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The Geek
Gary Geiecki (pronounced Gee-ecki) is a skilled assassin. He's been an unofficial CIA killer for the past twenty years and has decided to retire. There is no such thing as a truly perfect assassin and Gary was no exception. He was, however, very good. Gary left a wide trail of bodies behind him, over his long and productive career. Riddled with childhood insecurities and social awkwardness Gary desperately tries to move forward with his life after retirement. He quickly finds it is far easier to kill someone else than it is to kill the ghosts of the past. Gary soon learns that what is in the past doesn't always stay there. His greatest enemy... a man thought long dead... is back and seeking vengeance. Gary must now fight for not only his life, but everyone he holds dear and finally put this last ghost to rest. Gary will learn that the old saying You can't go home again isn't exactly true. You can go home again, but you shouldn't.
- GenresEpic
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 19, 2016
The Geek by Jonathan Latt tells the story of retired CIA assassin, Gary Geicki, codename: Geek. He was a geek in his childhood who never retaliated to his bullies, and the anger he harboured was later to be taken out on his many assassination targets.
Geicki was a good assassin, but not quite good enough, and now he is forced to deal with enemies he thought long dead, having previously shot them in the head. Geicki must keep himself and his loved ones safe, and stop this heinous duo before it is too late. However, they pose a threat that will push even an expert assassin to his very limits.
Greta and Heinrich are the two wonderfully camp villains. They are twisted and psychotic with a strong sense of self-righteousness. Their personalities jump from the page and add colour to an otherwise dark and grisly tale. The irony of those who are not only innocent, but strongly opposed to violence, becoming targets, gives a sense of drama, and the many twists make it difficult to put this book down. The writing style is competent, if unremarkable, but this more than compensated for by the dark humour and great pacing. All in all, this is a worthwhile read.
Geicki was a good assassin, but not quite good enough, and now he is forced to deal with enemies he thought long dead, having previously shot them in the head. Geicki must keep himself and his loved ones safe, and stop this heinous duo before it is too late. However, they pose a threat that will push even an expert assassin to his very limits.
Greta and Heinrich are the two wonderfully camp villains. They are twisted and psychotic with a strong sense of self-righteousness. Their personalities jump from the page and add colour to an otherwise dark and grisly tale. The irony of those who are not only innocent, but strongly opposed to violence, becoming targets, gives a sense of drama, and the many twists make it difficult to put this book down. The writing style is competent, if unremarkable, but this more than compensated for by the dark humour and great pacing. All in all, this is a worthwhile read.
February 1, 2016
I loved The Geek, loved it!
I came across Jonathan Latt on Twitter, when he so very nicely told me he had downloaded my book, Honeysuckle Lane, and was enjoying it. I took a look at his profile and got my first glimpse of The Geek. A CIA hit man, the most dangerous super nerd on the planet, I had to give it a go.
Right from the opening sequence, Jonathan had me hooked. His descriptions sparked a movie in my brain, he got straight to the heart of the action, and kept up the pace of things from start to finish. This book is chock-full of genuinely original characters. The violence is brutal, underlined by more than a smidgen of sexual frustration.
Jonathan said he envied my name when he reviewed my book, I’ve got to say, I envy his brain. I looked for a reason to dock him a star, but the honest answer is I couldn’t find one, so I am docking him a star for being sickeningly good. I really enjoyed this book and it fully deserves to become a roaring success.
I came across Jonathan Latt on Twitter, when he so very nicely told me he had downloaded my book, Honeysuckle Lane, and was enjoying it. I took a look at his profile and got my first glimpse of The Geek. A CIA hit man, the most dangerous super nerd on the planet, I had to give it a go.
Right from the opening sequence, Jonathan had me hooked. His descriptions sparked a movie in my brain, he got straight to the heart of the action, and kept up the pace of things from start to finish. This book is chock-full of genuinely original characters. The violence is brutal, underlined by more than a smidgen of sexual frustration.
Jonathan said he envied my name when he reviewed my book, I’ve got to say, I envy his brain. I looked for a reason to dock him a star, but the honest answer is I couldn’t find one, so I am docking him a star for being sickeningly good. I really enjoyed this book and it fully deserves to become a roaring success.
December 31, 2015
2.5 stars. The Geek's premise was interesting and the plot was engaging, but this book suffered from two things - an overly violent execution, and poor editing. I can understand the former, since this was technically about assassins, but the latter was just unacceptable. Punctuation was all over the place, with missing and misplaced commas, semi-colons, and periods. Common words were often misspelled, such as "dieing," instead of "dying." It made it hard to read this, because I kept correcting the sentences as I was reading.
The ending left an opening for the next book, but I most definitely won't be continuing this series.
The ending left an opening for the next book, but I most definitely won't be continuing this series.
February 17, 2016
I loved this book. The first couple of chapters blew me away!
With that setting the book up, it did not turn out as I expected and was surprised by the turn of events in the story. Expect the unexpected, because once you think you've figured it out, you really haven't.
With that setting the book up, it did not turn out as I expected and was surprised by the turn of events in the story. Expect the unexpected, because once you think you've figured it out, you really haven't.
September 7, 2017
This is a great fast-paced read. A pulp novel with a geeky twist. If you like films like "John Wick", then this book is for you. It's very well written, and as a reader, while you never really know where it's going (especially towards the end), I felt like I was in the safe hands of a good writer.
(mild spoilers) There are some things I really loved about this book, and other things I didn't (hence not giving it five stars). I hate the trope of the cross-dressing serial killer. It's so overdone, and has no relation to real life, where the rate of trans people on the receiving end of violence is extremely high. And books like these do not help. That said, at least, like in "Psycho", it correctly identifies the cross-dressing character as heterosexual (which is the case for the majority of cross-dressers). So, for that I applaud the book. Thankfully, we also live in the age of 'RuPaul's Drag Race', while being problematic for some members of the community, at least humanises men who put on women's clothes, and doesn't play the 'freak' card. Rant over.
All that being said, I did love this book, and I'm really looking forward to the sequel that is hinted at the end of the book, and the possible TV series for Hulu that's in the works. There does feel like there is a bigger world to explore, as there is a lot of world-building in this book (right up until the end), and it would be a shame if it were never explored.
As someone who works on the very edges of the entertainment industry, I really wish I could influence the casting for the Hulu show, because I know so many actors who would be perfect for this show. Especially Adam J Yeend, who has the good looks to carry a show, while also being a huge Star Trek geek and former MMA fighter in real life. He'd be perfect for the title role.
(mild spoilers) There are some things I really loved about this book, and other things I didn't (hence not giving it five stars). I hate the trope of the cross-dressing serial killer. It's so overdone, and has no relation to real life, where the rate of trans people on the receiving end of violence is extremely high. And books like these do not help. That said, at least, like in "Psycho", it correctly identifies the cross-dressing character as heterosexual (which is the case for the majority of cross-dressers). So, for that I applaud the book. Thankfully, we also live in the age of 'RuPaul's Drag Race', while being problematic for some members of the community, at least humanises men who put on women's clothes, and doesn't play the 'freak' card. Rant over.
All that being said, I did love this book, and I'm really looking forward to the sequel that is hinted at the end of the book, and the possible TV series for Hulu that's in the works. There does feel like there is a bigger world to explore, as there is a lot of world-building in this book (right up until the end), and it would be a shame if it were never explored.
As someone who works on the very edges of the entertainment industry, I really wish I could influence the casting for the Hulu show, because I know so many actors who would be perfect for this show. Especially Adam J Yeend, who has the good looks to carry a show, while also being a huge Star Trek geek and former MMA fighter in real life. He'd be perfect for the title role.
January 8, 2017
The Geek by Jonathan Latt is a story of an assassin who is trying to get out of the life, but can't seem to escape his past. Geek is the code name for Gary, the assassin behind the legend of the Geek. He earned the nickname because of his last name, but it throws his targets off of just how deadly and dangerous he really is. The story begins with Gary watching a farmhouse just outside of Paris. A man named Sidney is inside, and Sidney is responsible for the deaths of many Americans as well as over seventy children in Nigeria. Gary enjoys killing, but he is really looking forward to killing this guy. He goes in and kills Sidney along with two other men who were working with him. Once done, Geek heads back to the states where he runs into his CIA handler. He has one last mission to go on before his contract is up and he can retire. But, we all know that the last mission is always the hardest. In this case, the Geek is going to find that the career of an assassin dos not end when the contract runs out. It ends when all your enemies are dead, or you are.
The Geek was a very fun story. Geek is obviously a highly skilled killer, but he also has a fun side that I feel many readers will be able to connect to. He wears a Captain America T-shirt when taking the life of the bad guys: a sort of calling card to let them know who sent him. He also is a big comic book buff who hates wearing suits, two things that young readers will be able to identify with. The novel moved quickly and only had a few minor editing problems. I look forward to more from this author.
The Geek was a very fun story. Geek is obviously a highly skilled killer, but he also has a fun side that I feel many readers will be able to connect to. He wears a Captain America T-shirt when taking the life of the bad guys: a sort of calling card to let them know who sent him. He also is a big comic book buff who hates wearing suits, two things that young readers will be able to identify with. The novel moved quickly and only had a few minor editing problems. I look forward to more from this author.
April 3, 2016
Don’t be mean to the geeks of the world, for they have a way of getting their revenge!
Gary, an assassin in Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers and comic t-shirts, is a twenty year CIA agent, covered in scars, physically and emotionally, and on his last assignment. Filled with awesome bad guys—I love a great bad guy!—this book will have you guessing at what’s coming next and just when you think you know, it throws you for a loop.
This is refreshing pulp-fiction set in the dark and seedy world of lies, spies, and killers-for-hire. The action begins on the first page. Mr. Latt steps on the accelerator and does not let up. I loved the cat and mouse games between Gary and Joanna—or should we say Olia?—and this gives the story a bit of sexual frustration and undertone adding another layer of grit and darkness.
This book is for every Green Lantern-loving, comic-book-reading, D&D-playing, picked-on-in-school geek that dreams of getting revenge on the bullies of the world!
This book was supplied to me by the author for free in exchange for an honest review.
Gary, an assassin in Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers and comic t-shirts, is a twenty year CIA agent, covered in scars, physically and emotionally, and on his last assignment. Filled with awesome bad guys—I love a great bad guy!—this book will have you guessing at what’s coming next and just when you think you know, it throws you for a loop.
This is refreshing pulp-fiction set in the dark and seedy world of lies, spies, and killers-for-hire. The action begins on the first page. Mr. Latt steps on the accelerator and does not let up. I loved the cat and mouse games between Gary and Joanna—or should we say Olia?—and this gives the story a bit of sexual frustration and undertone adding another layer of grit and darkness.
This book is for every Green Lantern-loving, comic-book-reading, D&D-playing, picked-on-in-school geek that dreams of getting revenge on the bullies of the world!
This book was supplied to me by the author for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2020
‘Gary did not like killing in the name of his country to protect corporate interests.’
Southern California author Jonathan Latt states he is a life long lover of comic books, video games, science fiction and fantasy. Though he writes and consults in science fiction and fantasy THE GEEK ‘is more of a hardboiled, pulp, thriller and quite dark at times. Every moment spent looking at Jonathan Latt’s biographical information results is giggle and guffaws: he is a natural humorist with a wit that whistles.
Jonathan seamlessly introduces his assassin lead character in the first paragraph - ‘Gary had been staring at the old French farmhouse for two hours and seventeen minutes. Every nerve ending in his body was poised to move but he made himself stay completely still. He wanted to run in there and do what he was being paid to do. He also promised himself he’d wait to see if anyone else showed up before he did. He gave himself the arbitrary waiting period of three hours before going in and the clock was ticking down. As far as he knew, the only person inside the farmhouse was his target. He’d followed him from the city center, taking the metro out to the end of the line. The last stop was in a sort of no man’s land that divided Paris from the countryside. From there he’d followed the man south to the outskirts of the Loire Valley. He knew he should go in and put one in the man’s head, but Gary wasn’t in the mood to kill someone today. Today he was in the mood to kill many someones. It was days like today, and targets like this one that made him love his job. At least it helped him remember why he used to love his job.
The provided synopsis distills the fast paced story very well – ‘Gary Geiecki (pronounced Gee-ecki) is a skilled assassin. He's been an unofficial CIA killer for the past twenty years and has decided to retire. There is no such thing as a truly perfect assassin and Gary was no exception. He was, however, very good. Gary left a wide trail of bodies behind him, over his long and productive career. Riddled with childhood insecurities and social awkwardness Gary desperately tries to move forward with his life after retirement. He quickly finds it is far easier to kill someone else than it is to kill the ghosts of the past. Gary soon learns that what is in the past doesn't always stay there. His greatest enemy... a man thought long dead... is back and seeking vengeance. Gary must now fight for not only his life, but everyone he holds dear and finally put this last ghost to rest. Gary will learn that the old saying You can't go home again isn't exactly true. You can go home again, but you shouldn't.’
Jonathan mixes raw language, with plentiful expletives, with a keenly honed sense of dark humor that makes this otherwise frightening tale one that provides a pow! on nearly every page. Moments such as, ‘“It’s not Nerd or Dork or Spaz, its Geek… The Geek,” said Gary calmly. He pointed the gun at Sidney’s forehead. “That’s a terrible codename. You should ask for another.”
There is a new space carved out in contemporary pulp fiction and Jonathan Latt rules!
Southern California author Jonathan Latt states he is a life long lover of comic books, video games, science fiction and fantasy. Though he writes and consults in science fiction and fantasy THE GEEK ‘is more of a hardboiled, pulp, thriller and quite dark at times. Every moment spent looking at Jonathan Latt’s biographical information results is giggle and guffaws: he is a natural humorist with a wit that whistles.
Jonathan seamlessly introduces his assassin lead character in the first paragraph - ‘Gary had been staring at the old French farmhouse for two hours and seventeen minutes. Every nerve ending in his body was poised to move but he made himself stay completely still. He wanted to run in there and do what he was being paid to do. He also promised himself he’d wait to see if anyone else showed up before he did. He gave himself the arbitrary waiting period of three hours before going in and the clock was ticking down. As far as he knew, the only person inside the farmhouse was his target. He’d followed him from the city center, taking the metro out to the end of the line. The last stop was in a sort of no man’s land that divided Paris from the countryside. From there he’d followed the man south to the outskirts of the Loire Valley. He knew he should go in and put one in the man’s head, but Gary wasn’t in the mood to kill someone today. Today he was in the mood to kill many someones. It was days like today, and targets like this one that made him love his job. At least it helped him remember why he used to love his job.
The provided synopsis distills the fast paced story very well – ‘Gary Geiecki (pronounced Gee-ecki) is a skilled assassin. He's been an unofficial CIA killer for the past twenty years and has decided to retire. There is no such thing as a truly perfect assassin and Gary was no exception. He was, however, very good. Gary left a wide trail of bodies behind him, over his long and productive career. Riddled with childhood insecurities and social awkwardness Gary desperately tries to move forward with his life after retirement. He quickly finds it is far easier to kill someone else than it is to kill the ghosts of the past. Gary soon learns that what is in the past doesn't always stay there. His greatest enemy... a man thought long dead... is back and seeking vengeance. Gary must now fight for not only his life, but everyone he holds dear and finally put this last ghost to rest. Gary will learn that the old saying You can't go home again isn't exactly true. You can go home again, but you shouldn't.’
Jonathan mixes raw language, with plentiful expletives, with a keenly honed sense of dark humor that makes this otherwise frightening tale one that provides a pow! on nearly every page. Moments such as, ‘“It’s not Nerd or Dork or Spaz, its Geek… The Geek,” said Gary calmly. He pointed the gun at Sidney’s forehead. “That’s a terrible codename. You should ask for another.”
There is a new space carved out in contemporary pulp fiction and Jonathan Latt rules!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews