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Dead Six #3
Alliance of Shadows
Europe has spiraled into chaos. A conspiracy years in the making combined with general unrest lead to upheaval and revolution. In the midst of the murderous disorder, mercenary Michael Valentine is in Europe with a small team of his Exodus personnel trying to track down the evil and highly dangerous Katarina Montalban. She has initiated a mysterious plot to do away with those who stand between her and ultimate power. The team is on their own, with few friends, few resources—and racing against the clock. Both Valentine and Lorenzo will have to risk some dangerous alliances if they're to succeed.
Meanwhile, Valentine’s friend, one-time enemy, and sometime partner Hector Lorenzo finds himself in a dungeon owned by Asian drug lord Sala Jihan. He must make a deal that may lead him to cross paths with Valentine again. If two of the most effective killers in existence hunt, even the pandemonium in Europe may be just the first act in an orgy of destruction.
Meanwhile, Valentine’s friend, one-time enemy, and sometime partner Hector Lorenzo finds himself in a dungeon owned by Asian drug lord Sala Jihan. He must make a deal that may lead him to cross paths with Valentine again. If two of the most effective killers in existence hunt, even the pandemonium in Europe may be just the first act in an orgy of destruction.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
47 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Larry Correia
121 books4,399 followersLarry Correia (born 1977) is the New York Times bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, the Grimnoir Chronicles, and the thriller Dead Six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 9, 2016
4.5 rounded up for sheer enjoyment. I really thought it was going to kill me. The suspense. Wow.
I'm not going to say much because there are spoilers throughout. Suffice to say we find out what "Project Blue" means and it's very, very, very, very serious.
I think this was my favorite of the trilogy. It just flowed really well for me and I was fully engaged with all the characters and all the action. The previous two books both had moments where I was very lost in the commando jargon and weaponry (not that it put me off totally, obviously), but somehow this one didn't get away from me.
My one real complaint is about the typos. This is the second "end of trilogy" I've read from this publisher and, as with the other one, the typos were out of control. It was like nobody bothered to look it over before putting it out. I didn't buy the E-ARC either, this was supposed to be the finished product. There were a lot of things like, "Then he went over to the wall then". Way more than there should have been, especially from Baen who usually puts out an exemplary product. So what is it with them and 3rd installments of trilogies?
The first book of this trilogy -- Dead Six -- was pretty hard for me to get into for the first 50%. If I wasn't such a Larry Correia fangirl, I might not have stuck with it. The commando lingo and detail was so hard to wrap my head around, so YMMV if you're more knowledgeable in that area. But by halfway through that book, after all the characters have been introduced and the plot has been laid out, I was fully engaged. The second book -- Swords of Exodus -- was a totally wild ride and I was left on the edge of my seat waiting for this one. It took a long time to come out and I thought I'd be a little lost without rereading, but I wasn't. The reminders of past events were subtle but effective and the story was moving forward so steadily that I didn't struggle at all with trying to recall anything.
Even with the typo/editing problem this was a great end to this series. I only hope we see a short story or something pop up with some of these characters again. It could happen and I'm greedy like that.
I'm not going to say much because there are spoilers throughout. Suffice to say we find out what "Project Blue" means and it's very, very, very, very serious.
I think this was my favorite of the trilogy. It just flowed really well for me and I was fully engaged with all the characters and all the action. The previous two books both had moments where I was very lost in the commando jargon and weaponry (not that it put me off totally, obviously), but somehow this one didn't get away from me.
My one real complaint is about the typos. This is the second "end of trilogy" I've read from this publisher and, as with the other one, the typos were out of control. It was like nobody bothered to look it over before putting it out. I didn't buy the E-ARC either, this was supposed to be the finished product. There were a lot of things like, "Then he went over to the wall then". Way more than there should have been, especially from Baen who usually puts out an exemplary product. So what is it with them and 3rd installments of trilogies?
The first book of this trilogy -- Dead Six -- was pretty hard for me to get into for the first 50%. If I wasn't such a Larry Correia fangirl, I might not have stuck with it. The commando lingo and detail was so hard to wrap my head around, so YMMV if you're more knowledgeable in that area. But by halfway through that book, after all the characters have been introduced and the plot has been laid out, I was fully engaged. The second book -- Swords of Exodus -- was a totally wild ride and I was left on the edge of my seat waiting for this one. It took a long time to come out and I thought I'd be a little lost without rereading, but I wasn't. The reminders of past events were subtle but effective and the story was moving forward so steadily that I didn't struggle at all with trying to recall anything.
Even with the typo/editing problem this was a great end to this series. I only hope we see a short story or something pop up with some of these characters again. It could happen and I'm greedy like that.
February 15, 2018
This story is average, but Correia's trademark action - blisters across the pages!
October 27, 2016
Just so well written, funny, sexy, guns, blood, guts, war! Strategy and planning and just pure 100 percent enjoyment and fun!
October 8, 2024
Good ending but....
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but the two subsequent books just did not measure up. The plot for this one was thin and kept dragging on with many of the same things happening over and over. I was disappointed overall.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but the two subsequent books just did not measure up. The plot for this one was thin and kept dragging on with many of the same things happening over and over. I was disappointed overall.
December 3, 2019
Okay, just so you know, this is another one of those stories where the good guys take on overwhelming odds against professionals who do not appear able to hit the broad side of a barn and when they do get lucky, our heroes can still keep on fighting. We have all seen enough movies and read enough books to see this particular trope repeated ad infinitum. But, if you can suspend your disbelief, you are in for a rollicking good time!
Mike and Larry bring together our group of mercenary thieves and set them on a mission to stop "Project Blue," and carry out some individual acts of vengeance along the way. There is much more to the story than that, and you switch between Lorenzo's and Valentine's point of view throughout to fill in the details. You absolutely understand what their motivations are and, for the most part, understand why some of the shadowy organizations they are up against do what they do. (You may not agree with them, but at least they are not faceless generic evil doers). Oh yeah, I should mention there are some truly bad people in this book. I mean downright scary evil. But of course, this always makes it much more satisfying when they get theirs!
As always, there is action galore, some good plot twists and some pretty neat reveals at the end, which leaves a ton of room for more sequels. If you want a page turner with plenty of gun fights, close calls and impossible situations, look no further.
Mike and Larry bring together our group of mercenary thieves and set them on a mission to stop "Project Blue," and carry out some individual acts of vengeance along the way. There is much more to the story than that, and you switch between Lorenzo's and Valentine's point of view throughout to fill in the details. You absolutely understand what their motivations are and, for the most part, understand why some of the shadowy organizations they are up against do what they do. (You may not agree with them, but at least they are not faceless generic evil doers). Oh yeah, I should mention there are some truly bad people in this book. I mean downright scary evil. But of course, this always makes it much more satisfying when they get theirs!
As always, there is action galore, some good plot twists and some pretty neat reveals at the end, which leaves a ton of room for more sequels. If you want a page turner with plenty of gun fights, close calls and impossible situations, look no further.
September 27, 2017
This book has a rather packed prologue. Another reviewer wishes those events had been turned into a second trilogy. I really wish the events of that prologue had been crammed into this trilogy. God knows there was PLENTY of boring filler that could have been removed to make room. If there are ever any books added to the series I won't read them.
I'm having trouble putting into words how I felt about the series. I'm about to go back and bump the previous books from 4 stars to 3. The trilogy was good, but way, way too drawn out. The payoff wasn't worth the buildup. This trilogy could have been 2 action packed books.
I'm glad I went, but I wouldn't go back?
There were supernatural events hinted at in the other books and I feel like we were cheated by not having those things revealed to us.
I love Bronson Pinchot's narration. He is top notch excellent. These were his worst narrations, I doubt it was his fault because he is usually superb. Almost every character seems to have a tick that makes them start yelling words in the same sentence where they were just using an inside voice. I just didn't get it.
I'm having trouble putting into words how I felt about the series. I'm about to go back and bump the previous books from 4 stars to 3. The trilogy was good, but way, way too drawn out. The payoff wasn't worth the buildup. This trilogy could have been 2 action packed books.
I'm glad I went, but I wouldn't go back?
There were supernatural events hinted at in the other books and I feel like we were cheated by not having those things revealed to us.
I love Bronson Pinchot's narration. He is top notch excellent. These were his worst narrations, I doubt it was his fault because he is usually superb. Almost every character seems to have a tick that makes them start yelling words in the same sentence where they were just using an inside voice. I just didn't get it.
March 12, 2020
The aftermath of the assault on the crossroads still has Valentine and Lorenzo trying to find which ways is up. Lorenzo rots in a black cell at the bottom of a missile silo, forced to fight for his life every day, but Sala Jihan, AKA The Pale Man, still has plans for the Son of Murder.
Meanwhile, Valentine has become a reluctant leader for the Exodus survivors and he is doing his best to combat the forces of the Illuminati while on the run from Majestic. But Agent Underhill is on his trail, even as he tries to find Katrina and prevent the chaotic evil last surviving Montalban from completing the ominous, yet still unknown, Project Blue.
Larry does it again. This is a really good book and I love the series. I have one issue with this novel, and that was near the end, where I felt he over used The Pale Man motivation factor in the fight between Lorenzo and Anders. Still, an excellent novel an I will be reading the next in the line. I am eager to see where Lorenzo and Val end up, and how they deal with Magestic.
Meanwhile, Valentine has become a reluctant leader for the Exodus survivors and he is doing his best to combat the forces of the Illuminati while on the run from Majestic. But Agent Underhill is on his trail, even as he tries to find Katrina and prevent the chaotic evil last surviving Montalban from completing the ominous, yet still unknown, Project Blue.
Larry does it again. This is a really good book and I love the series. I have one issue with this novel, and that was near the end, where I felt he over used The Pale Man motivation factor in the fight between Lorenzo and Anders. Still, an excellent novel an I will be reading the next in the line. I am eager to see where Lorenzo and Val end up, and how they deal with Magestic.
September 25, 2017
A friend introduced me to Correia's Monster Hunter series in audio form and from there I have traveled through much of what he has written. By himself and teamed up with other authors.
So far everyone of his books that I've been through has been a fun ride and I'm hoping that he is able to keep delivering the interesting storylines and great characters too!
I also would like to mention that Bronson Pinchot has done an excellent job of reading these stories. He has a good range of voices and performs really well with the hesitations and inflections for each of the characters.
He really added to the enjoyment of these stories!
I'm sure he intends to continue this storyline.
I see a lot of great reviews here and I find it hard to believe that he would leave this audience waiting in the balcony.
So far everyone of his books that I've been through has been a fun ride and I'm hoping that he is able to keep delivering the interesting storylines and great characters too!
I also would like to mention that Bronson Pinchot has done an excellent job of reading these stories. He has a good range of voices and performs really well with the hesitations and inflections for each of the characters.
He really added to the enjoyment of these stories!
I'm sure he intends to continue this storyline.
I see a lot of great reviews here and I find it hard to believe that he would leave this audience waiting in the balcony.
September 29, 2017
Much has already been said about this one so I won't bloviate.
Very, incredibly, extremely fun. Lorenzo, Valentine, Majestic, the Illuminati, Sala Jihan, and Exodus all combine together to create one hell of a satisfying, explosive, action filled finale to a really damned good trilogy.
Mike Kupari, who wrote the Valentine segments, has improved remarkably as a writer and I look forward to his solo works. Correia's Lorenzo is one of his greatest characters.
My only complaint is the bit of a ball drop on the whole paranormal angle. It was hinted at in the two prior books, and we have further hints of demons and angels in this one. However, it was clear the Sala Jihan was not...normal, and yet he is never fleshed out or entirely explained.
It's my one gripe of the series.
Overall a damned good book and a really great series.
Highly recommend this one.
Very, incredibly, extremely fun. Lorenzo, Valentine, Majestic, the Illuminati, Sala Jihan, and Exodus all combine together to create one hell of a satisfying, explosive, action filled finale to a really damned good trilogy.
Mike Kupari, who wrote the Valentine segments, has improved remarkably as a writer and I look forward to his solo works. Correia's Lorenzo is one of his greatest characters.
My only complaint is the bit of a ball drop on the whole paranormal angle. It was hinted at in the two prior books, and we have further hints of demons and angels in this one. However, it was clear the Sala Jihan was not...normal, and yet he is never fleshed out or entirely explained.
It's my one gripe of the series.
Overall a damned good book and a really great series.
Highly recommend this one.
May 23, 2020
Spoilers, so stop reading if you can't take it!
OK, the final book was a definite improvement. Despite a bundle of plotlines that looked like someone axed through a transatlantic cable, nearly everything is nicely wrapped up and spliced into a satisfactory ending. Not an easy task for one writer, so its good there were two of them. Anyone that makes good use of a missing, Russian thermonuclear warhead has my future business!
Lorenzo and Valentine kill every major bad guy from all three novels and survive. None of the major female characters get stuffed into a refrigerator. The crazy ex-girlfriend and Anders both die really badly too; especially Anders. Heh Heh!
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
OK, the final book was a definite improvement. Despite a bundle of plotlines that looked like someone axed through a transatlantic cable, nearly everything is nicely wrapped up and spliced into a satisfactory ending. Not an easy task for one writer, so its good there were two of them. Anyone that makes good use of a missing, Russian thermonuclear warhead has my future business!
Lorenzo and Valentine kill every major bad guy from all three novels and survive. None of the major female characters get stuffed into a refrigerator. The crazy ex-girlfriend and Anders both die really badly too; especially Anders. Heh Heh!
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
July 20, 2017
This is the third and last book in the Dead Six series, and it's a bloody ripper! Valentine and Lorenzo must race to stop Kat before she can detonate nuclear weapons, destroying her enemies, and creating worldwide chaos. The only problem they have is they don't know where the bombs are. Once again, it's up to Exodus, and Val, and Lorenzo to work together, and stop the bad guys from getting away.
I liked the epilogue that gives us a future that seems to be positive and even a possible future story.
I liked the epilogue that gives us a future that seems to be positive and even a possible future story.
March 26, 2018
This was definitely not my normal style of book, but it was a good read. This third book in the series tied up a bunch of loose ends, but at the same time left it wide open if the authors wish to add on to this series at some point in the future. The writing style throughout the series was maintained, so you get to see a couple of the interactions from both sides of the sights. That made for an interesting read and I liked this style here, although I haven't liked it from other authors in the past.
