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Kade Sims #1

Measure of Danger

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Kade Sims was a successful army intelligence officer until his hypomania disorder and impulsive behavior resulted in his discharge. Forced to adapt to a sedate civilian existence, he’d all but given up on a life of service. That is, until opportunity—and an FBI agent—knocks on his door.

The FBI believes Kade’s unique talents make him their best candidate to infiltrate AgriteX, an agricultural biotech company suspected of involvement in organized crime. Kade jumps at the chance to redeem himself and serve his country again. But he soon learns that AgriteX is invested in far more threatening pursuits—the company is secretly funding The Chapter, a high-tech militia plotting a savage attack on the United States.

Can Kade stop The Chapter before it’s too late? And now that he’s on the inside, will he ever escape their shadowy network?

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2013

34 people are currently reading
617 people want to read

About the author

Jay Klages

3 books37 followers
Jay Klages is a former military intelligence officer and West Point graduate who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. His debut work, Measure of Danger, was an Amazon bestselling technothriller that garnered numerous editorial reviews and award accolades. Jay loves reading thrillers, sci-fi, and horror, and if he’s not on a hiking trail, he’s probably still searching for the perfect taco, lager, and espresso.


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5 stars
57 (37%)
4 stars
56 (37%)
3 stars
28 (18%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
36 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2014
You're not in "Danger" of being bored with this book! @badwordplay

Thrillers can sometimes be a mixed bag. Sometimes they can have a great opening, and get you sucked in, but lose the plot in the middle, only to pull everything back together at the end, for a serviceable ending. Probably because, as a writer, the first things you figure out are the begining and end, and spend the rest of the time creating the road between the two.

I'm happy to say, this is not one of those books.

When The FBI realizes that The Chapter (think Illuminati, but real in this world) has infiltrated the entire government, they enlist the only person that is capable of handling the job: Kade Sims, a former Army intelligence operative that was kicked out for out-of-control behavior, who is now working at Home Depot. I'm sure you're thinking, "Wait, they should get LITERALLY ANYONE ELSE to do this!" Well, that's why you're not the FBI Boss, because he immediately gets captured by The Chapter, and brought in much further than anyone wanted. Wait....

This is a very well paced thriller, that is just as exhilirating in chapter 1, 38, and 77. And yes, I looked up how many chapters this book had, and it took me way too long to figure out the middle chapter... There were a lot of comparisons in the other reviews to Jack Ryan, and that is a fairly apt comparison, except that Kade is a little bit of a screw up. But it totally works in this book, and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Julie.
937 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2018
This was a well written espionage book. I'm guessing in the style of Jack Reacher series (I don't read much govt espionage). This book had a lot of action going on and some amazing situations, so for those reasons I recommend it!
Personally there were many many characters to try to figure out, all of them were last name only. Plus there were so many agencies involved - evil corporation, FBI, DEA, cartels, Government officials (congress and above) - So you decide if this book is for you.
I love a good suspense thriller, but this one was a lot of work to get through. Although I did finish it, had to find out it all ended!
Profile Image for Jan Heart.
32 reviews
August 17, 2014
Just finished Measure of Danger and a pretty intense read it was – and brilliant! In Kade Sims, Jay Kages has created a convincing, realistic hero with a strong ethical streak and real self-doubts and fears. He’s educated, smart and a good-guy, but his life is not looking good after an honorable discharge from the army where he worked as in intelligence analyst, respected and successful but having problems and getting into trouble off-duty due to his hypermania disorder. The latter brings him to the attention of the FBI looking for an someone to take part in an operation concerning national security – he needs to infiltrate The Chapter an evolving militia movement and perceived potential threat and find out what’s being planned. The story unravels, fast paced, but detailed, so there’s no skimming or you miss something important! New developments unfold, unexpected and rich in detail which kept me glued. The Chapter, it’s set up and it’s leadership, in particular Marshall Owens are also fully developed, so the novel isn’t only Kade’s story, but we learn about Owens and his background too – impressively done and again the familiar level of detail works for me.

When I read that this book was a ‘techno-thriller’ I wasn’t clear what that meant – it could have meant lots of technology, computer-speak, gadgets and the like which doesn’t really do it for me – I want to understand the characters and what makes them tick. But it’s not about gadgets and the technology is scarily relevant to the plot and characters themselves and how Owens controls those under his command. Excellent and original.

Jay Klages has a great future as an author if this is what he’s capable of and we’ll be seeing Kade Sims again very soon I hope!

62 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2014
I have never heard of this book or this author, so my expectations were not high. However, in the forums that I participated in, they kept recommending this book over and over. Finally, I decided to give this book a try. I am very glad I did. A powerful secret organization has subverted every level of the United States government. No one knows who the enemy within the government is.

Kade Sims is living a meager live. When the FBI comes around and asks him to go undercover to assist them in finding the sources of the problems, Kade is eager to please. The writing style of the author is great for telling this story. What I mean is that he gives crumbs of bread just enough for the reader to get the idea but never spilling the beans. I really enjoyed this great read.
Profile Image for Conrad Taylor.
Author 4 books7 followers
October 16, 2014
I enjoyed reading this well-paced book! The author, Jay Klages, has a flair for drama. He cleverly weaves tidbits of science, technology, engineering, and math in creating an intriguing story about the human spirit. He shows that aspect in its many varied forms, as he takes readers into the dangerous world of intelligence gathering. Klages skillfully takes us into the shadows, where good and bad coexist in suspenseful tension – sometimes in the same person. Kade Sims, the book’s main character, is an example. Sims and his many flaws make him the perfect person for a challenging national security assignment.

Though Measure of Danger is a work of fiction, it informs and enlightens on a variety of important human interest matters. The book engaged me from beginning to end.
171 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2015
Wow! Thrilling from beginning to the end. A army intelligence offer is sent undercover to infiltrate a group called Agrite X. He is sent to get information and proof of their plans and get out. But when he goes to join ........... Everyone who joins gets implanted with a chip. He is not only trying to survive the group but the cartel that is after Agrite X. All hell is about to break loose and he must get a message to the outside to save the USA.
Profile Image for Diane.
Author 3 books47 followers
August 13, 2016
Measure of Danger centers around one Kade Sims, who has been recruited by the FBI to gather evidence of organized crime involvement in an Oregon biotech company. Seems like a straightforward assignment: the only problem is, he uncovers much more than expected in the evidence of not just crime but a large militia force set to unleash a terrorist attack of unparalleled proportions upon the nation.

This is no ordinary discovery and it's no ordinary task for Kade, who now must make some dangerous decisions affecting not just a singular investigation, but the nation's fate under fire.

And just why is the action and scenario so convincing? That's because author Jay Klages is a former military intelligence officer - and it translates well here, with chapters offering precise and realistic insights into intelligence operations and processes.

Personally, this reviewer favors thrillers that revolve around technological threats. There's something about the form, function and use of high-tech possibilities for either good or evil purposes that is an intrinsic 'draw' for any interested in the integration of technology and political (or criminal) objectives.

It's all laid out well here, with Measure of Danger elevating a realistic threats and scenarios to new levels of believability; all this bonded together by Kade's own motivations and the second chance he receives to serve his country by joining an FBI operation.

It's not all nonstop action: Klages does a good job of cementing character personalities and integrating a sense of place into his bigger picture: "The steaming mug warmed Owens' thick hands while he gazed out the blurry window into darkness. There was no stunning view of the river at this hour, but he still enjoyed looking out into the black void sprinkled with dockside lights and listening to the sounds of the storm. With each wind gust, the century-old Sitka spruce and cedar building whistled, swayed, and popped. For Owens, it was like a favorite song reminding him of what his Chinook ancestors endured in this region hundreds of years ago."

They may seem like little details, or little breaks in the action-packed story; but these interludes lend the perfect feel of environment and motivation to the overall story and help make for a juicy plot where various protagonists interact, dialogue between them reveals motivations and personalities, and where readers come to appreciate a sense of place and purpose that makes them actually care about the drama unfolding.

This caring factor can't be forced: it can only be built with carefully-constructed chapters hinging not just on nonstop action, but on building connections between reader and thriller.

When faced with the specter of a battle, Kade realizes he's in the heart of a viper's nest with no way out and must call upon all his resources to save not only himself, but the world: "He thought about his escape plan again, went over the scenarios in his head. Making a move tonight was out of the question since there was now a planned after-dinner activity. He brainstormed if there was anything he could do to further support his plan and create a better chance for success. Could he cause an additional disruption or distraction while he attempted to escape? While he stared at the computer screen further, he thought, yes, maybe I can do something. Maybe some simple cyber warfare is in order."

The result is nothing short of spellbinding: well before the halfway point readers are immersed in Kade's discoveries, dilemmas, and uncertainties. The surprise ending is a hammer just waiting to fall - but not before Kade finds his options have changed.

Strong characterization, a sense of place and purpose, and an evolving technological threat together make Measure of Danger a strong recommendation for any reader of high-technology thrillers; especially prior fans of Tom Clancy, Jack Higgins, Robin Cook and others writing in this vein.
Profile Image for Terry.
10 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2015
Measure of Danger by Jay Klages
This was a fun read. A plot involving an extreme political organisation, drug cartels, the FBI, state of the art technology and a likable hero; what more could one want. Reading the authors notes, it appears he did quite a lot of research and his description of the FBI operations seemed very authentic. Implausible situations, lots of loose ends and the plight of some characters, including one of the main villains, plus the author’s notes at the end, indicated a sequel is on the way. Not a bad thing, I’ll read it!
Would I have this as part of our study curriculum? No, but I would have it in our school library.
I believe passionately in encouraging young people to read and this story is an easy fun read, as I said. It has action and moves at a fast pace, which I think would appeal to my teenage boys in particular.
I rate this story three and half stars
Read on 6th June 2015
Profile Image for Jacqui.
293 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2015
A very well written novel with believable characters and a storyline that goes slightly beyond the realm of everyday spy thrillers.
Kade Sims is a former army intelligence officer currently living a civilian life who, due to certain disorders, is tasked by the FBI to assist them in penetrating the secrets of AgriteX, a company hiding behind legitimate environmental biotech walls. He soon discovers that infiltrating the company may be harder than at first glance, and that all is not as it seems. What exactly is The Chapter and what is on their agenda?
A good mix of spy thriller with action, a dose of terrorism and cartel warfare and some futuristic cyber programming. Thoroughly entertaining and keeps the momentum going throughout.
Profile Image for Teresa.
27 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2014
Ex-army intelligence officer, Kade Sims, has a dead-end job at Home Depot and he finds himself at a dead end in life when the FBI comes knocking on his door to go undercover to infiltrate a quasi militia group called The Chapter. Sims finds himself in the middle of danger as he is captured by The Chapter and continues to get himself into trouble. Instead of Kade getting in and out of this job he was trained to do he keeps getting further and further in. The intensity I felt while reading about Sims’ adventures was extraordinary. The way Klages writes in promising of his career in suspense novels!
56 reviews
May 20, 2015
A must-read for even the most discerning of thriller fans. Unlike many first novels, the author weaves a very tight storyline and maintains a steady, engaging pace through to the end. Kade Sims is a believable hero with real talents and flaws, making him someone you can root for without having to put him in situations requiring super-human feats. I definitely look forward to reading more.
3 reviews
November 9, 2013
Great book with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I love it when an author can keep me guessing on what's coming next and make me want to know more about each of the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where Kade Sims' story leads.
65 reviews5 followers
July 2, 2015
This was ma goodreads giveaway. If this was the first book for the author I can't wait for the next one. The book is well written, characters are easy to follow and the premise of the book is very believable. This is a must read.
Profile Image for Robert Enzenauer.
510 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2020
I am so glad that this author was recommended to me by a fellow veteran-author Rick Stefanis. I am old enough that I still like a book in my hands, so I ordered the paperback edition. Klages is an expert story-teller and this author’s experience as a military intelligence officer is very helpful in his development of the novel. his is an excellent techno-thriller with an incredible protagonist, Kade Sims. He is an ex-military guy, who is of course flawed with his own share of personal problems, he is recruited by the FBI to infiltrate a group and gather info. This book is very fast paced and moved very fast. Once you start this book it is very hard to put down. Lots of plot twists and turns. He is unceremoniously dumped from the Army because of what was diagnosed as hypomania. The book is a great combination of technology, military intelligence, governmental operations, Good guys, bad guys, and terrorists. This book and plot could be the headlines of next week’s newspaper. I definitely would encourage Jay Klages to continue with this character, since that appear to be many more options in the future.
Profile Image for Jay Klages.
Author 3 books37 followers
August 27, 2016
READERS' FAVORITE SILVER MEDAL WINNER - THRILLER

