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Max Austin #1
The Russian Assassin: A Max Austin Thriller, Book #1
You can’t go home again…
Former KGB assassin Max Austin's peaceful life in Paris is shattered when his mother's imminent death brings him back to a world he only wants to forget. Before he's even unpacked his bags, a brutal act of terrorism sends Max running for his life and forces him to uncover secrets about his father’s past to save his family's lives.
Max’s sister and nephew become pawns in a game that started a generation ago. As Max races from the alleyways of Minsk to the tony neighborhoods of Zurich, and finally to the gritty streets of Prague, he must confront his past and come to terms with his future to preserve his family name.
If you like intrigue, twists, and high-octane excitement, you’ll love this tight, fast-paced adventure, starring Jack Arbor’s stoic hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire Max Austin.
Former KGB assassin Max Austin's peaceful life in Paris is shattered when his mother's imminent death brings him back to a world he only wants to forget. Before he's even unpacked his bags, a brutal act of terrorism sends Max running for his life and forces him to uncover secrets about his father’s past to save his family's lives.
Max’s sister and nephew become pawns in a game that started a generation ago. As Max races from the alleyways of Minsk to the tony neighborhoods of Zurich, and finally to the gritty streets of Prague, he must confront his past and come to terms with his future to preserve his family name.
If you like intrigue, twists, and high-octane excitement, you’ll love this tight, fast-paced adventure, starring Jack Arbor’s stoic hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire Max Austin.
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
6297 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Jack Arbor
12 books143 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 395 reviews
January 20, 2018
Max is a KGB agent stationed in Paris, France (NOT Paris Tennessee) who also moonlights as a free lance assassin.
When he's guilted into visiting his parents in Belarus, somebody blows up his house, killing his parents, but missing Max, and his sister and nephew.
Big mistake. Max goes on the hunt for the perpetrators, despite the opposition from the KGB of Belarus and Russia. He finds out secrets, and becomes embroiled in a vendetta with a group of mercenaries.
Fast moving and gripping.
When he's guilted into visiting his parents in Belarus, somebody blows up his house, killing his parents, but missing Max, and his sister and nephew.
Big mistake. Max goes on the hunt for the perpetrators, despite the opposition from the KGB of Belarus and Russia. He finds out secrets, and becomes embroiled in a vendetta with a group of mercenaries.
Fast moving and gripping.
March 29, 2019
This is the first installment of a spy series by Jack Arbor. If you like fast paced spy stuff, this is a good one.
October 29, 2018
Max Austin, the (new) KGB assassin, is called back to his home in Minsk by his sister. His mother, from whom he is estranged, has but a couple weeks to live from cancer. Returning home, he senses something wrong just in time to avoid being blown up by a truck bomb that kills his brother-in-law, mother, and father, a high-ranking KGB spy.
I guess I have nothing against revenge books, and it's true Max is an assassin, but it's always unsettling to have the protagonist indulge in the kind of violence, torture, and mayhem he despises but then rationalizes in his own actions.
An entertaining read, good for plane, train or (horrors) bus trips. The price was right on Kindle Unlimited.
I guess I have nothing against revenge books, and it's true Max is an assassin, but it's always unsettling to have the protagonist indulge in the kind of violence, torture, and mayhem he despises but then rationalizes in his own actions.
An entertaining read, good for plane, train or (horrors) bus trips. The price was right on Kindle Unlimited.
January 22, 2019
I give this book 1.5 stars out of 5. While it wasn’t my favorite, it also wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read. I’m not really sure why this book is classified as a thriller, because it was not thrilling at all. I had to trudge through the whole book, forcing myself to continue on. I found the main character, Max, to be very irritating and immature. He goes into things without thinking, and takes any news like a child would. He doesn’t take any rules, or other people into consideration, and only cares about himself. He is also somehow good at everything, which I don’t find believable at all. The way the writing was felt like I was just being told the story, and not experiencing it with the character. It was not at all immerseful. The whole book was also very predictable. It feels as if the author saw some spy movies and then took every cliche and combined it into a novel. Arbor would have been better off setting the story somewhere else other than Russia, because there were also a lot of cliches about Europeans and Russians.
September 11, 2016
Great read! I'm looking forward to many more from this young author.
December 29, 2017
Book #1 in a series about Max Austin, an unusual assassin for hire in that he's a former KGB agent which makes for a quite original back story. Following in his father's KGB footsteps, Max lives as an ex-pat in Paris until he is summoned home to Belarus by his dying mother. A mysterious oligarch has put a contract out on Max and his entire family which goes into effect in an explosive way when he returns to his family home in Belarus. To protect his family, Max is forced to go on the offensive against an unknown enemy with deep pockets and murderous intent. I liked this debut thriller mostly because it's doesn't follow a "me too" formula we find in many similar Western protagonists. It's a well written thriller in a crowded field that has me looking forward to the sequel.
April 10, 2022
Pretty decent debut novel about a Belarusian spy, but I think the author gets a few things wrong. For one, everyone can communicate easily with everyone else, even though they're all various nationalities that can't all possibly know the same language. Also, Max is way too Americanish, even though he's only been there once. I plan on reading the other books in the series, so I hope the author can get that more under control. And finally, there's no such a word as "alright". It's all right. I realize this book is self published, but Mr. Arbor should really spring for the services of a competent editor who would correct errors like that. And lastly, there's the time Max is in Paris, and he speaks French to someone. Mr. Arbor actually spells bonsoir as "bonswa"!! JFC, it's crap like that that makes me want to give up on both the authors and the books they write. There's simply no excuse for a mistake like that.
July 16, 2023
This writer is way ahead of everyone. He knew very soon Russia bashing would get you good money and he started on it in a very organised way. Not just one story here and there. He made the series on Russian agent, so that you can make him talk shit about Russia all the time. And show USA is the good guy. I absolutely do not have any tolerance left for that bs.
May 11, 2019
Action packed mystery!
So many unanswered questions that I must read the rest of the series! Interesting main character, and some minor characters that are going to be developed in the next book.
So many unanswered questions that I must read the rest of the series! Interesting main character, and some minor characters that are going to be developed in the next book.
February 8, 2020
A solid thriller, almost
An Russian assassin finds his emotionless life overturned when his parents are killed and he has to work to save the rest of his family.
Arbor kept the pages turning with a solid, well written.the Russian angle was unique and fresh, the villains compelling.
The three stars is because at one point he was severely injured, couldn't get out of his hospital bed, and in 24 hours was doing aggressive physical activity. I love thrillers and can suspend disbelief, but that was so egregious that it pulled me out of the book 2/3rds through and I never found my way back.
Your mileage may vary -- there's a lot to enjoy here.
An Russian assassin finds his emotionless life overturned when his parents are killed and he has to work to save the rest of his family.
Arbor kept the pages turning with a solid, well written.the Russian angle was unique and fresh, the villains compelling.
The three stars is because at one point he was severely injured, couldn't get out of his hospital bed, and in 24 hours was doing aggressive physical activity. I love thrillers and can suspend disbelief, but that was so egregious that it pulled me out of the book 2/3rds through and I never found my way back.
Your mileage may vary -- there's a lot to enjoy here.
September 23, 2019
Good book. A "sins of the father s" plot. Friend/ enemy
Patsy Texas
Patsy Texas
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2017
The book’s name caught my eyes, the instant I saw “Russian” and “Assassin” I decided to read this book. I’m so glad that it didn't turn me down.
The book is written in perfect pace for me, not fast, not slow. Coz the problem with fast pace story was that, it takes less time to get to climax, but the stuff before climax wasn't detailed and intrigued enough to make the climax really fascinating. The reading experience is great.
I would’ve given it a 5 star, but it consists a major flaw. The book in general is interesting and never for a second I wanted to put it down, but there isn't a real big climax that can jump me. Come on, this is a book with the word Russian and Assassin in it! How could it not be exhilarating! I don’t know a better way to describe it, but usually the excitement level of reading a good thriller novel is 1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5,4,3. Reading this book is 2,2,3,3,4,4,4,4,3,2. I want to have that 5 in the book.
That was the only flaw of this book. Max Asimov(Austin) is the most attractive and real character I’ve read so far. Not only I am going to read the sequel, I want to read Cat & Mouse, the story of Max before the book Russian Assassin. I want to know more about him, like he is a friend of mine and I want to get to know him. I gave some books 5 stars, but I didn't plan to read the sequel of them at all. However I am definitely going to read the sequel of this book. I love Max, and I want to know what he is going to achieve in the next book, using his skills, his morals and his courage.The most important thing is, I feel with him. I didn't feel like I was reading a story about Max, I felt like I was Max. Jack Arbor’s writing skill is extraordinary.
I believe I can get that 5 in next book, because the story wasn't complete in this book(to avoid spoiler let’s just say the big review is in the next book). Even if I dont, I still would read it, coz I wouldn't skip a book with Max in it.
The book is written in perfect pace for me, not fast, not slow. Coz the problem with fast pace story was that, it takes less time to get to climax, but the stuff before climax wasn't detailed and intrigued enough to make the climax really fascinating. The reading experience is great.
I would’ve given it a 5 star, but it consists a major flaw. The book in general is interesting and never for a second I wanted to put it down, but there isn't a real big climax that can jump me. Come on, this is a book with the word Russian and Assassin in it! How could it not be exhilarating! I don’t know a better way to describe it, but usually the excitement level of reading a good thriller novel is 1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5,4,3. Reading this book is 2,2,3,3,4,4,4,4,3,2. I want to have that 5 in the book.
That was the only flaw of this book. Max Asimov(Austin) is the most attractive and real character I’ve read so far. Not only I am going to read the sequel, I want to read Cat & Mouse, the story of Max before the book Russian Assassin. I want to know more about him, like he is a friend of mine and I want to get to know him. I gave some books 5 stars, but I didn't plan to read the sequel of them at all. However I am definitely going to read the sequel of this book. I love Max, and I want to know what he is going to achieve in the next book, using his skills, his morals and his courage.The most important thing is, I feel with him. I didn't feel like I was reading a story about Max, I felt like I was Max. Jack Arbor’s writing skill is extraordinary.
I believe I can get that 5 in next book, because the story wasn't complete in this book(to avoid spoiler let’s just say the big review is in the next book). Even if I dont, I still would read it, coz I wouldn't skip a book with Max in it.
May 26, 2018
Great read
I didn’t want to put the book down the entire time. If it want for work I would have had it finished in a day.
I didn’t want to put the book down the entire time. If it want for work I would have had it finished in a day.
August 15, 2018
Excellent action thriller
Meet Max, a man pursuing mysteries that threaten to unravel life as he knows it, while he battles enemies with powerful roots. Get comfy and prepared to get hooked from the first page.
Meet Max, a man pursuing mysteries that threaten to unravel life as he knows it, while he battles enemies with powerful roots. Get comfy and prepared to get hooked from the first page.
December 5, 2016
"High Action Under Cover Agent Novel"
This is a thriller, from beginning to end. Max Austin used to be a former KGB agent assassin. The KGB came to an end in 1991 and a new agency was developed, Federal Security Service (FSB). However in some locations such as Belarus, the KGB still operates. Max has been enjoying life in Paris as owner of a nightclub until his sister informs him that their mother is close to death. His sister, Arina, and nephew, Alex, pick him up at the Minsk airport and as they pull the SUV in front of their family estate, a massive explosion reduces the home to rubble ... killing their parents and Arina's husband. Max is now on the hunt to find out who and why his parents were killed, and he's also burdened with the protection of Arina and her son. This is an amazing story of mystery and a major secret which will shock Max. It's guaranteed you will not want to put this thriller down. Highly recommend.
This is a thriller, from beginning to end. Max Austin used to be a former KGB agent assassin. The KGB came to an end in 1991 and a new agency was developed, Federal Security Service (FSB). However in some locations such as Belarus, the KGB still operates. Max has been enjoying life in Paris as owner of a nightclub until his sister informs him that their mother is close to death. His sister, Arina, and nephew, Alex, pick him up at the Minsk airport and as they pull the SUV in front of their family estate, a massive explosion reduces the home to rubble ... killing their parents and Arina's husband. Max is now on the hunt to find out who and why his parents were killed, and he's also burdened with the protection of Arina and her son. This is an amazing story of mystery and a major secret which will shock Max. It's guaranteed you will not want to put this thriller down. Highly recommend.
November 9, 2016
This book started out really good and them just kept getting better. Mike Austin's (real name Mikhail Asimov) father was KGB. He taught Mike some very special skills so he could follow in his footsteps. Mike decides he could use those skills in Paris just as well and becomes estranged from the family. He gets a note from his sister that his mom has cancer. As they drive up to the house, the entire place is blown up. It soon becomes obvious that someone wants the Asimov family killed. Mike, his sister and nephew are left and it is a race to see if he can get to them before they succeed. Enter The Stranger, a mysterious man with a limp that wants to protect Mike. That keeps you guessing for half the book! Very well written first book with plenty of surprises!
March 30, 2018
Pretty good.
Sometimes I felt the suburbs of Minsk were just like the suburbs of New Jersey. And as Spencer said, Max has psychopathic tendencies to say the least. So I don't know if I can embrace him fully as a lead character. That said, the plot was pretty good,a pretty interesting look inside the KGB, don't know how well researched. Max is a character of two extremes: superhuman spy, best in the Russian academy; deadly psychopath with little discipline. So it's not THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, or even GORKY PARK. but the writing is good, better than many authors out there and published and the series has potential. I will give the next book a try.
Sometimes I felt the suburbs of Minsk were just like the suburbs of New Jersey. And as Spencer said, Max has psychopathic tendencies to say the least. So I don't know if I can embrace him fully as a lead character. That said, the plot was pretty good,a pretty interesting look inside the KGB, don't know how well researched. Max is a character of two extremes: superhuman spy, best in the Russian academy; deadly psychopath with little discipline. So it's not THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, or even GORKY PARK. but the writing is good, better than many authors out there and published and the series has potential. I will give the next book a try.
March 6, 2017
Thrilling and Exciting!
This is one of the very best thriller books I have ever read! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! The author is amazing and has produced a well written, as well as an intriguing and thrilling book here. I have read both of his first two books in this series and am eagerly awaiting his third. This is an absolute must read, especially if you are into this genre of books.
This is one of the very best thriller books I have ever read! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! The author is amazing and has produced a well written, as well as an intriguing and thrilling book here. I have read both of his first two books in this series and am eagerly awaiting his third. This is an absolute must read, especially if you are into this genre of books.
December 5, 2016
Page Turner!
Couldn't put this book down! Love the complexity of the main character, Max. A great spy thriller- full of excitement!
Couldn't put this book down! Love the complexity of the main character, Max. A great spy thriller- full of excitement!
February 16, 2021
The Russian Assassin is a prototypical spy thriller, with Russian spies, CIA spies, hired mercenary killers, a shadowy billionaire pulling the strings behind a global conspiracy, and a non-stop series of firefights, fist fights, torture, chase scenes, and plot twists. It’s a roller coaster of action that will keep all thriller fans happy and on the edge of their seats.
This is the origin story of the hero, Max Austin, whose real name is Michal Asimov—the son of a KGB agent and raised to be a super spy. He’s freelancing as a hired assassin, but his mother’s terminal cancer brings him home to Minsk. But as soon as he arrives, his parents’ house explodes, leaving him, his sister, and his 9-year-old nephew as the last surviving members of the Asimov family. The balance of the story is Max’s quest to find out who killed his family, and to kill them – while protecting his sister and nephew.
The text is well-written and well-edited. There is little to distract the reader as the author weaves together the story from three different perspectives. While it’s difficult in the very beginning to figure out exactly who’s who, particularly when one key character is identified only as The Stranger and when the identity and context of most of the major players is not immediately explained. But, as it would be in a big-budget action film (and this book would make a good Mission Impossible type movie) the reader is pulled along from crisis to crisis without much time to contemplate.
Mr. Arbor falls into a few common tropes that annoy me personally, including having his hero beaten and blown up and badly injured to the point that he should be hospitalized for a week – but then leaping from his near-death bed to battle the army of bad guys single-handedly. Getting injured along the way seems plausible, but why make his escape from death so close that his injuries need to be so seemingly debilitating if he’s going to play super-hero a day later? There is also the typically convenient global network where money is unlimited, weapons are always handy, operatives (or henchmen) are always available in any country and city, and there are no logistical obstacles to any plan. But, that’s to be expected and the reader just has to go with it.
There is also a deeply convoluted subplot about Max’s father’s true history, his best friend’s role in the intrigue, as well as Max’s relationship with his mother and his father. Ultimately those subplots lack sufficient depth and attention in the midst of all the action to be really meaningful. I would have preferred less blood and more character development. Some of the violence and torture scenes border on excessive, but that’s the author’s dilemma – seeking to enthrall the thriller junkie without making the mystery reader squeamish. Know going in that this story is on the bloody end of the spectrum.
In the end this is a fast-paced and entertaining story. It’s a thrill-ride by an author who knows his craft and writes clear prose that tells an amazing story very well.
This is the origin story of the hero, Max Austin, whose real name is Michal Asimov—the son of a KGB agent and raised to be a super spy. He’s freelancing as a hired assassin, but his mother’s terminal cancer brings him home to Minsk. But as soon as he arrives, his parents’ house explodes, leaving him, his sister, and his 9-year-old nephew as the last surviving members of the Asimov family. The balance of the story is Max’s quest to find out who killed his family, and to kill them – while protecting his sister and nephew.
The text is well-written and well-edited. There is little to distract the reader as the author weaves together the story from three different perspectives. While it’s difficult in the very beginning to figure out exactly who’s who, particularly when one key character is identified only as The Stranger and when the identity and context of most of the major players is not immediately explained. But, as it would be in a big-budget action film (and this book would make a good Mission Impossible type movie) the reader is pulled along from crisis to crisis without much time to contemplate.
Mr. Arbor falls into a few common tropes that annoy me personally, including having his hero beaten and blown up and badly injured to the point that he should be hospitalized for a week – but then leaping from his near-death bed to battle the army of bad guys single-handedly. Getting injured along the way seems plausible, but why make his escape from death so close that his injuries need to be so seemingly debilitating if he’s going to play super-hero a day later? There is also the typically convenient global network where money is unlimited, weapons are always handy, operatives (or henchmen) are always available in any country and city, and there are no logistical obstacles to any plan. But, that’s to be expected and the reader just has to go with it.
There is also a deeply convoluted subplot about Max’s father’s true history, his best friend’s role in the intrigue, as well as Max’s relationship with his mother and his father. Ultimately those subplots lack sufficient depth and attention in the midst of all the action to be really meaningful. I would have preferred less blood and more character development. Some of the violence and torture scenes border on excessive, but that’s the author’s dilemma – seeking to enthrall the thriller junkie without making the mystery reader squeamish. Know going in that this story is on the bloody end of the spectrum.
In the end this is a fast-paced and entertaining story. It’s a thrill-ride by an author who knows his craft and writes clear prose that tells an amazing story very well.
March 29, 2018
The Russia Assassin: A Great Thriller
This novel takes the reader on many twists and turns through several European countries as Max Austin evolves into a CIA field agent from a field agent for the post-Soviet Security Security Agency of the Russian Bloc nation of Belarus and sometimes independent assassin who rids the world of some of the worst bad actors for a price. Based in Paris, he returns to his childhood home in Minsk, Belarus, summoned by his parents, his sister, Arina, and her husband and their son, Alex. Arina and Alex meet him at the airport, and when they arrive at their father and mother’s home, a huge bomb in a rented truck, parked at the side of the house, is detonated, destroying the house and killing the three occupants of the home instantly. Max and Arina’’s parents and Arina’s husband have been murdered, and Max, Arina, and Alex are injured in their automobile which has been overturned by the blast. If they had arrived 2 minutes earlier, they, too, would have been killed with their loved ones. Thus begins the search that Max would start to find out who had committed this atrocity and the reason that it had been done. This book is a real page turner.
This novel takes the reader on many twists and turns through several European countries as Max Austin evolves into a CIA field agent from a field agent for the post-Soviet Security Security Agency of the Russian Bloc nation of Belarus and sometimes independent assassin who rids the world of some of the worst bad actors for a price. Based in Paris, he returns to his childhood home in Minsk, Belarus, summoned by his parents, his sister, Arina, and her husband and their son, Alex. Arina and Alex meet him at the airport, and when they arrive at their father and mother’s home, a huge bomb in a rented truck, parked at the side of the house, is detonated, destroying the house and killing the three occupants of the home instantly. Max and Arina’’s parents and Arina’s husband have been murdered, and Max, Arina, and Alex are injured in their automobile which has been overturned by the blast. If they had arrived 2 minutes earlier, they, too, would have been killed with their loved ones. Thus begins the search that Max would start to find out who had committed this atrocity and the reason that it had been done. This book is a real page turner.
February 17, 2018
I read this book in basically one day. It reads a lot as if Jason Bourne was a Russian assassin. I won't give away details, but it is fast moving with a lot of action (not to mention a lot of violence). The book suffered a little from overuse of the "F" word. I mean, most of the guys in the book were Russian and Eastern European and they REALLY seem to enjoy the "F" word, which is a little weird. I mean, Americans don't generally swear in Russian, at least that I know of. Perhaps the more vulgar parts of our culture have managed to infiltrate Eastern Europe, no doubt through Hollywood movies, at least in novels if not in real life.
At any rate, it is a fast, engaging read. Sure the lead character is essentially a superman, except he occasionally does experience pain and suffering, he just doesn't die from it, and naturally he waxes more than his share of bad guys in the process. Like I said, a Russian Jason Bourne.
At any rate, it is a fast, engaging read. Sure the lead character is essentially a superman, except he occasionally does experience pain and suffering, he just doesn't die from it, and naturally he waxes more than his share of bad guys in the process. Like I said, a Russian Jason Bourne.
September 27, 2018
Typical of the genre
Macho man overcomes unbelievable odds to win the day . Of course there is significant violence and swearing . In this genre it is definitely necessary to suspend belief. The hero either escapes any physical damage or bounces back from injuries unbelievably fast. He (rarely a she) single handedly fights off hordes of the enemy . Knowing that that is typical of the genre , I except the unreality inherent in the book . There were , however, parts that just didn't hold together very well . My chief objection though is the extensive use of the F word . While I would prefer a book without swearing , and even in this genre that is possible , if swearing is going to be used I would definitely preferred that there be a bit more variety . It is too bad that there are issues left unresolved for the next book in the series as I don't plan on reading it.
Macho man overcomes unbelievable odds to win the day . Of course there is significant violence and swearing . In this genre it is definitely necessary to suspend belief. The hero either escapes any physical damage or bounces back from injuries unbelievably fast. He (rarely a she) single handedly fights off hordes of the enemy . Knowing that that is typical of the genre , I except the unreality inherent in the book . There were , however, parts that just didn't hold together very well . My chief objection though is the extensive use of the F word . While I would prefer a book without swearing , and even in this genre that is possible , if swearing is going to be used I would definitely preferred that there be a bit more variety . It is too bad that there are issues left unresolved for the next book in the series as I don't plan on reading it.
April 22, 2019
Great realistic thriller
Many thrillers are fun but unrealistic. This book has all the action and suspense you’d expect in a thriller but with a realistic protagonist. The setting — Russia, Belarus, and Prague — are also unique and perfect for a spy novel. I feel like I’ve walked the streets myself. And the protagonist, Max, is a character you’ll want to learn more about. He’s not perfect, making some big mistakes, and trying to sort through some family issues that leave him reeling, but that’s what makes him enjoyable to follow. I also appreciate his idealism; his heart for his family and his determination to do what he thinks is right helps to give this story a lighter, less-gritty feeling than other thrillers. I recommend it to any lover of action and thriller stories!
Many thrillers are fun but unrealistic. This book has all the action and suspense you’d expect in a thriller but with a realistic protagonist. The setting — Russia, Belarus, and Prague — are also unique and perfect for a spy novel. I feel like I’ve walked the streets myself. And the protagonist, Max, is a character you’ll want to learn more about. He’s not perfect, making some big mistakes, and trying to sort through some family issues that leave him reeling, but that’s what makes him enjoyable to follow. I also appreciate his idealism; his heart for his family and his determination to do what he thinks is right helps to give this story a lighter, less-gritty feeling than other thrillers. I recommend it to any lover of action and thriller stories!
July 14, 2020
if you like gripping international intrigue, this book is for you. Spies & lies with a haunting undercurrent. How can you beat a true hater who hides in the shadows? This new reality is a burden for Max as he reevaluates his family situation. But, why now? Some will mock the conspiracy theorists, but those are usually the ones conspiring dark plots. Men have been conspiring together since ancient times. Why stop now? Intelligence agencies know the modern world, but is the Old World truly dead & forgotten? Did Max's KGB Chief father discover a sinister syndicate? And what is the price for that trespass?
Author Jack Arbor is smart enough to leave the most haunting questions unanswered. A good start for a noteworthy series. I will be purchasing the next three in the Max Austin series. I can only hope the author continues these tales with the same care well into the future.
Author Jack Arbor is smart enough to leave the most haunting questions unanswered. A good start for a noteworthy series. I will be purchasing the next three in the Max Austin series. I can only hope the author continues these tales with the same care well into the future.
February 23, 2023
You can’t go home again…
Former KGB assassin Max Austin's peaceful life in Paris is shattered when his mother's imminent death brings him back to a world he only wants to forget. Before he's even unpacked his bags, a brutal act of terrorism sends Max running for his life and forces him to uncover secrets about his father’s past to save his family's lives.
Max’s sister and nephew become pawns in a game that started a generation ago. As Max races from the alleyways of Minsk to the tony neighborhoods of Zurich, and finally to the gritty streets of Prague, he must confront his past and come to terms with his future to preserve his family name.
If you like intrigue, twists, and high-octane excitement, you’ll love this tight, fast-paced adventure, starring Jack Arbor’s stoic hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire Max Austin.
Former KGB assassin Max Austin's peaceful life in Paris is shattered when his mother's imminent death brings him back to a world he only wants to forget. Before he's even unpacked his bags, a brutal act of terrorism sends Max running for his life and forces him to uncover secrets about his father’s past to save his family's lives.
Max’s sister and nephew become pawns in a game that started a generation ago. As Max races from the alleyways of Minsk to the tony neighborhoods of Zurich, and finally to the gritty streets of Prague, he must confront his past and come to terms with his future to preserve his family name.
If you like intrigue, twists, and high-octane excitement, you’ll love this tight, fast-paced adventure, starring Jack Arbor’s stoic hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire Max Austin.
January 12, 2020
Exactly What You Want From a Spy Thriller!
This was a true spy thriller! The book was fast paced from start to finish and we were thrown more than one plot twist as we went. Max is the type of hero we want in a spy novel, good intentions yet questionable moral fiber. It was smart and believable. Arbor spared no character pain or detail; more than once I physically squirmed in my seat. I can’t wait to watch the remaining characters continue this story. I greatly appreciated not being left with a cliched cliffhanger, rather a plot development that truly makes me excited to start book #2. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the action/thriller genres or anyone looking for an engaging, quick read.
This was a true spy thriller! The book was fast paced from start to finish and we were thrown more than one plot twist as we went. Max is the type of hero we want in a spy novel, good intentions yet questionable moral fiber. It was smart and believable. Arbor spared no character pain or detail; more than once I physically squirmed in my seat. I can’t wait to watch the remaining characters continue this story. I greatly appreciated not being left with a cliched cliffhanger, rather a plot development that truly makes me excited to start book #2. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the action/thriller genres or anyone looking for an engaging, quick read.
August 1, 2020
Holding My Breath
When reading a novel from someone I’ve never read a work from before I’m “holding my breath” to see the pluses and minuses in the work. The more Pluses the better naturally and Jack Arbor hit a bullseye for me in the Plus Column. It only takes one Minus in one or two areas for me to drop a book right away. Jack had 0 minuses in those areas. I don’t tolerate gratuitous sex in a novel. Jack hit a nice balance here. His plot was good... very solid. I like the main character Max. He is an Assassin but his reasoning is solid. The twists and turns were like a good car chase! Kept me on the “edge of my seat”. So, I’m downloading Max’s next adventure and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the great characters I met here again!
When reading a novel from someone I’ve never read a work from before I’m “holding my breath” to see the pluses and minuses in the work. The more Pluses the better naturally and Jack Arbor hit a bullseye for me in the Plus Column. It only takes one Minus in one or two areas for me to drop a book right away. Jack had 0 minuses in those areas. I don’t tolerate gratuitous sex in a novel. Jack hit a nice balance here. His plot was good... very solid. I like the main character Max. He is an Assassin but his reasoning is solid. The twists and turns were like a good car chase! Kept me on the “edge of my seat”. So, I’m downloading Max’s next adventure and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the great characters I met here again!
February 14, 2018
Hard to suspend disbelief
Lead character does not have notable Russian characteristics. Seems more American than Russian. The internal storyline clock is off at times. When the sister is about to be tortured, there is a delay while the abduction of the villain’s son is reconnoitered, planned and executed. The clock is off. Consider putting a time notation on each chapter to help with sequencing. Hero’s motivation needs to be know by author at each step. He can be conflicted, but must be written with fidelity. The hero should be much more introspective and far less demonstrative.
Lead character does not have notable Russian characteristics. Seems more American than Russian. The internal storyline clock is off at times. When the sister is about to be tortured, there is a delay while the abduction of the villain’s son is reconnoitered, planned and executed. The clock is off. Consider putting a time notation on each chapter to help with sequencing. Hero’s motivation needs to be know by author at each step. He can be conflicted, but must be written with fidelity. The hero should be much more introspective and far less demonstrative.
April 23, 2018
If you enjoy spy/espionage thrillers with action thrown in, you will enjoy this book. It is not complicated in its language, plot or character relationships, and this is what makes it such an enjoyable read!
The author has managed to interweave complexity of plot into a seemingly simple-to-read book, making it a wonderful way to lose track of time. I was reading on the bus, and struggled to leave the book alone during the day at work...thankfully it was a quiet day!
I would highly recommend this to someone looking for a relaxing and engrossing read that won't have you drawing character or plot charts to track what has happened to who.
The author has managed to interweave complexity of plot into a seemingly simple-to-read book, making it a wonderful way to lose track of time. I was reading on the bus, and struggled to leave the book alone during the day at work...thankfully it was a quiet day!
I would highly recommend this to someone looking for a relaxing and engrossing read that won't have you drawing character or plot charts to track what has happened to who.
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