July 17, 2019
Pretty fun overall, tied up almost everything quite well.
July 26, 2017
It was a wonderful ride. The 3rd and last book in the series didn't disappoint.
Our protagonists go against a huge world changing catastrophe and they have to give all they have if they are going to save millions.
These books are candy for the brain. They are immensely entertaining.
If you are fan of Correia's previous works like MHI and the Grimnoir Chronicles you'll surely like the Dead Six trilogy.
Our protagonists go against a huge world changing catastrophe and they have to give all they have if they are going to save millions.
These books are candy for the brain. They are immensely entertaining.
If you are fan of Correia's previous works like MHI and the Grimnoir Chronicles you'll surely like the Dead Six trilogy.
January 26, 2018
Non-stop!
I think the book....and the past few.....being narrated by the main characters (Lorenzo and Valentine) keeps you on the edge of your seat ....wondering what will happen next! Especially near the end of the book, where the nonstop action begins. What will be the fate of the world? What is Evangeline? Where will the nukes be headed? How will they free Bob .....stop Kat.....and battle her mercenaries plus stay out of Underhill's hand? READ ON! :-)
I think the book....and the past few.....being narrated by the main characters (Lorenzo and Valentine) keeps you on the edge of your seat ....wondering what will happen next! Especially near the end of the book, where the nonstop action begins. What will be the fate of the world? What is Evangeline? Where will the nukes be headed? How will they free Bob .....stop Kat.....and battle her mercenaries plus stay out of Underhill's hand? READ ON! :-)
April 13, 2018
Excellent military action thriller!. Valentine and Lorenzo are at it again in book three of the Dead Six series. Forced together against the Illuminati’s organizations, the team fights against time with their Exodus (and other) allies to save the world. Characters are great, lots of action and humor. I will continue to the read this series and any other books by Correia or Kupari. Audible version with great narration by Bronson Pinchot.
October 30, 2016
This is a very satisfying conclusion to a very good series. I liked this one best of all the 3 books. Less squabbling, more winning. My only complaint is the epilogue, which basically summaries what COULD have been the next 1-3 books in the series. Too bad, seems like a missed opportunity. But regardless, this is a very well written series.
February 27, 2021
Lots of guts and action
I love this book. I don’t usually read books like this one but I’m glad I did and will continue to read them. Full of action, guts and blood. Characters are great. They have women warriors too. I’m a 63 year old woman and this book spoke to me! Now I need to read the others in this series.
I love this book. I don’t usually read books like this one but I’m glad I did and will continue to read them. Full of action, guts and blood. Characters are great. They have women warriors too. I’m a 63 year old woman and this book spoke to me! Now I need to read the others in this series.
May 9, 2017
Not as much action as the others in the series, and unfortunately, this one needed a much better proofreader. Way too many typos cost this one a star.
Still worth reading if you've read the other two.
Still worth reading if you've read the other two.
August 11, 2019
The third book wraps up the Dead Six trilogy. As I got to the last 50 pages, I was thinking that this could be dragged out into a fourth book but was semi glad it ended before the book felt forced to come up with a satisfying ending.
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this series despite not really being a reader of military fiction. I liked Correa’s Monster Hunter books, so I picked these up and was pleasantly surprised. The ending was a tad too much Hollywood over-the-top action, but the overall story was good enough to let that slide.
May 14, 2018
Great characters
The book had excellent characters. Tough men with hearts and super cool lady characters. Evil Villains a plenty and the best part is it ends well
The book had excellent characters. Tough men with hearts and super cool lady characters. Evil Villains a plenty and the best part is it ends well
June 10, 2018
I enjoyed this entire series. As a trilogy it ends well and you are thoroughly engrossed up until the end.
January 13, 2020
Hm, so now this trilogy is over. And leaves behind quite a few mysteries. Not that that's bad for all the action, but you get the wird feeling the authors wanted to add more books.
March 14, 2021
A Fitting Ending
I will try to avoid too many spoilers here. Let me just say that Valentine and Lorenzo do right by one another and the whole world. Long and Jill don''
I will try to avoid too many spoilers here. Let me just say that Valentine and Lorenzo do right by one another and the whole world. Long and Jill don''
July 1, 2021
Great ending for the trilogy.
September 30, 2023
Excellent trilogy
October 15, 2016
Action-wise this if five stars. Handles the escalation well and is just packed with action scenes alternating with Valentine and Lorenzo.
Plus again Branson Pinchot as narrator makes it even better.
Plus again Branson Pinchot as narrator makes it even better.
March 12, 2017
Fast and furious action from end to end. Great wrap-up for the series but leaves opportunities for the authors to extend the Dead Six universe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews