What do you think?
Rate this book
Mantra-6 Thriller #1
Brimstone
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO PROTECT YOUR COUNTRY AND WAY OF LIFE?
John Devereaux, an SAS Warrant Officer, is seconded to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS).
Devereaux is handed a mission that will test him to his very core. The mission - Infiltrate into Cambodia via parachute from 37000 feet in the dead of night and assassinate two high value targets.
Unbeknown to Devereaux, the Director-General of ASIS, Magnus Webb, is testing Devereaux for a far more important role - as the head of an off-the-books clandestine cell buried deep inside ASIS and known only as MANTRA-6.
From the jungles of Cambodia to the streets of Sydney and Bangkok - to the secretive dens of Moscow and the extravagant French Riviera, explosive SAS and ASIS action uncovers a shadowy and powerful organization that brings us face to face with the Russian Mafia.
- Devereaux’s mission has just begun -
John Devereaux, an SAS Warrant Officer, is seconded to the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS).
Devereaux is handed a mission that will test him to his very core. The mission - Infiltrate into Cambodia via parachute from 37000 feet in the dead of night and assassinate two high value targets.
Unbeknown to Devereaux, the Director-General of ASIS, Magnus Webb, is testing Devereaux for a far more important role - as the head of an off-the-books clandestine cell buried deep inside ASIS and known only as MANTRA-6.
From the jungles of Cambodia to the streets of Sydney and Bangkok - to the secretive dens of Moscow and the extravagant French Riviera, explosive SAS and ASIS action uncovers a shadowy and powerful organization that brings us face to face with the Russian Mafia.
- Devereaux’s mission has just begun -
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2018
About the author
Russel Hutchings
8 books25 followersRussel Hutchings is a former Australian SAS Warrant Officer with over 20 years service in the Regiment. He has operated in many of the world's most dangerous locations and most recently served as a military adviser and intelligence collection specialist for a US-based company operating in Afghanistan. He writes the MANTRA-6 series with authenticity that only someone who has lived this world can deliver. Endorsed by Chris Ryan, Richard Jacobson former CIA Senior Operations Officer, and multiple SAS veterans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 14, 2021
3.5★s
Australia’s John Devereaux was a person who the Australian Secret Intelligence Service trusted implicitly. He would always do his job with the utmost discretion, knowing that if he was compromised, he was on his own. When he parachuted into Cambodia on a mission to assassinate two of the enemy, his job was only half done when the second person wasn’t on site. His escape through the jungle was a dangerous one, but he was extremely cautious, always on lookout for danger.
Devereaux’s second job a year or two later had the same result – once again the assassin escaped with his life – Brimstone was a success. Back in Sydney, Dev met up with the Director General, Magnus Webb. It was then he discovered what he’d been training for, working for – all his life. The secret, off the books cell would be known as MANTRA 6. And Devereaux was on his way…
Brimstone is the 1st in the Mantra 6 series by Aussie author Russel Hutchings and although it was a little stilted, it was fast paced, slightly gruesome (not ‘in your face’) and a good read. There are a few editing errors – “she only wore boxer shorts” and a couple of pages further, he “unzipped her skirt”. Brimstone is the author’s debut novel, and if you’re a fan of hard core missions, this could be one for you. Recommended.
With thanks to Big Sky Publishing and the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Australia’s John Devereaux was a person who the Australian Secret Intelligence Service trusted implicitly. He would always do his job with the utmost discretion, knowing that if he was compromised, he was on his own. When he parachuted into Cambodia on a mission to assassinate two of the enemy, his job was only half done when the second person wasn’t on site. His escape through the jungle was a dangerous one, but he was extremely cautious, always on lookout for danger.
Devereaux’s second job a year or two later had the same result – once again the assassin escaped with his life – Brimstone was a success. Back in Sydney, Dev met up with the Director General, Magnus Webb. It was then he discovered what he’d been training for, working for – all his life. The secret, off the books cell would be known as MANTRA 6. And Devereaux was on his way…
Brimstone is the 1st in the Mantra 6 series by Aussie author Russel Hutchings and although it was a little stilted, it was fast paced, slightly gruesome (not ‘in your face’) and a good read. There are a few editing errors – “she only wore boxer shorts” and a couple of pages further, he “unzipped her skirt”. Brimstone is the author’s debut novel, and if you’re a fan of hard core missions, this could be one for you. Recommended.
With thanks to Big Sky Publishing and the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2018
What a great book, I think it will be a Hollywood hit once they read it!
Great authenticity & the level of detail to subject matter & fine details really puts you in the moment, really feel as though you are standing next to Jon the main character.
I like the length, dont have time with work to read big novels these days. Bought it on the weekend & finished it in under two days....in my hammock & didnt fall asleep,which is a first for me!
I read on the authors website theres a 6 part series, cant wait for the next one.
Still cant decide whether it is indeed "fact or fiction" as the title writes.
I recommend the book, good to see a Army book from Down Under, we dont get many here in the USA.
Great authenticity & the level of detail to subject matter & fine details really puts you in the moment, really feel as though you are standing next to Jon the main character.
I like the length, dont have time with work to read big novels these days. Bought it on the weekend & finished it in under two days....in my hammock & didnt fall asleep,which is a first for me!
I read on the authors website theres a 6 part series, cant wait for the next one.
Still cant decide whether it is indeed "fact or fiction" as the title writes.
I recommend the book, good to see a Army book from Down Under, we dont get many here in the USA.
April 26, 2018
A really enjoyable and easy read. Loads of action from start to end keeping the reader wanting more.
The writer manages to keep the readers attention and imagination captured.
Although fiction, the book highlights the issues and problems faced in the real world by governments and security agencies all over the world to counter and address organised crime. Focusing on these issues faced everyday, makes the story believable and the reader want to cheer Devereaux and Mortimer Acquisitions on in their fight.
The writer also manages to make the characters realistic by highlighting strengths and weaknesses as people would typically experience in the real world. But it never gets overly emotional and there can be no doubt that action is the crux of the book.
And a nice change from the 'normal' American or British heroes that one would find in similar action books.
A most enjoyable book with the closing chapter leaving the reader with a desire for more. Well worth reading.
Well done Mr Hutchings, a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The writer manages to keep the readers attention and imagination captured.
Although fiction, the book highlights the issues and problems faced in the real world by governments and security agencies all over the world to counter and address organised crime. Focusing on these issues faced everyday, makes the story believable and the reader want to cheer Devereaux and Mortimer Acquisitions on in their fight.
The writer also manages to make the characters realistic by highlighting strengths and weaknesses as people would typically experience in the real world. But it never gets overly emotional and there can be no doubt that action is the crux of the book.
And a nice change from the 'normal' American or British heroes that one would find in similar action books.
A most enjoyable book with the closing chapter leaving the reader with a desire for more. Well worth reading.
Well done Mr Hutchings, a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 2, 2018
My read of Mantra 6 Brimstone was an exciting journey with this ex soldier carrying out overseas missions....
the story- I as a former military soldier observed provided exacting and exciting theme leading to an exciting finishing climax....
the author certainly knows his stuff which sets a strong platform for the novel as it unravels its suspenseful journey from the start to the finish...
Cannot wait for the next novel.....
Peter B
the story- I as a former military soldier observed provided exacting and exciting theme leading to an exciting finishing climax....
the author certainly knows his stuff which sets a strong platform for the novel as it unravels its suspenseful journey from the start to the finish...
Cannot wait for the next novel.....
Peter B
December 19, 2021
In my honest opinion this is, by far, one of the best books written on any Military / Specials ops. Being a veteran myself I can relate to almost everything mentioned in the book. Its a great story about highly motivated and selfless men and women who go beyond and above in the line of duty. Its truly engaging and a "Must read" for Military history / Special ops buffs.
Awesome book by a great writer!
Awesome book by a great writer!
March 24, 2019
Who Dares Read, Wins!
Very much enjoyed ready this book. Only took a couple of days which is unusual for me as I don't tend to read books that fast. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series and continuing the adventure. It's shaping up to be a great story about the operational life of an SAS solder, fictional or not!
Very much enjoyed ready this book. Only took a couple of days which is unusual for me as I don't tend to read books that fast. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series and continuing the adventure. It's shaping up to be a great story about the operational life of an SAS solder, fictional or not!
December 19, 2021
From the world of international SF this is the real deal, the operators expertise in this dark field craft makes it a must read. It’s a thrilling adrenaline pumped experience once read never forgotten. MAK. ( Ex Para)
April 28, 2018
While this holds the reality of warfare within the spec-ops/ASIS world quite well, there is definitely something missing.
It reads more as an A-Z of a basic mission with minimal conflict and disruption.
The author has spent "over 30 years of combined military Special Operations and other special service experience in some of the worlds most deadly locations." This shows in the procedural side of things, where pages are taken up by descriptions of HAHO tactical parachuting and anti-surveillance tradecraft, which is outlined quite well, if a bit encyclopaedic in style.
*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***
--- --- ---
*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***
There are many characters that seem to exist purely to show a point, rather than to forward the actual plot. The daughter of the primary target, for example. She ends up running into and seducing the main character, something that seems to be so highly unlikely that it throws the reader straight out of suspension-of-disbelief. There is no point to her appearing other than to throw a quick and meaningless question of morality toward the protagonist when she dies as a direct result of his actions. This is then dealt with in one paragraph showing he accepts it for collateral damage, even though a few pages earlier he was so angry about it his 'blood was boiling'.
Other things happen, and then just fade away. There is no last-minute spanner-in-the-works event, there is no unforeseen circumstance that makes the protagonist have to work things out on the fly... there is a plan, the plan works, he has sex in the middle of his trip, he kills who he needs to kill, and then he gets home safely.
It's got real potential, especially for a newer author, but it's lacking a lot of things that could turn an average read into a great one.
I would suggest hiring an editor at all levels needed.
First off, someone to work with the author to throw more into the structure of the novel, and most definitely someone to correct all the mistakes in grammar and punctuation that litter the ebook.
And also, hire someone to format the ebook properly.
This bad formatting also throws the reader out of the story, and makes what could be great merely mediocre when viewed in conjunction with the lack of plot devices.
Will take a look at future works by the writer. Let's hope he grows as he goes.
It reads more as an A-Z of a basic mission with minimal conflict and disruption.
The author has spent "over 30 years of combined military Special Operations and other special service experience in some of the worlds most deadly locations." This shows in the procedural side of things, where pages are taken up by descriptions of HAHO tactical parachuting and anti-surveillance tradecraft, which is outlined quite well, if a bit encyclopaedic in style.
*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***
--- --- ---
*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***
There are many characters that seem to exist purely to show a point, rather than to forward the actual plot. The daughter of the primary target, for example. She ends up running into and seducing the main character, something that seems to be so highly unlikely that it throws the reader straight out of suspension-of-disbelief. There is no point to her appearing other than to throw a quick and meaningless question of morality toward the protagonist when she dies as a direct result of his actions. This is then dealt with in one paragraph showing he accepts it for collateral damage, even though a few pages earlier he was so angry about it his 'blood was boiling'.
Other things happen, and then just fade away. There is no last-minute spanner-in-the-works event, there is no unforeseen circumstance that makes the protagonist have to work things out on the fly... there is a plan, the plan works, he has sex in the middle of his trip, he kills who he needs to kill, and then he gets home safely.
It's got real potential, especially for a newer author, but it's lacking a lot of things that could turn an average read into a great one.
I would suggest hiring an editor at all levels needed.
First off, someone to work with the author to throw more into the structure of the novel, and most definitely someone to correct all the mistakes in grammar and punctuation that litter the ebook.
And also, hire someone to format the ebook properly.
This bad formatting also throws the reader out of the story, and makes what could be great merely mediocre when viewed in conjunction with the lack of plot devices.
Will take a look at future works by the writer. Let's hope he grows as he goes.
April 25, 2018
At first I was not sure what to make of this novel as it is not the normal genre that I read. However, as I turned the pages I found that I became more and more captivated.
The character development was not like normal novels where after 2 or 3 chapters you know what the character is like. In Brimstone, the author takes you on a journey of discovery, allow just enough information about each character to surface, yet leaving other characteristics until later. So it was a pleasant surprise and a fact I enjoyed very much indeed.
The story was high octane as the author claimed. Full of action and intrigue.
For some reason the book was written in such a way that I couldn't help wanting to turn the page just to see what was going to happen next.
In my opinion the author has a unique way of writing and you can see that this is not written by just another author who just tells stories from his or her imagination rather than actual experience. This novel is written by someone with actual experience in the world of the SAS... it was really quite captivating and make your mind wonder as to how these spies and SAS do their jobs. It was nice to see a book written based on personal authority and experience in that type of world.
I was reading that this is a series and if that is true, I can't wait to read the next book.
I am sure for those who like Espionage - Thriller novels, like that written by Robert Ludlum, John le Carre, Andy McNab, you are going to be most pleased with this book. I highly recommend it.
The character development was not like normal novels where after 2 or 3 chapters you know what the character is like. In Brimstone, the author takes you on a journey of discovery, allow just enough information about each character to surface, yet leaving other characteristics until later. So it was a pleasant surprise and a fact I enjoyed very much indeed.
The story was high octane as the author claimed. Full of action and intrigue.
For some reason the book was written in such a way that I couldn't help wanting to turn the page just to see what was going to happen next.
In my opinion the author has a unique way of writing and you can see that this is not written by just another author who just tells stories from his or her imagination rather than actual experience. This novel is written by someone with actual experience in the world of the SAS... it was really quite captivating and make your mind wonder as to how these spies and SAS do their jobs. It was nice to see a book written based on personal authority and experience in that type of world.
I was reading that this is a series and if that is true, I can't wait to read the next book.
I am sure for those who like Espionage - Thriller novels, like that written by Robert Ludlum, John le Carre, Andy McNab, you are going to be most pleased with this book. I highly recommend it.
May 8, 2018
Russel Hutchings takes us on a roller coaster ride across several countries alongside John Devereaux, a non-compromising, tough, professional Australian SAS Warrant Officer. Seconded by ASIS, Devereaux is sent into Cambodia on a dangerous mission which ASIS has assured will be plausibly denied if he fails. So success is the only option and Devereaux is against the odds.
This is a fast-paced novel that had me engaged from beginning to end. I felt like I was right there alongside John Devereaux, parachuting in with him, sitting in the passenger seat as we hurtled at breakneck speeds, or ducking for cover as bullets ricocheted off the road nearby.
What made this all the more interesting is that Russel Hutchings is himself a former Australian SAS Warrant Officer, so the scenarios painted in this novel come from a long experience in one of the finest special forces units in the world. The fact this is a debut novel is exciting. I can't wait to read more books from this series, not to mention any other novels the author sends my way.
Highly recommended!
This is a fast-paced novel that had me engaged from beginning to end. I felt like I was right there alongside John Devereaux, parachuting in with him, sitting in the passenger seat as we hurtled at breakneck speeds, or ducking for cover as bullets ricocheted off the road nearby.
What made this all the more interesting is that Russel Hutchings is himself a former Australian SAS Warrant Officer, so the scenarios painted in this novel come from a long experience in one of the finest special forces units in the world. The fact this is a debut novel is exciting. I can't wait to read more books from this series, not to mention any other novels the author sends my way.
Highly recommended!
December 19, 2021
Wow! What a great read! From the very first page you’ll be sucked into a work with a believable plot reflective of the political landscape in SE Asia at the time the book is set. The author’s real life experience as a SF operator is evident throughout the book making the tactics and field craft both engaging and realistic This book is a fast-paced, thrilling, reasonably contemporary, must read for fans of international spy or SF fiction. Do yourself a favour and set aside a good couple of hours to enjoy this one as once you turn the first page you won’t want to stop until you finish. Then, do yourself another favour and read the sequel! Having read the first two books from this exciting author, I can’t wait to read his next one.
April 26, 2018
Just finished last night, wow!
I was checking online & there has never been a Non fiction novel written by the Australian SAS before from my searches. There are so many from the UK & USA but I think this is the first from Aus.
Moreover, the clandestine group ASIS have always been Top Secret & now someone is writing about it, so juicy & revealing. The author is an ex SAS guy from his website & havent heard of any news of it being a fake scam...wait until the media hear about it, they love this stuff!
Its more than what I expected, so much detail & great to see a different & novel (pardon the pun) idea & approach of a new theme.
Try a buy, you wont regret it.
I was checking online & there has never been a Non fiction novel written by the Australian SAS before from my searches. There are so many from the UK & USA but I think this is the first from Aus.
Moreover, the clandestine group ASIS have always been Top Secret & now someone is writing about it, so juicy & revealing. The author is an ex SAS guy from his website & havent heard of any news of it being a fake scam...wait until the media hear about it, they love this stuff!
Its more than what I expected, so much detail & great to see a different & novel (pardon the pun) idea & approach of a new theme.
Try a buy, you wont regret it.
December 21, 2021
Congratulations to the author who has captured the Special Forces Counter Terrorism Operations acutely & factually. His writing is crisp, acute and clear. The tempo starts fast and keeps gathers speed . It is so refreshing to read novels which are based on reality of tactical operations and not fare fetched unrealistic fantasy.
As a Retired SF /CT Operator I highly recommend this novel as a guide to authentic SF operation.
As a Retired SF /CT Operator I highly recommend this novel as a guide to authentic SF operation.
May 6, 2018
2009, I met Russel while working as sixty three year old Civilian Advisor to the Afghan Army. He was quiet and did not allude to his back ground in the Australian SAS. I didn't know what he did or who he worked for. I did often see him in the company of a South African. The book is moves rapidly. I completed it in one night. Looking forward to reading Russel's second book in October.
December 20, 2021
WOW, yes quite simply WOW. When I sat down to read "Brimstone" I found it very hard to put down. The first time I had read a book in record time with great action & a story that felt real from the beginning. Russel knows how to encapsulate an audience with Brimstone the first of a proposed series that will be exciting & keep getting better and better. Bravo Zulu Russel
December 20, 2021
What a read. A page turner from the outset. But what sets this book out from the rest is the grit. The harrowing reality, the edge of your seat suspense and breathe taking action.
It doesn't get any more real than this.
A great read for anyone. Military or civilian, doesn't matter, if you love a good read, Mantra-6 Brimstone is for you.
It doesn't get any more real than this.
A great read for anyone. Military or civilian, doesn't matter, if you love a good read, Mantra-6 Brimstone is for you.
January 15, 2022
Wow fantastic read from a chance encounter at the bookstore that had me heading back for more. Excellently crafted Austrailan based action novel that keep you hanging from start to finish.
The detail of equipment and operational matters is outstanding demonstrating the Author's background and subject expertise.
Thanks Russ for the best action packed read I've had in recent years.
The detail of equipment and operational matters is outstanding demonstrating the Author's background and subject expertise.
Thanks Russ for the best action packed read I've had in recent years.
February 2, 2022
A well written, good read into the shadowy world of espionage. Russel's characters are believable and the novel drives forwards into a page turning flurry. Engaging from the first page, this novel does not disappoint. As the first novel in the Mantra 6 series it bodes well for what is to come from an Australian author who has lived the life.
December 19, 2021
Excellent book, this is one off two books of the Mantra 6 series an action pact adventure written by a former Regiment Operator.. highly Recommend this book if you are a fan of McNab, Ryan, or Duggan.. you will like this Book.
December 19, 2021
The magic of an amazing talent thank you for taking my imagination on a journey I will not forget.
Very rare you seek six stars this author has created a new category and standard of excellence.
Well done.
Very rare you seek six stars this author has created a new category and standard of excellence.
Well done.
January 27, 2022
With an insider's knowledge of trade craft, weapons and equipment this is very much an authentic account of how operations, conducted by the 'dark side' of the intelligence services, occur in the real world. Looking forward to John Devereaux's next adventure with the Mantra 6 team.
April 6, 2019
A great read. Great paced. The main character is likeable and believable. Plenty of detail without going over the top. I didn't want to put the book down and i can't wait for his next book.
December 18, 2021
This book will have you on the edge of your seat right from the start. It’s a jam packed with Action, Adventure and Espionage - I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading to sequel!
December 19, 2021
Up there with Ryan and McNabb........great book.
Non stop from front to back.
If you enjoy action then this is a must read .
Just waiting for the next adventure from Russ.
Non stop from front to back.
If you enjoy action then this is a must read .
Just waiting for the next adventure from Russ.
December 19, 2021
Great read I highly recommend it would make a great movie
December 19, 2021
What a great read russ you wrote this book like you were there fantastic may you was but only you will know great work look forward to next book thanks steve okeeffe.
December 19, 2021
russel has a gift for writing thriller books , why these books are not made into block buster movies is beyond me .
December 24, 2021
Great read, creative, detailed and brings you into the book, left wanting more, exciting.
July 19, 2019
Recently, I was given a book for my birthday called "Mantra-6: Brimstone”. The book is not my typical choice of reading material as I usually read non-fiction, although I have read several thrillers before. As I was going down to my farm for the weekend to
do some work, I decided to take the book with me to read during my downtime………. Big Mistake!
I have to say that the book was such a distraction as once I started reading Mantra-6, I was totally engaged in the story, that I just kept turning the pages.
As far as thrillers go, it had all the hallmarks one would come to expect from writers like Ludlum, Forsyth, Clancy etc. The detail in the book was quite incredible, making you feel like you were right there.
It provided a “contract" to the reader in that it made promises throughout the story that if you read on, the answers would unfold - the Author most certainly kept his promise.
I like the way Hutchings made use of time. There was always a factor of time pressure, the ticking clock so to speak, which made this thriller so readable. One of the things I was so impressed with is how this first-time Author used the crucible in keeping
all of the characters in play. It was fascinating to see how each character in the book had an essential role to play. It made the very nature of the characters engaging and allowed the plot to built to a climax that I certainly did not expect. I like the
way Hutchings carved out the characters for this book as I really warmed to the main character and began to despise and love the villains. John Devereaux, the lead character, was not like the hero’s in many other books or films, but instead, he was flawed
and had many facets that made him who he was. As for the villains, yes plural, they were so menacing, believable and well crafted.
For a first-time author, I was impressed with Mantra-6. I have read that this is actually a the first book in a series. If this is the case, then I eagerly await the next book in the series. Mantra-6 is an explosive read that will keep you turning pages to
the end.
I now have to plan another trip to the farm to do the work this book prevented me from doing!
do some work, I decided to take the book with me to read during my downtime………. Big Mistake!
I have to say that the book was such a distraction as once I started reading Mantra-6, I was totally engaged in the story, that I just kept turning the pages.
As far as thrillers go, it had all the hallmarks one would come to expect from writers like Ludlum, Forsyth, Clancy etc. The detail in the book was quite incredible, making you feel like you were right there.
It provided a “contract" to the reader in that it made promises throughout the story that if you read on, the answers would unfold - the Author most certainly kept his promise.
I like the way Hutchings made use of time. There was always a factor of time pressure, the ticking clock so to speak, which made this thriller so readable. One of the things I was so impressed with is how this first-time Author used the crucible in keeping
all of the characters in play. It was fascinating to see how each character in the book had an essential role to play. It made the very nature of the characters engaging and allowed the plot to built to a climax that I certainly did not expect. I like the
way Hutchings carved out the characters for this book as I really warmed to the main character and began to despise and love the villains. John Devereaux, the lead character, was not like the hero’s in many other books or films, but instead, he was flawed
and had many facets that made him who he was. As for the villains, yes plural, they were so menacing, believable and well crafted.
For a first-time author, I was impressed with Mantra-6. I have read that this is actually a the first book in a series. If this is the case, then I eagerly await the next book in the series. Mantra-6 is an explosive read that will keep you turning pages to
the end.
I now have to plan another trip to the farm to do the work this book prevented me from doing!
January 19, 2022
The first in the Mantra-6 series (Nitrate has been released now), the author of BRIMSTONE, Russel Hutchings, is a former SAS Warrant Officer with over 20 years' service in the Regiment. That experience shows very clearly in the authority of the action sequences, and the way that operational details are laid out, and the feelings and experiences of operational staff described. In this case central character John Devereaux, is a SAS Warrant Officer, on secondment to ASIS (Australian Secret Intelligence Service).
Everything operational in this novel says vivid experience, although one does vaguely hope that off-the-books clandestine cells buried deep within ASIS are from the author's imagination, rather than reality. Obviously this series is going to lean very strongly to the thriller side of the equation and it's full to the brim of danger, peril, action, pace and a hefty amount of intrigue.
It's perhaps slightly less successful in the dialogue stakes than in the action side of things, and there was something little odd about a number of characters who seemed to be a bit of a sideshow to the main action. In particular I never did quite work out what the daughter of one of the main targets was doing, working as an assassin in her own right which felt a bit off-piste in terms of the Mantra Plot, but headed into oddly gratuitous territory with the interactions between her and Devereaux. A bit boys own fantasy maybe, and whilst it appears might have been part of an attempt to chuck some moral ambiguity around, just didn't work for this reader.
Having said that, it's an action thriller at its heart, with that great sense of authority and knowledge about the operational aspects, giving some interesting glimpses into the nature of clandestine activities, and the danger that operatives face every moment they are out there, on their own, with a mission to complete, and a lot of people that would much prefer they failed badly.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Everything operational in this novel says vivid experience, although one does vaguely hope that off-the-books clandestine cells buried deep within ASIS are from the author's imagination, rather than reality. Obviously this series is going to lean very strongly to the thriller side of the equation and it's full to the brim of danger, peril, action, pace and a hefty amount of intrigue.
It's perhaps slightly less successful in the dialogue stakes than in the action side of things, and there was something little odd about a number of characters who seemed to be a bit of a sideshow to the main action. In particular I never did quite work out what the daughter of one of the main targets was doing, working as an assassin in her own right which felt a bit off-piste in terms of the Mantra Plot, but headed into oddly gratuitous territory with the interactions between her and Devereaux. A bit boys own fantasy maybe, and whilst it appears might have been part of an attempt to chuck some moral ambiguity around, just didn't work for this reader.
Having said that, it's an action thriller at its heart, with that great sense of authority and knowledge about the operational aspects, giving some interesting glimpses into the nature of clandestine activities, and the danger that operatives face every moment they are out there, on their own, with a mission to complete, and a lot of people that would much prefer they failed badly.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews