S.P.E.A.R.

Bulletcatcher #1-3

by Chris Bradford

In a deadly terrorist attack, Troy is shot at pont-blank range ... but he survives.
He had no idea until now that he's bullet proof.
His special talent brings him to the attention of a secret organisation known as S.P.E.A.R. Recruited into their ranks, Troy discovers that he's not the only one with remarkable powers.

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2019

About the author

Chris Bradford is the bestselling author of the Young Samurai, Bodyguard and Soul Series.

Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.

For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.

And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.

His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.

To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk

Reviews

[Kadi P]

Updated pre-reading thoughts (12/8/2021):
Here we are once again (thanks to a comment reminding me of my interest in this book), a year after my original traverse into the strangeness that is the publishing of this book.

I’ve now spoken to a lovely lady at the publishing house Barrington Stroke (the publisher of this paperback edition) and have come to the conclusion that definitively no ebook or kindle edition exists of this book. Yet, I can confirm that kindle editions exist of all of the 3 separate books (Bulletcatcher, Sniper & Blowback) which are collected into this paperback omnibus edition.

Now, if you, like me, prefer omnibus collected editions for both their bonus content and their tidiness on your shelves, then this will be a fairly sad update for you to find. But, fear not! There may be hope for us yet! The lady from the publishing house said she’d take mine (and everyone else’s) interest in an ebook/kindle edition of this book to the editorial team. So, although the chances of this resulting in a new kindle edition being published are slim, one can but hope.
Here’s to someone liking/commenting again in the future (if it’s happened twice it can certainly happen again) so I can continue to pursue this book...


Updated pre-reading thoughts (24/2/2021):
Thanks to someone liking this review and reminding me of its existence I managed to enlist the help of lovely librarian and add English editions for all the 3 separate books.
It's strange that the first 2 odd points remain, there's still no kindle or ebook edition of this out there in the world...

As such, I haven't managed to find a copy of this book to read. Which sucks because I want to read it even more now that I've remembered it exists. Oh well, here's to someone liking this review in the future and reminding me it exists again so I can go hunting for a kindle edition or something...


Original pre-reading thoughts (31/8/2020):
This looks amazing but it's very odd...
It was published in 2019 yet:
- It only has 2 written reviews.
- There's only 1 edition of it.
- It was published as 3 separate books - but only in German.
- Everywhere you look to buy it they have a different name for it.

Very odd... I'd still love to read it. If it's anything as good as his Bodyguard series then I can't wait to find a copy!

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. This book is the three Bullet Catcher books in one. It is aimed at younger readers so it does feel a bit rushed in places. What I mean by that there is a lot of potential darkness in the story, which is not explored as much as it would have been in an adult book. The book was not as action-packed as I was expecting it to be but not boring in any way also had great illustrations.

Young Troy's parents have been killed in a terrorist attack, but after surviving the attack he discovers an ability/talent and possibly some innate heroism. What else would you expect from a comic book fan? This brings him to the attention of the mysterious Medusa, and a new life and purpose as part of other talented kids under S.P.E.A.R.

A very good comic book-style book. I think there should be more of this series to come. I would love to read a sequel or a fourth book. Throughout the three books, I would have liked there to be a bit more action and martial arts I look for in Bradford's books. I think there is a lot of potential for character development if there is ever a next book.

[Luis Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good book, although it didn't tell me that this book had 2nd grader language in it. For a book that is all about terrorism and killing each other/people running from bullets I think that the pictures and the very easy to read text aren't optimal for anyone reading over the age of 12.
Although the book was very interesting and a nice and easy read:)

[Adrianne Lemke · Rating 3 out of 5]

S.P.E.A.R. was an enjoyable story, but it definitely read as if it were a practice round for the author's Bodyguard books. Quite a few similarities between the two, but enough differences to make it fun to read. Parts of it were a bit unclear, especially when Troy's powers suddenly disappeared- what? why? Never really clarified how or why it would happen.

[Giovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was full of action. Definitely one of my favourite books of all time

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting idea, but it was written like it was intended for a younger audience than advertised. Not as good as the author's other bodyguard series.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read story that has a few surprises and a good read to pass the time...