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Zero Mercy
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 29, 2026
A thriller with suspense and action as a red thread through the story!
This first book builds up a very strong story that will no doubt continue even stronger in the next installment.
Intriguing characters, a nail biting tension… everything you would expect from a thriller!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This first book builds up a very strong story that will no doubt continue even stronger in the next installment.
Intriguing characters, a nail biting tension… everything you would expect from a thriller!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2026
This is a new author for me. WOW this book was a pure adrenaline rush through and through. I could not turn those pages fast enough. I stayed up way later than I should just so I could finish it. Can’t wait for the next adventure. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 25, 2026
Thanks to Inkubator books and Netgalley for this eARC.
Zero Mercy by E.S. Hobbs (Aiden McCrae Action Thriller — Book 1)
Zero Mercy is a punch‑to‑the‑ribs kind of thriller—the kind that opens fast, hits hard, and never once pretends it’s here to play nice. E.S. Hobbs introduces Aiden McCrae with the confidence of an author who knows exactly what kind of hero they’re building: a man shaped by violence, sharpened by betrayal, and propelled by a moral code that’s equal parts steel and scar tissue.
🔥 Aiden McCrae: A Weapon With a Conscience
What makes McCrae compelling isn’t just his skill set—it’s the tension between who he was trained to be and who he refuses to become. Hobbs gives him a past that feels heavy without drowning the narrative, and a present that demands constant recalibration. He’s lethal, yes, but he’s also strategic, introspective, and painfully aware of the cost of every choice he makes.
This isn’t a cardboard action hero; he’s a man trying to outrun the ghosts that taught him how to survive.
🎯 Hobbs writes action with clarity and intent. Every fight, chase, and tactical maneuver serves the story rather than padding it. The pacing is relentless but controlled—tight chapters, escalating stakes, and a sense that danger is always half a step behind McCrae.
The violence is gritty without being gratuitous, and the tension comes as much from psychological pressure as from bullets and blades.
🧩 The plot centers on a threat that’s both global in scale yet intimately tied to McCrae’s past. Hobbs threads political intrigue, covert operations, and personal vendettas into a narrative that feels cohesive rather than cluttered.
The villains are more than faceless antagonists—they’re part of the world that built McCrae, and that makes every confrontation feel like a reckoning.
⚡ Why This Thriller Works
- A protagonist with depth rather than a generic action template
- High‑stakes pacing that never sacrifices clarity
- A conspiracy with emotional weight
- A writing style that balances grit with precision, keeping the tension taut from start to finish
Zero Mercy is a fierce, tightly engineered action thriller that introduces Aiden McCrae with authority. It’s the kind of series starter that feels like the opening salvo of something bigger—an origin story wrapped in adrenaline, moral conflict, and the promise of even darker battles ahead.
Perfect for readers who crave character‑driven action, tactical realism, and heroes who bleed for what they believe in.
Zero Mercy by E.S. Hobbs (Aiden McCrae Action Thriller — Book 1)
Zero Mercy is a punch‑to‑the‑ribs kind of thriller—the kind that opens fast, hits hard, and never once pretends it’s here to play nice. E.S. Hobbs introduces Aiden McCrae with the confidence of an author who knows exactly what kind of hero they’re building: a man shaped by violence, sharpened by betrayal, and propelled by a moral code that’s equal parts steel and scar tissue.
🔥 Aiden McCrae: A Weapon With a Conscience
What makes McCrae compelling isn’t just his skill set—it’s the tension between who he was trained to be and who he refuses to become. Hobbs gives him a past that feels heavy without drowning the narrative, and a present that demands constant recalibration. He’s lethal, yes, but he’s also strategic, introspective, and painfully aware of the cost of every choice he makes.
This isn’t a cardboard action hero; he’s a man trying to outrun the ghosts that taught him how to survive.
🎯 Hobbs writes action with clarity and intent. Every fight, chase, and tactical maneuver serves the story rather than padding it. The pacing is relentless but controlled—tight chapters, escalating stakes, and a sense that danger is always half a step behind McCrae.
The violence is gritty without being gratuitous, and the tension comes as much from psychological pressure as from bullets and blades.
🧩 The plot centers on a threat that’s both global in scale yet intimately tied to McCrae’s past. Hobbs threads political intrigue, covert operations, and personal vendettas into a narrative that feels cohesive rather than cluttered.
The villains are more than faceless antagonists—they’re part of the world that built McCrae, and that makes every confrontation feel like a reckoning.
⚡ Why This Thriller Works
- A protagonist with depth rather than a generic action template
- High‑stakes pacing that never sacrifices clarity
- A conspiracy with emotional weight
- A writing style that balances grit with precision, keeping the tension taut from start to finish
Zero Mercy is a fierce, tightly engineered action thriller that introduces Aiden McCrae with authority. It’s the kind of series starter that feels like the opening salvo of something bigger—an origin story wrapped in adrenaline, moral conflict, and the promise of even darker battles ahead.
Perfect for readers who crave character‑driven action, tactical realism, and heroes who bleed for what they believe in.
June 8, 2026
Here is my review for Zero Mercy by E S Hobbs
I absolutely loved this pacy action packed Aiden McCrae thriller which is book one of a new series, I hope. Aiden McCrae had been in Stateville Correctional for three years when dying Judge Lambert came to him with a proposal to strike back at the Commission, a big organisation who he used to work for and they ruined his life. She wanted evidence that linked the Commission to eight bodies found dissolving in a toxic spill outside Chicago. McCrae uses his investigative talents to his full potential and soon finds out what he needs to know. He follows the trail that leads him to defy the Judges orders but to mete out what he is good at and deliver his own brand of justice with a bit of help.
This was a superbly written action packed story that introduced us to Aiden McCrae who was a top notch enforcer and hard to beat. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline which was right up my street and very vividly described throughout. The story was brilliantly plotted and extremely well thought out. The characters were interesting, very well described and seemed very realistic. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The action scenes were very well described by the author. I was drawn to read this book by the synopsis and I was not disappointed by the story. I was hooked right from the very start of the book and I found it to be a fast, gripping read. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
Blurb :
Three years in prison. One chance for revenge. Zero mercy.
Aiden McCrae was the Commission’s most feared enforcer—until the day he refused to kill an innocent man.
For disobeying the order, he was framed for murder and sent to rot in Stateville Correctional.
Now three years into a life sentence, a dying judge has offered him a chance to strike back at the organization that destroyed his life.
Granted a limited, off-the-books release, McCrae must find out if the Commission is linked to eight bodies found dissolving in a toxic spill outside Chicago.
What he discovers is a lethal conspiracy built to exploit a dying town’s most vulnerable community.
With his release about to expire, McCrae faces a brutal choice: play by the rules of a corrupt system designed to protect the guilty—or deliver his own unique brand of justice.
Zero Mercy – book 1 of the stunning Aiden McCrae action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.
Previously published as Grave Cargo
I absolutely loved this pacy action packed Aiden McCrae thriller which is book one of a new series, I hope. Aiden McCrae had been in Stateville Correctional for three years when dying Judge Lambert came to him with a proposal to strike back at the Commission, a big organisation who he used to work for and they ruined his life. She wanted evidence that linked the Commission to eight bodies found dissolving in a toxic spill outside Chicago. McCrae uses his investigative talents to his full potential and soon finds out what he needs to know. He follows the trail that leads him to defy the Judges orders but to mete out what he is good at and deliver his own brand of justice with a bit of help.
This was a superbly written action packed story that introduced us to Aiden McCrae who was a top notch enforcer and hard to beat. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline which was right up my street and very vividly described throughout. The story was brilliantly plotted and extremely well thought out. The characters were interesting, very well described and seemed very realistic. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The action scenes were very well described by the author. I was drawn to read this book by the synopsis and I was not disappointed by the story. I was hooked right from the very start of the book and I found it to be a fast, gripping read. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
Blurb :
Three years in prison. One chance for revenge. Zero mercy.
Aiden McCrae was the Commission’s most feared enforcer—until the day he refused to kill an innocent man.
For disobeying the order, he was framed for murder and sent to rot in Stateville Correctional.
Now three years into a life sentence, a dying judge has offered him a chance to strike back at the organization that destroyed his life.
Granted a limited, off-the-books release, McCrae must find out if the Commission is linked to eight bodies found dissolving in a toxic spill outside Chicago.
What he discovers is a lethal conspiracy built to exploit a dying town’s most vulnerable community.
With his release about to expire, McCrae faces a brutal choice: play by the rules of a corrupt system designed to protect the guilty—or deliver his own unique brand of justice.
Zero Mercy – book 1 of the stunning Aiden McCrae action thriller series. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Jason Kasper and David Archer.
Previously published as Grave Cargo
June 14, 2026
REVIEW- 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
I was committed to the book as soon as I read the synopsis. I love watching movies in this genre so it's not a surprise that I liked it. A rogue soldier who decided to go against his organisation rules, get punished for it, and decided to right what was wrong. The book stayed true to its genre from the first word. It was packed with suspense and action.
I liked how the author intertwined real-life politics with fiction. It was fitting. I liked how the Commission was written. Only the tip of the iceberg was shown, and I can't wait to read and uncover more!
CHARACTERS:
The main character, Aiden Mcrae, was phenomenal. He was so Jason Statham-ish, and it was so cool! I liked how comittee he was to doing the right thing and his amazing strength and fighting techniques. I can't wait to see him again!
Rosa Delgado, the immigration lawyer, was amazing, too. I liked her strength.
WRITING STYLE:
It was well described. The fight scenes were so good, and it felt like I was there with him.
SETTINGS: The small town, Riveton, was well described. The prison, motel, and everything else.
OVERALL:
This was a very book. I couldn't stop as soon as I started. There was no drama, and it was an easy, fast read. I liked everything about it, and I'm so eager for the next book in the series and more of Auden!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
I was committed to the book as soon as I read the synopsis. I love watching movies in this genre so it's not a surprise that I liked it. A rogue soldier who decided to go against his organisation rules, get punished for it, and decided to right what was wrong. The book stayed true to its genre from the first word. It was packed with suspense and action.
I liked how the author intertwined real-life politics with fiction. It was fitting. I liked how the Commission was written. Only the tip of the iceberg was shown, and I can't wait to read and uncover more!
CHARACTERS:
The main character, Aiden Mcrae, was phenomenal. He was so Jason Statham-ish, and it was so cool! I liked how comittee he was to doing the right thing and his amazing strength and fighting techniques. I can't wait to see him again!
Rosa Delgado, the immigration lawyer, was amazing, too. I liked her strength.
WRITING STYLE:
It was well described. The fight scenes were so good, and it felt like I was there with him.
SETTINGS: The small town, Riveton, was well described. The prison, motel, and everything else.
OVERALL:
This was a very book. I couldn't stop as soon as I started. There was no drama, and it was an easy, fast read. I liked everything about it, and I'm so eager for the next book in the series and more of Auden!
June 1, 2026
Now I know this book sounded good but I was not expecting it to be the kind of story that when you pick it up, you can’t put it down until you’ve devoured the final page. But that’s exactly what happened.
Three years into a life sentence in prison, Aiden McCrae is offered one chance to temporarily leave his confines, seek out and destroy those responsible for blowing his life to pieces. Originally ordered to find out if a shadowy group called the mission are responsible for the murders, when events quickly escalate, McCrae does the only thing he can do and is trained to do. Fight back. This book is the definition of a breakneck, action packed read. Plenty of fights, which at times I have to admit, did make me wince. A lot. Aiden is a great character, both ruthless and determined, but also carries many regrets about his former life, which made him feel very relatable. There’s some great tension which had me hooked and kept me there as I raced through the pages. And while are a couple of quite tender moments, there’s also some truly horrific moments when I found out the truth about the murders. I couldn’t put this book down until I’d finished its fantastic climax.
Zero Mercy is an awesome, and for me, a quick, read and I truly hope that E.S. Hobbs is planning on unleashing McCrae back onto the world again soon.
Three years into a life sentence in prison, Aiden McCrae is offered one chance to temporarily leave his confines, seek out and destroy those responsible for blowing his life to pieces. Originally ordered to find out if a shadowy group called the mission are responsible for the murders, when events quickly escalate, McCrae does the only thing he can do and is trained to do. Fight back. This book is the definition of a breakneck, action packed read. Plenty of fights, which at times I have to admit, did make me wince. A lot. Aiden is a great character, both ruthless and determined, but also carries many regrets about his former life, which made him feel very relatable. There’s some great tension which had me hooked and kept me there as I raced through the pages. And while are a couple of quite tender moments, there’s also some truly horrific moments when I found out the truth about the murders. I couldn’t put this book down until I’d finished its fantastic climax.
Zero Mercy is an awesome, and for me, a quick, read and I truly hope that E.S. Hobbs is planning on unleashing McCrae back onto the world again soon.
June 1, 2026
3.5 ✨ - and a book I would recommend if action is your thing!
This is a gritty, action-packed thriller that follows McCrae as he investigates a disturbing conspiracy involving exploitation, corruption and a community that has been ignored for far too long.
One of the highlights for me was Rosa. Determined, passionate and fiercely protective of her community, she refuses to accept the explanations she's being given and is determined to uncover the truth. I really enjoyed the dynamic between her and McCrae, especially the banter between them.
The story tackles some dark themes and the stakes feel high throughout. There was always something happening that made me want to keep reading and find out what was really going on.
What surprised me most was how cinematic it felt. I could easily imagine this as a film or TV series, with its larger-than-life characters, action scenes and twists along the way.
While this isn't a genre I pick up very often, I found myself invested in the action and eager to see how everything would play out. It also feels very much like the start of a series, leaving plenty of room for McCrae's story to continue.
This is a gritty, action-packed thriller that follows McCrae as he investigates a disturbing conspiracy involving exploitation, corruption and a community that has been ignored for far too long.
One of the highlights for me was Rosa. Determined, passionate and fiercely protective of her community, she refuses to accept the explanations she's being given and is determined to uncover the truth. I really enjoyed the dynamic between her and McCrae, especially the banter between them.
The story tackles some dark themes and the stakes feel high throughout. There was always something happening that made me want to keep reading and find out what was really going on.
What surprised me most was how cinematic it felt. I could easily imagine this as a film or TV series, with its larger-than-life characters, action scenes and twists along the way.
While this isn't a genre I pick up very often, I found myself invested in the action and eager to see how everything would play out. It also feels very much like the start of a series, leaving plenty of room for McCrae's story to continue.
June 13, 2026
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with McCrae on an assignment for "The Commission" where he is to kill someone and also that person's son. He refused and as a result the two were killed and he was framed and sentenced to life in prison. Later an incident happened where a truck carrying industrial waste got into an accident and bodies were discovered and the drive fled. The driver was discovered dead and believed it was suicide. McCrae later got a visit from the judge who sentenced him to ask him for his help to find out what was going on. McCrae wound up going to Riveton to look into what was happening. While in Riveton he met Rosa who was helping residents regarding what happened to those people taken by ICE. After visiting ICE they discovered that someone else was taking the people.
Read along and discover what was going on behind the scenes, what information McCrae discovered, who wound up assisting McCrae when Rosa and other young women were taken. The ending is exciting and well done.
This definitely worth the read, don't miss out!
This story begins with McCrae on an assignment for "The Commission" where he is to kill someone and also that person's son. He refused and as a result the two were killed and he was framed and sentenced to life in prison. Later an incident happened where a truck carrying industrial waste got into an accident and bodies were discovered and the drive fled. The driver was discovered dead and believed it was suicide. McCrae later got a visit from the judge who sentenced him to ask him for his help to find out what was going on. McCrae wound up going to Riveton to look into what was happening. While in Riveton he met Rosa who was helping residents regarding what happened to those people taken by ICE. After visiting ICE they discovered that someone else was taking the people.
Read along and discover what was going on behind the scenes, what information McCrae discovered, who wound up assisting McCrae when Rosa and other young women were taken. The ending is exciting and well done.
This definitely worth the read, don't miss out!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Aiden McCrae is in prison after a job he was involved in turns out to be not what he expected so when he decides to not continue with it, he is framed instead. A judge offers him a way out when there's a toxic spill which also contains human remains but things escalate from his initial purview when he realises people are impersonating immigration agents and their actions are tied to the brutal discoveries.
I found this fascinating especially with the secretive and devious group known as The Commission, Aiden's former employer. It's more interesting when one of the fake agents is another employee of the Commission and when both men recognise each other, Aiden's life even more in danger. It's a short enough read but it fully action-packed and I raced through it. This is a really good start to a series and I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found this fascinating especially with the secretive and devious group known as The Commission, Aiden's former employer. It's more interesting when one of the fake agents is another employee of the Commission and when both men recognise each other, Aiden's life even more in danger. It's a short enough read but it fully action-packed and I raced through it. This is a really good start to a series and I look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had the privilege of previewing this new E.S. Hobbs series via NetGalley. What is curious is, this book appears to have been released previously under a different title (Grave Cargo) which is no longer available on Amazon. That said, it has an interesting premise - the protagonist, who developed a conscious late in his career as a shadowy group's enforcer, is given a chance at redemption by working to bring down this same group.
There's lots of action, some nail-biting moments, and plenty of what you expect in a thriller where there are more shades of grey than black-and-white when it comes to both the story and characters involved.
This looks like a promising start to the series, so I'll look forward to see where Hobbs takes Aiden McCrae next.
There's lots of action, some nail-biting moments, and plenty of what you expect in a thriller where there are more shades of grey than black-and-white when it comes to both the story and characters involved.
This looks like a promising start to the series, so I'll look forward to see where Hobbs takes Aiden McCrae next.
May 26, 2026
The prologue and Chapter 1 had me hooked. The central theme is a conspiracy, and I did not guess what would happen. The pacing and writing kept me engaged. This was a bingeable read, and I needed to know what would happen next.
The book is action-packed, and there are some violent scenes. At times, it requires some suspension of disbelief, but this did not affect my enjoyment.
The epilogue was a great way to end the book. I’m looking forward to reading future books in this series.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Inkubator Books, and the author E.S. Hobbs, for early access. All opinions are my own ***
The book is action-packed, and there are some violent scenes. At times, it requires some suspension of disbelief, but this did not affect my enjoyment.
The epilogue was a great way to end the book. I’m looking forward to reading future books in this series.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Inkubator Books, and the author E.S. Hobbs, for early access. All opinions are my own ***
June 4, 2026
Definitely recommend.
Zero Mercy by E.S Hobbs.
Aiden McCrae thrillers book 1.
Omg. what a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I loved McCrae. I even liked Lambert, Rosa, and Dolan. This was fast paced. Lots of action throughout this book. What a start to a series. I honestly couldn't put it down. I listened to this book on kindle unlimited. In one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next book. This is a must read.
Zero Mercy by E.S Hobbs.
Aiden McCrae thrillers book 1.
Omg. what a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I loved McCrae. I even liked Lambert, Rosa, and Dolan. This was fast paced. Lots of action throughout this book. What a start to a series. I honestly couldn't put it down. I listened to this book on kindle unlimited. In one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next book. This is a must read.
May 27, 2026
McCrae was framed for a crime he didn't commit and was given life in prison until a judge let him out temporarily to help with a big problem of finding out who's responsible for 8 dead bodies found dissolving in a toxic spill. The constant action is thrilling there's never a dull moment anywhere in this book the discoveries are the edge of your seat kind. This author is so worth every moment you spend reading his book.
June 6, 2026
I loved this read, the tension and suspense was so good, non stop action. Book 1 in the Aidan McCrae thriller series and it’s left me hungry for book 2.
McCrae a killer but one with rules, set up and locked up but then given a chance for revenge - yes please I’m all in!
Great characters some pretty shady but they are well developed and actually topics covered that do really get you thinking.
Such a great read - loved it!!
McCrae a killer but one with rules, set up and locked up but then given a chance for revenge - yes please I’m all in!
Great characters some pretty shady but they are well developed and actually topics covered that do really get you thinking.
Such a great read - loved it!!
May 27, 2026
Zero Mercy is a fast-paced thriller with plenty of action, tension, and surprises along the way. The story kept me engaged from the beginning. If you enjoy suspense, danger, and characters who are pushed to their limits, this is a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
This is my first time reading this author and I was blown away! It started off fast and never slowed down the entire time. I stayed up way late to finish reading. The characters were amazing and a great thriller plot for sure.
May 30, 2026
Absolutely terrible. Quit 100 pages in. Maybe the worst book I never finished. Thankful that it was free.
June 2, 2026
Good read
June 3, 2026
Zero Mercy is a fantastic start to a new action thriller series!
It’s a American-style thriller that is super fast-paced, high-stakes, and it kept me on my toes. As a heads-up/trigger warning, it’s quite gory with the fights, and there’s a lot of military and gun jargon, but , the story is so good and I was brought into the story right away!
The concept is brilliant. The MMC, Aiden McCrae was the Commission’s top enforcer until he refused to kill an innocent person, got framed, and ended up in prison.
A judge lets him out for one week to investigate a conspiracy involving organisations like ICE when eight bodies are found in a toxic spill.
There's also a plotline about forced slave labour that was super interesting and actually made me think about how things like that can sadly happen in the real world.
The characters are great, too. I loved Rosa, she is so sassy and works hard to protect her community from discrimination.
Aiden is a morally grey hero who pushes Rosa away to protect her, but I’m crossing my fingers she’s back in book two to help him realise he’s not a bad guy, just someone trying to stop a corrupt system.
There were some great lines such as "Even a weapon forged in darkness could bring some light into this world."
I loved how the ending shifts to the POV of the Commission's leader, after the chaos and drama that Aiden caused was so interesting!
I highly recommend thisf if you love a fast, gritty read, and I can’t wait for the next book about Aiden!
It’s a American-style thriller that is super fast-paced, high-stakes, and it kept me on my toes. As a heads-up/trigger warning, it’s quite gory with the fights, and there’s a lot of military and gun jargon, but , the story is so good and I was brought into the story right away!
The concept is brilliant. The MMC, Aiden McCrae was the Commission’s top enforcer until he refused to kill an innocent person, got framed, and ended up in prison.
A judge lets him out for one week to investigate a conspiracy involving organisations like ICE when eight bodies are found in a toxic spill.
There's also a plotline about forced slave labour that was super interesting and actually made me think about how things like that can sadly happen in the real world.
The characters are great, too. I loved Rosa, she is so sassy and works hard to protect her community from discrimination.
Aiden is a morally grey hero who pushes Rosa away to protect her, but I’m crossing my fingers she’s back in book two to help him realise he’s not a bad guy, just someone trying to stop a corrupt system.
There were some great lines such as "Even a weapon forged in darkness could bring some light into this world."
I loved how the ending shifts to the POV of the Commission's leader, after the chaos and drama that Aiden caused was so interesting!
I highly recommend thisf if you love a fast, gritty read, and I can’t wait for the next book about Aiden!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews