Volný pád

Pendulum Trilogy #2

by Adam Hamdy

Zlo, kterému teď musejí čelit, je ještě temnější a démoničtější. Zjišťují to všichni ti, kteří s ním vedli boj: anglický fotograf John Wallace, londýnský policista Pat Bailey i agentka FBI Christine Ashová. Už nejde jenom o osamělého psychopata -- o toho ostatně nešlo nikdy --, jejich protivníkem je celé velké spiknutí, do něhož jsou zapojení mocní tohoto světa. Zlo, kterému musejí čelit, vychází i z nich samotných a je větší a silnější, než jaké mohou sami zvládnout. V Afghánistánu Wallace nástrahám unikl, nové na něj ale čekají v Británii, když se ukáže, že "kyvadlové spiknutí" už proniklo do nevyšších pater. Dobrovolnými nebo nedobrovolnými vojáky tajné armády, která chce za pomoci počítačového světa ovládnout svět skutečný, se stávají vojáci, policisté, politici, novináři…

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Novels

624 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2017

About the author

I'm a Sunday Times and international bestselling author and screenwriter.

I write topical, thought-provoking novels that aim to entertain, and I love lived research, so the events in my books are often inspired by real events.

Before I became a professional writer I was a strategy consultant and advised global businesses in a variety of sectors. I co-founded Capital Crime and am now on the advisory board. I'm also on the board of ITW. I enjoy rock climbing, skiing, sailing and competitive shooting.

I live in Mauritius with my wife and our three children.
​

Reviews

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that remembers how excitable and shrieky my good friend Kate of Bibliophile Book Club and I got over the first in this series, the gloriously entertaining Pendulum, will know that anticipation for the sequel, Freefall was high. As were expectations. No pressure then Mr Hamdy.

Freefall turned out to be a banging good read, like Pendulum but better, picking up from where that left off we find Wallace in a war zone in an attempt to make some random amends, Ash fighting the force of an employer that doesn’t believe her conspiracy claims and Bailey wondering where the heck his equilibrium went in the aftermath of being badly injured. Sadly for them, happily for the reader, supporters of Pendulum’s nefarious doings have more mayhem in store for our intrepid trio, the challenges that face them here are as likely to pull them apart as they are to bring them closer together.

This trilogy, in its first two instances, are what I call intelligent thrillers. The action is all consuming and relentless but the story running through the thrill ride is thought provoking and multi-layered. Conspiracies abound and it is true that you can trust no-one, unexpected allies and sudden betrayals lurk around every corner. The writing is taut, exciting and incredibly hypnotic – the kind of beautifully written descriptive scenes and absolutely riveting character drama that meld together to produce a right old page turner. Any random worries I may have had that this book 2 would suffer “mid trilogy terrible syndrome” went out the window with the first chapter. (I didn’t actually throw the chapter out of the window, just the worries)

I’m a bit difficult to please when it comes to my thriller reading to be honest. If all you have is all talk and no action I get irritated. If all you have is no talk and all action I get equally irritated. Yes I know but for me the best thriller writers seamlessly sew together heart stopping action sequences with deeply intriguing characters and a proper, well rounded plot that doesn’t expect insane suspension of disbelief levels – Adam Hamdy walks that line pitch perfectly, making both Pendulum and Freefall an accessible delightful read for crime and thriller fans of all levels.

I’m a fan. I know Kate loved this too as well. I suspect more Kermit the Frog gifs will be peppering out Twitter feeds nearer to the release of Freefall – and if you haven’t yet read Pendulum well you’ve got a bit of time. Because I’m nice like that. Due notice given thriller fans! Read in order is my advice.

Highly Recommended. And then some.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and loved Pendulum, I was more than a little excited to see early proof copies of Freefall on twitter recently, and even more delighted to receive one myself. This is one book I had been waiting for, pretty much since I finished Pendulum, so there was no question of my leaving the book aside until publication, NO SIREE!!! In fact, I brought it away with me to read while I was away with my husband for our wedding anniversary. Luckily, my husband understands the need to read the much anticipated books so I didn’t feel bad about losing myself with John Wallace for a few hours!

If you’ve not read Pendulum, well,
A) What are you waiting for?
B) I won’t be saying too much about it because SPOILERS ARE A NO-NO!

Still reeling from the events that took place in Pendulum, John Wallace has fled to a war zone in an attempt to try and find penance for what has taken place, and, in my opinion, he’s seeking danger in the hope that it may cause an end to his personal torment, but that’s neither here nor there. When there is an attempt on his life over there though, it leads him to think that someone wants him dead. However, Wallace has been through this before, so he knows what to do. What he is NOT expecting though, is that there’s a link between his would-be assassin, and his old enemy, Pendulum. This attempt on Wallace’s life sets in motion an terrifying chain of events which nobody could have foreseen.

Not even Agent Christine Ash. Yep, she’s back (woop!) in Freefall, and still diligently trying to work the Pendulum case, but with no breaks and even less help from the Bureau, she’s plateaued with her work on it. Called out to the scene where a masked killer beheads his victims with an unknown weapon that leaves a perfectly clean cut, Ash gets the break she needs. BUT during course of her investigation, Ash finds way more than she bargained for. Ash is also having a bit of a rough time as regards confronting her past (READ PENDULUM to find out why!!!) and this will either sharpen her focus, or weaken her resolve in terms of her ability to work the case. I think Adam Hamdy has done a great job with her character arc in this book too. It’s much more intricate, and there’s a lot of inner turmoil that he captures really well when she’s alone.

Another returning favourite is Patrick Bailey. Bless him, he’s another one struggling to get his life together in the wake of the Pendulum nightmare. Plagued with insecurity and fear, Bailey is a shadow of his former self. When he gets a call to assist on a case, once present it becomes evident that there is much more at play than what’s in front of him. Bailey must work fast to find what he needs before it’s too late. However, as I’m realising, the author has a knack for pulling the rug out from underneath the reader without warning.

Bailey, Ash and Wallace are all connected, whether they realise it or not. And once again, someone wants them gone, and will stop at nothing to make it happen. They thought Pendulum broke them, but they have no idea what they are up against…

Corruption, subterfuge, murder are all present in Freefall. But it’s the little intricacies like levels of trust, networks (both people and technology) and lies that weave this book into the expertly crafted web the reader has to pick through. Every time I thought I knew something, I was told something different. The authors sleight of hand is immense in Freefall. Adam Hamdy makes the reader look one side, while he’s creating something dangerous on the other, which means the tension is ramped up completely!

I loved Freefall. It was so worth the wait, and I am already chomping at the bit for book 3, and this one isn’t even out until November! All the stars for this one!

Highly, HIGHLY recommended!

[Dan Banana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got 20% through, too many stories going back and forth, no likeable characters, nothing grabbing you and making you want to keep listening, do I didn't. Likely gets better as rated well, just not enough time to wait for the big fireworks.

[Janel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in January, I read an action movie taking place in the pages of a book, aka Pendulum, the book ended but the story was not over – enter the sequel, Freefall.

Just like Pendulum, Freefall opens with a thrilling chapter – I’ve always loved when a book opens with a murder, it appears I also love when a book opens with a suicide! Hamdy, again, launches the reader straight into the action and grips you from the get go. While any book can be read as a standalone, I think in this instance, it’s absolutely paramount that you read Pendulum before starting this one, the plot is continuous and to skip book one, in my opinion, would be detrimental to your reading experience.

Like most sequels, the characters are returning, Wallace, Ash, and Bailey and each character plays a key role in weaving this complex plot together. Bar Wallace being in Afghanistan at the start of the novel, this novel takes place between England and America – Pendulum is worldwide! Ash, a federal agent, Bailey a detective inspector, in separate countries they have the same goal – to find Pendulum. Both agents carry the scars of their previous encounter with the mastermind killer and new scars are formed, Hamdy does an amazing job of showing just how affected these officers are by all that they’ve endured and still are enduring. At the centre of it all is Wallace, consumed by his own grief, but fuelled by his desire to have no one else he loves killed.

And, man, is there plenty of killing in Freefall! The events move at a fast pace and the action is non-stop, the events are exaggerated but in the way that you would find in an action movie, written to entertain and get the adrenaline pumping, rather than a misguided attempt to pass over-action off as the norm. Corruption, torture, betrayal – Freefall has it all.

Like its predecessor, you just cannot predict where this plot is going and just how complex this mystery is. Freefall is action-packed but it’s not without emotion, you really root for Wallace, Ash and Bailey, you’re sadden by the mental and physical scars they carry but fiercely faithful that they will be okay in the face of all that they encounter.

I, for sure, will be checking in to see how events unfold in book three. The mystery here is mostly solved but the plot runs so deep that I hope book three will reveal just how deep this conspiracy runs. If you enjoyed Pendulum, you absolutely must go on to read Freefall.

*My thanks to the publisher (Headline) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Pendulum series, and I must admit I was absolutely chomping at the bit to read this story. And boy was it worth it...

Wallace, having fled to Afghanistan to lay low for a while following the ordeal with Max Byrne as Pendulum, soon finds his vaguely quiet existence brutally interrupted when men are dispatched to erase him and his knowledge of Byrne and his motives.

Bailey, is sent to investigate a so called suicide that is hauntingly reminiscent of the Pendulum murders. He contacts Christine Ash, his American counterpart (and both major players in the first book).

But in keeping with the first story, this gritty thriller finds our players much damaged and paranoid following their part in the cracking of Pendulum.

Bailey is crippled with anxiety, using booze to numb his emotional turmoil following his harrowing near death experience, and Ash although outwardly strong is haunted by her horrendous childhood that's been made public knowledge, the fissure in her armour ready to crack.

Between the 3 they unravel a much bigger hierarchy behind the late Pendulum that will have catastrophic consequences for all...

Old favourites from the first book make a big appearance too. Salamander and Danny return as the brilliantly resourceful (and less than kosher) duo, yet likeable and charismatic.

This genre of storytelling is driven by its action. The action is fast paced and relentless, I was desperate to power through this book and find out what the next page had in store for me.

The violence brutal, yet not jarring in the backdrop of Hamdy's underworld. There were a lot of punches pulled in this book, I was absolutely gripped and there were some pretty big twists that I just didn't see coming. I was genuinely saddened by some of the character outcomes, and can't wait to see what happens to them all.

I love how gritty a picture Hamdy paints, and that no character is untouchable. All are flawed, and no one comes out unscathed. Unlike so many crime/thriller writers where their protagonists dust themselves off pretty quickly, Hamdy is authentic and well researched.

This book hooked me like a fish on a line, powerless to resist the ebbs and flows of the story.

The ending is perfectly set up for another tale. One which I can't wait to dive into.

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Jackie Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freefall, by Adam Hamdy, is the second book in the author’s Pendulum Trilogy. Set across several continents it opens with a suicide in London, the depiction of which is chilling. The action then moves to Afghanistan where John Wallace, the photographer targeted in the first book in the series, has gone to hide from the world and grieve for his beloved Connie.

Several of the original cast return, although all have been damaged by their horrific experiences, referred to just enough to allow this to be a standalone read. Detective Patrick Bailey has eschewed therapy and turned to alcohol to cope with the lingering effects of his shooting. Over in New York FBI Agent Christine Ash is suffering her own nightmares. Her inability to trust colleagues, a result of her traumatic upbringing, will have deadly consequences.

Ash is convinced that the Pendulum case involved more than one man, that he did not work alone, but her boss remains unconvinced. Proof presents itself when Wallace comes under attack, first in his mountain retreat in Afghanistan and then in Kabul. The reach of a shadowy organisation with apparent links to Pendulum ensures that it is Wallace who is branded a terrorist after he flees the scene. When eventually taken into custody he discovers that nowhere is safe.

Short, pithy chapters keep the reader appraised of the action as it unfolds in key locations. With the forces of law and order compromised it becomes necessary to call on personal friends for assistance, including some wonderfully shady characters. The enemy, whoever they may be, show no mercy.

This is a high-octane, adrenaline fuelled thriller that powers along at unremitting pace yet never runs out of the energy and ingenuity to maintain reader engagement. Along with the gradual reveals, the denouement adds a twist that makes me eager for the next instalment already. An exhilerating, entertaining read.

My early proof copy of this book was provided gratis by the author.

[Elite Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good thriller-writing but rather confusing

This is the second book in a trilogy, and I have to say right at the start that, for me, it would appear essential to have read the opening book, “Pendulum”. This book has been widely praised by, amongst others, James Patterson.

Whilst there are some very good writing and descriptive narrative, there appears to be a constant battering of the senses which rarely abates and, at 543 pages, this was not an easy read.

John Wallace, our journalist/photographer hero from “Pendulum”, is in Afghanistan, snapping the lives of local villagers in the area of Nuristan. When they are attacked by local Afghan troops, Wallace overhears the word ‘foreigner’ used and realises that his life is once again in jeopardy. This is prefaced by the apparent suicide of journalist Sylvia Greene.

The action would appear to centre around an organisation called “The Foundation”, which is all-seeing and all-powerful. In an attempt to hijack a bill called “The International Online Security Act”, otherwise known as the “Blake-Castillo Bill”, the Foundation has managed to threaten, blackmail and murder those not willing to come aboard.

The characters are well-fleshed-out, particularly those of Special Agent Christine Ash and DI Patrick Bailey, and the plot moves easily between various countries. But, unfortunately, members of the Foundation keep coming out of the woodwork like an ever-incessant line of zombies. No sooner is one situation resolved than members of the Foundation appear to complicate an already complicated plot. To me, it seems implausible that the Foundation has infiltrated so many high-security organisations without having been detected.

Sméagol

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Mary Picken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is Part 2 of a three part trilogy – the first book being Pendulum. If you want to read this fast paced, all-action trilogy, then you must start with Pendulum.

As we join Freefall, eight months after confronting the serial killer Pendulum, photo-journalist John Wallace is losing himself in a dangerous tribal war in Afghanistan in an attempt to get over the loss of his love, Connie following his part in the Pendulum affair. But an attempt on his life and those of his Afghani travelling companions suggests he may still be a target. Though unsure how much he wants to resist death, Wallace is horrified by the killing around him and in tracking down the killers, he discovers a link to his nemesis, Pendulum.

The link is the missing piece of a puzzle that has tormented FBI Agent Christine Ash ever since they confronted Pendulum, but with the FBI now considering the case as closed, she has been unable to get any further. Wallace’s proof offers a break in the case, but it is a break that exposes them to terrible danger and throws both of them headlong into a global conspiracy that will have devastating repercussions.

These two protagonists are both severely damaged from their first encounter with Max Byrne /Pendulum as is our third protagonist, Detective Patrick Bailey. Bailey has turned to drink to cope with impact of his shooting in the last Pendulum encounter. Christine Ash is haunted by a deeply traumatic childhood in a cult that has made trust difficult for her and has caused her personality to become quite fragile under her outwardly fierce countenance.

For Bailey, the re-entry starts with the supposed suicide of a mother and journlist in London. It is the start of an investigation that will throw him straight back into the clutches of his darkest enemies and force him once again to rely on both his wits and his friends to stay in front of the game.

Together these three embark on the second stage of their white knuckle, roller-coaster ride that is the Freefall conspiracy.

This is a suspense-filled thriller that is relentless in its action and provides surprise after surprise as our protagonists have to cope with attacks and onslaughts that lead to more and more intense, tension fuelled moments and an avalanche of death and destruction.

It is, at times, hard to believe all that these characters have to go through and a certain amount of suspension of disbelief is inevitable, just as it is in a Bond film, which is what Freefall reminded me of.

Hamdy never lets up on the action or the pressure on his characters and Freefall has no fairytale ending as the Freefall conspiracy seeks to harness technology for its own dominant purposes.

In fact, the conclusion of this book leaves us wondering quite what is going to happen next – I’m just hoping that it will not be too long before I find out!

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

FREEFALL, the second book in Adam Hamdy’s Pendulum trilogy, a series of cyber-conspiracy thrillers, takes the reader around the globe --- from London to Nuristan in Afghanistan, New York and Geneva.

Set eight months after the ending of Pendulum, this sequel opens with journalist Sylvia “Vee” Greene hanging herself in her London bedroom. She leaves behind a note intended for Detective Inspector Patrick Bailey with a code that he has to decipher. First, he, FBI Agent Christine Ash and a far-flung group of white hats must figure out how her death ties into larger events that Vee was investigating.

For the reader who hasn’t started with the first book in the trilogy, there’s much to decipher beyond Vee’s code. Who was Pendulum, and how many others were working with him to carry out his mission? What are they after, and how broad is their conspiracy? Why does journalist John Wallace feel so responsible for those who were killed as he battled Pendulum, and who’s now hunting him?

The timely plot revolves around a sophisticated group of anarchists who are redistributing wealth by manipulating the financial system and casting suspicion on the government agencies that might be able to prevent it. How the actual redistribution is structured is never explained, other than to refer to a congressional bill that would introduce blockchain technology into financial transactions --- allowing the conspirators to manipulate individual accounts. But technology plays a backseat to torture and shootouts, which take place in multiple locales and touch all of the characters. Hamdy attempts to make the reader care about what happens to the good guys, with backstories about their lives, and even a little romance between chase scenes.

But while PENDULUM garnered some good reviews and sales, FREEFALL is less likely to do either. Fast-paced with multiple story lines, it is also filled with clumsy writing and typos: In one paragraph alone, “Bailey was needled from unconsciousness” and “a voiced sneered.” Eyes snap open, breath percolates, words are spat --- the faster the pace, the poorer Hamdy’s writing. And, of course, though the book ends with some members of the conspiracy dead or jailed, there’s enough still skulking around to emerge in the final volume. Don’t wait up.

Reviewed by Lorraine W. Shanley

[Dee-Cee It's all about the books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freefall is the follow on book from Adam Hamdy’s first book Pendulum which I absolutely loved. There’s always a worry, that little niggle at the back of your mind when starting a second book, that it wont be quite as good as the first but there was no need to worry here. Freefall is an absolute cracker and I’m super excited now to read the final book and hopefully I wont have too long to wait. If you’re reading this Mr Hamdy, I’m cracking the whip
Freefall follows John Wallace, Christine Ash and Patrick Bailey after the very traumatic and devastating events of Pendulum. Each character is trying to get their head round the events that have changed their lives but with each of them having their own demons to battle it’s not an easy task and to be totally honest if I was one of them I think I’d have completely lost the plot.
John has taken himself off to Afghanistan, Bailey is still a detective inspector in England and Ash a federal agent in America, each of them are trying to get on with their lives but Pendulum has other ideas and is determined to bring the three characters down and no matter where they are in the world it looks like nothing is going to stop Pendulum.
Adam Hamdy really has quite a clever and twisted mind, that’s honestly a good thing when it comes to Freefall. Oh boy was I totally hooked and I’m surprised I have any nails left. This is such an action packed story, it’s fast paced and certainly gets the old heart pumping. It’s one of those books that as soon as you pick it up, it grabs you and swallows you up and doesn’t let go until the very end where you’re spat out and left feeling shaken and totally blown away by what you’ve just read. There’s not many books I can say that about, but Freefall is one of them.
I think it’s quite safe to say I will definitely be recommending Freefall, with its unpredictability and fear factor this really is a must read. It’s quite gruesome in parts and it will certainly send a few shivers down your spine and have you looking over your shoulder. A story that’s very difficult to put down, I found myself up at 3am feeding the baby with one hand and turning the pages with the other totally hooked. A definite thumbs up from me.

[Victoria Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freefall is the sequel to Pendulum, which I really enjoyed last year. Yet again, Adam Hamdy has written a gripping rollercoaster read. Some action thrillers can be read easily as standalones. But I would recommend that you read Pendulum first, if you haven't already done so, as parts of Freefall may not make sense otherwise.

The reader is launched straight into the action from the very first page. After uncovering a shocking conspiracy in Pendulum, John Wallace is now hiding in Afghanistan, right in the middle of a war zone. But it's hard to stay hidden for long, as he soon discovers. DI Patrick Bailey in London and FBI agent Christine Bailey in New York are the only ones he can trust. When a London journalist is discovered dead in her home in a possible suicide, the three of them are thrust together into yet another investigation that isn't what it seems.

Freefall is full of action and suspense and is highly entertaining. It's an emotional journey too, as all three characters have been left with physical and mental scars from their previous encounter. The chapters are fairly short, which helps to keep the pace moving quickly - there's so much energy within the book that I found it difficult to find time to take a breath. The plot may seem a little over the top in places - but that's the beauty of fiction, stretching the highly imaginative into pure escapism. The characters are believable and realistic, triggering plenty of shocks and surprises by the end.

I raced through Freefall and can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Lovedreadingthis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Pendulum last January having bought my signed copy from Goldsboro Books (link here) and read it with the Instagram, Criminally Good Book Club, link here. Pendulum was fastpaced and trust me, Freefall maintains the sprint! Within 50 pages Adam Hamdy had introduced a highly original and truly horrendous murder weapon which literally gave me goosebumps!
The familiar main protagonists, John Wallace, Patrick Bailey and Christine Ash all return, trying to rebuild their lives post Pendulum with varying degrees of success and are thrust back together when it becomes clear the Pendulum nightmare is far from over and contrary to popular belief, Pendulum was not a lone ranger. The three afore mentioned characters are incredibly likeable as they join forces to fight the battle against crime but also for their lives. With the Pendulum idealogy having a far greater reach, the now familiar Pendulum costume pops up often in book 2 as clearly the scheme has penetrated government organisations and high profile figures. Who can be trusted and whose side is anyone on? Set on a global scale, spanning continents this book encompasses the global, electronic, modern world. Highlighting the shortcomings of our modern digital world, where nothing is private but much is hidden, this book is forward thinking and once again highlights the downfall of our high tech era.
This book is action packed entertainment from cover to cover, much like its predecessor this is best enjoyed by suspending disbelief and experiencing the thrill of the ride as that's what this book is. Recommended reading and I for one, am looking forward to part 3!
A word of note, this is a trilogy and I would highly recommend reading Pendulum first, having finished that book a year ago, I did refer back to remind myself of the story so far, the plot is detailed and the back story highly relevant.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

After tangling with Pendulum, Wallace, Ash, and Bailey are broken. Each has his own issues and is trying to get back to normal life. But each person is going to learn that you can’t hide from the past, especially when there are people out to make sure the three are killed. There is so much more to Pendulum than the three knew and it’s up to them to stop the group before the consequences get too big.

I admit that I have not read Pendulum and I think that would have helped my understanding in what is going on. But having said that I had no problem catching up and being thrown right into the middle of the action.

This is a great story that kept me turning the pages. It sucked me right in and every time I thought I might know where it was going it knocked me off balance. I really loved how all three main characters we broken and had their own problems yet they just kept fighting.

This is a captivating story and one that I recommend for any thriller lover. I do recommend reading the series in order. I will definitely be going back to catch up on what I missed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Gemma McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

FreeFall Is a breath-taking thriller. 
John, Christine and Patrick have they own part in the story. Each individual storyline are gripping, all of them are add more drama, action and drama to the story as a whole. 
One of the elements of Freefall is how all three of them are coping with their trauma at the hands of Pendulum. It shows that not everyone will deal with trauma in the same way. Although the trauma doesn't stop them doing the right thing, even if it places their life at danger. 
FreeFall impact is much large than Pendulum making the stakes high, and kept me hooked to the book. Now slightly creeped out of the idea of bumping into some in a Pendulum mask.  Also the technology that the bad guys have access to is very scary. I don't have anything to hide on my hard drive but it did I would be worried. Like finding a big magnet and wipe the hard drive worried. 
Adam Hamdy made me cry again, I was not expecting it and I didn't appreciate the emotional bomb he left in the pages. 
I did guess the bad guys end game before the reveal, but that didn't spoil the book for me at all. 
My rating for FreeFall is 5 out of 5.

[Tony Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freefall is the second of Adam Hamdy's Pendulum trilogy, reintroducing John Wallace and FBI agent Christine Ash. Together they have shared a fraught mission to capture their nemesis Pendulum who is determined to change the world order with his organisation the Foundation.

Both Wallace and Ash have been physically and psychologically damaged by their encounters with the Pendulum but their determination to bring him to justice is undiminished. His reach to the corridors of power makes him a brutally dangerous enemy.

Christine Ash has learned the hard way to trust no-one but this approach also has its downsides as she sidelines John Wallace and other loyal associates. Eventually though she relents and with Wallace's help she closes in on the Foundation and the members who survived her clash with their leader . Somehow they manage to stay just one step ahead of the Foundation and strive to put an end to their ambitions.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a difficult read in places. It's a long book with a very involved plot, or rather three separate plots that weave in and out before coming together. At the beginning, Wallace is in Afghanistan, FBI agent Ash in is NYC and DI Bailey in London. It's not always easy to keep up with everything that's happening.

This is not so much a sequel to Pendulum as a second part of the same story. It's some time since I read Pendulum and back story isn't really given in Freefall; rather you are expected to remember who the characters are, what part they played in past events and so on. I was lost on several occasions.

But there is much to like about the sweeping story arc that underpins the series. There are too many gunfights for my liking, but sections where the key characters are struggling to figure out motivations and trying to work out how to stop a grand conspiracy are compelling.

[Phantomrabbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inhalt/Klappentext
Es gibt eine Regel. Traue niemandem!

Ohne es zu wollen ist John Wallace der größten Verschwörung der Welt in die Quere gekommen. Mit tödlichen Folgen. Er wurde bis zum bitteren Ende verfolgt und gequält. Aber letztlich war nicht er selbst es, der den höchsten Preis bezahlen musste, sondern die Liebe seines Lebens. Noch immer sieht er Connies Gesicht, wenn er nachts die Augen schließt. Nur die Abgelegenheit der afghanischen Berge, in die er sich zurückgezogen hat, scheint ihm ein wenig Trost zu spenden. Doch während er mit seiner Kamera einen afghanischen Stamm begleitet, passiert das Unfassbare: Ein neuer Feind taucht auf ...





Schreibstil/Handlungsverlauf
Im Vergleich zum ersten Teil hat sich der Schreibstil nicht verändert. Er gefiel immer noch sehr gut und die Actionszenen war auch in diesem Teil sehr lesenswert.
Die Darstellung der Hauptcharaktere war passend und diesmal auch nicht so überzeichnet wie in Teil 1. Die Figuren waren sehr viel verletzlicher.
Die Handlung setzt nach den Ergebnissen von Teil 1 ein. Wallace, Ash und Bailey gehen alle sehr unterschiedlich mit dem Erlebten in der Vergangenheit um.

Im Buch kreuzen sich ihre Wege wieder, da der Henker nicht alleine gearbeitet hat.

Leider gab es für meinen Geschmack zu viele Wiederholungen in dem Buch.

Die Protagonisten decken einen Teil der Verschwörung auf, werden kidnappt und entkommen dann wieder. Dieses Spiel passierte andauert im Buch und war sehr nervig, weil dadurch die Spannung verloren gegangen ist.
Auch die Auflösung der Verschwörung war für mich persönlich verwirrend und gab nicht so viel Sinn, wie ich es mir erhofft hatte.

Die Jagd nach dem Henker im Band 1 hat mir sehr viel mehr gefallen.

 
Charaktere
Es gab ein Wiedersehen mit den Charakteren aus Band 1.
Die einzelnen Figuren haben sich durch die Ereignisse in ersten Teil verändert und müssen mit ihren Dämonen kämpfen.

John Wallace wirkt in diesem Teil auch nicht mehr wie der übertriebene Actionheld sondern er ist gebrochener Mann.

Auch gab es wirklich schönes Wiedersehen zwischen Wallace und Ash, was leider am Ende nicht so verläuft wie man es erhofft hat.
Man erfährt auch einiges über die Vergangenheit von Ash und kann dadurch einige ihrer Handlungen und Beweggründe verstehen.

Bailey bleibt wie im ersten Teil etwas blasser als Wallace und Ash, aber das macht ihn nicht weniger liebeswert.

Es kommen auch eine Menge Nebenfiguren vor, die mal mehr und mal weniger zur Handlung beitragen.
Durch die ganzen Namen war es manchmal schwer sich zu merken, wer jetzt auf welcher Seite steht und was seine Aufgabe war.





Meine Meinung
Pendulum fand ich richtig toll. Leider kann Freefall meiner Meinung da nicht mithalten. Es gab zu viele Wiederholungen in der Handlung und weniger Action.

Der Autor hat in meinen Augen sehr viel Potential und ich mag es, dass er nicht zimperlich mit seinen Figuren umgeht.

Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es im dritten Band mit John Wallace weitergeht. Schließlich hat er schon so viel verloren.

[P.R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

You need to have read 'Pendulum', the first in this series, before you read this - but beware! You may find, as I did, that you far prefer 'Pendulum' to this. Why? Because 'Freefall' goes totally over the top in terms of overkill.

I found my senses battered by this book, and I wonder why I bothered to finish it - perhaps only to discover the eventual fate of John Wallace, a character I rather liked. There are pages and pages of violent action, dozens of people dressed as Pendulum ambushing the novel's three protagonists who inevitably manage - somehow - to free themselves from totally impossible and implausible imprisonment despite ghastly injuries.

I won't be reading it again, and I doubt if I'll pick up the third in the trilogy. A shame, because the first was excellent.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with Pendulum and continues with Freefall. John Wallace is back and someone still wants him dead.

Picking up from where Pendulum left off it draws you straight back into the action with some familiar faces. Agent Christine Ash and Patrick Bailey are back and if they thought Pendulum broke them, they have no idea what they are up against this time!

A full on action packed thriller, twists and surprises and intricate plots and characters this book is like Pendulum but better!!

This is the second book in the Pendulum series and i seriously highly recommend reading that book first to get the full impact and enjoyment of this clever story!

Roll on the final instalment - I can't wait!!

Grab a copy now - Don't miss out on these books, they are simply too good to miss!

[Astrid Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next instalment!
When I finished Pendulum, it took me only a day or so to start with the sequel. I really had to slow myself down to not rush too much through it.

Again, fast-paced, lots of turns and unexpected changes to the plot. In short, exactly what I expected and wanted from the book, a great thriller.

As with the first book, the only reason to not give five stars is the detailed description of everything. Which is great on the one hand, because you can really 'see' every car and building and person, but is on the other a little too prescriptive for me. Can't wait for the films though.

[Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the trilogy leads straight on from the first. Bailey is a broken man and trying to maintain a routine, John has crushing guilt from just about everything and has gone into the war zone of Afghanistan and Ash is trying to hunt down the remnants of Pendulum on her own. She only trusts a couple of people and this leads to a horrific finale for her. This story has the three heroes working on their own even though their strength is in numbers. The Foundation has risen and more evil has been introduced but our team start to find out who they are and what their motivation is. This is another cracking story by Adam Hamdy

[sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A noticeable downgrade from the first book in the trilogy, Freefall suffers from what I would call "over-ambition syndrome". The narrative is a bit too clustered, which holds it back from having a substantial emotional impact on the reader. Many of the descriptions are unnecessary as well, I think the book would be much better off without them.

The high adrenaline action is just fantastic though, there is never a stale moment, and the plot moves at a thrillingly fast pace. The characters are well written as well, I found myself caring about their endeavours, something carried forward from Pendulum.

If not anything else, Freefall is a highly entertaining read.

[Katrina Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent follow up to Pendulum.

If you like fast-paced, action-packed thrillers then this will be right up your street.

One of the things I love is that Adam doesn't shy away from the effect all the drama etc has on his characters, they act like real people with genuine emotion and reactions.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Adam for sending me an advance, proof copy of the book. This is a great follow up to Pendulum. Edge of the seater thriller that keeps the action coming thick and fast. Already can't wait to read the third one whenever that comes out. Highly recommended. You won't regret it.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freefall, book 2 of the Pendulun trilogy, is as fast paced and action packed as Pendulum! Twists, turns, Afghanistan, London, New York! Back and forth, the mystery and suspense building all the way!

[Stephen Thorndyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

P

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

More twists and turns than a Strictly salsa routine and a thoroughly breathless plot left me a little bit jaded. I read it quickly, but it felt too clever for its own good at times.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parallels to Fight Club

[Ewan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but it was just so exhausting. There is never any let up between chase, capture, attack, escape, chased again... I'll be reading something quiet and reflective next.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this continuation of John Wallace's saga. I cannot believe this hasn't been picked up as a movie or show. It's so amazing!! please read this series