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Apocalyptic cults. Cursed relics. Paranormal terrorists. Only one man stands against the forces of darkness. After his fiancée is slain by a murderous cult, a professional soldier dedicates himself to a new mission–hunting down twisted occultists around the globe.

"The Punisher meets John Constantine in this exciting, hard-hitting Supernatural Action Thriller series. "--Amazon Reviewer.

Mark Talon must head to Norway to stop a Black Metal musician who plans on using an ancient Norse ritual to trigger a frozen cataclysm.

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2014

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198 people want to read

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William Massa

74 books265 followers

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5 stars
82 (37%)
4 stars
66 (30%)
3 stars
55 (25%)
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13 (5%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
1,119 reviews389 followers
December 11, 2020
Wow! This book took off right away and this story was a quicker romp as it was a short story!

A small backstory:

Mark Talon's new adventure takes him up against a black metal musician named the Ice God as the musician has been able to harness the power of the occult by using rune stones. When women start to go missing, Simon sends Mark to Norway to see if he can find out exactly what is going on because things are fishy as when the women disappear it is normally where the Ice God has been playing with his band.

What Mark finds when he gets to Norway is worse than he thought as the musician has also learned how to control mother nature as well and when things go bad for Mark they really go bad!

Does Mark find the missing women? Is the Ice God involved with the missing women? Is Mark able to stop the Ice God? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!

Thoughts:

Even though this was a short story it packed a wallop of a punch and once again the main character Mark Talon has to figure out how to stop a villain that uses occult magic!

Since I have been reading this series, I keep wanting to read the rest of the series to see what new adventures lie in wait for Mark Talon and what new villain the author has created next!

So far all the stories take off in the first chapter with something happening and then the next thing you know, Mark Talon is on his way somewhere to take care of the threat! The writing style for me is superb as everything just flows along with an easy read of everything that takes place within the story.

Fight scenes are smooth as silk and I get caught up in the action very easy to the point where I don't want to lay down the book as I want to keep reading to see what happens next and that is how it has been with all the books as I get caught up in the storyline! Giving this book five "action" ice crystals!
Profile Image for Loredana (Bookinista08).
780 reviews338 followers
January 14, 2016
OK, so... wow! I did not expect to enjoy this novella so much! It's fast-paced, the writing just flows naturally, and the information in the story seems to have been researched quite well. I was impressed, I must say! This was a (light) paranormal thriller that I actually enjoyed! Now putting the rest of the "Occult Assassin" books on my TBR list, for sure!
Profile Image for Scot.
192 reviews53 followers
September 6, 2014
I was offered a copy of this book for an honest review.

This was an action packed, fun novel. It really was an entertaining read. The cover really grabbed me and that seldom happens.
Once I started to read, I became invested in Talon, the occult assassin. He is written so well, like a version of Frank Castle. You can see his scars, both mental and physical. Talon is damaged goods - that is what makes him so good at what he does. I really think that this character is something special.
The story was quick paced and neatly wrapped up in a short amount of time. The words on the page really flowed. For me, there was a lot to love in this book.

I would definitely like to read more from this author. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys their action with a pinch of horror.
Profile Image for Natasha House.
Author 18 books105 followers
August 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and its dark and twisted tale. You get a glimpse of the world of occult, and the one man who is hunting down murderers of innocent women. I love the way the author describes everything, so that you can see it, but it doesn’t bore you. I could really picture the ice and snow, and the action he puts all throughout the book. I liked the lore he wove in there as well with the band Ice God. Finished this thing pretty fast! Great job! I felt my heart racing a few times! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
31 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2014
Fast paced, edge of your seat, chilling read

Occult Assassin is another winner from the talented William Massa. This time, the hero is ex-Delta Force Operator and assassin, Mark Talon, a sort of tough guy character. Think of Phillip Marlowe meets James Bond. After suffering the loss of the love of his life, he is driven to hunt down megalomaniac occultists, with their own vision of a world filled with darkness.

As with his last book, Crossing the Darkness, it’s a book that takes you along roller coaster ride at top speed, into a world of icy Nordic mythology. Add in a twisted metal rock band with a villainous lead, and you have one hell of chilling read. I mean that literally, as well as figuratively. You can feel the cold of the north seeping into your bones as you read.

I’ve read all of Massa’s books and I’m always amazed at his character development. I did receive this book as a gift to read and review. It made me read it with a more critical eye. The book did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. Massa has a way of drawing you into the world of his adventure with the first sentence, and keeps you there until you’ve read the last word.

I can’t wait for the next instalment in the Occult Assassin books. Is it ready yet?

Profile Image for Kitty Muse Book Reviews.
160 reviews12 followers
January 30, 2015
Wow--Mr. Massa can write more action and excitement into a novella than I've seen in full-length books! Not surprising, given his other contributions to the reading world.

Talon is a hit man, but not the usual gangland type. He is hired for one reason, and one reason only--to exterminate the occult influences in the world. If that means the elimination of certain human elements, then so be it.

Women are disappearing around the world, and one man has noted the coincidental appearance of a certain death-metal band at the same time of these mysterious events. He has more than a suspicion or two, and so he brings in his hired gun, Talon. For reasons of their own, these two men have a formal alliance: with one man's money and influence, the other can get to wherever he needs to be.

Once Talon is on the case, the action is non-stop, with a fast-moving plot that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

Fans of Mr. Massa already know what to expect--an excellent read. This novella underlines those expectations--with a red line!
Profile Image for Suleika Santana -All About Books .
739 reviews23 followers
August 29, 2014
5 stars
This is one of those books that you will read in one sitting. It's that good. Very engaging.
This short story is fast paced and you won't be bored. It has a lot of action and a bit of mystery as well. The characters are well written and I am looking forward to knowing a little bit more about Mark.
Mark is an assassin and we get to know a little about him with this mission. I really liked him, he intrigued me. There are bloody parts in the story and violent situations obviously, he is an assassin.
I don't want to reveal any details about the story because it's really good and everyone should read it but just to tease you a bit I will say that he ends up being the hero in the end. There is a girl involved, lots of snow and a Rock band ;)
The story is well written and I really like the authors writing style.
Will read more from this author and I am looking forward to reading more about the characters in this book with the next installment.
Profile Image for Glenn.
Author 7 books12 followers
September 5, 2014
I really enjoyed Ice God, the preview novella for the Occult Assassin series. I had seen a lot of William Massa books and always thought they sounded like good concepts, but this is the first one I have read.

This story takes place after the first two books in the series, this allows you to hit the ground running and get straight to the action. I enjoyed the main character and am looking forward to learning more of his back story when the rest of the series is released.

A high point for me was the unique villain. He was a larger than life threat and a real challenge for the hero. The locations were interesting, as well as the murders that put Talon on the villain's trail.

I enjoyed the pacing and the action. It reminded me of the men's adventure novels that I used to read. It was like a James Bond, or a Mack Bolan adventure... but with the villains harnessing occult forces.

I know I'll be reading more of this exciting series.
Profile Image for Amethyst.
103 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2014
Occult Assassin is number 5 in the Massa library and another fast paced novella you can easily read in one sitting as believe me you wont be able to put it down.

Norwegian folklore creepy rockband versus James Bond really set the scene for this thrilling read.

I loved the main character Mark Talon the ultimate tough guy coping with the loss of the love of his life (which I would have liked to have known more about). Massa's descriptive writing draws you right alongside Talon on his latest mission to hunt down freaky Rezok and his band of followers. You can almost feel the freezing cold on your face as Talon fights to save the girl and the world from Rezok's plan to unleash something unearthly on the world.

Massa's endless imagination leads to some unique ideas and vivid action scenes within the pages that would make an amazing film to all you scriptwriters out there. Another heart-pounding stimulating read and I hope there will be a book 2 with more adventures of Mark Talon.
Profile Image for Marianne Fiero.
42 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2015
A quick easy read. Talon continues his quest to defeat evil. This time he is in another country with the leader of a heavy metal band as his POI. It seems that there has been a woman who ends up missing at each city that the band has played in, on their tour. Talon and his billionaire cohort believe that the women are being sacrificed to allow an evil entity to come into our realm and destroy us. The 8th woman is now missing and Talon has to find her and stop the evil before it is released.
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
July 16, 2015
Oh my God! I so wish this book had been longer! I wanted so much more! Occult Assassin is a book you can totally see creating one of those action packed video games. It might sound silly to some but I think it would totally rock. It's so short and it was so good that I hope the author continues this novella into a full series. Give me more Massa!
Profile Image for Oscar.
81 reviews
May 7, 2016
I love short-form fiction and this novella delivered on every level. Though short, this story packs a hell of a punch; from the brisk pace, great dialogue and constant action, I was riveted by the first page. And the villains in this are members of a black metal band! What's not to like? Occult Assassin is an excellent series, and this ranks among my favorite installments so far.
Profile Image for Lon Widdicombe.
Author 3 books
January 12, 2016
Talon meets an albino metal musician with an evil plan and an evil heart. This novella is as fast paced as the first two books and gives the reader everything we’ve come to expect and then some. Talon must save a woman and prevent the world from falling into a frozen wasteland.
Profile Image for Jenny.
153 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2014
I loved it! Very good story, with suspense and action. This has a likable character, that makes you want to learn more about.
Profile Image for Geoff.
Author 86 books129 followers
November 25, 2014
3.5 stars.
Good read, and refreshingly-free of errors.
Great if you like military horror.
137 reviews26 followers
January 25, 2016
A good addition to the series with a decent narrator.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review
Profile Image for Joe Geesin.
175 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2016
A great and easy to read book. Good to know that the guy's a rocker too.
Profile Image for Will.
40 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
These books have just enough to keep my interest. They are extremely light reading, with a bare minimum of plot and exposition.
However, once again, it seems that the author is working from a 30 second wiki search for "research".
The Eldar Furthark runes are not used like that.... also Sar Akka us a Finnish goddess, not "The Winter Warlock" (and even the term Warlock, aka Waerloga, is used incorrectly, as it refers to an oathbreaker, not an occultist.

Finally... I feel the author is also basing his knowledge of special forces members on movies, similarly to his descriptions of explosions in the previous book.
Profile Image for Stephen.
1,240 reviews8 followers
May 15, 2017
Interesting premise, and while I realize that this is not the first book in the series I was disappointed in the lack of plot development. The characters are already established characters with a relationship. The info in the book and the writing was not enough for me to be intrigued by them and go back for the other books.

Having ripped on the book, the premise is very interesting. The idea of a private group taking on occult evildoers on their own is pretty cool. The premise of a bad guy trying to use Nordic Mythology to bring back an Ice God was great.
Profile Image for Jim Kratzok.
1,070 reviews3 followers
June 25, 2020
A good short story.

Mark Talon once again finds himself in a battle against evil. This time it's the leader of a Norwegian dwath metal band. The story was entertaining and I enjoyed it.
2 reviews
February 2, 2020
And yet another one

This is another good book in the series. As he understands more of what is going on, he continues to kick ass.
300 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2020
This book is about half the size of the other occult assassin books, so it doesn't have as much in it, but it is a complete and good read.
Profile Image for Gabby.
2,528 reviews26 followers
October 27, 2024
Short, cold and dark. Ok fine all of the books in this series delve into the darker side of human nature and their lust for revenge, power and control. This one is short and fast paced but starts off fast and you get the story as he reviews things while trying to plan. Death metal, icy weather and a race against time, is the easiest way to describe this without giving too much away. I enjoyed the faster pace and the fact that this was outside of the USA in where it occurs.
Profile Image for Wesley Thomas.
Author 19 books52 followers
September 25, 2014
What an excellent ride! A unique story mixing horror, action and adventure perfectly.

I have waited too long to experience William's superb writing, and I will not wait that long to read more of his cutting-edge fiction.

In a place littered with snow are a group of men who're all part of a black metal band. But all the while, in-between gigs and touring, they hide dark, sinister secrets that threaten the villagers of the lead singer's home town.

A rash of disappearances, and odd coincidences, leads a billionaire to hire the services of a trained soldier and experienced fighter: Talon.

It's Talon's job to save future victims before it's too late and battle the foe, all the while coping with his own inner turmoil of past tragedies.

In a tale of breathless suspense we are taken on an icy mission.

Talon, in my opinion, should be an iconic hero. Marvel should be ready and waiting.

He has all the makings of the next Hercules or Superman, only much rougher around the edges, and more rugged. His awful history makes him more real, and his acceptance of his work repeatedly throwing him into the hornet's nest and how fatal that could turn out, makes him a realist. Each day he knows it may be his last, so he fights to the death, and fear is a luxury he can't afford.

Deep down Talon's an emotional mess wrapped in masculinity and solitude. After unfortunate events he strays from too much human contact and concentrates on his missions. As the journey progresses we are given flashes from his past, and cannot help but sympathize with the hard times he's endured. But what makes him so incredible is his relentless will, and motivation, regardless of anything else.

To contrast greatly with Talon, is the antagonist, who, as a result of Will's writing, we hate. His selfish, evil and cruel justifications for his actions compel us to despise this individual.

The writing is flawless. Excellent description used to express a feeling, sight or smell. There wasn't a dull adjective in the whole book. Each depiction evoked empathy as you understand very clearly how a person is feeling. Not to mention the superb sensory descriptions. Which is essential when a story takes place in the snow. We must feel the frost bites, the numbing skin, the chattering teeth, and we do!

A smooth build up and quick pace leaves no room for second thought. The book propels into a speed of its own, and we are forced to follow this.

Although the content is anything but neat, as it explores the occult, death, mystery and conspiracy, the execution and whole book is neatly tied. We have a clear sense of beginning, middle and end.

After reading this I must read the other books in the Occult Assassin series.

This is an innovative, refreshing, suspenseful and addictive adventure that clashes with horror and the supernatural. A powerful insertion to an intriguing series that is like no other.
Profile Image for AudioBookReviewer.
949 reviews167 followers
July 28, 2015
ABR's original Ice Shadows audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

If you have listened to the first two books in this series, Damnation Code and Apocalypse Solider, them the decision to listen to this short novella is a no brainer. I mean why wouldn’t you want to hear more about the missions of Mark Talon?

William Massa has one heck of an imagination. I mean weaponized death metal, really? This is what Talon finds himself, on this international adventure, against here. The lead man for the band has acquired enough ancient runes to trigger a frozen armageddon.

Massa does a great job of bringing us up to speed with the main characters, probably not really needed, I think it was just in case for some reason you decided to start listening with this one. I enjoyed learning more about the man that has been pulling Talons strings, so to speak.

If you have been humming and hawing about whether or not to get into this series of fast paced military paranormal mayhem and destruction. Ice Shadows could be the audiobook you have been waiting for. It gives you a taste of what you can expect in the rest of the series.

If you haven’t, and I don’t know what rock you have been hiding under, listened to any of James Foster‘s work, you need to do it. Now. Because he will speak to you like very few others can. Making you believe that, even though Talon in a military special forces guy, he is also just a regular dude. This is Foster’s strength. Making characters seem approachable no matter how baffling their situation might be.

Now I have no idea what a Norwegian accent sounds like, and I think this is the first of any accents I have heard from Foster. It was believable to me. If it is wrong at least he gave it a shot and didn’t back down.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
Profile Image for Paula.
172 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2014
William Massa messaged me a few weeks back and said he wanted to gift me with a book. I thought sure, why not. He didn't ask for anything in return which says a lot about him. I think he was confident enough in his work, that he knew it would be worth reviewing. Truthfully had I seen this book on my own, I probably would not have picked it up. For some reason when I see the cover I think of James Bond. Thankfully what’s in between the covers is an excellent well told story. I honestly read it in one sitting; I just had to know what was going to happen next!

The story opens with a lone female skier named Kristin out on a trail in Bergen, Norway. As she’s tooling down the trail she is stopped by a 6 foot wall of ice. Slowly she begins to work her way around the wall as a feeling of unease begins to settle over her. Is someone watching?

Mark Talon is the occult assassin. Before his fight against the occult began, Mark spent years as a special operator in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Working with Simon Casca, a billionaire he is now tracking the lead singer of a Norwegian heavy black metal band, who coincidentally has concerts in the same towns where young women have gone missing. Both Mark and Simon have suffered tragedies at the hands of the occult. Both have dedicated their lives to quashing occult activity worldwide.

Ice God’s tour has taken them to a small pub in Bergen, Norway where Rezok, the lead singer has just one question to ask of his fans, “Are you ready for the final winter?” A long time follower of ancient Norwegian rituals, Rezok has been searching across Europe for the Sar Akka rune stones, with these stones comes power. If Simon’s findings are correct, Rezok has only one stone left to find and then….

This is such a good story; I am so looking forward to more in this series.
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