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Choice of Weapon
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00DKF495E
To some he was merely the gamekeeper, a quiet, private man. To others he was a soldier, forged in the flames of war. But to Manon, who needed his help, he was her ultimate Choice of Weapon.
Garrett had spent most of his adult life fighting other people’s wars. Now he lives in the highlands of Scotland. Alone but not lonely. Reclusive. Hiding from the person that he had become. Eschewing the violence that was once his way of life.
But then he receives a phone call from a friend who needs his help. An orphanage in South Africa is missing some of its children, suspected kidnapped, and the local corrupt police will not help. It is up to Garrett. And he is once more drawn into a world of dark and deep brutality as he tries to do what is right.
Together with the guard from the children’s home and an old combat compatriot he discovers a world of darkness and depravity that threatens to overwhelm him, forcing him to react in the only way that he knows how. The way that he swore never to follow again…because someone has to protect the children.
To some he was merely the gamekeeper, a quiet, private man. To others he was a soldier, forged in the flames of war. But to Manon, who needed his help, he was her ultimate Choice of Weapon.
Garrett had spent most of his adult life fighting other people’s wars. Now he lives in the highlands of Scotland. Alone but not lonely. Reclusive. Hiding from the person that he had become. Eschewing the violence that was once his way of life.
But then he receives a phone call from a friend who needs his help. An orphanage in South Africa is missing some of its children, suspected kidnapped, and the local corrupt police will not help. It is up to Garrett. And he is once more drawn into a world of dark and deep brutality as he tries to do what is right.
Together with the guard from the children’s home and an old combat compatriot he discovers a world of darkness and depravity that threatens to overwhelm him, forcing him to react in the only way that he knows how. The way that he swore never to follow again…because someone has to protect the children.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2013
653 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 27, 2019
One of the most violent but most beautifully written books I've ever read
If you don't enjoy violence or bad language, you may be tempted to skip this book. I usually limit my intake of both, but I'm so glad I didn't miss this one!
As a proud South African, my heart filled with joy as the author's love for my homeland shone through in vivid descriptions that accurately captured the essence of this amazing land.
The characters were authentic and believable, and their personal beliefs, conflicts and journeys were conveyed with care and an emotional depth that swept me up and carried me along their journeys.
The violence was essential to the authenticity of the story, and although it was explicit and hard-hitting (no pun intended) at times, it was integral to the plot and portrayal of the cultural and criminal context of the story.
Hats off to Craige for an outstanding read and beautiful writing. Now, I have to see what Petrus and the soldier tackle next😎.
If you don't enjoy violence or bad language, you may be tempted to skip this book. I usually limit my intake of both, but I'm so glad I didn't miss this one!
As a proud South African, my heart filled with joy as the author's love for my homeland shone through in vivid descriptions that accurately captured the essence of this amazing land.
The characters were authentic and believable, and their personal beliefs, conflicts and journeys were conveyed with care and an emotional depth that swept me up and carried me along their journeys.
The violence was essential to the authenticity of the story, and although it was explicit and hard-hitting (no pun intended) at times, it was integral to the plot and portrayal of the cultural and criminal context of the story.
Hats off to Craige for an outstanding read and beautiful writing. Now, I have to see what Petrus and the soldier tackle next😎.
June 30, 2019
In desperate need of a good proofreading!
I am not finished with Chapter One yet and I already count over 10 grammatical mistakes that could easily be fixed by a good proofreader (which I unashamedly admit that I am). I will review the book again when I’m finished and see if the book is good enough to excuse the glaring mistakes. Sometimes I can’t even finish a book if the mistakes are so bad. Makes me want to contact the writer and beg him to let me fix his book.
I am not finished with Chapter One yet and I already count over 10 grammatical mistakes that could easily be fixed by a good proofreader (which I unashamedly admit that I am). I will review the book again when I’m finished and see if the book is good enough to excuse the glaring mistakes. Sometimes I can’t even finish a book if the mistakes are so bad. Makes me want to contact the writer and beg him to let me fix his book.
June 12, 2017
This was a pretty intense Story. Game Keeper Garret is a quiet tough protector of the game on the preserve. But then, a name from the past Sister Mannon calls for Help, some one is kidnapping her orphans, and the cops don't care!! When Garrett answers her plea, we discover his past!! His mission moves along at a feverous pace. He picks up help along the way, that makes this book blossom and flame. If you like adventure and intrigue you will like " Choice of weapon" by Craig Martin-Zerf. A good Read. Santa Mike
March 21, 2019
Great action
A former soldier with a a dark past; a Zulu warrior, also with a dark past; a nun; and missing African orphans. These are the main elements to this story, the first in a series featuring Garrett Storm, the former soldier, who is enlisted by a local mission nun when a number of orphans go missing.
Garrett Storm has witnessed some real atrocities in the local civil wars in Sierra Leone. As a result, a side of him, which he calls the Beast, has developed. When "the Beast" is released, Garrett becomes capable of the most vicious actions, all in the name of retribution. Teaming up with a highly trained Zulu warrior who insists on using a traditional, tribal spear as his main weapon, and you have a fighting pair that strikes fear into any hardened criminal.
This book is a lot of fun. The writing style is a little strange, where short sentences are often used instead of commas and other punctuation options. But once you get used to that, and realise it is the style employed, rather than grammatical errors, it actually kind of adds to the action by giving the impression of pace. Having said that, there are still typographical errors here and there, but they're not too distracting. Looki g forward to the next installment in the Garrett Storm series.
A former soldier with a a dark past; a Zulu warrior, also with a dark past; a nun; and missing African orphans. These are the main elements to this story, the first in a series featuring Garrett Storm, the former soldier, who is enlisted by a local mission nun when a number of orphans go missing.
Garrett Storm has witnessed some real atrocities in the local civil wars in Sierra Leone. As a result, a side of him, which he calls the Beast, has developed. When "the Beast" is released, Garrett becomes capable of the most vicious actions, all in the name of retribution. Teaming up with a highly trained Zulu warrior who insists on using a traditional, tribal spear as his main weapon, and you have a fighting pair that strikes fear into any hardened criminal.
This book is a lot of fun. The writing style is a little strange, where short sentences are often used instead of commas and other punctuation options. But once you get used to that, and realise it is the style employed, rather than grammatical errors, it actually kind of adds to the action by giving the impression of pace. Having said that, there are still typographical errors here and there, but they're not too distracting. Looki g forward to the next installment in the Garrett Storm series.
March 15, 2019
This is about a deadly mercenary who returns to South Africa when a friend calls for help! Orphans are disappearing from orphanages and no one cares, except sister Manon! He discovers his friend from the war is now a wealthy security consultant who also doesn’t care about the orphans! So he begins his search for them, shocked at how no one cares about the orphans. This book had a lot of action/violence! Especially when his mind takes him back to the previous war he fought in Africa! The plot was a little thin. The book overall was mostly violent , some of it deserved some gratuitous! There was a bit of swearing which you would expect in a soldiers story and dealing with criminals. Some of the characters were better written and well rounded as opposed to others. The conditions in which the children and poor live is devastating to anyone who has a heart! It’s a black and white kind of book no grey areas. The people are either really good and trying to help or purely deeply evil! If you have the stomach for violence then this book is for you.
February 26, 2019
A Small Read...
in the same sense that in August we might experience 'a slight breeze.' Billing as Action/Adventure/Thriller, understates this book. An allegory waiting to escape? A commentary on the last expression of Patriarchy? A "Shane" for adults?
Marten-Zerf's writing is simple and clean, but with astute observation. Cameos of aspects of the human condition. The causal element of the story is abduction of orphan children to be sold to pedophiles in S.A.
In the U.S., the dereliction of responsibility by DHS, HHS, and associated agencies in the failure to protect separated migrant children makes the story to real. How do we force the investigation into the 'lost children' too difficult to track? Have these Agencies of Government placed them in the hands of pedophiles?
If you have Kindle, the intro price of Vol. 1 of the series is $0.00.
in the same sense that in August we might experience 'a slight breeze.' Billing as Action/Adventure/Thriller, understates this book. An allegory waiting to escape? A commentary on the last expression of Patriarchy? A "Shane" for adults?
Marten-Zerf's writing is simple and clean, but with astute observation. Cameos of aspects of the human condition. The causal element of the story is abduction of orphan children to be sold to pedophiles in S.A.
In the U.S., the dereliction of responsibility by DHS, HHS, and associated agencies in the failure to protect separated migrant children makes the story to real. How do we force the investigation into the 'lost children' too difficult to track? Have these Agencies of Government placed them in the hands of pedophiles?
If you have Kindle, the intro price of Vol. 1 of the series is $0.00.
March 1, 2019
Redemption
The story revolves around Garrett, a modern mercenary who had enough killing and retired to Scotland. He receives a call from a Nun, an old friend of his who runs an orphanage in South Africa telling him children are missing from various orphanages and she needs his help. He reluctantly agrees and once there discovers a group that kidnaps, rapes and kills orphans. The authorities don't believe the Nun or him as Orphans run away all of the time and who cares about them. Garrett does.
The story revolves around Garrett, a modern mercenary who had enough killing and retired to Scotland. He receives a call from a Nun, an old friend of his who runs an orphanage in South Africa telling him children are missing from various orphanages and she needs his help. He reluctantly agrees and once there discovers a group that kidnaps, rapes and kills orphans. The authorities don't believe the Nun or him as Orphans run away all of the time and who cares about them. Garrett does.
February 27, 2019
Heart-Breaking Reality Adventure!
Readers prepare yourself for one of the most exciting, action-packed horrors you'll ever read, based on a mix of the author's firsthand knowledge, experience and imagination! Heart-breaking scenes, blended with heart-warning actions and an almost touch of romance might make you late for work like this reader was after not wanting to stop reading one morning! No lull in the action from beginning to end.
Readers prepare yourself for one of the most exciting, action-packed horrors you'll ever read, based on a mix of the author's firsthand knowledge, experience and imagination! Heart-breaking scenes, blended with heart-warning actions and an almost touch of romance might make you late for work like this reader was after not wanting to stop reading one morning! No lull in the action from beginning to end.
April 13, 2019
Enjoyable Book
I thought this was a fairly good adventure. Some of the subject matter was provocative, but the elements of the story, gun battle, close quarter violence, child exploitation were not excessive but were depicted with truthfulness and accuracy. There are parts of the world where tragic behavior occurs daily and many elsewhere stay unaware of the inhumanity. A book like this introduces this reality to anyone who takes time to read.
I thought this was a fairly good adventure. Some of the subject matter was provocative, but the elements of the story, gun battle, close quarter violence, child exploitation were not excessive but were depicted with truthfulness and accuracy. There are parts of the world where tragic behavior occurs daily and many elsewhere stay unaware of the inhumanity. A book like this introduces this reality to anyone who takes time to read.
August 1, 2019
This was an enjoyable action thriller which I finished in less than two days. A straightforward (and well-used) plot has a retired soldier of fortune get back into action for humanitarian reasons. Of course, his superior experience and skills allow him to wipe out all his foes, while most of his allies are killed or injured in his war against evil. The author has the skill of moving the story right along, and making us sympathize with the protagonist. I will read more by Marten-Zerf.
April 10, 2019
Truths are often hid
This was a book I could connect to. I have known about the atrocities th a have happened across wars on the continent of Africa. This book shone a small life in something that were and are true. Through works of art other people might question " did this really happen? "
This was a book I could connect to. I have known about the atrocities th a have happened across wars on the continent of Africa. This book shone a small life in something that were and are true. Through works of art other people might question " did this really happen? "
March 22, 2018
Real good read.
This was a great book. Really unputdownable. However, considering the amount of violence and mayhem, it was really surprising that the authorities were non existent at any point even though the events took place over a considerable period of time.
This was a great book. Really unputdownable. However, considering the amount of violence and mayhem, it was really surprising that the authorities were non existent at any point even though the events took place over a considerable period of time.
June 10, 2018
An avenging angel
It is always hard to read about man's inhumanity to his fellow men especially when it involves children. This is a story of men trying to correct evil. It was well written and kept your interest
It is always hard to read about man's inhumanity to his fellow men especially when it involves children. This is a story of men trying to correct evil. It was well written and kept your interest
February 27, 2019
Profanity!!!
I made it to the 12% point in the book before the profanity started. Probably could have been a good story of the author had a decent vocabulary to tell a story without the profanity.
I made it to the 12% point in the book before the profanity started. Probably could have been a good story of the author had a decent vocabulary to tell a story without the profanity.
February 27, 2019
Fascinau
Extremely fast paced. A lot of gore but seemed appropriate to the violence in the book. Great characters and easy to keep the characters straight in my mind. An enigma in the role of the priest. Well worth reading
Extremely fast paced. A lot of gore but seemed appropriate to the violence in the book. Great characters and easy to keep the characters straight in my mind. An enigma in the role of the priest. Well worth reading
March 2, 2019
Crisp as a Zulu blade
Not many of this genera live up to their name action/ thriller . This provides even more. A plot that weaves as tightly as an African basket , and heros that never want to be , those who take in the child ! Enjoy
Not many of this genera live up to their name action/ thriller . This provides even more. A plot that weaves as tightly as an African basket , and heros that never want to be , those who take in the child ! Enjoy
March 3, 2019
Choice of Weapon
Well done. It’s not often a book can bring me to tears, but this one did in two places, both times when good people died. Brutal atrocities occur, *spoiler alert * but the bad guys die and for me that makes for a very satisfying end.
Well done. It’s not often a book can bring me to tears, but this one did in two places, both times when good people died. Brutal atrocities occur, *spoiler alert * but the bad guys die and for me that makes for a very satisfying end.
March 4, 2019
Fast paced brutal thriller
Fast paced, based on some actual facts. Intense thriller. Many brutal killings. All in all, very believable. Recommended to any one who likes action and killings in a book.
Fast paced, based on some actual facts. Intense thriller. Many brutal killings. All in all, very believable. Recommended to any one who likes action and killings in a book.
March 8, 2019
Courageous
That explains the men who fought against all the very ugly men who were maiming, raping and killing children for their pleasure. If only it had eradicated the filth for eternity. Loved the story.
That explains the men who fought against all the very ugly men who were maiming, raping and killing children for their pleasure. If only it had eradicated the filth for eternity. Loved the story.
March 10, 2019
Human trafficking. If you work in areas where this is really happening in real life, it is not something you want to read about for pleasure. The writing is fine. I just have no interest in continuing to read this subject matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2019
Enjoyable read.
Author really likes his weapons... Some of the descriptions of the weapons were so long I found them boring. But past that, the story was engaging.
I reserve 5 stars for books I anticipate rereading. Probably would not with this one however was worth the initial read.
Author really likes his weapons... Some of the descriptions of the weapons were so long I found them boring. But past that, the story was engaging.
I reserve 5 stars for books I anticipate rereading. Probably would not with this one however was worth the initial read.
March 21, 2019
Life in South Africa as told by someone who was there.
Compelling, The story is fiction but based on real life events occurring throughout South Africa after the fall of aparthide. Very well written holds interest and non-stop action.
Compelling, The story is fiction but based on real life events occurring throughout South Africa after the fall of aparthide. Very well written holds interest and non-stop action.
March 22, 2019
Excellent read!
Read this fast! Was more than the usual good guys vs bad guys. Took me into another culture, another way of life and once the story hooked me, it didn't let go. Looking forward to the next book.
Read this fast! Was more than the usual good guys vs bad guys. Took me into another culture, another way of life and once the story hooked me, it didn't let go. Looking forward to the next book.
March 25, 2019
Bloody Good Brutal
A brutal story telling an unsuspecting public about inhuman actions on the black continent. Written in such a way as to involve the reader to revenge the wrongs done to children!
A brutal story telling an unsuspecting public about inhuman actions on the black continent. Written in such a way as to involve the reader to revenge the wrongs done to children!
April 3, 2019
Very good action/adventure
A very good action and adventure story. Action from start to end. Two extraordinary characters that you would be lucky to have as friends. The truth of the story will keep you angry through the whole story.
A very good action and adventure story. Action from start to end. Two extraordinary characters that you would be lucky to have as friends. The truth of the story will keep you angry through the whole story.
June 2, 2019
Lucid tale in impeccable English
The story-line is unpredictable enough to keep the reader interested, and yet it reminds one of typical African adventure. The grammar, vocabulary and spelling are all commendable and as such this book is a rare treat.
The story-line is unpredictable enough to keep the reader interested, and yet it reminds one of typical African adventure. The grammar, vocabulary and spelling are all commendable and as such this book is a rare treat.
June 7, 2019
A great fast action story
The author has written a very interesting and entertaining story of greed and criminal action against the orphan children. Sure to keep you entertained and guessing.
The author has written a very interesting and entertaining story of greed and criminal action against the orphan children. Sure to keep you entertained and guessing.
July 29, 2019
Had me at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! Couldn't put it down.
Compelling story. Great writing. Very informative concerning the amputees of Sierra Leone and beliefs of a cure for AIDS. Shockingly sad.
Compelling story. Great writing. Very informative concerning the amputees of Sierra Leone and beliefs of a cure for AIDS. Shockingly sad.
April 1, 2020
A good story, but very violent
This was a very good story, but a lot of very graphic violence portrayed here. I would not recommend this for a young audience. I will read more from this author.
This was a very good story, but a lot of very graphic violence portrayed here. I would not recommend this for a young audience. I will read more from this author.
June 23, 2020
Lots of violence, lots of blood, lots of death.
Invincible and unbelievable protagonist.
Loved it all !!
It’s what James Bond should have been!
If you like Stephen Leather novels (Dan Shepherd) then you’ll love this too!
Invincible and unbelievable protagonist.
Loved it all !!
It’s what James Bond should have been!
If you like Stephen Leather novels (Dan Shepherd) then you’ll love this too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews