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Will Robie #5
End Game
Hebrew Language Book
624 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
8616 people are currently reading
17457 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
224 books124k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,960 reviews
October 31, 2018
This story is a long way down from, "The Innocent." I don't know who really wrote this under Baldacci's name, but I can hardly believe he did. Murders, pointless romance, senseless deaths equal the worst story penned under Baldacci's name. 0 of 10 stars!
November 9, 2024
Will Robie book No. 5: Federal agent Will Robie and part-time ally, and like him, also a lethal Army trained assassin Jessica Reel are sent to investigate the disappearance of main supporting character, Will's handler, The Blue Man! The go back to the Blue Man's hometown located in a place full of militia and cults! It's lie two against 100s, is this the end game for Robie and Reel?
Another superb conspiracy thriller in this series, I feel that Baldacci and his editors take so much care with their commercial serial compared to many of their peers, and the proof comes out in the writing. A 8 out of 12, Four Star read.
See what I did there?
2024 read
Another superb conspiracy thriller in this series, I feel that Baldacci and his editors take so much care with their commercial serial compared to many of their peers, and the proof comes out in the writing. A 8 out of 12, Four Star read.
See what I did there?
2024 read
December 12, 2017
David Baldacci is back with another in his hard-hitting Will Robie series, which matches an impactful thriller with some social commentary. After a harrowing mission in London, Will Robie is summoned to see the new Director of Central Intelligence. He’s met there by his sometimes partner, Jessica Reel, who has just come off her own mission that ended quite poorly. Together, they are informed that their handler, Roger ‘Blueman’ Walton, has gone missing during his annual vacation to Colorado. Armed with respect for their superior, Robie and Reel make the trip West in hopes of piecing this mystery together in short order. When they arrive, the two find themselves in the middle of a backwoods quagmire. The town is run by a tiny police force and populated by two distinct organizations: a collective of Neo-Nazis and a New Age group who refer to themselves as the King’s Apostles. As the investigation gathers steam, it is soon discovered that Blueman was well known in these parts, though his actual work was a complete mystery to the locals. Learning of a troubled childhood, Robie and Reel discover new respect for the man who has been leading them on numerous missions. After a significant run-in with the leader of the Neo-Nazis, Robie and Reel are barely alive, but must pick up the pieces and forge onwards, trying to locate a handful of prisoners who have gone missing. Robie and Reel soon discover that there is another group who find themselves hiding out in Eastern Colorado, armed with their millions of dollars and secretive condominiums in former military outposts, awaiting the End of Days. There are more questions than answers, leaving Robie and Reel to wonder if this mission might be beyond their capabilities. With little time to ponder what the future holds, Robie and Reel must act now and sort out their past connection later. Fans of the series will surely flock to this piece, which does not let-up until the very last page. Baldacci at his best and most energetic.
I have long enjoyed Baldacci’s work, even though he seems to keep his fans dangling by creating and then shelving a series just as it gains momentum. I have often wondered if he intends to create some series that meshes some of his most beloved characters together, though I am sure trying to juggle that many plots could prove too much of a pain. For this novel, there is decent character development in the two protagonists, though their progression differs greatly. Robie, who has always been seen as a cold and calculating assassin, seems to be trying to foster something with his partner, though she is slow to pick up on his subtle hints. The rugged man who beds the helpless woman is not missing from this book, though the reader is surely wondering if Robie and Reel will ever master the art of sharpshooting Cupid’s arrows, rather than dodging them. Reel is still a slow to emerge character for me, whose past is a jumble and present seems quite focused on the mission. She has a weak side, but does not reveal it easily, though when she does, it almost seems a let-down. Together, the sexual tension seems almost unbearable, but it does not detract from the plot and cutthroat nature of the mission. The story is strong, as can be expected with Baldacci. And yet, I was not pulled to the edge of my seat through each chapter. I could see things playing out and was impressed with the pace and forward movement, but cannot say that I was kept up late into the night reading or wondering. I enjoy Baldacci and his series, but can only hope that if he is losing his passion for these two, that he will tie things off and turn his gaze onto his well-developed newer series, which also packs a punch.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for keeping your readers happy by writing so well. I hope you have more magic in store, though I am never sure in which direction you will take things.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have long enjoyed Baldacci’s work, even though he seems to keep his fans dangling by creating and then shelving a series just as it gains momentum. I have often wondered if he intends to create some series that meshes some of his most beloved characters together, though I am sure trying to juggle that many plots could prove too much of a pain. For this novel, there is decent character development in the two protagonists, though their progression differs greatly. Robie, who has always been seen as a cold and calculating assassin, seems to be trying to foster something with his partner, though she is slow to pick up on his subtle hints. The rugged man who beds the helpless woman is not missing from this book, though the reader is surely wondering if Robie and Reel will ever master the art of sharpshooting Cupid’s arrows, rather than dodging them. Reel is still a slow to emerge character for me, whose past is a jumble and present seems quite focused on the mission. She has a weak side, but does not reveal it easily, though when she does, it almost seems a let-down. Together, the sexual tension seems almost unbearable, but it does not detract from the plot and cutthroat nature of the mission. The story is strong, as can be expected with Baldacci. And yet, I was not pulled to the edge of my seat through each chapter. I could see things playing out and was impressed with the pace and forward movement, but cannot say that I was kept up late into the night reading or wondering. I enjoy Baldacci and his series, but can only hope that if he is losing his passion for these two, that he will tie things off and turn his gaze onto his well-developed newer series, which also packs a punch.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for keeping your readers happy by writing so well. I hope you have more magic in store, though I am never sure in which direction you will take things.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 24, 2017
I'm usually a fan of the Will Robie series but this was not one of his best books. The relationship between Robie and Reel was weird and the criminal characters were just plain stupid, I felt like I could feel my IQ dropping while reading this book, definitely not one I would recommend.
May 9, 2018
A page turner it is!
Will Robie is a secret agent and deadliest assassin of United States of America. Together with his partner, Jessica Reel, he solves unimaginable crimes. As they inch forward in their career, their projects get tougher.
Their boss, Blue Moon is missing since a few days and they are given the assignment to find him, hopefully - alive. Layer by Layer, the story starts to unfold.
It started out a bit slow, catching up the speed in the middle and kept me engaged. Characters are definitely sketched well.
All in all, this installment had a lot of entertainment factors. If anyone is planning to read David Baldacci, they can start from this series.
Grab a Will Robie novel, it won't disappoint you.
August 28, 2022
Update 2022 Re-read this book. Still a great book and I really enjoyed reading it now after I've read all the previous books in the series.
Review 2017
I have read several David Baldacci books, but this is the first I've read in his Will Robie series. And, after finishing this one so do I, of course, want to read the previous four books. As usual, is Baldacci's writing on top and I love how the book from page one to the last is filled with action. No slow parts in this book for sure.
For a new reader is this book pretty easy to get into. I find it very easy to get the gist of the main characters Will Robie and Jessica Reel. From what I learned through reading are they both very good at what they do and that they, on more personal level care very much for each other. However, Reel seems to have had a change of heart after the events in the last book and Robie is both hurt and confused about it. And, now they have to work together to find the Blue Man, their handler. And, that will not be a walk in the park. The handler has disappeared from his hometown, and the town has quite a lot of people with secrets. Thankfully both Robie and Reel are used to dangerous situations. However, this mission might be too dangerous even for them...
End Game is an excellent thriller. This is just my kind of book with short chapters that often end with cliffhangers so you just have to read one more chapter. And, it's full of surprises, all the bloody time. You just didn't know whom to trust, or what the hell would happen next. I'm thrilled to see that I have the previous four books to read (as soon as I get them). This book is easy to get into even if you haven't read a single book in this series before, or a Baldacci book.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Review 2017
I have read several David Baldacci books, but this is the first I've read in his Will Robie series. And, after finishing this one so do I, of course, want to read the previous four books. As usual, is Baldacci's writing on top and I love how the book from page one to the last is filled with action. No slow parts in this book for sure.
For a new reader is this book pretty easy to get into. I find it very easy to get the gist of the main characters Will Robie and Jessica Reel. From what I learned through reading are they both very good at what they do and that they, on more personal level care very much for each other. However, Reel seems to have had a change of heart after the events in the last book and Robie is both hurt and confused about it. And, now they have to work together to find the Blue Man, their handler. And, that will not be a walk in the park. The handler has disappeared from his hometown, and the town has quite a lot of people with secrets. Thankfully both Robie and Reel are used to dangerous situations. However, this mission might be too dangerous even for them...
End Game is an excellent thriller. This is just my kind of book with short chapters that often end with cliffhangers so you just have to read one more chapter. And, it's full of surprises, all the bloody time. You just didn't know whom to trust, or what the hell would happen next. I'm thrilled to see that I have the previous four books to read (as soon as I get them). This book is easy to get into even if you haven't read a single book in this series before, or a Baldacci book.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
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December 4, 2017
Audiobook - 11:54 hours - 2 out of 5 stars
"End Game" - Will Robie #5, by David Baldacci, is not up to the standard of the earlier Will Robie books, suffering from a wandering plot and less than credible story line. Will's unaided and quick 'disposal' of 17 bad guys in just a few minutes at the beginning of the book (not a spoiler) was so unbelievable that it was surely facetious. The cliché-ridden dialogue is not improved by the narration, particularly that of Orlagh Cassidy reading (mainly) the role of super-assassin Jessica Reel. A disappointing listening experience overall.
"End Game" - Will Robie #5, by David Baldacci, is not up to the standard of the earlier Will Robie books, suffering from a wandering plot and less than credible story line. Will's unaided and quick 'disposal' of 17 bad guys in just a few minutes at the beginning of the book (not a spoiler) was so unbelievable that it was surely facetious. The cliché-ridden dialogue is not improved by the narration, particularly that of Orlagh Cassidy reading (mainly) the role of super-assassin Jessica Reel. A disappointing listening experience overall.
January 30, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Will Robie series. I read the first two, The Innocent and The Hit, but have not had an opportunity to read the third and fourth volumes in the series. The only reason that I read this one now, before reading those, was because when the book was released I placed a recommendation at my library that they purchase it and received a notification that it had became available. I had 72 hours to pick it up. Ideally I should have read the other books first. I am familiar with the characters and their jobs but there are things that must have happened in those earlier books. Things are mentioned but I am not sure what happened. Nothing major that prevented me from enjoying this book but still something missing.
The story opens with Will on a mission in London to save the world from terrorists and then switches to his occasional partner Jessica Reel on a separate mission in Iraq. In both cases it came across to me as somewhat of a comic book superhero. Will's mission is a success. Jessica's not so much. After these missions both are summoned to the office of the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). Roger Walton (a.k.a "The Blueman") has gone missing during his annual vacation to Colorado. Their mission ... find him. Blueman is vital to the agency.
Will and Jess are government sanctioned assassins, not investigators, but in this story they will have to become investigators too. They arrive in the small town of Grand to discover it has a lot of problems. A small police department consisting of a sheriff and a deputy sheriff, a large group of Neo-Nazi's, and a New Age group who call themselves the King’s Apostles. The sheriff's department has their hands full trying to keep the friction between the two groups from erupting into an all out war. Roger Walton grew up in Grand and returns annually for a vacation but the residents no little about his work.
Our heroes have several clashes with the Neo-Nazi's, always showing their superior skill and intelligence. At the very end they will need all of that skill and intelligence to overcome the forces of evil operating on a grand scale in the town of Grand. Until Will and Jess came into town to find Blueman no one in Grand had any idea what was going on.
I have enjoyed many of David Baldacci's books and I liked this book too. I just don't think the Will Robie series is as good as his other series. I have read other reviews that seem to indicate this is the weakest book in the series which I am glad to hear. I plan to go back and read the third and fourth books in the series, The Target and The Guilty but am not necessarily in a hurry.
The story opens with Will on a mission in London to save the world from terrorists and then switches to his occasional partner Jessica Reel on a separate mission in Iraq. In both cases it came across to me as somewhat of a comic book superhero. Will's mission is a success. Jessica's not so much. After these missions both are summoned to the office of the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI). Roger Walton (a.k.a "The Blueman") has gone missing during his annual vacation to Colorado. Their mission ... find him. Blueman is vital to the agency.
Will and Jess are government sanctioned assassins, not investigators, but in this story they will have to become investigators too. They arrive in the small town of Grand to discover it has a lot of problems. A small police department consisting of a sheriff and a deputy sheriff, a large group of Neo-Nazi's, and a New Age group who call themselves the King’s Apostles. The sheriff's department has their hands full trying to keep the friction between the two groups from erupting into an all out war. Roger Walton grew up in Grand and returns annually for a vacation but the residents no little about his work.
Our heroes have several clashes with the Neo-Nazi's, always showing their superior skill and intelligence. At the very end they will need all of that skill and intelligence to overcome the forces of evil operating on a grand scale in the town of Grand. Until Will and Jess came into town to find Blueman no one in Grand had any idea what was going on.
I have enjoyed many of David Baldacci's books and I liked this book too. I just don't think the Will Robie series is as good as his other series. I have read other reviews that seem to indicate this is the weakest book in the series which I am glad to hear. I plan to go back and read the third and fourth books in the series, The Target and The Guilty but am not necessarily in a hurry.
November 27, 2017
No doubt about it: Government-sanctioned assassins Will Robie and Jessica Reel have never fail to get the job done, even when it comes at great personal cost and a smattering of collateral damage. This time, though, their efforts border on overkill (pun intended).
Will and Jessica are returning to action after separate assignments that left them physically and mentally devastated. They've healed as much as humanly possible, but Jessica's mind is still reeling (another pun intended) - leaving in limbo the "connection" they formed during a previous joint venture. They haven't seen each other for six months, but now they get called in to solve a surprising problem: Their elderly and much revered handler, known as Blue Man, went missing while on a fishing vacation in backwoods Colorado, where he grew up.
Their reunion is more or less amicable, but Will and Jessica are of the same mind when it comes to their mission - find Blue Man at any cost, including their own lives should it come to that. Needless to say, as they bump up against infestations of skinheads, neo-Nazis and other undesirables in this godforsaken territory, there's a good probability that's exactly how it will end. Throw in a few abandoned government bunkers and silos and it closes in on a sure bet.
But there's a bit of a problem, as I see it, is in the execution - and I mean that as a double entendre. Murders, quite a few execution-style, result in bodies piling up faster than pitchfork-flung hay in a mow (some of them deservedly so, others not). From a writing standpoint, the execution rather quickly dives into - and stays in - the realm of "you've got to be kidding." That Will and Jessica possess near super-human capabilities both individually and as a team is de rigueur in this series, but what they accomplish here stretches imagination beyond the limit, at least for me. But then again, in the end all's right with the world - except for a few issues that no doubt will carry over to the next book.
All things considered, if you're looking for serious kick-assction (I made that one up to avoid getting censored, so hopefully you get my drift), it would be tough to beat this book. And for sure, I'll be in line to get the next installment.
Will and Jessica are returning to action after separate assignments that left them physically and mentally devastated. They've healed as much as humanly possible, but Jessica's mind is still reeling (another pun intended) - leaving in limbo the "connection" they formed during a previous joint venture. They haven't seen each other for six months, but now they get called in to solve a surprising problem: Their elderly and much revered handler, known as Blue Man, went missing while on a fishing vacation in backwoods Colorado, where he grew up.
Their reunion is more or less amicable, but Will and Jessica are of the same mind when it comes to their mission - find Blue Man at any cost, including their own lives should it come to that. Needless to say, as they bump up against infestations of skinheads, neo-Nazis and other undesirables in this godforsaken territory, there's a good probability that's exactly how it will end. Throw in a few abandoned government bunkers and silos and it closes in on a sure bet.
But there's a bit of a problem, as I see it, is in the execution - and I mean that as a double entendre. Murders, quite a few execution-style, result in bodies piling up faster than pitchfork-flung hay in a mow (some of them deservedly so, others not). From a writing standpoint, the execution rather quickly dives into - and stays in - the realm of "you've got to be kidding." That Will and Jessica possess near super-human capabilities both individually and as a team is de rigueur in this series, but what they accomplish here stretches imagination beyond the limit, at least for me. But then again, in the end all's right with the world - except for a few issues that no doubt will carry over to the next book.
All things considered, if you're looking for serious kick-assction (I made that one up to avoid getting censored, so hopefully you get my drift), it would be tough to beat this book. And for sure, I'll be in line to get the next installment.
December 26, 2017
Formulaic, but lacking adequate character development, especially disappointing with an earlier likable character Will Robie.
Moreover, it is way too obvious that Baldacci is another liberal/leftist/Democrat author who believes that any American, who doesn’t trust government, must be a racist skinhead end-of-days loon clutching guns & bibles while looking to overthrow the representative republic.
It would be far more interesting to write a realistic novel, in which an illegal immigrant falls in with ISIS and shoots at random targets on a city street in America as his jihad, or any average Chicago weekend of gang violence.
Moreover, it is way too obvious that Baldacci is another liberal/leftist/Democrat author who believes that any American, who doesn’t trust government, must be a racist skinhead end-of-days loon clutching guns & bibles while looking to overthrow the representative republic.
It would be far more interesting to write a realistic novel, in which an illegal immigrant falls in with ISIS and shoots at random targets on a city street in America as his jihad, or any average Chicago weekend of gang violence.
May 14, 2018
Not bad at all but after the amazing installment of The Guilty I found parts of this book dull. I did still enjoy it and getting to read about Blue Man’s life and past. Very interested in the future of Will & Jessica now. Feel like I’m rooting for them more than I should 🤣
My quick and simple overall: great plot and a good installment in the series. Looking forward for more Will Robie books!
My quick and simple overall: great plot and a good installment in the series. Looking forward for more Will Robie books!
July 3, 2024
“We do it by raising dark money to fund policies and candidates that we like”
What Baldacci’s END GAME lacks in credibility, it makes up for with the timeliness of its cautionary note against the incursion of neo-Nazism in US politics.
Will Robie and Jessica Reel are deadly, lethal assassins – fearsome weapons in the CIA’s black ops tool chest to be deployed anywhere in the world that their terrifying skills might be called for. In END GAME, they have been given the mission of recovering Blue Man, their missing handler who disappeared on a fly fishing vacation and whose interrogation by unfriendly foreign powers could seriously undermine national security.
That lack of credibility I mentioned? It’s truly jaw-dropping. Readers witness, for example, a solo mission against 17 enemies loaded for bear with the directive to assassinate 16 of them and secure the sole remaining enemy for questioning (of the “enhanced” variety, no doubt); marksmanship of the never-miss, one-bullet, one-target-hit variety regardless of the environment or the speed and direction of the movement of the target or shooter; religious cults à la Branch Davidian variety; hard-drinking, bullying neo-Nazi skinheads; and, of course, sweaty sex complete with the earth-shattering, bedspring damaging climax; a climactic escape toting guns loaded with blanks from a locked-down hardened missile silo against seven armed opponents!!
Robie and Creel seem to be endowed with a skill set that would put Rambo, MacGyver, John McClane, John Matrix, Jason Bourne, and James Bond to shame (not to mention Katniss Everdeen, Lara Croft, and Daenerys Targaryen).
It’s all quite laughable when you really stop to think about what you actually read and yet somehow Baldacci manages to pull it off and make END GAME a competent, thoroughly enjoyable thriller of the extended shoot-‘em-up interminable car chase variety with a satisfying ending that seems to put a cap on the Will Robie and Jessica Reel series.
Definitely recommended but leave your literary expectations in park for the duration of the novel!
Paul Weiss
What Baldacci’s END GAME lacks in credibility, it makes up for with the timeliness of its cautionary note against the incursion of neo-Nazism in US politics.
Will Robie and Jessica Reel are deadly, lethal assassins – fearsome weapons in the CIA’s black ops tool chest to be deployed anywhere in the world that their terrifying skills might be called for. In END GAME, they have been given the mission of recovering Blue Man, their missing handler who disappeared on a fly fishing vacation and whose interrogation by unfriendly foreign powers could seriously undermine national security.
That lack of credibility I mentioned? It’s truly jaw-dropping. Readers witness, for example, a solo mission against 17 enemies loaded for bear with the directive to assassinate 16 of them and secure the sole remaining enemy for questioning (of the “enhanced” variety, no doubt); marksmanship of the never-miss, one-bullet, one-target-hit variety regardless of the environment or the speed and direction of the movement of the target or shooter; religious cults à la Branch Davidian variety; hard-drinking, bullying neo-Nazi skinheads; and, of course, sweaty sex complete with the earth-shattering, bedspring damaging climax; a climactic escape toting guns loaded with blanks from a locked-down hardened missile silo against seven armed opponents!!
Robie and Creel seem to be endowed with a skill set that would put Rambo, MacGyver, John McClane, John Matrix, Jason Bourne, and James Bond to shame (not to mention Katniss Everdeen, Lara Croft, and Daenerys Targaryen).
It’s all quite laughable when you really stop to think about what you actually read and yet somehow Baldacci manages to pull it off and make END GAME a competent, thoroughly enjoyable thriller of the extended shoot-‘em-up interminable car chase variety with a satisfying ending that seems to put a cap on the Will Robie and Jessica Reel series.
Definitely recommended but leave your literary expectations in park for the duration of the novel!
Paul Weiss
May 11, 2018
3.5 Stars
I'm hooked on this series, but this installment wasn't as gripping or fast paced as the previous stories. Plus, I just want Will and Jessica to stop dancing around each other! Some of my favorite Urban Fantasy series' such as Kate Daniels, Mercy Thompson, and Alpha & Omega have strong, settled couples, facing whatever comes at them as a united front. They may have some normal relationship growing pains, but it's not frustrating.
As usual the narration is awesome!
I'm hooked on this series, but this installment wasn't as gripping or fast paced as the previous stories. Plus, I just want Will and Jessica to stop dancing around each other! Some of my favorite Urban Fantasy series' such as Kate Daniels, Mercy Thompson, and Alpha & Omega have strong, settled couples, facing whatever comes at them as a united front. They may have some normal relationship growing pains, but it's not frustrating.
As usual the narration is awesome!
January 19, 2018
These 2 characters have become clichés of themselves. It is really sad to read the decline. The story line wasn't bad, but the canned responses, and the way the Real has turned into a predictable "bad-ass woman trying to prove herself in a man's world" made this book a bore.
It's like a bad 80's cop movie...after shooting a bad guy: "I guess he'll get all the sleep he needs now", or some such dumb thing. I love Baldacci but this one sucked.
It's like a bad 80's cop movie...after shooting a bad guy: "I guess he'll get all the sleep he needs now", or some such dumb thing. I love Baldacci but this one sucked.
January 12, 2018
The fifth book in the Will Robie Series by David Baldacci proved to be the weakest so far, and that's really quite a shame given the previous books. After taking and completing rather strenuous jobs in both London and Iraq, government agents/assassins Robie and his partner Jessica Reel are tasked with finding out what happened to their boss, Roger "Blue Man" Walton, when he disappears in his hometown in Eastern Colorado. Much like the previous two books in the series, the foundation of this story is based on a main character and their previous life before working for the U.S. government, in this case the backstory of Blue Man.
The biggest problem with End Game is the shallow and unsophisticated plot. Understandably thrillers like this aren't meant to be compared to a classic like Ulysses but a level of intellectual prowess is often why I approach the books I do, and as I continue to read the Cussler/Child/Baldacci type of books I grow more frustrated with the lack of this important characteristic. Perhaps I ask too much of these books now, but I use to generally adore them when one would come out each year. Robin and Reel make consistently stupid choices in the plot, which is a shame considering how smart I know these characters really are. Many of the main characters are ultimately irrelevant, the villains are too cookie-cutter and lack depth, and the setting isn't particularly exciting.
While a thriller book, the book does explore the kind of hopeless psychological pain that defines our societies and how our fear of these pains control our actions. Every character has some form of this, although they are never really deeply covered. There is an immaturity to the message in the book as well given the serious subject matter. For example, some of the side villains in the plot are representative of the various hate-groups and neo-nazis that are a danger domestically to the United States. While Baldacci often bases his novels on contemporary political problems around the world, how he tackles this subject matter is quite disturbing. During the plot many of the characters acknowledge that the men that join the hate-groups are ultimately lost and trying to find their purpose which sociologically is an important factor to why these groups unfortunately gain the traction they do. However, in some scenes Robie and Reel, fully knowing this information, gun down members of this group in defense or offense and shrug it off commenting that one-less supremacist makes the world better off. It's a rather brutal way to tackle a serious problem we are facing. Not to take a pacifist stance, but there's gotta be a better message than that. Baldacci tackles other social issues with the same sort of shallowness, but perhaps I'm asking to much from the genre.
There is an uncertainty to continue in series and books in this genre, and perhaps the books title lives up to its definition, as I finished this book wanting something different.
The biggest problem with End Game is the shallow and unsophisticated plot. Understandably thrillers like this aren't meant to be compared to a classic like Ulysses but a level of intellectual prowess is often why I approach the books I do, and as I continue to read the Cussler/Child/Baldacci type of books I grow more frustrated with the lack of this important characteristic. Perhaps I ask too much of these books now, but I use to generally adore them when one would come out each year. Robin and Reel make consistently stupid choices in the plot, which is a shame considering how smart I know these characters really are. Many of the main characters are ultimately irrelevant, the villains are too cookie-cutter and lack depth, and the setting isn't particularly exciting.
While a thriller book, the book does explore the kind of hopeless psychological pain that defines our societies and how our fear of these pains control our actions. Every character has some form of this, although they are never really deeply covered. There is an immaturity to the message in the book as well given the serious subject matter. For example, some of the side villains in the plot are representative of the various hate-groups and neo-nazis that are a danger domestically to the United States. While Baldacci often bases his novels on contemporary political problems around the world, how he tackles this subject matter is quite disturbing. During the plot many of the characters acknowledge that the men that join the hate-groups are ultimately lost and trying to find their purpose which sociologically is an important factor to why these groups unfortunately gain the traction they do. However, in some scenes Robie and Reel, fully knowing this information, gun down members of this group in defense or offense and shrug it off commenting that one-less supremacist makes the world better off. It's a rather brutal way to tackle a serious problem we are facing. Not to take a pacifist stance, but there's gotta be a better message than that. Baldacci tackles other social issues with the same sort of shallowness, but perhaps I'm asking to much from the genre.
There is an uncertainty to continue in series and books in this genre, and perhaps the books title lives up to its definition, as I finished this book wanting something different.
December 31, 2017
Kind of a Jack Reacher-type story. Will Robie and Jessica Reel have both returned from very challenging assignments when they are sent to a small Colorado town to see why their most trusted mentor, Blue Man, has disappeared. They find themselves not knowing whom to trust, with no real clues; they start blundering around, making friends and enemies along the way, and not dealing with their feelings for each other. The book is actually pretty slow in the middle, which is uncharacteristic for Baldacci. On the other hand, what was going on the little town and who was involved was a surprise for me, and the ending was pretty satisfying.
July 22, 2018
I know If I read David Baldacci, it going to be good !
So no let downs here, as Will Robie and Jessica Reel are two of my favourite characters from one of my favourite authors.
Robie and Reel are complex characters, and anything they do is a pleasure to follow . . ." Baldacci knows how to get readers to turn the pages, and he's in top form here" "An edge-of-the-seat ride from one of the world's thriller masters ". . ." The heart-stopping action shows Baldacci is in fine form". Such true comments from some Baldacci fans and reviews.
Will Robie, highly trained assassin and the US government’s most indispensable asset, is called to London.
An imminent terrorist attack threatens the Underground and with the US next in line, Robie is the perfect choice to stop it before it begins.
He knows he has one chance to succeed. One chance to save London. One chance to make it safely home to find out what has happened to fellow agent Jessica Reel following their last deadly mission together.
Jessica Reel is fighting her own battles and recovering from her injuries in Iraq.
But Robie is about to learn that even if he succeeds, the worst is yet to come.
The Blue Man is missing
The game has started. Now only Will Robie and Jessica Reel can end it ....
This story allows Baldacci time for the growing relationship between Robie and Reel, a clever, different, well paced, action packed thriller.
Lots of great characters, especially Sheriff Malloy.
I really enjoyed this book reading half the book in two days !
Five stars
So no let downs here, as Will Robie and Jessica Reel are two of my favourite characters from one of my favourite authors.
Robie and Reel are complex characters, and anything they do is a pleasure to follow . . ." Baldacci knows how to get readers to turn the pages, and he's in top form here" "An edge-of-the-seat ride from one of the world's thriller masters ". . ." The heart-stopping action shows Baldacci is in fine form". Such true comments from some Baldacci fans and reviews.
Will Robie, highly trained assassin and the US government’s most indispensable asset, is called to London.
An imminent terrorist attack threatens the Underground and with the US next in line, Robie is the perfect choice to stop it before it begins.
He knows he has one chance to succeed. One chance to save London. One chance to make it safely home to find out what has happened to fellow agent Jessica Reel following their last deadly mission together.
Jessica Reel is fighting her own battles and recovering from her injuries in Iraq.
But Robie is about to learn that even if he succeeds, the worst is yet to come.
The Blue Man is missing
The game has started. Now only Will Robie and Jessica Reel can end it ....
This story allows Baldacci time for the growing relationship between Robie and Reel, a clever, different, well paced, action packed thriller.
Lots of great characters, especially Sheriff Malloy.
I really enjoyed this book reading half the book in two days !
Five stars
August 15, 2021
For me, this was a disappointing entry to the Will Robie series. I just expected more from this series than this book delivers. I don't know, maybe my cheesy radar is sensitive right now, but some parts of the story felt kind of hokey. The secondary characters weren't very well developed. The mystery was okay. I mean, Baldacci is a good suspense writer, so there were plenty of surprises. When I read mystery books, I always like to guess whodunnit, and I had some theories, but I didn't fully guess everything. I think the villain was a little too over the top. It was like they were a super-villain but not nearly smart, cool, and interesting enough to carry it off. The character was really douchey, maybe that's their superpower.
I also think this was a bit of a kitchen sink book. I feel like a few plot elements should have been left out and other parts more developed. I was hoping for so much more with Blue Man's story, because he's such an intriguing character. Will just doesn't feel like himself in this, and neither does Jessica. I really want a redo and for Baldacci to write a better conclusion to this series. I think the books did decline in quality, especially the last two, and maybe that's because they delve into the pasts of the characters and their storylines don't deliver what I was expecting for these characters I am so invested in.
Sadly, I'm going to have to give this a 3.5/5.0 stars.
I also think this was a bit of a kitchen sink book. I feel like a few plot elements should have been left out and other parts more developed. I was hoping for so much more with Blue Man's story, because he's such an intriguing character. Will just doesn't feel like himself in this, and neither does Jessica. I really want a redo and for Baldacci to write a better conclusion to this series. I think the books did decline in quality, especially the last two, and maybe that's because they delve into the pasts of the characters and their storylines don't deliver what I was expecting for these characters I am so invested in.
Sadly, I'm going to have to give this a 3.5/5.0 stars.
November 18, 2021
Two of my favorite mystery/suspense writers are Lee Child and David Baldacci. There are very few books by either author that I haven’t enjoyed. This is the case with Baldacci’s new book, “End Game” which is his fourth adventure with Will Robie, a secret weapon of the United States government. Robie, along with his partner, Jessica Reel, are two of the most lethal assassins ever created. They are given the toughest assignments against the world’s deadliest terrorists and those seeking violence against the United States.
At the end of the previous book, Will and Jessica grew closer in their developing personal relationship outside of work. When this outing begins, Will and Jessica are back in the service of their country when their boss, the Blue Man, goes missing while on vacation in a rural area of Colorado. He was last seen fly fishing in his small hometown of Grand and is now completely off the grid. The Agency Director sends Will and Jessica to investigate and find their handler before any state secrets are lost, but Grand is not just any other small town. It holds many secrets including a stagnant economy, understaffed local and state police, multiple militant fringe groups, and an even stronger threat that will hinder their very ability to escape, yet alone find Blue Man.
Reading a Baldacci book is like an exciting roller coaster ride. The story moves along at break-neck speed, moving from one action packed scene to another in staccato fashion. As Will and Jessica work the clues, suspects and background information is revealed piece by piece, and the two argue and bicker over Jessica being distant from Will without explanation. She is holding something back from him and it adds to the tension of their search for the Blue Man. In my opinion, one of Baldacci’s best strengths as a writer is his ability to wrap a plot together in such a strong manner where the mystery, suspense, and clues are revealed one at a time like peeling away the layers of an onion. For an author that produces two books a year, he is still capable of intricate plotting and pacing. Each character introduced is unique and their own, and the conversations between them and the investigators flow with a rhythm almost lyrical in nature.
Will Robie and Jessica are two of my favorite Baldacci characters. Their developing closeness than pulling away from each other adds conflict to an all-ready exciting and tense relationship. And the mystery surrounding the Blue Man plays out in a personal and revealing manner that adds depth and sincerity to both his character and the series mythology.
Overall, it’s a very enjoyable journey for the reader to follow their journey and try to solve the mystery before they do. In my case, I think I damaged a few brain cells trying to beat Robie and Jessica to the resolution. If you haven’t tried reading Baldacci, this is one of his best series to start with if you like fast-paced plotting, robust mystery elements, and strong multi-dimensional characters you can cheer for.
I dare you to try him... I double dare you...
At the end of the previous book, Will and Jessica grew closer in their developing personal relationship outside of work. When this outing begins, Will and Jessica are back in the service of their country when their boss, the Blue Man, goes missing while on vacation in a rural area of Colorado. He was last seen fly fishing in his small hometown of Grand and is now completely off the grid. The Agency Director sends Will and Jessica to investigate and find their handler before any state secrets are lost, but Grand is not just any other small town. It holds many secrets including a stagnant economy, understaffed local and state police, multiple militant fringe groups, and an even stronger threat that will hinder their very ability to escape, yet alone find Blue Man.
Reading a Baldacci book is like an exciting roller coaster ride. The story moves along at break-neck speed, moving from one action packed scene to another in staccato fashion. As Will and Jessica work the clues, suspects and background information is revealed piece by piece, and the two argue and bicker over Jessica being distant from Will without explanation. She is holding something back from him and it adds to the tension of their search for the Blue Man. In my opinion, one of Baldacci’s best strengths as a writer is his ability to wrap a plot together in such a strong manner where the mystery, suspense, and clues are revealed one at a time like peeling away the layers of an onion. For an author that produces two books a year, he is still capable of intricate plotting and pacing. Each character introduced is unique and their own, and the conversations between them and the investigators flow with a rhythm almost lyrical in nature.
Will Robie and Jessica are two of my favorite Baldacci characters. Their developing closeness than pulling away from each other adds conflict to an all-ready exciting and tense relationship. And the mystery surrounding the Blue Man plays out in a personal and revealing manner that adds depth and sincerity to both his character and the series mythology.
Overall, it’s a very enjoyable journey for the reader to follow their journey and try to solve the mystery before they do. In my case, I think I damaged a few brain cells trying to beat Robie and Jessica to the resolution. If you haven’t tried reading Baldacci, this is one of his best series to start with if you like fast-paced plotting, robust mystery elements, and strong multi-dimensional characters you can cheer for.
I dare you to try him... I double dare you...
June 18, 2018
This was probably the worse David Baldacci book I have ever read. I have loved the Will Robie series starting with The Innocent, but each book following has gotten a little worse. It's hard to believe that the same person who brilliantly wrote The Innocent actually wrote End Game. So, as much as I have enjoyed Will Robie, I will not be reading another one unless I know for sure that Baldacci actually wrote it, which means, if there is not a disclaimer saying he wrote it all, by himself, it won't be on my reading list.
The story had a great premise, and got worse as it went on. It rambled, went in too many different directions and was nothing like a true Will Robie book has been or should be. The only part that I thought Baldacci may have actually written would have been the ending battle, which was the best part of the book. It's too bad it took soooo long to get there. I can't believe that Baldacci would actually write, or include a sex scene in his book! Who is he trying to appeal to. It didn't work and was out of place and out of line. This is not the Baldacci we have come to know or enjoy.
The story had a great premise, and got worse as it went on. It rambled, went in too many different directions and was nothing like a true Will Robie book has been or should be. The only part that I thought Baldacci may have actually written would have been the ending battle, which was the best part of the book. It's too bad it took soooo long to get there. I can't believe that Baldacci would actually write, or include a sex scene in his book! Who is he trying to appeal to. It didn't work and was out of place and out of line. This is not the Baldacci we have come to know or enjoy.
January 15, 2018
Definitely the worst Baldacci book I've ever read. No depth of character. No emotion. Ridiculous plot and contrived settings. I've been a fan of his since Camel Club but his Will Robie/Jessica Reel stuff is terrible compared to his earlier books. I slogged my way through to the end of this book but I won't get another Robie/Reel. It's almost impossible to believe this book was authored by the same man who wrote Absolute Power. Now that I think about it, maybe it wasn't. Maybe Baldacci is going the Clive Cussler/James Patterson route. This is sad to ponder since I truly loved his earlier work. I mean, how could the man who wrote the King and Maxwell series put out this drivel?
I normally zip through books at the rate of one every two or three days. This one took a solid week due to lack of interest.
Oh, I'm an author myself and I hate writing bad reviews. I almost never do, preferring to remain silent rather than dinging another person's work, but when an author who I know has talent and ability puts out something this bad I felt compelled to speak up.
I normally zip through books at the rate of one every two or three days. This one took a solid week due to lack of interest.
Oh, I'm an author myself and I hate writing bad reviews. I almost never do, preferring to remain silent rather than dinging another person's work, but when an author who I know has talent and ability puts out something this bad I felt compelled to speak up.
November 23, 2017
Terrible. Too much money for eBook that’s extremely repetitive, way too much info on Silo/underground bunkers and there’s very little difference between this and a previous Robb Will book.
By 56% of story I just wanted it to end and started Skipping pages. Recommend this author take a look at John Grisham’s latest I couldn’t put it down.
Really hope this author’s next book is a totally different storyline as this is the last book I’m buying of this series
By 56% of story I just wanted it to end and started Skipping pages. Recommend this author take a look at John Grisham’s latest I couldn’t put it down.
Really hope this author’s next book is a totally different storyline as this is the last book I’m buying of this series
December 16, 2017
Yes yes yes. will robie again. can't wait
October 31, 2018
Not quite 2 Stars but I did finish it. Simply doesn't measure up to the 4 previous Robie novels. Boring and pointless first 2/3rds. Last part wasn't boring but still pointless. My first disappointing Baldacci. Will have to exercise care in buying future books.
January 12, 2018
My 1st Will Robie novel and its what I'd expected. US assasin/special agent gets caught up in a local crime issue with another agent Reel. Good action, solid plotting if not over the top in most areas but cliched characters. This is what a popcorn action thriller novel should be like but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I classify this as an airport quick thrill read, one you can pick up anywhere in story sequence in the aiport and its still solid fun.
November 24, 2017
Excellent thriller. 4.5 stars
End Game is an action packed page turning thriller.
Looks like Baldacci has turned Robie and Reel into investigators. This time looking for missing Blue Man in Colorado. The book started with Robie in London on a terrorist assignment. I would love for the book to stick on that plot, kicking terrorist ass. Afterall Robie is an assassin.
End Game is an action packed page turning thriller.
Looks like Baldacci has turned Robie and Reel into investigators. This time looking for missing Blue Man in Colorado. The book started with Robie in London on a terrorist assignment. I would love for the book to stick on that plot, kicking terrorist ass. Afterall Robie is an assassin.
March 25, 2020
Youtube updates - 3/25/2020
YouTube - Bestselling Author David Baldacci on new book "End Game"
YouTube - End Game by David Baldacci | Book Trailer
The 5th book in Will Robie series. Starts with Robie stopping a British train station terrorist attack & Jessica Reel solving a Iraq mission attack. Robie & Reel, their “personal relationship” ended 6 months ago. Robie still trying to get together with no response from her.
The book’s main plot, find their missing boss, Roger “Blueman” Walton. He has not been seen in his annual vacation in his small home town, Grand, Colorado by Holly(sister) & Sheriff Valerie Malloy. Later, Robie meets Valerie in a bar, followed by love in her house... but Reel is now jealous to her past “personal relationship” with Robie.
“Neo-Nazis” and K&A (King’s Apostles) groups are suspects in many chapters. A nice man to read is Roark Lambert, he’s a smart man transforming “missile silos” into luxury condos as “God” insurance against disasters for the rich.
Which group to find & save “Blueman” & Sheriff Malloy...
Later, Robie & Reel agree their profession has a low “survival rate” job. They agree their “past relationship” does not have the “light” it needs to restart/continue again.
Robie, Reel & Valarie are good but you may have too many other characters to track. The flow was not as good as other Baldacci books.
YouTube - Bestselling Author David Baldacci on new book "End Game"
YouTube - End Game by David Baldacci | Book Trailer
The 5th book in Will Robie series. Starts with Robie stopping a British train station terrorist attack & Jessica Reel solving a Iraq mission attack. Robie & Reel, their “personal relationship” ended 6 months ago. Robie still trying to get together with no response from her.
The book’s main plot, find their missing boss, Roger “Blueman” Walton. He has not been seen in his annual vacation in his small home town, Grand, Colorado by Holly(sister) & Sheriff Valerie Malloy. Later, Robie meets Valerie in a bar, followed by love in her house... but Reel is now jealous to her past “personal relationship” with Robie.
“Neo-Nazis” and K&A (King’s Apostles) groups are suspects in many chapters. A nice man to read is Roark Lambert, he’s a smart man transforming “missile silos” into luxury condos as “God” insurance against disasters for the rich.
Which group to find & save “Blueman” & Sheriff Malloy...
Later, Robie & Reel agree their profession has a low “survival rate” job. They agree their “past relationship” does not have the “light” it needs to restart/continue again.
Robie, Reel & Valarie are good but you may have too many other characters to track. The flow was not as good as other Baldacci books.
September 26, 2022
I laughed out loud at some points. Even for commercial fiction and measuring it against the other instalments of the series, it is always incredible just how not well handled every aspect of this book is. It’s wildly melodramatic, the romantic interests act like, and have similar dialogue to, high schoolers. Including the we can’t communicate properly trope. The twists are predictable, the setup massively contrived and only becomes more so. I assume it’s going for a movie bombastic finale type vibe… but it just falls far too flat. As soon as the teen in the first instalment left the series the characters lose their suspension of disbelief around how they speak to one another. It is wild how bad this was. All I wanted was brain candy, but couldn’t even get that.
December 7, 2017
This is a painfully bad book. I am astonished by the number of good reviews. Even as a longtime Baldacci fan and as an initial fan of this particular series, I can’t find anything good to say about End Game. Hopefully, it is, in fact, the end of the Robie/Reel storyline. I actually have a headache having forced myself to reach the end of this debacle.
November 20, 2017
End Game
As always a good book in a great series. It started out a bit slow for me but as I got into it I started enjoying it more. I wasn't sure how it was going to end and that's the best part. David Baldacci is never a disappointment, his writing is superb.
As always a good book in a great series. It started out a bit slow for me but as I got into it I started enjoying it more. I wasn't sure how it was going to end and that's the best part. David Baldacci is never a disappointment, his writing is superb.
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