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Ryan Drake #6

Ghost Target

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From Marseille to Islamabad at breakneck pace… it’s kill or be killed for Ryan Drake and his team

Ryan Drake, once a decorated field operative, is now wanted for treason. On the run from the CIA’s corrupt Deputy Director Marcus Cain, he has spent the past six months in a remote French safehouse. Drake’s former life seems to be behind him, but the uneasy peace is shattered when Cain moves against him with startling force.

Meanwhile, the war in Afghanistan is faltering in the wake of a devastating suicide attack. Cain though has a plan to find and destroy al-Qaeda’s top commanders. And nobody will stand in his way.

Backed into a corner, Drake turns to the deadly but unpredictable Anya – once Cain’s most promising agent, now his most bitter enemy. With tensions running high and their uneasy alliance threatening to tear itself apart, Drake’s hastily assembled team travels to Pakistan to intercept Cain.

With the fate of the War on Terror hanging in the balance, loyalties are tested and scores settled, as Drake embarks on the fight of his life. Only one side will survive…

From the bestselling author of Black List and Deception Game, Ghost Target is the sixth Ryan Drake thriller, and an incredible tale of deception, desperation, and ultimate betrayal.

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2016

43 people are currently reading
214 people want to read

About the author

Will Jordan

22 books669 followers
Will Jordan was born in Fife, Scotland in 1983. He is best known as the author of the RYAN DRAKE series of action thrillers, and for his YouTube alter-ego, THE CRITICAL DRINKER, amassing well over a million followers and quickly becoming one of the most popular movie critics on the internet. Having always enjoyed a passion for storytelling, he began writing short stories from a young age, eventually moving up to full-length novels and the publication of his first Ryan Drake novel in 2012.

His works to date include:

Redemption (Ryan Drake 1) - 2012
Sacrifice (Ryan Drake 2) - 2013
Betrayal (Ryan Drake 3) - 2014
Black List (Ryan Drake 4) - 2015
Deception Game (Ryan Drake 5) - 2015
Second Chances (Ryan Drake novella) - 2016
Ghost Target (Ryan Drake 6) - 2016
Shadow Conflict (Ryan Drake 7) - 2017
Deadly Cargo (Co-written with James Patterson) - 2017
Trial by Fire (Ryan Drake novella) - 2018
Downfall (Ryan Drake 8) - 2019
Something to Die For (Ryan Drake 9) - 2020
Dark Harvest (2022)

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5 stars
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203 (39%)
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63 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Sean Peters  (A Good Thriller).
824 reviews116 followers
October 10, 2016
Thanks Net Galley, and the author , and of course the publisher.

A dark, desperate and twisted battle for survival – Absolutely brilliant.

Thanks for auto-approving me to all your books, especially with a BRILLIANT BOOK like this from Will Jordan.

From Marseille to Islamabad at breakneck pace… it’s kill or be killed for Ryan Drake and his team

Ryan Drake, once a decorated field operative, is now wanted for treason. On the run from the CIA’s corrupt Deputy Director Marcus Cain, he has spent the past six months in a remote French safehouse. Drake’s former life seems to be behind him, but the uneasy peace is shattered when Cain moves against him with startling force.

Meanwhile, the war in Afghanistan is faltering in the wake of a devastating suicide attack. Cain though has a plan to find and destroy al-Qaeda’s top commanders. And nobody will stand in his way.

Backed into a corner, Drake turns to the deadly but unpredictable Anya – once Cain’s most promising agent, now his most bitter enemy. With tensions running high and their uneasy alliance threatening to tear itself apart, Drake’s hastily assembled team travels to Pakistan to intercept Cain.

With the fate of the War on Terror hanging in the balance, loyalties are tested and scores settled, as Drake embarks on the fight of his life. Only one side will survive…

This story is full of intrigue, double crossing, treason, fighting and a occasional dash of romance, terrific pace to this book, In fact this book really did remind me of many action books I have read from James Bond to Jason Bourne, only 'Ghost Target' is better.

Tremendous strong leading characters, and the return of another great character from previous a book, compelling, thrilling, enormously entertaining, action packed thriller.

From the bestselling author of Black List and Deception Game, Ghost Target is the sixth Ryan Drake thriller, and an incredible tale of deception, desperation, and ultimate betrayal.

All I can say is "I cannot wait for number seven !!

