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Joe Brennan #1
Shadow Agenda
His task is find a sniper and kill him. But Joe Brennan's world is about to unravel in this gripping thriller. Cast out and deniable, the CIA covert ops specialist has stumbled onto a terrifying political conspiracy, a dangerous game of twists and turns, with millions of lives at stake. A sniper has already completed three succesful assassinations and his mission is not over, with more political leaders in sight. A nuclear weapon may be at play. Brennan is being hunted by multiple nations. He'll cross the globe, from the rooftops of Paris to the jungles of Colombia and West Africa, to a Russian lecture hall and through the streets of New York. He'll attempt to uncover the ultimate target, outrun multiple intelligence agencies and a potential Armageddon. ★★★★★ "A thrill-a-minute ride that I found difficult to put down. The balls-to-the-wall excitement of a Hollywood blockbuster. The characters feel real, the action is intense. I loved it.” - USA Today bestselling author Mark Dawson Already earning more than 200 five-star reviews, this relentless and exciting story is ideal for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series. Death stalks Brennan at every corner. He has help -- a noble friend and trusted adviser deep within the CIA, a top former analyst and a reporter with a reputation to rebuild. But the odds against them are staggering. They have no idea who to trust. The potential consequences of failure are devastating. And the clock is running... Shadow Agenda is the first in a new espionage and spy thriller series from author Sam Powers. The second in the series, The Ghosts of Mao, is available now, along with Sam's mafia drama "Old Wounds."
536 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2015
1247 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 25, 2016
This book definitely ranks in the top 5 best conspiracy thrillers I have ever read ! Joe Brennan, ex navy seal, risks life and limb as well as creating havoc around the world. No spoilers here, just want you to know you'll be missing out if you don't read it and you'll be missing out on what should be a bestseller !
July 16, 2023
After reading the upcoming book from Ian Loome I discovered that I had this one. Shadow Agenda previously published under the pseudonym Sam Powers. It's the first full length story about Joe Brennan. It is a good thriller, spy story that takes place in many countries and is full of conspiracy and betrayal. I found this book so good so I have to read more about this secret agent and if you signe up for Ians mailing list you can get a prequel for free.
October 1, 2022
Shadow agenda
Well written story of political intrigue that is riveting from start to finish. Reads like a typical hero shoot them up at first and then changes into an intricate political plan thought by many to be typical of today. Surprise ending!
Well written story of political intrigue that is riveting from start to finish. Reads like a typical hero shoot them up at first and then changes into an intricate political plan thought by many to be typical of today. Surprise ending!
October 24, 2019
The Shadow Agenda by Sam Powers at 619 pages is a long read. Sam Powers, the author of the Joe Brennan Spy Thriller Series is a true wordsmith, weaving a spellbinding story of the highest order. From the very first few pages, Powers has his readers on tenterhooks but that doesn't come as a surprise being a Goodreads bestselling author with over ten books to his credit.
At 619 pages this is a long read and at first glance it may appear to be slow moving with an excessive use of description and a lacking of action, but the reader soon discovers that this is not the case at all. There is no fluff in this book. There is a purpose to everything the writer writes and that's why he's a Goodreads bestselling author. The plots and subplots that go to make up this story are so closely intertwined that they all seem like one and work together in this spellbinding tale of national and international intrigue. And the pace builds steadily as one gets further and further into the story. By the halfway point, things are moving at breakneck speed. The ending...well you just have to read the book to find out.
At 619 pages this is a long read and at first glance it may appear to be slow moving with an excessive use of description and a lacking of action, but the reader soon discovers that this is not the case at all. There is no fluff in this book. There is a purpose to everything the writer writes and that's why he's a Goodreads bestselling author. The plots and subplots that go to make up this story are so closely intertwined that they all seem like one and work together in this spellbinding tale of national and international intrigue. And the pace builds steadily as one gets further and further into the story. By the halfway point, things are moving at breakneck speed. The ending...well you just have to read the book to find out.
August 28, 2019
Joe Brennan is Superman and James Bond rolled into one. Nothing can get this guy down. Rip out a few fingernails and break his ribs, but he can't be broken. He won't tell you a thing. What was the question again? Not relevant I guess because the detailed description of the torture is more important. The entire story is totally 'over-the-top' and unbelievable but I loved it! It's a very long book with many twists and turns but somehow, Sam Powers holds it all together. Alex Malone is the reporter who we know is going to get him into more trouble, even when she says she understands why she should butt out. The 'device' Joe is looking for all over the world, which has the potential to kill millions of people, is a non-event. (The count down to the Fourth of July is out of whack, too!) Other reviewers have pointed out poor editing and it appears some of that has been dealt with. Unfortunately, not all.