READERS' FAVORITE REVIEW (5 Stars):

Measure of Danger: A Kade Sims Novel by Jay Klages is a thriller revolving around a young former intelligence officer, Kade Sims. Kade Sims finds himself removed from his job because of a behavior termed hypomania. Sitting at home he is bored, but at that time the FBI approaches him and asks him to go as an undercover agent to find out about The Chapter, a mysterious quasi-militia group. Kade finds himself on a different road altogether. What looked like an easy task is not as easy as he thought it would be. When his Jeep meets with an accident, he finds himself waking up in The Chapter's compound, strapped to a bed. His hypomania works to his advantage here because it helps him to resist the mind control methods of the brutal soldiers of The Chapter. He finds a way to connect with the FBI, his family and roommate. Will Kade be able to survive this assignment with mind and body intact or will there be no escaping from this network of The Chapter?

The plot will keep readers riveted with lots of twists, turns, action and thrills. The portrayal of Kade Sims is done well; he is just like any other guy and not the typical slick super hero. The sub plots have been woven into the main plot fluidly. It is a great book for those who are interested in reading action based stories. The plot comes up with a lot of surprises and spins that will enthrall readers.
Profile Image for Wdmoor.
710 reviews14 followers
December 19, 2016
I am an avid fan of Daniel Silva and his Gabriel Allon series. I recently read the first book in the series, and it's nothing like his later books. Mr Silva is an excellent writer with great characters and intense detailed plotting. But if Kill Artist had been my first Daniel Silva book there's a good chance it would've been my last.

I feel that way about this book. This is a debut novel...and it feels like one. There are moments of an excellent book here but there were also moments I wanted to take the book and shake it and say no no no! Some of the descriptions were ridiculous - bulging clouds? The editor should've nipped them in the bud. The action and suspense would build up nicely then all of a sudden I'd be flipping back a couple pages wondering what I'd missed. Also, too many characters! The casual reader has trouble keeping track of so many characters.

There is a real art in good story-telling, and Mr Klages shows flashes of it. I look forward to his next book. I suspect this will turn into a very good series.
432 reviews7 followers
Read
February 13, 2016
Good action book. Liked the blend of technology, people taking the law into their own hands, an individual overcoming his own difficulties to do the right thing. Nice detail of the brainwashing chip installed into each person. Leaves you to wonder if there are still any of these individuals out there. And at the end, the American public is still in the dark, and the politicians are still trying to blame someone. Even with this almost world changing situation averted, we still remain blind and our lives remain virtually unchanged.
29 reviews
July 12, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads Firstreads, and boy did I love it! I cannot wait for the next "Kade Sims" adventure.
Profile Image for Cherryls Books.
150 reviews7 followers
October 19, 2019
It started off quite fast paced with an unexpected reader gasp early in the story and the promise of a good suspense type thriller. Although it was a great story overall, it perhaps slowed down a little too much in the middle - which might not have been so bad if it was a film. All in all, you have a story about infiltrating the 'bad guys' and the dangers that come with doing so.
Profile Image for Leiah Cooper.
766 reviews95 followers
June 26, 2015
“Hope does not mean that our protests will suddenly awaken the dead consciences, the atrophied souls, of the plutocrats running Halliburton, Goldman Sachs, Exxon Mobil or the government.” – Chris Hedges

Jay Klages knows his stuff when it comes to the military, espionage, rouge military technology and the new and terrifying dangers our world faces today. I wanted to get that out there first, because I think Mr. Klages has a bright writing future. As far as this first book goes, I found a lot to like about it. But I just couldn’t quite ‘lock onto’ the story. It has a lot of the things I like about this sort of thriller. Action at warp speed, a quirky main character. But there were things I believe a good content editor could have really helped with. There were plot angles that simply didn’t work for me – they were too “coincidental”, too unbelievable, for a work with so much promise. I kept getting jerked out of the story with “Huh?” moments. The bland ‘cud munching’ attitude of the security around AgriteX bothered me, as did the oddball FBI reactions to Kade’s experiences and information he passed out to them. It just didn’t feel right.

I look forward to following Mr. Klages work. As a first book, the promise shines through, and I believe that with experience and a bit better management by Thomas & Mercer, his next work can receive a much better review.

This book was received from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
2 reviews
April 18, 2016

My daughter gave me this book. I stayed up till midnight, captivated with Jay Klages book about a threat to the nation's governance by an organization led by a very smart "nut". I enjoyed the chapter breakdown that identified the actions progressing in a certain location with some of the characters in the story. When the scene changes Klages went to a new chapter heading. This makes a very understandable break in the story line and let's you shift gears with the author. It also keeps you wondering what is going to happen next to that bit of action or character.

Jay Klages uses this technic with skill and does not labor the words by extending the chapter if he doesn't have a lot to say about that particular idea at that time. He just covers a few pages and goes on to the next chapter story line thought. This seems to fit well with the rapid fire small sound bites that computer savvy and TV buffs seem to need in this day and age.

I really enjoyed the book and it's lead character. Also the distinction of the good guys and the bad guys - even though they didn't always appear good or bad when first introduced to the story. The technical stuff was very modern thinking and not too futuristic to keep you thinking it was out of reason. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Bob.
1,984 reviews21 followers
December 21, 2014
Kade Sims, former military intelligence officer and now after a medical discharge working at Home Depot is contacted by the FBI and convinced to go under cover to try to infiltrate a company and domestic terrorist group suspected of planning an attack of some kind in the near future. So far the FBI has been unable to get anyone inside and they hope that Kade can manage it. The company is know to have a sophisticated new lie detector but Kade due to his medical condition was been able to confuse it when he tested it for the government. As Kade is following the plan to approach the companies secured compound in the forest of Oregon, he looses the road in the fog and crashes. When he comes to he finds himself locked in a room and tied to a bed is injuries treated and a computer chip inserted in his head. What happens next and is he successful with his mission? Guess you will have to read the book and find out for yourself.
436 reviews
November 1, 2019
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

This book is a good debut. The main character has a flaw that makes him the perfect candidate to be used by some very dangerous people. His friend gets caught in the mix, and the story unfolds. It isn't easy to write a thriller that original, but this one definitely brings up some important points about the world we live in today.
Profile Image for Lisa Eirene.
1,624 reviews11 followers
July 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book a lot, it was good for a spy-espionage book, which is not usually my forte. The premise was a little sci-fi and far-fetched but interesting.
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