Five stars as this author matches my favourites of Tom Wood, David Baldacci, Mark Dawson, Mark Greaney.

Well I will be catching up on my sleep now, after quite a few late, late nights.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
August 6, 2016
This is the sixth book in the increasingly popular series featuring Ryan Drake and on the strength of this novel it is clear to see why it is so popular.

This story is full of intrigue, double crossing, treason, fighting and of course with the occasional dash of romance. In fact this book really did remind me of a James Bond book, only 'Ghost Target' is better.

'Ghost Target' reminded me of a game of cat and mouse, as each side tries to trick the other and traps are laid for each side. The chase takes place across Europe, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with each side determined to catch and eliminate the other. I won't say too much more about the plot as I don't want to spoil it for anybody else and I really do think that you should read 'Ghost Target' for yourself.

All of the characters have been betrayed in some way and each have their own scores to settle but to start with it is unclear as to what exactly has happened to each of them. As time goes by and as you read further on in the book, you find out what has happened in some cases and how each character feels betrayed in some way and why they have a deep hatred of the corrupt CIA man Marcus Cain. Ryan Drake works as the main character and I couldn't help but compare him to James Bond, only Drake is far more likeable. Drake cares deeply about those in his band of merry men & women but in particular he appears to care most about Samantha McKnight. I won't say too much about their relationship, as that would spoil part of the plot. Drake backs his team to the hilt and if needed he would go into battle for each and every one of them. Each of Drake's team has their own speciality , which proves to be invaluable as the story moves on and for the most part they work well as part of a team, although certain members are suspicious of Anya for reasons that do become clearer.

This book can be read as a standalone but to be honest I think that it would be better to read the series in order as that will help you to understand certain references to past events in 'Ghost Target'.

I think this book is really well written. The story moves along at a fast pace and you can't help but become wrapped up in the story. I was gripped from the first word on the first page and I wasn't released from the book's hypnotic grip until the very last word on the very last page. The story is set in 2010 but some chapters flashback to 1985 for reasons which become clear and which help to clarify the bigger picture. The plot was straightforward and unlike some spy type books, 'Ghost Target' did not confuse me

In short I really did enjoy this book and I would definitely recommend it to others. This is the first book I have read by Will Jordan but it certainly won't be the last. In fact, I have a couple on my bookshelf, which I am going to dig out and read as soon as I can. This series would form the perfect basis for a television series and/ or a blockbuster film. I would give this book 4*.
Profile Image for Dan Walker.
10 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2017
Wow! Not many books have the ability to shock me, but the ending of Ghost Target definitely did. The author is really ramping up the tension now as the series seems to be building to its climax, the stakes are getting raised for everyone as both sides battle for survival. The plot is as always fast paced and action packed and raises a lot of questions about how the war on terror is fought, but its the characters that really impress me about these books. Every one of them is complex, layered and has an interesting backstory that defines how they act now. Nobody is quite what they seem, even the bad guys who I'm starting to suspect aren't as bad as they first appeared.

The ending is a cliffhanger that sets up the sequel I hope is coming soon. Hurry up with book 7!
154 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2016
A dark, desperate and twisted battle for survival – Jordan’s best yet!

Over the course of 6 novels Will Jordan has become the master of overarching storytelling and “Ghost Target” sees him at the very top of his game, spinning a mesmerizing tale of betrayal, honor, love and death that at the end finds our heroes in a very dark and desperate place indeed!

Some readers seem to have grown a little impatient during the last 2 novels, asking Jordan to end his epic spy saga, instead of dragging it out indefinitely. Well if you need any proof that Jordan has a lot of compelling story left to tell, read “Ghost Target”! It is not only his most shocking and suspenseful novel to date, it is also his best!

Readers get their first in-depth look at the series’ extremely compelling “main villain” Marcus Cain, helping one to better understand what drives this man and that he wasn’t always the monster he is now. We also see a very different almost vulnerable side of Cain, which really made me feel sorry for him. For a while at least…

Anya remains the most compelling female character in the genre and her scenes with Drake are more intense than ever, showcasing how much they both have grown as characters and how their relationship has evolved over the series!

Besides the cinematic action, the high-paced rollercoaster twists and the emotional scenes, it is the ending that truly stands out! It is one of the most heavy-hitting and brutal cliffhangers I have ever encountered. But it is also one of the very best!

I personally hope that there are many more books from Will Jordan still to come! But for now I’m impatiently waiting for Ryan Drake 7!
Profile Image for Megan =^..^=.
636 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2016
Very action packed, filled with interesting plot twists and great character dynamics. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for William Wilson.
2 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2017
Another great book, this time Drake had some tough choices to make which added to the fun and intensity of the plot. You can tell Will Jordan probably had a lot of fun writing this as new characters jump into the fray continuously attempting to ruin Drake's plans and keeping the old Shepard team on their feet. Fantastic book by a fantastic author.
Profile Image for Phil James.
13 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2016
Although I have enjoyed the series and am a massive fan of the genre, I can't help but feel that this novel was one too far... although it was probably one of his best, how long can an author prolong a storyline, trotting out the same premise of a seemingly omniscient bad guy who consistently foils the attempts of those trying so hard to bring him to justice? A hero, who we are supposed believe is a hard and tactical individual, comes across as not all that bright, constantly making the wrong decisions. Placing his own life and those of his team mates in constant jeopardy, for a female anti hero who though admittedly is one of the most badass female leads I've ever come across, is quite frankly also equally unlikeable and generates not an ounce of empathy or support. If this was one too far, I hope the next can finally bring some sort of much needed conclusion.
Profile Image for Jacq.
5 reviews
July 23, 2016
In my opinion it is one of the best of the Ryan Drake series. Suspense-packed, plot twists made it hard for me to put the book away.
Profile Image for Lisa Barbour.
289 reviews
February 27, 2017
I can't wait for the next in this series...I sure hope there is a next one!
Profile Image for Jim Morton.
486 reviews9 followers
September 1, 2016
4.5 stars.....very well written and blazing action. Loved it.
9 reviews
February 24, 2022
This is probably the most streamlined adventure in the series thus far, with a relatively straightforward plot and less twists and turns in the middle. Fear not though since the cinematic action, lovable characters and the nerve-wrecking missions that have become the hallmark of the series are all there. The tension in this one is palpable - much is at stake for the heroes as they set to their most ambitious mission yet.

There is plenty of character development in this book and we get to see much of the main cast in different situations than we're used to. Clearly the characters are the driving force behind this story, and the mission is simply a vehicle for us to explore their relations, choices and actions. And now Will Jordan has created a great physical antagonist in Hawkins to balance the strategical and intellectual superiority of his boss Cain, creating a force that's more than a match for our heroes. It's exciting to see so many different plot points develop independently from one another, and it's getting clear the series is slowly building for a huge climax in the final chapter as all the secrets become revealed and all players clash against each other.

And the climax of the book of was great. Great I say! During the final chapters I noticed thinking to myself I could almost give the book five stars - unfortunately just at that moment the author did something that to me seemed both annoying and unbelievable, and took me momentarily from that thrill. Not a big deal, and it was probably the only thing of its kind in the whole book, but it felt out of place.

Will Jordan is clearly not afraid to shake his readers - actions do have consequences in this book, and things can and do sometimes go wrong and people suffer for it. The ending was a bold move, and I think a great choice - the option not to read the next book in the series simply doesn't exist at this point. This series just keeps getting better and better!
Profile Image for Zane Abbey.
69 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2025
the sixth installment in the series, follows Drake as he attempts to leave his CIA past behind and settle in a coastal villa. However, his peaceful existence is shattered by a violent attack that pulls him back into the dangerous world of espionage. With the corrupt CIA director Marcus Cain in Pakistan as his target, Drake embarks on a perilous mission to confront him.

The novel is a thrilling and suspenseful ride, with electrifying action sequences that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. From sniper engagements to clandestine raids, Ghost Target keeps the tension high and the plot moving at a fast pace. Drake’s unwavering determination to protect his team, whom he sees as a family, resonates with the values of faith and freedom that I hold dear. This relatable aspect of the story adds depth and emotional resonance to the action-packed narrative.

Beyond the thrilling plot, Ghost Target also delves into the geopolitical intricacies of Pakistan’s covert conflicts. This exploration of the country’s complex situation enhances the reading experience and provides a deeper understanding of the world around us. The novel concludes with a powerful and memorable resolution that reinforces the series’ ability to deliver both thrills and emotional depth.

Overall, Ghost Target is a must-read for fans of fast-paced thrillers with a human core. It sustains its high energy while honoring loyalty, making it a standout addition to the series. Readers who appreciate a compelling and thought-provoking narrative will find this book a rewarding and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Darryle B..
301 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2021
Another riveting, action packed suspense thriller of the Ryan Drake saga. What I love about this series is that it is very cleverly plotted and sub plotted in such a way that we are able to see some character development in present time as well as their backstories in flashbacks. This is the kind of approach that would make this series work as a television series. Just when the former Shepherd Team thought they had a break while on the run, things heat up again as they are all finding themselves being pursued with their adversary CIA Deputy Director Marcus Cain is always seemingly one step ahead of them at every turn. The depths Cain will go to destroy them is without limit. How can anyone stop someone that powerful with unlimited resources at their disposal?

Unfortunately for Drake, he is still unaware of the mole in his midst that is delivering the intel for their plans to Cain and undermining their mission even when they think they are so close to finally stopping Cain. In the midst of all of this, Anya returns, creating a bit of uneasiness and discord among the team (given her past history with them) when Drake enlisted her help for one of their most dangerous and riskiest missions yet, one of which they very well know they might not survive. This is my top favorite series to date and I have read a lot of books this year so that is saying a lot. If there is one saga I'd highly recommend overall, the Ryan Drake saga tops my list.
Profile Image for Keshav Nair.
298 reviews
November 22, 2020
Another blockbuster in the sixth of the Ryan Drake series. An action-packed machination that is draped in acts of deceit, treason, double-crosses, and betrayal. The protagonist, Ryan Drake is on the run from the corrupt reach of  CIA deputy director Marcus Cain. When he learns that Marcus is flying to Islamabad to confront the chiefs there on the war against terror in Afghanistan, he sees this as an opportunity to settle scores with him. Together he teams with his three specialist shepherd operatives and flies to Islamabad. Knowing that taking down Marcus Cains isn't simple, he seeks the help of Anya, a dreaded covert operative and once a protege of Marcus Cains.  What follows next is the sequence of meticulous planning to reach the safe house where Marcus is scheduled to meet with the ISI chief. The plot takes a stunning twist when Ryan and his team are caught oblivious to the circumstance and are trapped in the web of an enormous conspiracy aimed at eliminating him and his team. The book is fast-paced, keeping the readers hooked on to their seats and a nail-biting cliffhanger. While this can be read as a stand-alone novel, reading previous books in the series will help understand the evolvement of the various characters. Extremely recommended for Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne enthusiasts. I would give this book a rating of 4.75*. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Profile Image for S.J. Saunders.
Author 26 books18 followers
December 9, 2020
Backed into a corner as he and his allies feel the grip of old enemies closing, Drake is finally taking the fight to the figures behind it all...and maybe starts to lose himself along the way. Between this book and the last, a few of Drake's actions really called into question Anya's assessment of his character. They made me decidedly uneasy as a reader, which I assume was the point. Job done, Mr. Jordan.

Where things lost focus for me was in the new plot revelations and the (hopefully) temporary abandonment of others of prior threads. There's enough in the conclusion the give me hope that nothing's been forgotten, however. Only shifted around.

My only other real gripe is that the conclusion feels as though things might just be dragged out at this point for the sake of further story, but, so long as the ride's enjoyable, I certainly don't mind going along with these characters a bit further. Those who remain, anyway...
134 reviews37 followers
October 24, 2023
Compulsive Action from the team as usual...

If you enjoy gritty covert-operative thrillers with subterfuge , betrayal, fraught action, interesting and complex characters, then Will Jordan's Ryan Drake thrillers in general -and this one in particular - will be just up your street - though I would advise starting with the first book otherwise you will miss out on a lot of the reasons why the characters are as they are.
I read and listen to a lot of books in this genre and this series engages the reader more than most.
Of the last 10 books I have read/ listened to - six have been Ryan Drake - as will the eleventh methinks.
Fans of Mitch Rapp, Victor the assassin and James Reece will find a lot to like in Ryan Drake - and Anya of course!
Onward to the next book...
320 reviews
May 3, 2021
Another good book in the line of the epic story of Ryan drake trying to desperately take down the corrupt Marcus Cain.

It's really amazing how Ryan is suppose to rely on his team and their input but still chooses to go with plans that honestly should've been thought out more. He still underestimates Cain and the length Cain will go to to keep himself safe and to capture Anya.

It was heart-wrenching to see their plans fail, since they didn't head the warning signs that was telling them it was a trap.

I love the ride. The bits of foreshadowing that pays off is great. Can't wait to read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tammy.
2,237 reviews81 followers
September 14, 2021
I hate Will Jordan for his Ryan Drake series make me an addict.
Ghost Target gives more back story on Anya and Cain; their history, their feeling and the betrayal. We also confirm the feeling Anya has been hiding. There are deception, old comrade, a mole, secrets and a little romance, everything is well blended and deliciously entertaining in a very breakneck pace. And please be aware that Mr. Jordan can write emotional tear jerking scene as good as high octane action.
I seriously cried at the end.
16 reviews
April 9, 2021
The Empire Strikes Back of the Ryan Drake series

This continues the vein of this series of books with now familiar characters featuring prominently. It is the empire strikes back of the series with the "bad guys" getting a win but that had to happen at some point. As always an enjoyable read.
804 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2022
This is a gripping series some of the books are better than other but definitely worth a read. Keeps you guessing as there are mysteries that don’t get revealed until many books into the series. Read the series in order!
Profile Image for Lori.
881 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2018
I’m reading this at the same time as “Rainbow 6” and honestly I prefer this. I love fast paced action.

Very intrigued by Anya and the love triangle that’s happening.

Would recommend.
228 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2021
Good book, but lacking in action. Will keep reading the series, but hoping for more action.
6 reviews
July 21, 2022
very good.

Great character development. A little predictable, but a few surprises too. That’s all I have to say, go away now.
Profile Image for Patrik Åkerlund.
92 reviews
December 24, 2023
My first book from Jordan! Great book, well written! A really good thriller. Looking forward to read the next one!
Profile Image for Amlan Chakraborty.
94 reviews
December 19, 2024
This was surprisingly better than the previous installments. It's almost as if the author had set the characters loose and the story followed. Hope the next ones don't disappoint.
Profile Image for weenerpatrol22.
26 reviews
February 27, 2024
ALL MY HOMIES STILL HATE SAMANTHA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
August 6, 2021
WARNING: Major spoilers for the climax of the book.

I loved much of this book. The author does a great job with the characters and their motivations and conflict. In my opinion Ryan is a rather boring character, somewhat like a starter character in many games, lawful good and average in most skills, enough to go through the story, without having to think too much or utilize advanced systems. However, Jordan does a great job with characterization and I love it when he brings out Ryan's darker side, which he does a few times in this book.
I'd usually give this book 5/5 stars. However the climax ruined the story for me.

Ryan Drake, over the last five books, has been outsmarted and out maneuvered consistently by Marcus Cain. Now Ryan had half a year to reflect on his mistakes over the previous missions and think through Cain's actions.
Here is what I imagine went through Ryan's head when planning the assault on the safe house:

"So this entire plan hinges on using the Judas Code, right?"
"Yes."
"And Cain is clearly smarter than us, knows about the Judas Code and is very aware that this is the best shot that we or anyone else will get in years, to assassinate him."
"Yes."
"How about we think about what possible countermeasures he could take against the Judas Code and prepare for them?"
"Nah, it'll be fine!"

After reading about the Judas Code, my first thought was, which countermeasures Cain could use against it and how Ryan could recognize and overcome them.

What disappoints me isn't that Ryan runs into a trap. What disappoints me is, that, after Cain being ten steps ahead during every confrontation, Ryan falls for the most obvious trap in any of his missions, as if Cain were too stupid to recognize when he presents a huge opportunity for an assassination and take appropriate countermeasures.

After the climax, what is supposed to be an emotional gut punch, when Ryan finds out about Sam's betrayal, what his enemy shows Ryan is not Sam betraying him in cold blood, but the very opposite, a conversation that shows that her camaraderie for Cole and Keira as well as her feelings for Ryan are real, undermining the entire scene for me.

At that point, I was determined not to give the book more than three stars and be done with it, but I am a great proponent of characters feeling significant consequences when they fuck up. I did not expect Jordan's readiness to let some awful things happen to his characters, so I'd give it a solid 4/5.

In the end, Ryan shines the most when he is on the screen with Anya and this book makes the most of them, having Anya join Ryan's team and showing the conflict and contrasts of the two characters. Despite its flaws, Ghost Target is my favorite book of the series and well worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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