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The Specialist #1
A Talent for Revenge
A Talent for Revenge opens with Jack Sullivan in France, a few years out of action. He now operates as "The Specialist," taking on big jobs in which someone has suffered at the hands of a powerful enemy. His contact, Malta, a former CIA operative, arranges Sullivan's latest job -- to kill Ottoowa, an Idi Amin-type who has been ousted from his "empire" in Africa and now lives in exile in France. A madman with a penchant for torture and murder, he struts about in the uniform of a 19th Century British officer and commands several mercenaries as his private army. Sullivan is hired to bring his employer, Julia Penn, the head of Ottoowa on a silver platter. Literally. Penn's sister was murdered by Ottoowa and she has been driven insane by her lust for vengeance.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 1984
829 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
John Cutter
28 books21 followersJohn Cutter is a pseudonym used by the author John Shirley.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 27, 2015
A decent action book from the 80's. Man disgusted with the world. Evil doers plagues his world. Man sets out to make things right. Your basic plot, but this is done in a much better flowing style. I have a few more books from this series, and am looking forward to reading them soon.
December 22, 2024
Sullivan gets paid to take out a crooked African warlord living in France.
This was an average action story with little to stand out from the pack other than the fact that the cover art is exactly representative of a scene in the book. He’s a killer, bad guy’s evil, there’s another guard with a past, a kidnapped girl and a big shoot out. Overall average but I’ve read far worse.
This was an average action story with little to stand out from the pack other than the fact that the cover art is exactly representative of a scene in the book. He’s a killer, bad guy’s evil, there’s another guard with a past, a kidnapped girl and a big shoot out. Overall average but I’ve read far worse.
December 17, 2017
This is a fairly well-written but still mostly by the numbers men's action-adventure offering.
Sullivan, as the title suggests, has a special talent for violence and uses rage as "fuel for the killing machine" to dish out vigilante justice to the bad guys. Since this is an 80s action series, you know what you're getting into, and John Cutter (pseudonym for John Shirley) keeps the bullets, blood, and babes coming at you in a steady fusillade of genre mandatories. Hired by a beautiful but twisted woman to bring her the head of an African dictator who tortured and killed her sister, Sullivan goes about the mission the only way 80s action heroes know how: by first bedding his boss, then bedding the pretty young lass he meets on the street, then hooking up with an old buddy who can supply him with weapons, then getting the pretty young lass captured by the evil dictator because she was foolish enough to sleep with an 80s action hero, then launching a climactic one-man-army assault on the cliff-side fortress of the evil dictator where he is forced to go to guns against the man who trained him.
In other words, there's nothing here you haven't seen before, but it does deliver exactly what fans of the genre demand. And Cutter/Shirley makes it a little extra special by writing descriptive prose that is a notch above the average action-adventure yarn. Granted, it's still not exactly Shakespearean literature--and truthfully, nobody wants Shakespeare with their pulp--but it's got a bit more style than many of the author's contemporaries.
It's a quick, action-packed, guns 'n' guts book perfect for reading on the beach or on the john or wherever you choose to enjoy your novels. Let's just cut to the chase and say that if you enjoy the action-adventure paperbacks of the 70s/80s, then you'll enjoy "A Talent for Revenge."
Sullivan, as the title suggests, has a special talent for violence and uses rage as "fuel for the killing machine" to dish out vigilante justice to the bad guys. Since this is an 80s action series, you know what you're getting into, and John Cutter (pseudonym for John Shirley) keeps the bullets, blood, and babes coming at you in a steady fusillade of genre mandatories. Hired by a beautiful but twisted woman to bring her the head of an African dictator who tortured and killed her sister, Sullivan goes about the mission the only way 80s action heroes know how: by first bedding his boss, then bedding the pretty young lass he meets on the street, then hooking up with an old buddy who can supply him with weapons, then getting the pretty young lass captured by the evil dictator because she was foolish enough to sleep with an 80s action hero, then launching a climactic one-man-army assault on the cliff-side fortress of the evil dictator where he is forced to go to guns against the man who trained him.
In other words, there's nothing here you haven't seen before, but it does deliver exactly what fans of the genre demand. And Cutter/Shirley makes it a little extra special by writing descriptive prose that is a notch above the average action-adventure yarn. Granted, it's still not exactly Shakespearean literature--and truthfully, nobody wants Shakespeare with their pulp--but it's got a bit more style than many of the author's contemporaries.
It's a quick, action-packed, guns 'n' guts book perfect for reading on the beach or on the john or wherever you choose to enjoy your novels. Let's just cut to the chase and say that if you enjoy the action-adventure paperbacks of the 70s/80s, then you'll enjoy "A Talent for Revenge."
May 11, 2020
After only a couple of dozen pages the only word I could think of to describe Sullivan was amateurish, for all his apparent experience he made so many mistakes. In fact I felt sure the author had resorted to using mistakes to try to add excitement to the plot. E.g. at one point he was searching a house having just killed the occupants when he meets another guard. He goes to shoot them only to discover he had forgotten to load his gun!!!! Things like this happen all through the book, nobody could be this incompetent and survive in this type of work.
The whole thing felt like a comic book that had been turned into a novel, or a screenplay for a bad Hollywood movie.
In the end I gave two stars, but I won't be reading anymore in the series.
The whole thing felt like a comic book that had been turned into a novel, or a screenplay for a bad Hollywood movie.
In the end I gave two stars, but I won't be reading anymore in the series.
May 29, 2021
I did not like it one bit. Have read John Cutter before and was ok with his style . Way too much violence for me.
June 23, 2021
I ended up reading two more or less identical black ops books at the same time. It's not ideal, you begin wondering where the hell the one-eyed Maltese assassin has disappeared to, before you remember that he was in the other book.
Jack Sullivan is a stone cold killer (but as is the way of this kind of novel, only of those who truly deserve it). He is skilled in all the martial arts, can kill you with a glance (ok, not quite!), and is generally quite over the top.
“A Talent for Revenge”, first in the 'Specialist' series, has all you would expect from an above average Mack Bolan novel, yet nowhere near Jack Reacher.
Women, in particular, are either for loving, avoiding or killing – with one exception women really play no part in the book.
The former African dictator Ottoowa is brought to Sullivan's attention when he is hired by one of his victims to kill him and bring her his head on a platter (mad as it seems there actually is a reason for it!). But Ottoowa is no patsy and has surrounded himself with guards, each with a deadly criminal background, including Sullivan's former mentor Hayden.
I found myself hoping that it would just end, but no it continues on and on - and then some more. It lacks that certain something that would lift it above the crowd, Maybe, for a slow reader, the relentless action would seem acceptable, but it doesn't work for me, it all began to blur.
Overall I felt that “A Talent for Revenge” was too formulaic and Sullivan is something of am enigma.
Jack Sullivan is a stone cold killer (but as is the way of this kind of novel, only of those who truly deserve it). He is skilled in all the martial arts, can kill you with a glance (ok, not quite!), and is generally quite over the top.
“A Talent for Revenge”, first in the 'Specialist' series, has all you would expect from an above average Mack Bolan novel, yet nowhere near Jack Reacher.
Women, in particular, are either for loving, avoiding or killing – with one exception women really play no part in the book.
The former African dictator Ottoowa is brought to Sullivan's attention when he is hired by one of his victims to kill him and bring her his head on a platter (mad as it seems there actually is a reason for it!). But Ottoowa is no patsy and has surrounded himself with guards, each with a deadly criminal background, including Sullivan's former mentor Hayden.
I found myself hoping that it would just end, but no it continues on and on - and then some more. It lacks that certain something that would lift it above the crowd, Maybe, for a slow reader, the relentless action would seem acceptable, but it doesn't work for me, it all began to blur.
Overall I felt that “A Talent for Revenge” was too formulaic and Sullivan is something of am enigma.
September 6, 2024
Well written, poorly published
I will begin by noting that I am a stickler for proper punctuation and formatting. This ebook failed in both. That distracts from enjoyment of a book. As for the story, it was formulaic, which is just what this sort of story should be. I found the main characters to be well-developed. I get the feeling this is not the first book of a series; the protagonist seems to have a backstory I was not aware of. But the author managed to provide enough character development to allow me to know the character. Malta is a good sidekick, and I hope to read more of him in other books. The villain was decidedly vile, and I only wish his demise had been more prolonged. This is not a great work of classic literature, and that is fine. This is a vacation book, heavy on action and light on flowery description. Just what we need once in a while.
I will begin by noting that I am a stickler for proper punctuation and formatting. This ebook failed in both. That distracts from enjoyment of a book. As for the story, it was formulaic, which is just what this sort of story should be. I found the main characters to be well-developed. I get the feeling this is not the first book of a series; the protagonist seems to have a backstory I was not aware of. But the author managed to provide enough character development to allow me to know the character. Malta is a good sidekick, and I hope to read more of him in other books. The villain was decidedly vile, and I only wish his demise had been more prolonged. This is not a great work of classic literature, and that is fine. This is a vacation book, heavy on action and light on flowery description. Just what we need once in a while.
September 5, 2025
A bit of a poor man's Jack Reacher but I enjoyed it nonetheless. An assassin who only kills people that deserve to be killed. During the chase for the main target, many more people get killed but "The Specialist" Jack Sullivan seems to be aware of who every bad guy is so he just kills them all! A lot of blood and gore; I'm fine with that. Sex scenes are poor... "I put my manhood in her womanhood..." Dear God! That lost it a star in one sentence!
As I managed to get all 11 books in one bundle for just 99p I'm invested in completing them. I'm hoping, as is usual with these series, that I'll become more invested in the main characters, Jack and Malta, as they progress. Straight onto number 2.
As I managed to get all 11 books in one bundle for just 99p I'm invested in completing them. I'm hoping, as is usual with these series, that I'll become more invested in the main characters, Jack and Malta, as they progress. Straight onto number 2.
June 26, 2021
This book while keeping you involved didn't quite hold my interest like most of the other books I have read. The characters didn't seem real and the story line seemed to be kind of cheesy. The author definitely filled the pages with a lot of blood and guts, and many character that were blood thirsty and very brutal in their actions but it was almost too much to be real. The hero of the book was like Superman, he could get out of any situation he was in with a skill that was super human, it just seemed way too unbelievable tp me. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have bloody descriptions coming fast and furious but it was too much.
April 21, 2024
If you want a sort of superhero book you might enjoy this novel.
At times, I really enjoyed the cartoonish "James Bond" action, at other times I just groaned.
Lots of action, but much of it was not realistic.
A peeve I have with Mr. Cutter's writing is that there normally is NO separation between a paragraph featuring one character and the next paragraph featuring a different character. No double spacing, asterisk, dotted lines . . . NOTHING. I never failed to find this jarring.
At times, I really enjoyed the cartoonish "James Bond" action, at other times I just groaned.
Lots of action, but much of it was not realistic.
A peeve I have with Mr. Cutter's writing is that there normally is NO separation between a paragraph featuring one character and the next paragraph featuring a different character. No double spacing, asterisk, dotted lines . . . NOTHING. I never failed to find this jarring.
March 11, 2020
Decent book
This was a pretty good read. The author should do a little research on how an engine works, and how a boat throttle operates. I do, so that part of the book was distracting. Some of the story is amateurish, hope his next project is better done. Also he writes that rage is a good thing, not sure where he got that little tidbit of wisdom...
This was a pretty good read. The author should do a little research on how an engine works, and how a boat throttle operates. I do, so that part of the book was distracting. Some of the story is amateurish, hope his next project is better done. Also he writes that rage is a good thing, not sure where he got that little tidbit of wisdom...
April 25, 2021
Riveting drama
A truly rivetting and thoroughly engrossing story of a 'master' mercenary and his fight to avenge the deaths and torture of victims of a deranged psychopathic man who set himself up as a powerful and vindictive ruler of his own little territory to the unfortunate demise of anyone who sought to oppose him. A truly powerful and explosive story.
A truly rivetting and thoroughly engrossing story of a 'master' mercenary and his fight to avenge the deaths and torture of victims of a deranged psychopathic man who set himself up as a powerful and vindictive ruler of his own little territory to the unfortunate demise of anyone who sought to oppose him. A truly powerful and explosive story.
June 5, 2024
This guy can put Jack Reacher to shame
One mercenary named Jack Sullivan chose to only kill bad individuals and he had a new target. After reading this story I would not want to be his enemy. Lots of action, intense moments, and you can’t imagine how he will bring down this enemy.
One mercenary named Jack Sullivan chose to only kill bad individuals and he had a new target. After reading this story I would not want to be his enemy. Lots of action, intense moments, and you can’t imagine how he will bring down this enemy.
May 1, 2019
Amusing
A thriller written for hormone happy teenagers who know nothing about firearms written by someone who knows less, has never been in a firefight or seen a fresh bullet wound
A thriller written for hormone happy teenagers who know nothing about firearms written by someone who knows less, has never been in a firefight or seen a fresh bullet wound
September 10, 2019
Lots of action
Could not put it down. I want to read the book in the series asap.. Cutter seems to have a good grasp of what it takes to write a non-stop adventure with solid characters.
Could not put it down. I want to read the book in the series asap.. Cutter seems to have a good grasp of what it takes to write a non-stop adventure with solid characters.
April 6, 2020
Book 1.
Not bad, high body count. Sex was a little to graphic. Not bad for a 75 year old frat stuck in the house because of the Corvid19 virus.
Time to take a break, eyes burned out. Will check my eyes lids for holes.
Not bad, high body count. Sex was a little to graphic. Not bad for a 75 year old frat stuck in the house because of the Corvid19 virus.
Time to take a break, eyes burned out. Will check my eyes lids for holes.
May 15, 2020
Great Distraction
During these times, anything that can hold my attention is a welcome distraction. The action is steady, the plot is interesting and the South of France is a good background
During these times, anything that can hold my attention is a welcome distraction. The action is steady, the plot is interesting and the South of France is a good background
July 26, 2021
I liked it a lot
Good Good action, a good theme, ridding the world of idiots wasting good breathing air, with a sense of fair play. I am looking forward to this series..Nice job
Steven
Good Good action, a good theme, ridding the world of idiots wasting good breathing air, with a sense of fair play. I am looking forward to this series..Nice job
Steven
December 1, 2022
Finished this little gem. I thought it was definitely on the same level as the Executioner books I've read so far. Great story line. Decent ending definitely a 4 1/2 *'s If you're into this kind of fiction don't pass this one up!
March 16, 2023
Graphic
This book was too graphic for me. Lots of gorey stuff. Was confusing at times, story moving along, all of a sudden subject changed. Not even a new paragraph. Liked main character, some messed up crazy folks.
This book was too graphic for me. Lots of gorey stuff. Was confusing at times, story moving along, all of a sudden subject changed. Not even a new paragraph. Liked main character, some messed up crazy folks.
July 31, 2024
The book could have used a good editor familiar with military terminology. It's distracting to see a weapon described as an MI6 (British intelligence) rather than an M16. And night vision equipment described as night viewing equipment. It detracts from the credibility of the author.
August 5, 2024
A great beginning to this series!
This was an intense, action packed, suspenseful thriller that will hook you from beginning to end. It's a definite must read book and series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, action packed, suspenseful thriller that will hook you from beginning to end. It's a definite must read book and series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
April 21, 2019
Fast action
Good story line about a mercenary/ vigilante with a fanatical requirement that he will only kill people who are truly evil. Fast pace throughout.
Good story line about a mercenary/ vigilante with a fanatical requirement that he will only kill people who are truly evil. Fast pace throughout.
November 11, 2019
Plenty of action
If you like plenty of twists,action and one man against all. This the series for you. Looking forward to the next book.
If you like plenty of twists,action and one man against all. This the series for you. Looking forward to the next book.
January 31, 2020
Great read.
Star rating is four stars. The specialist series is off to a great start. I hope to read them all. Keep them coming! Thanks for all your hard work
Star rating is four stars. The specialist series is off to a great start. I hope to read them all. Keep them coming! Thanks for all your hard work
May 10, 2020
Good book
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
Read all of the books in order to really enjoy. Storyline continues to grow and develop. Characters are realistic and get better and better.
May 19, 2020
Gave up after first 40 pages (font size 4) of unreadable unbelievable rubbish- even for free and with loads of time in lockdown it is not worth the effort
June 14, 2020
First time
This is the first time I have read this author and must say it was really quite good. Fast paced and you'll really like the main character.
This is the first time I have read this author and must say it was really quite good. Fast paced and you'll really like the main character.
April 17, 2021
My review
Really good story. The story kept my interest from page one through to the end. I will look forward to reading more.
Really good story. The story kept my interest from page one through to the end. I will look forward to reading more.
April 21, 2021
Good story with lots of action, guns and gore but the writer really should study up on mechanics. Boats don't change gear or stop working because spark plugs have gone rusty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews