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Max Austin #2
The Pursuit
The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend…
Former KGB assassin Max Austin is on the run, fighting to keep his family alive while pursuing his parents’ killers. As he battles foes both visible and concealed, he uncovers a conspiracy with roots in the darkest cellars of Soviet history.
Determined to survive, Max hatches a plan to even the odds by partnering with his mortal enemy. Even as his adversary becomes his confidant, Max is left wondering who he can trust, if anyone…
If you like dynamic, high-voltage, page-turning thrills, you’ll love the second installment of The Russian Assassin series starring Jack Arbor’s desperate hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire, Max Austin.
Former KGB assassin Max Austin is on the run, fighting to keep his family alive while pursuing his parents’ killers. As he battles foes both visible and concealed, he uncovers a conspiracy with roots in the darkest cellars of Soviet history.
Determined to survive, Max hatches a plan to even the odds by partnering with his mortal enemy. Even as his adversary becomes his confidant, Max is left wondering who he can trust, if anyone…
If you like dynamic, high-voltage, page-turning thrills, you’ll love the second installment of The Russian Assassin series starring Jack Arbor’s desperate hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire, Max Austin.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2016
2864 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Jack Arbor
12 books145 followersJack Arbor is the Amazon bestselling author of six thrillers featuring the wayward KGB assassin Max Austin. The stories follow Max as he comes to terms with his past and tries to extricate himself from a destiny he desperately wants to avoid.
Jack works as a digital technologist during the day and writes at night and on weekends, with much love and support from his lovely wife, Jill.
Jill and Jack live outside Aspen, Colorado, where they enjoy trail running and hiking through the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Jack also likes to taste new bourbons and grill meat, usually at the same time. They both miss the coffee on the East Coast.
You can get free books as well as pre-release specials and sign up for Jack’s mailing list at www.jackarbor.com.
Jack works as a digital technologist during the day and writes at night and on weekends, with much love and support from his lovely wife, Jill.
Jill and Jack live outside Aspen, Colorado, where they enjoy trail running and hiking through the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Jack also likes to taste new bourbons and grill meat, usually at the same time. They both miss the coffee on the East Coast.
You can get free books as well as pre-release specials and sign up for Jack’s mailing list at www.jackarbor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
November 6, 2016
Loved it! Read it in one sitting. Enjoyed catching up with Max. Have read all in this series so far and find them fast-paced, and edge-of-your-seat stories. Definitely an author you want to add to your reading list. Make sure you have plenty of time to read as you won't want to put this one down.
February 23, 2018
Max is now working for the CIA, but it appears there's a mole that is endangering his family. So Austin has to go find and kill the perps. A rival, younger, assassin trained by the same system is after him as well. This brings him into conflict with the KGB, the CIA, and the Consortium, the usual SPECTRE type group.
Very exciting. I'm not sure Max will survive to the end of this 5 book series, and that's a good thing.
Very exciting. I'm not sure Max will survive to the end of this 5 book series, and that's a good thing.
August 21, 2020
The mystery deepens as Max learns more about the old man in the wheelchair. There are some unexpected twists. An old power-hungry group called The Consortium emerges. We still don't know why they are so insistent that Max and his entire family must die. It may simply be his father breached their sacred secrecy. Max has also made a dangerous assumption that The Consortium has only twelve members, when all he knows for certain is they have twelve officers. Not the same thing. Where there are officers there tends to be a lower echelon of members, the drones as it were.
The author did a fine job of creating a creepy atmosphere around the old man and the organization in general. The second book in the Max Austin series was thick with action, but could have used a little more depth in intrigue & mystery. Bringing in Yuri and the old guard bathhouse Russian was a nice touch though. You would think a control freak organization like this would have their information not only encrypted but coded. They would have words & phrases, numbers & symbols of which only they knew the meaning.
The author did a fine job of creating a creepy atmosphere around the old man and the organization in general. The second book in the Max Austin series was thick with action, but could have used a little more depth in intrigue & mystery. Bringing in Yuri and the old guard bathhouse Russian was a nice touch though. You would think a control freak organization like this would have their information not only encrypted but coded. They would have words & phrases, numbers & symbols of which only they knew the meaning.
January 20, 2018
Well, I'm having a hard time believing Max is real. He does drugs, smokes unfiltered cigarettes, loves alcohol, shot up, knifed, head wounds, sleep deprivation---seriously, his body can apparently take anything. To me this is playing out like some kind of eight year old's idea of being the 'good' bad guy who's family depends on him. The females in the books are the same, just different body shapes. Go back and read up on some of the original 'spy' guys--James Bourne had headaches and exhaustion and real 'people' concerns.
February 5, 2018
I didn’t like this book as well as I liked book one in the series. There is a lot of violence and killing, too much use of the F word, and of course Max Austin gets injured any number of times, but always lives. This gets to the point of absurdity. He is stabbed in the leg by an assassin, loses a bunch of blood, gets stitches and a transfusion and is off to another gun battle. Really, Max? You are really Superman.
August 11, 2019
I stumbled upon this writer and series by accident and now I am hooked. The complications are many, which one is your friend and ally and who is your enemy. Is Max going to save the rest of his family or not?
September 11, 2018
Non-stop thriller
Great spy story, can't wait to plow through the next book. Max and Kate are great!
Great spy story, can't wait to plow through the next book. Max and Kate are great!
March 18, 2017
I really can't wait for the 3rd book!!!
It's just so so good. I can't put the book down even though I want to.
Max has become even better. If you read the Russian Assassin and are thinking about whether or not to read this book, my answer is HELL YES!!!
I gave the last book a 4, because I just think it lacked something, maybe some more excitement. I got everything I thought was missing from this book. You shouldn't miss it for the world!
It's just so so good. I can't put the book down even though I want to.
Max has become even better. If you read the Russian Assassin and are thinking about whether or not to read this book, my answer is HELL YES!!!
I gave the last book a 4, because I just think it lacked something, maybe some more excitement. I got everything I thought was missing from this book. You shouldn't miss it for the world!
June 5, 2017
Can't Wait For More Max!
Wow, I'm blown away by the tight storytelling and character develop of the Russian Assassin series. The spy/assassin genre is one I read frequently. What makes Max Austin superior is that he's skilled, professional, but HUMAN. So many other authors make their lead characters sociopaths, but not this one. I really appreciate this aspect.
Wow, I'm blown away by the tight storytelling and character develop of the Russian Assassin series. The spy/assassin genre is one I read frequently. What makes Max Austin superior is that he's skilled, professional, but HUMAN. So many other authors make their lead characters sociopaths, but not this one. I really appreciate this aspect.
September 4, 2017
First book was good. Second not so much. Just a continuation of the first story. I thought 350 pages was good, 700 way too many. I'll be interested in the next book in this franchise, provided there is one, as long as it "turns the page" and moves on to another plot line.
Oh yeah, forget the cigs. Hopefully Max can find some other habit.
Oh yeah, forget the cigs. Hopefully Max can find some other habit.
May 4, 2018
The book The Pursuit, a Max Austin Thriller, is a action and adventure thriller, written by Jack Arbor. This is the second book in the Max Austin Thriller series. The protagonist is a man named Max Austin his parents, and brother in law murdered by a bombing at his parents house. Max’s real name is Mikhail Asimov.Max is and ex-Russian KGB agent but was recruited to work for the CIA in the first book, The Russian Assassin. Max is originally told czech terrorists are responsible for his family’s death. (Do not continue reading summary if you have not read the first book). Max finds out a company headed by a man named Nathan Abrams, who you could call the antagonist for the time being, is responsible for his family’s death and is trying to complete the job by killing his sister and nephew Alex. Max discovers deep old soviet union secrets and the true men responsponsible for his family’s death. There are many twists in who is working with who and who is believed to be the killer. This book is set all over the world Max is in russia, America, and Europe, and some other unknown locations. The theme of this book would be, be careful who you trust, and expect the worst.
I really enjoyed this book. The non-stop action, and twists always kept me on my toes and prepared me to be shocked. The pages just fly by when you read this book. The part from the last book where Max was recruited to the CIA is a prime example. The suspense makes this book a great choice if you find reading boring. This is a mature book I would recommend ages 15 and up. The reading level is isn’t hard any high schooler or middle schooler should read this, but the content suggests mature content. Overall this is a very exciting and riveting book and I plan on finishing the series.
I really enjoyed this book. The non-stop action, and twists always kept me on my toes and prepared me to be shocked. The pages just fly by when you read this book. The part from the last book where Max was recruited to the CIA is a prime example. The suspense makes this book a great choice if you find reading boring. This is a mature book I would recommend ages 15 and up. The reading level is isn’t hard any high schooler or middle schooler should read this, but the content suggests mature content. Overall this is a very exciting and riveting book and I plan on finishing the series.
June 9, 2020
I'm giving this 3 only because thew site won't allow me to give it a 2.5.
My main problem is how Arbor portrays his antagonists. The literally seem like they're out of the worst of the Roger Moore James Bond movies while capturing none of the cool aspects of Bond. There's also a tendency to make them both omnipotent with a strangely mixed with incompetence when dealing with Max Austin. Max Austin himself is turning into a caricature of a secret agent or assassin. He's part superhero as well...i mean, he takes a beating (hospitalization style) but never loses a step, never loses a fight...it's almost like he's a super hero from a comic book. Facial injury impacting his vision and getting stabbed in the leg, it's just a flesh wound! No slowing this guy down, fly across the world...conduct black ops against the world's best! No impact! Of course, all of these are trends from the first book and common in the genre.
Also, really? ...The "Consortium"...I will only like this concept if the Colonel Sanders from KFC makes an appearance as Mike Myers described in So I married an Axe Murderer.
What the book does very almost extremely well - Action! It is page-turner even with the story flaws and somer rather serious timeline issues. The book reads very fast and I do plan on reading book 3.
My main problem is how Arbor portrays his antagonists. The literally seem like they're out of the worst of the Roger Moore James Bond movies while capturing none of the cool aspects of Bond. There's also a tendency to make them both omnipotent with a strangely mixed with incompetence when dealing with Max Austin. Max Austin himself is turning into a caricature of a secret agent or assassin. He's part superhero as well...i mean, he takes a beating (hospitalization style) but never loses a step, never loses a fight...it's almost like he's a super hero from a comic book. Facial injury impacting his vision and getting stabbed in the leg, it's just a flesh wound! No slowing this guy down, fly across the world...conduct black ops against the world's best! No impact! Of course, all of these are trends from the first book and common in the genre.
Also, really? ...The "Consortium"...I will only like this concept if the Colonel Sanders from KFC makes an appearance as Mike Myers described in So I married an Axe Murderer.
What the book does very almost extremely well - Action! It is page-turner even with the story flaws and somer rather serious timeline issues. The book reads very fast and I do plan on reading book 3.
February 4, 2020
Unexpected and Exciting!
Installment #2 of the Max Austin series did not disappoint! Assassin Max is forced to navigate multiple government agencies in order to keep himself and his family alive. Then he learns they may not even be his biggest threats. With unlikely help, Max has to find those trying to kill him and stay alive long enough to keep his family alive.
Arbor found a way to maintain the hallmarks of a good spy novel like fast paced plots and lead characters who dance the line between good and bad while creating all new ways to keep us guessing. I love that Arbor doesn’t give into cliched structures of character development and instead plays with our emotions as he introduces, kills, and resurrects characters seemingly at whim. I am truly excited to read the next book. We are not at all where I thought we’d be in this story. I can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
I did not love the Kindle format for this book and would have preferred standard pages and page numbers, etc.
Installment #2 of the Max Austin series did not disappoint! Assassin Max is forced to navigate multiple government agencies in order to keep himself and his family alive. Then he learns they may not even be his biggest threats. With unlikely help, Max has to find those trying to kill him and stay alive long enough to keep his family alive.
Arbor found a way to maintain the hallmarks of a good spy novel like fast paced plots and lead characters who dance the line between good and bad while creating all new ways to keep us guessing. I love that Arbor doesn’t give into cliched structures of character development and instead plays with our emotions as he introduces, kills, and resurrects characters seemingly at whim. I am truly excited to read the next book. We are not at all where I thought we’d be in this story. I can’t wait to see where he takes us next.
I did not love the Kindle format for this book and would have preferred standard pages and page numbers, etc.
October 20, 2018
Arbor writes well, but c'mon already, shorten the books.
Like in all action stories, the hero shoots a lot, kills a lot and gets wounded a lot. But thankfully the hero also heals very quickly so the action can continue. This is quite true for Max Austin a Belorussian defector to the CIA. Well, he was, now again, he is a solo assassin who flys around the world doing all the detecting he can to weed out threats to kill his only remaining close family, his sister, Ariana and her young preteen son, Alex. The Pursuit is the second book in the five book series. Not because I'm a great action novel fan, but because I'm stubborn, I will read on to the third book, but I gotta tell you, the premise is getting a little weak.
Like in all action stories, the hero shoots a lot, kills a lot and gets wounded a lot. But thankfully the hero also heals very quickly so the action can continue. This is quite true for Max Austin a Belorussian defector to the CIA. Well, he was, now again, he is a solo assassin who flys around the world doing all the detecting he can to weed out threats to kill his only remaining close family, his sister, Ariana and her young preteen son, Alex. The Pursuit is the second book in the five book series. Not because I'm a great action novel fan, but because I'm stubborn, I will read on to the third book, but I gotta tell you, the premise is getting a little weak.
January 26, 2025
It is an entertaining book overall. Personally I like some realism. This one felt like the protagonist is a super human and the opponents are all sitting ducks. The ending left me unsatisfied where he kills all the people vying for his family’s blood but there seems to be no greater good that comes out of it. There were some typos too which made me almost stop reading at the first few pages. The predictability was a dampener.
There are definitely things that go well for the book. It is non-stop action spanning multiple countries. The details especially around technology, ammunition and country specific things shows the author did their research. It keeps you on the edge of your seat even though it’s predictable.
There are definitely things that go well for the book. It is non-stop action spanning multiple countries. The details especially around technology, ammunition and country specific things shows the author did their research. It keeps you on the edge of your seat even though it’s predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2018
I agree with many of the reviewers who give this 2 or 3 stars: Max takes too many unrealistic beatings (lead pipe to the head? really) and survives...too much torture - unnecessary to the story lines...the smoking makes no sense especially when he knows it can blow his cover - and in today's day just makes no sense to smoke for a character of his physical abilities. Cut back on the torture, the unrealistic physical beat downs, and eliminate smoking and this becomes a fun and fast story line. Not sure I'll delve into book 3, as much as I like the story and Max Austin...hard to look past the unrealistic parts and the smoking.
December 11, 2018
Wonderful read
This is the second book in the series I read, the first one piqued my interest, Although unsure of the plan of a Russian spy novel. I quickly became engrossed in the book, reading it in a few days. This book however was alluring with the fact that the characters were already known. The death of Wing deflated me a bit as I really enjoyed her character. The amount of turmoil he endured first threw me, As any normal person could not endure that… Realizing his training in Russia, I quickly forgot that rule. I am looking forward to your next novel in the Max Austin thriller series
This is the second book in the series I read, the first one piqued my interest, Although unsure of the plan of a Russian spy novel. I quickly became engrossed in the book, reading it in a few days. This book however was alluring with the fact that the characters were already known. The death of Wing deflated me a bit as I really enjoyed her character. The amount of turmoil he endured first threw me, As any normal person could not endure that… Realizing his training in Russia, I quickly forgot that rule. I am looking forward to your next novel in the Max Austin thriller series
October 15, 2023
The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend…
Former KGB assassin Max Austin is on the run, fighting to keep his family alive while pursuing his parents’ killers. As he battles foes both visible and concealed, he uncovers a conspiracy with roots in the darkest cellars of Soviet history.
Determined to survive, Max hatches a plan to even the odds by partnering with his mortal enemy. Even as his adversary becomes his confidant, Max is left wondering who he can trust, if anyone…
If you like dynamic, high-voltage, page-turning thrills, you’ll love the second installment of The Russian Assassin series starring Jack Arbor’s desperate hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire, Max Austin.
Former KGB assassin Max Austin is on the run, fighting to keep his family alive while pursuing his parents’ killers. As he battles foes both visible and concealed, he uncovers a conspiracy with roots in the darkest cellars of Soviet history.
Determined to survive, Max hatches a plan to even the odds by partnering with his mortal enemy. Even as his adversary becomes his confidant, Max is left wondering who he can trust, if anyone…
If you like dynamic, high-voltage, page-turning thrills, you’ll love the second installment of The Russian Assassin series starring Jack Arbor’s desperate hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire, Max Austin.
January 23, 2018
This was Jack Arbor's best novel, the excitement, plot and character interaction was entertaining. I didn't want to stop reading but each I did I looked forward to have it to come back to. The adventure was fast paced and the action almost nonstop. I enjoyed the personalities of all the characters. Max has a no "BS" style and is loyal to what he believes in. My warning would be once you start reading it you won't want to put it down. Nice job Jack Arbor and thank you.
May 15, 2018
This story keeps getting more and more complex as the stakes increase for Max and his family, and has he discovers many secrets about his past and his family. My only disappointments are that, first, a character dies that I was starting to like, and 2nd, I found out there are going to be five books in the series instead of three. With five, that means that I won't know for a very long time how everything works out for Max.
October 14, 2018
As Good As the First book
You got to love the character Max. To be honest I liked just about everything in the book. Is that everything you want in the book Drama intrigue romance comedy and action. It was just something about the ending that seems a little quick. As hard as it may be to make an assassin the good guy Jack Arbor does it with ease. This is a book worth reading and a series you will want to continue to read
You got to love the character Max. To be honest I liked just about everything in the book. Is that everything you want in the book Drama intrigue romance comedy and action. It was just something about the ending that seems a little quick. As hard as it may be to make an assassin the good guy Jack Arbor does it with ease. This is a book worth reading and a series you will want to continue to read
June 7, 2020
I loved this book! The minute I finished book 1 - the Russian Assassin, I bought this one and began reading. I've always loved history and fascinated by Soviet history with KGB. I know this is a work of fiction, but I imagine lots of what the author wrote about could and may have happened. Now I start book 3, and I'm sure it will be just as wonderful. The story lines captures you and it's hard to put it down and we live through Max's life with many turns and twisting plots.!
June 15, 2020
Max Austin is at it again, but it’s more of the same, I think the first was better. Arbor tends to overdo situations and naturally Max comes out on top, a little overdone. Can’t believe he talks his way out of total death? Then as the story goes on he’s not killing all the enemy when he has the chance? Stupid-results in Wing’s death. Overall, criticisms considered, it was pretty good, just overdone. 5
August 5, 2020
Order out of Chaos...
I’m enjoying the intensity of Max Austin’s world... chaos, surprises, twists and turns in the plot and in hidden tunnels. This is a really good read. I’ve enjoyed it immensely! What a surprise finding out that Yuri was actually... well, I won’t tell you. You’ll need to read it. I’m glad Max and Kate are working together too. They seem to be destined to do that.
I’m enjoying the intensity of Max Austin’s world... chaos, surprises, twists and turns in the plot and in hidden tunnels. This is a really good read. I’ve enjoyed it immensely! What a surprise finding out that Yuri was actually... well, I won’t tell you. You’ll need to read it. I’m glad Max and Kate are working together too. They seem to be destined to do that.
October 4, 2021
3.5 rounded down to 3 stars. This might be a matter of preference. When I read a series, I like each book to be around 75% a complete story arc and 25% ongoing background plot. This book was entirely a continuation of the plot line from the first book in the series. Because I knew the world, the characters, and the plot beats, I felt like I was going through the motions when reading it. I'd say if you liked the first book and want exactly the same - dive in.
March 7, 2025
Tons of action in The Pursuit. Max continues his search for his family's killers. This is a very complex conspiracy series, new characters appear in nearly every chapter. Max does not know who to trust and can seldom believe what people tell him. There is no resolution in this book, only lead into the next installment. of the series. I thought this one was overly long and complicated. Still, a fast paced story, not for the squeamish.
May 13, 2017
The best so far,a fun and fast paced novel
This is the best story in the series so far. A very fast-paced interesting novel , with a lot of unexpected twists. The author Jack is getting better at describing believable action scenes. And this shows that he's going to be among the top espionage writers soon . I recommend getting this book
This is the best story in the series so far. A very fast-paced interesting novel , with a lot of unexpected twists. The author Jack is getting better at describing believable action scenes. And this shows that he's going to be among the top espionage writers soon . I recommend getting this book
June 24, 2017
Good characters, interesting plot
I've read both Max Austin novels and enjoyed them. Max is evolving as the series progresses. I want to see him break the conspiracy that is threatening him and his family, but not too soon! I hope some of Max's associates make it out alive, since so many have been victims of the bad guys who are pursuing Max. Keep writing, Jack!
I've read both Max Austin novels and enjoyed them. Max is evolving as the series progresses. I want to see him break the conspiracy that is threatening him and his family, but not too soon! I hope some of Max's associates make it out alive, since so many have been victims of the bad guys who are pursuing Max. Keep writing, Jack!
March 11, 2018
The author wrote a well paced book. This is an enjoyable read for this genre. We develop a quick liking for some characters, however, some (won;t reveal who) faced a way to early demise. Overall a real good effort that gets you wanting to hear about more of the exploits of Max Austin and his Family.
March 13, 2018
Entertaining and thrilling
If you like spy thrillers and action packed stories featuring strong and capable main characters with a sense of their own morality then you will like the Max Austin novels. It’s a bit of James Bond meets Jason Bourne. I will keep reading these stories as long as Mr Arbor keeps writing them.
If you like spy thrillers and action packed stories featuring strong and capable main characters with a sense of their own morality then you will like the Max Austin novels. It’s a bit of James Bond meets Jason Bourne. I will keep reading these stories as long as Mr Arbor keeps writing them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews