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Teenager Chase Ryder has been living rough on the streets of New York for months – a harrowing experience yet still better than what she endured at home.

When she and recently widowed vet, Sully, rescue a super intelligent Collie, Chase finally finds herself part of the loving family unit she has always craved, but every display of Bandit’s special skills brings them one step closer to the mercenary billionaire who created him… and he wants his expensive experiment back.

With the enemy's personal SWAT team out for blood, a devastating turn of events finds them running for their lives as they fight to save one of their own.

666 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2016

1883 people are currently reading
437 people want to read

About the author

Jo Ho

34 books74 followers
A proud geek and video gamer, and champion of complex female protagonists, Jo brings her page-turning screenwriting style to books to weave well-crafted, suspenseful stories with twists you don't see coming. She writes YA books under Jo Ho and adult romance books under Joanne Ho - most of them featuring dogs!

A self-taught screenwriter, Jo's writing life began when she created the groundbreaking, critically acclaimed CBBC action fantasy television series, "Spirit Warriors," which introduced leading actress, Jessica Henwick ("Game of Thrones," "Star Wars: The Force Awakes") to the screen. Granted the biggest budget ever given to a CBBC show at the time, it was nominated for "Best Children's Programme" at the 2011 Broadcast Awards, with Jo herself, going on to win the Women in Film & Television's "New Talent" Award in 2010. Jo even made history for being the first East Asian person - man or woman - to have created a British television drama series.

Since then, Jo has worked with some of the most acclaimed producers in the world with several television shows and movies currently in development, she also writes for games. When she isn't working on her own stories, Jo helps others with their work - she is one of the BFI's (British Film Institute) recommended script consultants.

Jo suffers from MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities), a debilitating condition she has developed over the last few years which has left her mostly housebound. Unfortunately, it is still not officially recognized in the UK despite the World Health Organisation listing it as a physical disability. There is currently no help for sufferers of MCS in the UK. Unable to travel or attend meetings and writersrooms, she has lost many screenwriting opportunities but has refused to allow the condition to rule her life. Despite the wrench life has thrown at her, Jo started to write and publish books.

Her debut novel WANTED, Book 1 of the Chase Ryder series has been a bestseller in 15 YA categories. It also won top prize in the YA Sci-Fi category for the 2018 Readers' Favorite Book Awards. It is her dream to bring all of her book series to screen and she believes she can make it happen with her readers' help!

Jo lives in London and hopes to travel across America one day in a super kitted out, MCS-friendly, Zombie-apocalypse-ready RV with her lovely fella Matt, and three equally lovely kitties.

Sign up to her mailing list for updates, book release details and offers at www.johoscribe.com
Check out her romance books here: https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Ho/e/B0...

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5 stars
595 (59%)
4 stars
276 (27%)
3 stars
105 (10%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,212 reviews2,340 followers
November 22, 2017
Wanted (Chase Ryder #1) by Jo Ho is a fun sci-fi read. Chase is a gal that has been living on the streets and she sees a collie get hurt. She notices he has special abilities. She is trying to help him but he needs more. She goes to a vet but there is a notice that this dog has a virus. Of course it is a lie but by the time the vet figures this out, his house is destroyed by military type people. He helps the girl and the dog. The story gets really crazy and it is a wild ride against the big company who is doing experiments. It is a fast and action packed suspense but good ending for all. Loved it.
Profile Image for Deanna  Jansen.
2 reviews
November 28, 2016
My family loves any story where a dog is the star. When I saw this available to read through Goodread's community We ❤️ YA books! for free in exchange for an honest review, I jumped on it.

I, like others, was slightly taken aback by the 147 chapters. However, each chapter is only a few pages at most and actually made for great reading via the iPhone. Normally, I hate to read novels on my phone but this short chapter format made it enjoyable. Also with the short chapters you find yourself sailing through the book quickly.

Now for the characters...I loved Bandit, the dog. Jo made his character humanistic yet still a canine at heart. I could easily see him in my head and root for him to escape the "bad guys". The surrounding characters of Chase, the street girl who bonds with Bandit, and Sully, the widower vet who becomes embroiled into their troubles, are also well established. Without giving too much away, I was pleased with the outcome of their stories and how their characters evolved within the story.

The story itself has a captivating beginning. However, it did begin to wane a bit in the middle chapters as I wondered where the story was leading up to. Turns out, the author was setting up the pieces for a dramatic ending. The ending was action packed with guns a blazing. I loved the Hallmark like ending as well. I'm a sucker for a great feel good happy ending especially for those in desperate need of it like Chase and Bandit.

Enjoyed the book immensely! It's a great read!
Profile Image for David Wright.
393 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2021
This was a joy to read. My initial thoughts were that this was vaguely reminiscent of 'Fluke' by James Herbert. Having read further, however, it became clear that the story was totally different and I may as well compare this to 'Call Of The Wild' or 'White Fang'.

The main character in the story is a remarkably intelligent pooch, who encounters Chase - a runaway who is down on her luck and Sully, a vet who is also going through some very hard times.

Together they set out to try to find out more about the dogs history, and why they are being pursued by some very nasty and dangerous people. There are some great ideas in this book, the characters are well thought out and the humour balances well with the backstories. As the story progresses, we see the characters grow, adapting to all of the hazards they face, as well as learning not just from their trials, but from each other too. The style of writing means that, although some passages can be fairly intense, they are not overly so and the read is quite light throughout, the book being suitable for most age groups.

I recommend this book to people who want something a bit different. A hyper intelligent dog? Check!
Profile Image for Book Wyvern.
558 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This was very surprising but I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. When I saw that there was 148 chapters, I admit that I got a little anxious but, the chapters were short and to the point, making it a fast paced, action-packed and emotional story.

The author e-mailed me saying that if I liked the Maximum Ride series that I would like this book and she wasn’t wrong.

The cover is interesting, not really something that would completely catch my eye though. The pace was perfect though for the plot, there wasn’t a boring moment yet it wasn’t just full of action.

The only problem that I really had with the book was that chapter 31 was blank but I’m not going to take away a star for that, the book was just that good.

I’m also kind of torn, I’m happy with the way things ended but I’m kind of sad that this isn’t a series, though I’m not really sure a series can be made from this. At least there’s no questions left unanswered.

I would definitely recommend to teens and adults, especially those who are also fans of the Maximum Ride series. It isn’t kids who can fly but I believe it’s just as good.

Thank you for reading my review

-Sam
1 review
November 14, 2016
An exciting, fast-paced book, it manages to be both succinct and vivid which I'm guessing stems from the author's screenwriting career. The characters are all well-written, with their own distinct personalities and emotions. The lead character's voice in particular is fantastic, she was funny, tough and vulnerable all at the same time. Sully too, was a sympathetic character whose rage and despair over the death of his wife was tangible. Bandit the dog, was a standout for me. As a character who can't directly speak but does so via physical motions and means (I won't spoil how for you here), I felt he was fully realized and believable.

The chapters are very short - this might not be to everyone's taste, but I liked them as they propelled the story forward at a cracking pace, though as a previous reviewer has said, it's not action all the time; the author leaves you plenty of space to feel what the characters are feeling. As a guy who likes to read YA books occasionally, I also really like that this book wasn't about a girl torn between two guys as is so often the case, but rather three unloved individuals coming together to form a family.

Wanted is an excellent read by a very talented new author and I highly recommend this book to both YA fans and adults looking for an emotional yet thrilling story.
Profile Image for Jan Pfeifer.
31 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2017
Doggone it the story ended.

Bandit, Chase and Sully keep this amazing story moving at a fast and furious pace. They are determined to right a horrible misjustice and go up against one who believes himself above all others.

Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this hard to put down book. I don't know if there will be a sequel but if there is I'd be sure to buy it.
Profile Image for ~Reading Rambler~.
113 reviews12 followers
July 6, 2018
Wanted is about a girl that bumps into a smart dog, and end up being chased by the people he (the dog) escaped from.

Wanted is fast-paced and page turning. I was able to read it in a flash, and was wonderfully impressed with it.

The story was on its own very unique. I can honestly say I have never read a book like that and it was done very well.

I loved the characters in the story! Chase is a good heroine, Bandit it a wonderful model as man’s best friend. I will never be able to look at my own dogs without thinking of Bandit, even if they aren’t collies :)

Sully, is a wonderful parent model in the story, watching over Chase.
Even Gideon and Sully’s dad have a place in my heart.

I absolutely loved the comment about The Last of Us, (my most favorite game in the whole universe!) and I also liked that Marvel was mentioned. Both comments were a cool way to make it seem like the character’s world was in the same time as the real world.

Something that was a little odd was the authors obvious indifference towards the Bible. The character makes several comments towards the Bible in a negative way. The comments did nothing to further the story whatsoever. The way the author added it into the character didn’t seem to contribute to the story, or help the development of the character at all. It seemed irrelevant and I found it off putting.

Also, something I didn’t like was the author had a tendency to add comments and facts that didn’t help the story or at times make much sense, such as, (referring to the capital of Vermont) “for every one hundred women, there were eighty-two men, which sucked for those other eighteen women, Chase had thought. Unless they were gay. Which, come to think of it, how did they know the men they surveyed were into women?” This scene was a little weird because this also didn’t help the story, and the flow between these thoughts wasn’t very smooth.

Don’t get me wrong though, this book was very enjoyable, and I would read it again and again!

Other than those points and a few grammatical and spelling errors it was an exhilarating read, and if there were to be a sequel, I would most certainly read it.

Like my review? Check out my blog!
http://www.reading-rambler.com/
1 review
January 6, 2017
Phenomenal first book for this new author. The story was filled with thrills that had me turning pages so fast I was scared the book would catch fire.
The story revolves around three characters, but particularly a homeless girl by the name of Chase. The personality and charisma that the author gave to this young girl is so refreshing and familiar at the same time. I see many qualities shared between her and my niece and it leaves me to believe that she will grow up to be the same witty, intelligent, and loving young woman that Chase becomes.
Another aspect that I found myself completely ingulfed in, is the dog, Bandit. Dogs have always had a place in my heart because of the emotion they have. Much like humans, the have the curiosity and innocence of a child. The impressing part of the tale is how these two characters find each other, help each other, and love each other throughout their many trials.
The book was written beautifully and I highly recommend anyone looking for a good read, to get this one. It's a fast-paced, suspenseful, and thrilling journey and I cannot wait to see what else this author accomplishes.
Profile Image for Beth.
24 reviews
November 29, 2016
Great read! I was a little hesitant when I realized that one of the characters was a dog, but I have to say, I was riveted by the intertwining stories. I always cheer on the underdog and in this case, well, it was an actual dog. This book is very well written and the characters were developed and progressed nicely. I liked the set up of the short chapters, it made it easier to read while traveling this last week since there was a quick stopping point. At first, I thought the plot was going to be a big stretch of science but it turned out to be fascinating. Chase was witty and vulnerable. Sully pulled at my heart strings all the way through. I was content with the ending and I rarely say that. I look forward to reading more from this talented new writer. It also made me want to check out the film work she has done.
Beth
Profile Image for Crystal L..
6 reviews
August 28, 2018
****Warning****to those who are looking at this book for their tweens/teens. THERE IS FOUL LANGUAGE IN THIS BOOK - THE “H” word, “D” word and worst of all “GD”. We didn’t even finish reading the book it went into the trash. Shame because the storyline was interesting, but there is no need for such words to get any point across! Therefore I disagree with the “clean read” status at the bottom of the book description on here.
Profile Image for Kel (Faerie-bookworm).
773 reviews62 followers
September 5, 2017
Title: Wanted
Author: Jo Ho
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-fi
Format: Ebook
Pages: 392
Rating: 5
Heat: 0

Thoughts: First off, be sure to read the author note in the beginning. Going from screen writer to author isn’t easy. That being said, this book was awesome! There were times when it changed from first person to third but other than that, one of the best written books of the year. Granted, this is my opinion but I LOVE detail and this book had it in spades, but not to the point where it was nauseating or boring. The characters seemed so real and had so much depth that now that I’ve finished the book I feel their loss in my life. There really wasn’t anyone I couldn’t relate with, even the bad guy. Totally understood what he was trying to do and why, but I still couldn’t condone it. It’s not often a book comes along like this and I’m so glad I decided to read it. And the fact that it’s a series, I plan on reading them all!
Profile Image for Paula Dyches.
855 reviews17 followers
May 8, 2019
This one won't disappoint, it starts off pretty quickly and keeps your attention throughout the book. I don't want to give anything away so l will keep my review brief. On top of the adventure you go on an emotional ride as you learn about the characters and watch as they grow closer together. This was a pretty clean book, there were only a few bad words but no f-bombs. I would say this is great for 4th grade and up, it's definitely geared toward the teenage crowd but one that adults can get into and enjoy as well. The narration is spot on and a lot of fun to listen to. It's a great start to the series and I would highly recommend it. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
3 reviews
January 31, 2024
Such an easy read with action and love for a dog that is smarter than any other dog alive. The adventure between a homeless girl who meets a dog and finds a family with a vet as they run from a mad billionaire who wants his special dog back, who escaped from the lab. Chase and her new family go through many close calls to find out why they are being chased and what is so special about the dog. The mystery about the dog and what chase has to go through to protect him kept me reading. I can't wait to read the next book of the series.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
February 12, 2017
This fast paced story has 3 main characters; a runaway teen girl, a dog and a DVM. The experiments performed on the dog and the reason behind them are selfish to the nth degree. It will be a pleasure to see what comes next in the series. This story brings home the truth that we need stronger families so there isn't need for teens to run away. If we had stronger families we'd have less abuse of animals.
20 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2023
I loved it!

This story grabbed my attention in the first chapter and kept me reading until the end. I'm so glad this is a series because Chase and Bandit deserve to have more adventures!
421 reviews56 followers
February 27, 2022
Experiments

The author did a great job holding my attention with so much excitement while Chase gets that new gift of a family while fighting with the bad guys.
Profile Image for Nolan.
3,745 reviews38 followers
January 9, 2018
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

As someone who is privileged to travel with a guide dog, I've spent years fantasizing about the excellence of being able to unlock the communication between
us and break down all those barriers.

That's exactly what happens to Chase Ryder, a 14-year-old street-wise homeless girl who befriends a dog--but not just any dog. This one is an escapee from
a lab where he has been genetically engineered and enhanced such that he has far higher levels of intelligence than even the smartest dog.

Of course, it takes a while for young Chase to figure that out and to come up with a brilliant way of tapping into the dog's intelligence. But that's not
her first priority. She first must evade the security forces of the guy who owns the lab in which the dog had been treated. That lab wants its dog back
in the worst way, and the security detail will stop at nothing to realize its goal.

But Chase is no pushover, and when she teams up with a veterinarian still reeling from the death of his wife some time back, the threesome are invincible.

This is a fun story written with a lot of talent. I confess when Chase insists her dog is a guide dog so she can take it inside places, my blood boiled.
My working dog has been the victim of difficult interactions from fake service dogs. In yet another part of the book, Chase depicts herself as someone
on the Autism spectrum in order to take the dog into yet another facility. In the hands of a lesser writer, these shabby tropes would be predictable. But
throughout the book, this author proves decisively that a lack of talent isn't the issue here. I'm glad I was able to read this, and my enjoyment of it
was enough that a couple of threadbare sections didn't ruin the book at all. It's well worth your time and purchase.

The main reason this book truly stands out is the magnificent narration of Heather Masters. She is one of a super-tiny cadre of narrators who are so talented
they make the audiobook seem like it is the only edition that matters. Her differentiated voices were beautifully done. The inflections and cadences she
uses just stand out and place her light years ahead of other narrators. Indeed, it was her narration that helped me decide to request this book, and she
proved every bit as enjoyable and excellent as the sample indicated she would be.

So you have a brilliant narrator, a delightful teenager character, a nice-guy veterinarian, and a dog who can use an iPad. What's not to like about this
book?
Profile Image for Angie Pfeiffer-Senft.
106 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2017
I was graciously contacted by the author, Jo Ho, to receive a copy of “Wanted” in exchange for an honest review. That being said, it has not altered my opinion of the book whatsoever.”Wanted” was published in November of 2016 and is available for purchase.

I can’t even begin to tell you my excitement when Jo contacted me and gave me a brief description about “Wanted”. I feel as though stories with animals go two ways (with me):
1. I LOVE the author
2. I HATE the author

Luckily for Jo, she’s on my good side after reading this book.

“Wanted” introduces us to Chase, a 14 year old runaway. Chase left her home 8 months ago, figuring a life on the streets was better than the alternative at home, if you would even call that living. Honed into a gifted survivor, Chase knows the best times to dumpster dive, however she is not alone. Chase encounters a stray dog who turns out to be more than what he seems. Chase wittingly names the dog Bandit. It is this duo’s bond that leads them to the doorstep of Sully.

For the full review, please visit:
https://quitterstrip.wordpress.com/20...
5 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2021
I was unaware of this author and I am thrilled to find a new (to me) author whose future books I won't miss. Chase is a street kid who shows personal strength over and over despite an abusive childhood and adversity on a day to day basis. She crosses paths with Bandit the dog and finds a best friend. Bandit is more than he seems and when he is injured enter Sully the vet, dealing with his grief over his late wife and lack of any hope for a happy future. The trio forge a bond and find themselves pursued by sinister unknown forces. The result is a great story with suspense and heart pounding action. Each new character introduces a new dimension to the story and Ms Ho's ability to write each character with depth and insight I don't see often. The family that emerges is a complex group who learn to support each other, personalities and flaws and all. Best of all Bandit who values joy, love, and being a part of the group. If you love action, suspense, if you love complex real characters, MOST OF ALL IF YOU LOVE DOGS! This is a must read trilogy.
Profile Image for Emmy.
909 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2019
•audiobook•
Language

This book has two first person pov and two? Three? third person pov. I really wanted to do a word count for ‘mercenary’. I’m sure it’s in the same ballpark as “a/an/the”.
Screenwriters do not always make good authors.
Too much of the story/narrative were mundane details and thoughts. Most should have been on the cutting room -erm - editing floor.
And I’m sure veterinary oncology is from different as human oncology. It’s not as simple as ‘research/google’.
It could have been a better, tighter book. Very disappointing,non recommendable, not worth continuing the series.
Profile Image for Kim.
683 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2018
This book would have been better without Chase. I know that's a rough thing to say, considering she's the main character and the basis of the series, but she's obnoxious, and she does dumb things. Unfortunately, the dumb things pay off, so her character is unlikely to change, making it unlikely that I will read the sequel. One thing I will give the author: she did something that is rare in YA these days; she ended a series book without a cliffhanger. This could easily be a standalone. That tells me she is more invested in satisfying fans than in making money off of them, which is admirable.
Profile Image for Emmy.
909 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2019
•audiobook•

This book has two first person pov and two? Three? third person pov. I really wanted to do a word count for ‘mercenary’. I’m sure it’s in the same ballpark as “a/an/the”.
Screenwriters do not always make good authors.
Too much of the story/narrative were mundane details and thoughts. Most should have been on the cutting room -erm - editing floor.
And I’m sure veterinary oncology is as different as human oncology. It’s not as simple as ‘research/google’.
It could have been a better, tighter book. Very disappointing,non recommendable, not worth continuing the series.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
Author 1 book5 followers
September 21, 2019
My 13 year old son devoured this series - he really enjoys stories featuring animals. I decided to check it out. Oh boy, there are so many issues with this novel. It’s beyond unbelievable with way too many conveniences (such as Chase’s photographic memory). There are also so many editing errors it’s frustrating. I’m more than surprised at the high ratings of this novel.
1,065 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2019
Title: Wanted
Author: Jo Ho
Publisher: Jo Ho
ISBN: B01n09MFJY
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Must-Re...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Chase Ryder 1
TO THEM, HE WAS AN EXPERIMENT
TO HER, HE WAS FAMILY

The first time I saw him, I had no idea he was created in a lab.

I'd been living on the streets for around eight months before I lost count. It wasn't easy, but it was still preferable to what I had to deal with at home. In all that time, unable to trust anyone, I had been alone (I knew from experience that people always failed you). Then one day, while out searching for food, I stumbled upon this mangy dog being attacked.

It wasn't a big deal to help him, but then he ended up saving my life which is when I realized there was something special about him: Muttface wasn't a normal dog - he was crazy intelligent. I'm talking Mensa levels. And he wasn’t an accident either, having recently escaped from a mysterious lab.

We were just getting to know each other when things took a bloody turn.

The vet, Sully, a troubled guy who had recently lost his wife to cancer, did what he could and I guess that would've been the end of our story if we hadn't been attacked by a gang of mercenaries who destroyed Sully's clinic and seemed intent on doing the same to us.

So now here we were, the three of us. On the run across the country against a powerful enemy. Who were they and what did they want with us?

Through the danger, terror, and pain, one thing was becoming clear to me: I had finally found the family I had always wanted and I would do anything to keep them safe...

Even if it meant risking my own life.

Total Score: 5/5

Summary:
Chase was living on the streets caring for only herself until she saw stray dog being attacked. She intervened to help him not knowing her one act of kindness would change her life forever. You see the dog was unusually intelligent to the degree that he could learn anything. Danger lied in where Bandit, the name Chase gave him, came from and who was trying to capture him. Now chase is determined to protect Bandit as much as he puts his life in danger saving her leading them to Sully’s vet clinic. The danger increases leaving Chase, Bandit and Sully on the run not knowing who or why they are being hunted.

This was a fast action paced story filled with love, friendship, and determination to protect those that you love. Sully was living in the past until chase and Bandit gave him the push he needed to move forward. Now being hunted isn’t safe, but Sully realized that chase and Bandit gave him the motivation to move forward. The love between Bandit and Chase was inspirational.

This was a wonderful audiobook that came alive through the narrators reading of the story.

Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
June 16, 2018
Wanted #1 - This is a verified purchase, after getting the Instafreebie with 15 chapters, this book was purchased. Another well written book by Jo. I was impressed with The Boy Next Door, but this novel is just as great. Wanted has characters that are believable and well developed. The fast-paced plot was well thought out, full of intrigue and the pages just flew by, filled with suspense. My emotions were constantly in motion, varying continuously throughout the story. The reason behind the horror has you feeling for the evil person, but continuously pulling for the good guys. 5*

Haunted #2 - Another good book! A well written, suspenseful novel with a well thought out plot and interesting, believable characters. I read it in one sitting, it was so good. This author never fails to disappoint the reader. 5*

The Boy Next Door - A must read. Beautiful story, sad and uplifting. Well-written, compelling the reader to complete the story in one sitting. I'm so glad I contacted the author to review her novella. I want to read more of her work. 5*

What Doesn't Kill You, Episode #1 - Totally awesome!, and it's just the first episode. It's a cliffhanger but it's written in episodes, which I totally dislike in any book. That pet peeve aside, Ms. Ho has done a jam up job with the start of a new series. This genre is right up my alley and I love everything I've read by this author. The story starts with the introductions of the main characters and touches on their background. I'm sure as the pages grow, the characters will develop more with time and experiences. So far, I like all of them, and I usually don't care for this age group, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story. The last chapter pretty much gave a big hint of the future of these four young women and the roller coaster ride their lives will be now.

I wish I could tell what happened to Christian, but that's a spoiler; I let you enjoy the story with fresh eyes and no heads up. The story line can go anywhere from here and I know the ride will be fast paced and twisted. I thank the author for the clean language; yes, real people do not use vulgar language, whether they're Christians or not. 5 stars even though it's in parts - made for the screen, not to make more profits.
736 reviews19 followers
November 13, 2023
NOV ‘23 - 4 STARS : THE CHASE RYDER 3-BOOK SERIES BY JO HO

WANTED (THE CHASE RYDER SERIES BK 1 - DEBUT BOOK) (‘16)
HAUNTED (THE CHASE RYDER SERIES BK 2) (‘17)
HUNTED (THE CHASE RYDER SERIES BK 3) (‘19)

DESCRIPTION : What would you do if you found an exceptionally intelligent dog only to discover he had valuable information inside his head that could change mankind forever? The first time I saw him, I had no idea he had recently escaped from a mysterious lab. That he had been created there. I'd been living on the streets which was tough, but preferable to home. Then one day, I stumbled upon this skinny dog being attacked. I saved him, but then he saved me, and I realized that Muttface wasn't a normal dog. He was crazy intelligent. I'm talking Mensa levels. It wasn't only his cleverness that I fell for, however. Bandit happened to be one of the sweetest, most purest souls that ever walked the earth. Who knew a dog could have such a goofy sense of humor? When we sought help from a grieving veterinarian named Sully, his clinic was attacked and destroyed by mercenaries. So now here we are, the three of us. On the run across the country against a powerful enemy. Who are they and what do they want with us?

REVIEW :
Book 1 - Debut book by this author in 2016 and first book by this author for me. Not a sci-fI fan but love a “talking” dog. The first 20% already has me in love with some of the characters. Chase is already showing her bad ass side and I’m looking forward to seeing more. Not too sci-fi, I guess the altered, communicating dog covers that. The action kept building and love Chase’s new expanding “family”.
Book 2 - Haunted of The Chase Ryder series continued the growth of friendships. I did see troubles brewing on the horizon which started my fears for the future. Lots of action. Book 2 was even better than 2 as I got attached to the characters.
Book 3 - Hunted of the Chase Ryder series was just as good as the first two and I loved that the action started right away and carried through. The ending was just perfect.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
November 27, 2019
Wow, this is the first book by this author that I have ready or listened to but if this book is any judge of the authors work then it won't be be the last. If fact as soon as I have finished writing this review I am off to see if there are anymore books in this series. Being a dog owner this hit so many heart strings for me and I did have a few tears but I still really enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the way they all bonded together, especially the dog. There was plenty of action, as they found ways to get out the different situations they found themselves in. The story is told from a number of the characters perspective and I thought that it really helped the story flow, as you knew why people were doing what they were doing.
I young runaway girl looking for food helps a starving dog and a strong bond is formed. But the dog is no ordinarily dog which becomes apparent when the dog saves the girls life and gets hurt in the process. Chase fearing she is going to lose her best friend she rushes him to a veterinarian clinic run by grieving widow Sully. After the operation Sully wants to learn more about the two strays that barged into his home and in doing so he makes a phone call that will change all three of there lives for ever. The dog seems to have escaped from a medical lab and his highly contagious. But if that is the case why do the men that have turned up to collect him look like soldiers and why are they carrying guns? The trio flee into the night, starting a big man hunt for them. Up against a rich, powerful and deadly foe can they stay one step ahead of the bad guys? One thing is for sure a young homeless girl might have a few tricks up her sleeve when it come to protecting her family.
I liked the narrator and thought she was a good choice for a teenage girl (the main character) and did well with the other characters too.
Profile Image for Linda.
757 reviews18 followers
April 17, 2024
**A tamer, simpler version of Koontz's "Watchers"**

Intelligent dog who can communicate and is on the run with two humans? Yeah. I've traveled this road before. The two stories aren't exact replicas, thank goodness; there are plenty of differentiating details that make each of them unique. But they're still close enough that the reminder is there. A significant difference is that this story, aside from certain plot details, is very geared to cater to young adults in all its (painfully) PG-13 glory. It's mostly child friendly, but there's still some mild language and violence to contend with.

I neglected to register before reading that Chase Ryder, who is the main lead in this series, is a teenager. Obviously, this means that this story is chock-full of teenage angst and teenage thoughts. It's not like I haven't read stories with teen leads, but...it was definitely not something I was wanting to deal with in this story. I found myself more preferring the POV from Sully, who is the adult in this story, than that of Chase. But as expected, Sully was often overshadowed (ugh). Frankly, I just didn't like being in Chase's head the majority of the way.

It didn't seem fair to rate this thing too lowly from my own ignorance alone, though. After all, it's still got a dog and I love dogs, especially smart dogs. It had a good pace to it and kept my attention, something it achieved by extremely short chapters (some of them needlessly so). But it was simply far too docile a story for me, with too many cutesy moments, papery villains, and not enough grit to my liking. It didn't help that both Chase and Sully had too many exclamative thoughts in their POVs, which made things feel corny.

Will I continue this series? I honestly don't feel the need nor the compulsion to do so. I'll just stick with the much more adult-friendly "Watchers."
Profile Image for Infinity Sisters Reviews.
101 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2017
Wanted by Jo Ho is the first in the Chase Ryder series. Chase Ryder is fourteen and living on the streets when one night as she scrounges for food, she discovers a dog in the same situation. After he brings her food and saves her life, she realizes there's more to this dog, Bandit, than meets the eye. The two quickly bond, and learn to communicate as Chase learns a startling secret about this seemingly ordinary dog. After being attacked and with Bandit wounded, Chase finds the first vet she can, the grieving Jake Sullivan. Sully sees a girl and dog that need his help, but he doesn't expect to see a warning sign for the dog that says he's carrying a virus. When they're attacked and his home is set on fire, Sully knows that he must do all he can to protect Chase and Bandit. Together the three go on the run, and try to piece together where Bandit came from while trying to stay alive.

Jo Ho has an interesting format, using quick chapters, two first person narrators, and even a few third person perspectives. It's reminiscent of film, with the chapters stylized similar to scenes, but with in-depth character emotions. The writing is smart and creative, and somehow Ho depicts the villain in a sympathetic light. The ragtag team members are a perfect fit for each other: Chase has run away from home, Bandit has escaped an animal testing facility, and Sully recently lost his wife. Each of them is lost, and hindered by their pasts, but when they come together they form a bond that allows for them to build a makeshift family. Finding each other is what they needed, not just to save Bandit, but to give each of them a purpose and a second chance. Wanted is a gripping action adventure with friendship, danger, and second chances.
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