way the emotion of the loss and funeral scenes was written hits every fiber in you being. The action is up there with Carr and Greaney.
This book hit every mark. I am super excited to follow these two for their future novels and the return of Rhoads and Skyler.
Standing ovation Karen and Bill! 5 stars!!
Thank you to Atria, Emily Bestler Books, K. B. Brodsky for the release through NetGalley.
I didn't know what I was getting into when I pulled down this instant offering from NetGalley, but knowing Emily Bestler's name was attached gave me some hope. Am I glad I gave this a read!
This is a mix of spy/espionage and special operations action thriller, pitting America vs Russia in the shadow world of political manipulation. I will say that the 3 plotlines at the beginning seemed so far apart that I did not know how they were going to come together. Don't get me wrong, they were all interesting and probably could have been their own average story, but the way they spun and weaved the lines together make it one of best books out there.
You feel the tension, the anguish, the sorrow that the characters feel. The way the emotion of the loss and funeral scenes was written hits every fiber in you being. The action is up there with Carr and Greaney.
This book hit every mark. I am super excited to follow these two for their future novels and the return of Rhoads and Skyler.
Standing ovation Karen and Bill! 5 stars!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited to read this book when I first heard about it. I was given an early copy from NetGalley.
This book starts off with one of the best prologues I can remember. In the grand scheme of the story, it's purpose is to introduce you to Kevin Rhoads, a hunting guide in Alaska. But the way it is written grabs you and transports you to that island in Alaska. It does such an amazing job telling you who Kevin is and his background. Why he will be so good at his job.
This story has parts that take place all over the world and are seemingly unconnected. Russia has gotten closer than ever to the President-elect of the United States, and they intend to abuse that position. Missions are being held in the Middle East to protect peace. And the CIA is close to figuring out what all is happening.
With gripping scenes, great action and revenge all baked in, this is a phenomenal debut. It is a worthy addition to the thriller genre. It has CIA intrigue, betrayal, spies and political games. A great novel that doesn't let you put it down.
This book starts off with one of the best prologues I can remember. In the grand scheme of the story, it's purpose is to introduce you to Kevin Rhoads, a hunting guide in Alaska. But the way it is written grabs you and transports you to that island in Alaska. It does such an amazing job telling you who Kevin is and his background. Why he will be so good at his job.
This story has parts that take place all over the world and are seemingly unconnected. Russia has gotten closer than ever to the President-elect of the United States, and they intend to abuse that position. Missions are being held in the Middle East to protect peace. And the CIA is close to figuring out what all is happening.
With gripping scenes, great action and revenge all baked in, this is a phenomenal debut. It is a worthy addition to the thriller genre. It has CIA intrigue, betrayal, spies and political games. A great novel that doesn't let you put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I enjoyed reading the thriller Beyond Honor. This story follows the adventures of Kevin Rhoads. We are introduced to him when he is a 17-year-old Alaskan hunting guide and pilot taking two veterans bear hunting. The veterans were so impressed with Kevin's skills that they gave him a phone number to call when he finished school if he wanted a job using his tracking and shooting skills. Kevin must have called the number because the next time we meet him he is former Delta working in the Special Activities Center. As he and his team follow a trail of money that is funding terrorist activities they encounter money laundering, conspiracy theories, and moral/ethical decisions.
Never share privileged intelligence information with someone who hasn't been cleared to know the information! You don't know that the information won't be shared by them. You don't know who else may be listening.
Never share privileged intelligence information with someone who hasn't been cleared to know the information! You don't know that the information won't be shared by them. You don't know who else may be listening.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books for sponsoring the giveaway through Goodreads for the opportunity to read an ARC of Beyond Honor by K.B Brodsky. My opinions are my own.
Political suspense novels are not in my usual rotation because they tend to get a little too technical but this one was easy to follow. There were a lot of characters introduced in the first few chapters which can get confusing and I had to backtrack sometimes to get their roles right. I know some people can be turned off by that but I think the multiple perspectives were essential to the story's progression and in keeping the reader omniscient.
It does have a cliffhanger ending for those who prefer to read a series in one sitting.
Political suspense novels are not in my usual rotation because they tend to get a little too technical but this one was easy to follow. There were a lot of characters introduced in the first few chapters which can get confusing and I had to backtrack sometimes to get their roles right. I know some people can be turned off by that but I think the multiple perspectives were essential to the story's progression and in keeping the reader omniscient.
It does have a cliffhanger ending for those who prefer to read a series in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a VERY good debut for this author tandem. I found the story very engaging even though the first part of the book bounced around a LOT setting everything up. It worked though - getting glimpses of all the different stories really helped bring it all together and give a fantastic 360 view of all that was going on. The main character definitely gives off James Reece vibes - and I know others have compared this partly to a Jack Carr book, so that tracks.
I will eagerly await a follow-up (really hoping this will become a series)!
Thanks to Net Galley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC! #beyondhonor #netgalley
I will eagerly await a follow-up (really hoping this will become a series)!
Thanks to Net Galley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC! #beyondhonor #netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from Netgalley
Beyond Honor is an espionage thriller at its best! I was a little concerned at the beginning because Brodsky had so many storylines on the go, (I’ll admit I was a little confused), but they were expertly woven together to form a masterfully crafted story that was fast paced and suspenseful that had me on the edge of my seat. I hope this is the start of a series because I want more of Kevin Rhoads please!
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster (and imprints) for the ARC😊
Beyond Honor is an espionage thriller at its best! I was a little concerned at the beginning because Brodsky had so many storylines on the go, (I’ll admit I was a little confused), but they were expertly woven together to form a masterfully crafted story that was fast paced and suspenseful that had me on the edge of my seat. I hope this is the start of a series because I want more of Kevin Rhoads please!
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster (and imprints) for the ARC😊
September 1, 2026
This was a fantastic international military intelligence action thriller. This book pushes so many buttons. Kevin Rhoads is a member of a highly specialized military unit. The Russians have managed to infiltrate the United States upper echelons. Rhoads finds himself of the outside looking in. This was a powerful story of revenge. Righting wrongs, and preserving the American way of life. The action is intense and harrowing. The chemistry between the characters is perfect. This was a highly entertaining and enjoyable book. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book! Could not put it down. A great suspense story that kept me on edge the whole way through. I especially enjoyed how the multiple storylines wove together and built momentum as the book progressed. I also loved all the details around the vehicles, weapons, tradecraft, and spy-agency speak. The author trusted the reader and didn’t over-explain everything, which made it feel authentic and immersive while still being easy to follow. Excited to see what comes next!
August 26, 2026
This was a VERY good debut for the authors. The story starts a little slow as the story bounced around quite a bit setting everything up. It worked though - getting glimpses of all the different stories really helped bring it all together and helped the overall plot. This is definitely a great start to a hopefully new series since it doesn't resolve every plot point in this novel. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one!
September 3, 2026
Beyond Honor sounds like an intense and fast-paced thriller packed with espionage, betrayal, danger, and difficult choices. The combination of CIA intrigue, Russian agents, international missions, and personal revenge creates a compelling story that keeps the stakes high. I especially enjoyed the themes of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice woven throughout the story. A thrilling read for anyone who enjoys political suspense and espionage!
July 8, 2026
Super solid debut. Intrigue, espionage, and danger close to being real…fans of Sons of Valor and Jack Carr will be delighted.
Twist and turns abound in this thriller for sure.
Was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy. And grateful for that opportunity.
At times I felt like I wished there was a timeline at the beginning of chapters.
Twist and turns abound in this thriller for sure.
Was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy. And grateful for that opportunity.
At times I felt like I wished there was a timeline at the beginning of chapters.
July 8, 2026
Couldn’t put it down. Perfect build up, incredible characters, no holes in the plot (this never happens!). Fast and so good action, thriller spy book!
I am so looking to the next
(also can’t help myself, but I want to cast this series/movie)
I am so looking to the next
(also can’t help myself, but I want to cast this series/movie)
September 18, 2026
A five-star debut. This book has been rightfully compared to Jack Carr's debut novel, The Terminal List, and while Kevin Rhoads' mission of vengeance was not as violent and bloody as James Reece's, I definitely want to see what the authors have planned next for Kev.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Exhilarating!
June 7, 2026
Decent story just hard to follow.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Great story, kept my on the edge of my seat.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A very good book. Then ending seemed incomplete though. Possibly because there is a sequel in the works. At least i hope.
August 26, 2026
An Alaskan hunting guide, a New York developer in over his head, and a CIA analyst chasing a conspiracy straight into the Oval Office. This debut ties all three together and never lets up.
Beyond Honor by K.B. Brodsky is an old-school, globetrotting political thriller with the pacing of a modern action novel, and it's a debut. Bill and Karen Brodsky are a husband-and-wife writing team, which explains nothing about how they pulled this off on the first try.
Three threads: Kevin Rhoads is young Alaskan hunting guide whose tracking skills make him CIA paramilitary material. When his team is killed, his grief turns into something sharper, and the man who goes into Siberia on a solo extraction has vengeance on his mind. Real estate developer Peter Michaels is desperate for financing. He takes money from the wrong people in Moscow and finds himself owned. Analyst Whitney Skyler uncovers foreign operation that involves the Oval Office. Whitney and CIA Director Cynthia King leverage a thirty-year debt of honor to try to free an American agent rotting in a Russian prison.
To say there's a lot going on is an understatement. What impressed me is that none of it tangles. The threads converge into a fast-paced edge-your-seat thriller.
I went back and forth between print and audio and ended up doing most of it on audio. Narrator Jacques Roy handles a huge cast without a single moment where I lost track of who was talking. That's harder than it sounds.
A sequel is already announced and I'm in.
Thank you Simon Audio, Atria Books, and Megan Beatie Communications for the gifted copies.
Beyond Honor by K.B. Brodsky is an old-school, globetrotting political thriller with the pacing of a modern action novel, and it's a debut. Bill and Karen Brodsky are a husband-and-wife writing team, which explains nothing about how they pulled this off on the first try.
Three threads: Kevin Rhoads is young Alaskan hunting guide whose tracking skills make him CIA paramilitary material. When his team is killed, his grief turns into something sharper, and the man who goes into Siberia on a solo extraction has vengeance on his mind. Real estate developer Peter Michaels is desperate for financing. He takes money from the wrong people in Moscow and finds himself owned. Analyst Whitney Skyler uncovers foreign operation that involves the Oval Office. Whitney and CIA Director Cynthia King leverage a thirty-year debt of honor to try to free an American agent rotting in a Russian prison.
To say there's a lot going on is an understatement. What impressed me is that none of it tangles. The threads converge into a fast-paced edge-your-seat thriller.
I went back and forth between print and audio and ended up doing most of it on audio. Narrator Jacques Roy handles a huge cast without a single moment where I lost track of who was talking. That's harder than it sounds.
A sequel is already announced and I'm in.
Thank you Simon Audio, Atria Books, and Megan Beatie Communications for the gifted copies.
September 2, 2026
I could not put this book down - a completely gripping wild ride
September 6, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down. I was on the edge of my seat from the first sentence till the end and I cannot wait to read the next one
September 9, 2026
Wow! Loved this book! Read it in 2 days. Non stop action. Rhoads is now up there with the best of them!
September 12, 2026
can't believe Skye's parents wrote a book!!!
September 14, 2026
Fantastic. Can't wait for the sequel.
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