February 9, 2021
A world of shadows
In the world of Joe Brennan , a covert operative, nothing is at it seems. His bosses, hisnfruends, his brothers in arms. All around his world of espionage is twisted. He started his assignment by finding a sniper who is killing well known men from a prominent conglomerate. In his search he discovered the trace of a missing nuclear weapon, a political plot behind it, his life is in continuous danger from day one. Joe is a man of priciples,so he'll do whats right, it doesn't matter the price. Intriguing, thrilling, full of action, but it also shows a human side from all his characters. Some are intrinsically good, others are just plain evil. Ambition, greed, a misguided sense of justice mixed with patriotism, loyalty, sense of honor, love for family and friends. Masterfully written. Thank.s
In the world of Joe Brennan , a covert operative, nothing is at it seems. His bosses, hisnfruends, his brothers in arms. All around his world of espionage is twisted. He started his assignment by finding a sniper who is killing well known men from a prominent conglomerate. In his search he discovered the trace of a missing nuclear weapon, a political plot behind it, his life is in continuous danger from day one. Joe is a man of priciples,so he'll do whats right, it doesn't matter the price. Intriguing, thrilling, full of action, but it also shows a human side from all his characters. Some are intrinsically good, others are just plain evil. Ambition, greed, a misguided sense of justice mixed with patriotism, loyalty, sense of honor, love for family and friends. Masterfully written. Thank.s
March 17, 2022
This is a long book, similar I many ways to Tom Clancey’s Jack Ryan series. The story covers many years and involves many moving parts and many motivations Start with a nuclear weapon, add a sniper, throw in a couple of politicians, add a couple of bent CIA operative’s and one pure-of-heart ex SEAL and you’ve got a story. I liked the book, and I will be on the lookout for more reads from this author. I would have given the book 5 stars, but sometimes the author got bogged down in minutiae that could have been left out.
August 1, 2019
Until I started reading I hadn't realised I had read this before. Some time ago I read the trilogy and absolutely enjoyed all three. It was no less enjoyable reading it all again.
Lots of action, many twists and turns plus plenty of heart stopping moments all make it easy to ignore any editorial errors. I like how Alex and Joe team up with just the right working relationship.
I enjoyed it.
Lots of action, many twists and turns plus plenty of heart stopping moments all make it easy to ignore any editorial errors. I like how Alex and Joe team up with just the right working relationship.
I enjoyed it.
November 23, 2019
Take your time reading this. You're going to need it.
First off, let me say this is a fast paced book filled with intrigue and excitement. Secondly, there is a huge cast of characters and it can be a bit of a challenge figuring out where every one "belongs". That being said, prepare yourself for a wild ride. I give this book 5 stars because it makes me want to read the next book by the author. That's saying a lot!
First off, let me say this is a fast paced book filled with intrigue and excitement. Secondly, there is a huge cast of characters and it can be a bit of a challenge figuring out where every one "belongs". That being said, prepare yourself for a wild ride. I give this book 5 stars because it makes me want to read the next book by the author. That's saying a lot!
August 15, 2019
A very good read. It had all the twists and turns a good spy yarn should have. A well researched romp around the world and ending with a tense finale and a last turn at the end for a shocker! I’ll be looking forward to reading more of his works. I’ll be recommending this one to friends and family. A four star plus read. I loved the way the bad guys get theirs.
August 22, 2019
Excellent Thriller
An exciting, edge of the seat thriller with a great many twists and turns. The author has the ability to keep the story going while introducing a number of false leads that keep the reader from figuring out just what is going on. Looking forward to reading the next book!
An exciting, edge of the seat thriller with a great many twists and turns. The author has the ability to keep the story going while introducing a number of false leads that keep the reader from figuring out just what is going on. Looking forward to reading the next book!
August 30, 2019
Very enjoyable and entertaining reading
The author has written a very intriguing story of corruption, deceit and espionage to achieve political success. This is a fast pace story that is sure to keep you guessing and entertained. Must read for anyone who likes fast action and intrigue.
The author has written a very intriguing story of corruption, deceit and espionage to achieve political success. This is a fast pace story that is sure to keep you guessing and entertained. Must read for anyone who likes fast action and intrigue.
February 26, 2020
Fast paced - great story and could almost be a future headline!
i liked all of the characters and Malone and Brennan had a great rapport. Fasted paced with lots of countries visited... although I don’t think you’d want Brennan visiting you too often. Very enjoyable and a great read. Highly recommended and looks great forward to reading the next book in the series.
i liked all of the characters and Malone and Brennan had a great rapport. Fasted paced with lots of countries visited... although I don’t think you’d want Brennan visiting you too often. Very enjoyable and a great read. Highly recommended and looks great forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 25, 2016
Great story. Bad proofreader.
I loved the novel. Should be a movie. I read it straight through. Lots of great action. Looking forward to more books by this talented author.
Lots of proofreading errors though.
I loved the novel. Should be a movie. I read it straight through. Lots of great action. Looking forward to more books by this talented author.
Lots of proofreading errors though.
May 27, 2016
A New Clancy is here.
Just a great read. Good plot, the right characters, and once you think you think you have it figured out, Bam, it takes a turn in a different direction. Shows you can find a good book without a lot of sex and bad language.
Just a great read. Good plot, the right characters, and once you think you think you have it figured out, Bam, it takes a turn in a different direction. Shows you can find a good book without a lot of sex and bad language.
August 8, 2019
Powerful
As an avid reader of thrillers I found this book almost unable to put down, really good storyline with a hero that is believable. Just the right amount of technology speak to be sound about right.
On the whole a really good read.
As an avid reader of thrillers I found this book almost unable to put down, really good storyline with a hero that is believable. Just the right amount of technology speak to be sound about right.
On the whole a really good read.
August 16, 2019
Move over Tom Clancy
Fast moving complex gripping a page turner. More twists than an Alpine pass. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Nice to read about a hero who is not a womaniser
Fast moving complex gripping a page turner. More twists than an Alpine pass. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Nice to read about a hero who is not a womaniser
August 22, 2019
Government deceit at it's best
This story had many twists and turns before reaching the conclusion.It had me in suspense until the end and I was never able to figure out who the assassin was. Very good read
This story had many twists and turns before reaching the conclusion.It had me in suspense until the end and I was never able to figure out who the assassin was. Very good read
August 26, 2019
A Multifaceted Thriller
Sam Powers takes readers on a thrill ride spanning the globe. Plot is twisty, characters ring true and the conclusion will keep you awake at night. I highly recommend it.
Sam Powers takes readers on a thrill ride spanning the globe. Plot is twisty, characters ring true and the conclusion will keep you awake at night. I highly recommend it.
August 26, 2019
One of my best espionage novels since Ludlum. 600+ pages of unpredictable but thoroughly enjoyable story telling. Looking forward to The Ghost of Mao which just dropped this past week.
Only critique (if it is one at all) would be that the ending came too fast together.
Only critique (if it is one at all) would be that the ending came too fast together.
August 26, 2019
Very good CIA \spy thriller! Keeps you guessing. Liked it very much. Author keeps you engaged. Cheers!!
Great thriller mystery! Author is very adept at engaging their reader! Descriptive adjectives do their part as well people. Cheers
Great thriller mystery! Author is very adept at engaging their reader! Descriptive adjectives do their part as well people. Cheers
August 28, 2019
Absolutely a good spy thriller!
Excellent spy thriller! Kept the pages turning. LOTS of twists turns and plot fakes to get through to the end. Worth it to keep on reading till the end.
Excellent spy thriller! Kept the pages turning. LOTS of twists turns and plot fakes to get through to the end. Worth it to keep on reading till the end.
August 31, 2019
Best read in a long time
Sam Powers writes an intricate spy worth your time. His many characters intertwine with each other with surprising post twists. Put this author on your must read list.
Sam Powers writes an intricate spy worth your time. His many characters intertwine with each other with surprising post twists. Put this author on your must read list.
September 3, 2019
Outanding Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many plot twists and even more surprises as you got further into the story. The author stayed several steps ahead of me the entire time. Loved it. Plenty of action, intrigue and a lot more. Can't wait for the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many plot twists and even more surprises as you got further into the story. The author stayed several steps ahead of me the entire time. Loved it. Plenty of action, intrigue and a lot more. Can't wait for the next book!
September 9, 2019
A great read, very happy I took a chance.
Took a chance on this book and I am glad I did, you got special forces operators, spy intrigue, politics, media manipulation and the list goes on. This story will suck you in and keep you riveted.
Took a chance on this book and I am glad I did, you got special forces operators, spy intrigue, politics, media manipulation and the list goes on. This story will suck you in and keep you riveted.
October 5, 2019
Thriller From Today's News
Koreans, nuclear bombs, presidential race and politics all rolled into one non-stop thriller. Joe Brennan is left our in the cold by the NSA, CIA and the rest of the bureaucrats while the world moves toward burning.
Koreans, nuclear bombs, presidential race and politics all rolled into one non-stop thriller. Joe Brennan is left our in the cold by the NSA, CIA and the rest of the bureaucrats while the world moves toward burning.
October 9, 2019
Shadow Agenda is a action packed Thriller!!
Joe Brennan is a ex Navy Seal who gets the job done. This is an action packed thriller with twists and turns right to the end!! If you like spy novels you will enjoy this book!!!
Joe Brennan is a ex Navy Seal who gets the job done. This is an action packed thriller with twists and turns right to the end!! If you like spy novels you will enjoy this book!!!
October 16, 2019
Didn’t see it coming
Have me of the best ones. So many twists and turns, you’ll never lose interest. A great story that could happen. One that, in some form, unfortunately, does quite often.
Have me of the best ones. So many twists and turns, you’ll never lose interest. A great story that could happen. One that, in some form, unfortunately, does quite often.
October 18, 2019
Another spy thriller with a nuke?
Yes, and I was almost going to reduce the stars for the slow start, but, once it got into gear, the action was non stop, and twisting every which way. The characters developed nicely, and the twists at the end left you gasping, slightly.
Yes, and I was almost going to reduce the stars for the slow start, but, once it got into gear, the action was non stop, and twisting every which way. The characters developed nicely, and the twists at the end left you gasping, slightly.
November 21, 2019
Great book!
The story was well thought out. I felt as if I was glued to the pages and unable to put it down. The ending was not what I was expecting it to be. I feel that this is a must read.
The story was well thought out. I felt as if I was glued to the pages and unable to put it down. The ending was not what I was expecting it to be. I feel that this is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews