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Agent Zero #4
Trapping Zero
In TRAPPING ZERO (Book #4), a terrorist cell in the Mideast gains a new, fanatic leader, one intent on orchestrating what would be the deadliest attack on American soil. Can Agent Zero uncover the plot and stop him in time?
Although Agent Zero’s daughters are home safely, the mental anguish from their experience weighs heavy on their small family. Zero, working to be a good father and to repair the damage, decides the time has come to undergo surgery to regain all of his memories. But will it work?
In the midst of it all, he is again thrust into the line of duty as a U.S. embassy is destroyed in the Mideast and as an experimental new weapon is uncovered. But without his memories, with some of his own CIA allies intent on his destruction, who can he really trust?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2019
500 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Jack Mars
337 books656 followersJack Mars is author of the bestselling LUKE STONE thriller series, which include the suspense thrillers ANY MEANS NECESSARY (book #1), OATH OF OFFICE (book #2) and SITUATION ROOM (book #3).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 7, 2024
This whole series so far has been a thrill. Love it.
June 21, 2019
I have been enjoying the Kent Steele series so far. But this latest book had me rolling my eyes more than once. I get that it's a novel, and drama is the name of the game, but there is such a thing as over-dramatic.
And Mr. Mars - please do a bit more research on the technology before writing a book about high-tech weapons. The reality is: radio frequency signals CANNOT go through water. At all. That's why submarines use sonar, which is acoustic-based. The entire premise of your book goes against the laws of physics - literally impossible. Which tends to cast a pall on the rest of the book, at least for me.
And Mr. Mars - please do a bit more research on the technology before writing a book about high-tech weapons. The reality is: radio frequency signals CANNOT go through water. At all. That's why submarines use sonar, which is acoustic-based. The entire premise of your book goes against the laws of physics - literally impossible. Which tends to cast a pall on the rest of the book, at least for me.
April 27, 2024
In the world of espionage thrillers, Jack Mars' "Trapping Zero" stands out as a compelling entry. The 4th book in the Agent Zero series, it continues the journey of the enigmatic protagonist known only as Zero. Narrated by Brian Callanan, the audiobook version brings to life the intricate plot and fast-paced action that fans of the genre crave.
**Narration:
Brian Callanan's narration is a double-edged sword. His voice has a timbre that suits the thriller genre, providing a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. However, some listeners have noted that the portrayal of female characters could be improved, as they tend to sound robotic and lack the natural flow of conversation. Despite this, Callanan's performance is commendable, especially when conveying the tension and stakes involved in Zero's mission. It’s a pity they lost the previous narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, as his narration was much better when it came to the female characters.
**Plot:
"Trapping Zero" plunges listeners into a world where a new terrorist leader threatens the safety of American soil with a potentially catastrophic attack. The stakes are personal for Agent Zero, as the mental scars from his daughters' kidnapping weigh heavily on him. Amidst this, he faces the daunting task of regaining his lost memories through surgery, adding a layer of psychological depth to the narrative.
The plot weaves together multiple threads, including the destruction of a U.S. embassy and the discovery of an experimental weapon. Mars skillfully balances these elements, maintaining a brisk pace without sacrificing the complexity of the story. The result is a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
**Character Development:
Zero's character arc is particularly noteworthy. His struggle with amnesia and the quest to reclaim his past adds a human element to the otherwise stoic spy. The internal conflict and vulnerability make him a relatable figure, despite his extraordinary abilities. The supporting cast, though not as deeply explored, provides a solid backdrop for Zero's journey.
**Themes:
At its core, "Trapping Zero" explores themes of identity, trust, and the cost of duty. Zero's amnesia serves as a metaphor for the loss of self that can occur in the line of service. The question of whom to trust, especially when betrayal comes from within, is a recurring motif that resonates throughout the story.
**Conclusion:
Overall, "Trapping Zero" is a gripping audiobook that delivers on multiple fronts. While the narration has room for improvement, the story itself is a thrilling ride that will satisfy fans of Jack Mars and attract new listeners to the series. The blend of action, espionage, and personal drama makes for an audiobook that is not only entertaining but thought-provoking as well.
**Narration:
Brian Callanan's narration is a double-edged sword. His voice has a timbre that suits the thriller genre, providing a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. However, some listeners have noted that the portrayal of female characters could be improved, as they tend to sound robotic and lack the natural flow of conversation. Despite this, Callanan's performance is commendable, especially when conveying the tension and stakes involved in Zero's mission. It’s a pity they lost the previous narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, as his narration was much better when it came to the female characters.
**Plot:
"Trapping Zero" plunges listeners into a world where a new terrorist leader threatens the safety of American soil with a potentially catastrophic attack. The stakes are personal for Agent Zero, as the mental scars from his daughters' kidnapping weigh heavily on him. Amidst this, he faces the daunting task of regaining his lost memories through surgery, adding a layer of psychological depth to the narrative.
The plot weaves together multiple threads, including the destruction of a U.S. embassy and the discovery of an experimental weapon. Mars skillfully balances these elements, maintaining a brisk pace without sacrificing the complexity of the story. The result is a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
**Character Development:
Zero's character arc is particularly noteworthy. His struggle with amnesia and the quest to reclaim his past adds a human element to the otherwise stoic spy. The internal conflict and vulnerability make him a relatable figure, despite his extraordinary abilities. The supporting cast, though not as deeply explored, provides a solid backdrop for Zero's journey.
**Themes:
At its core, "Trapping Zero" explores themes of identity, trust, and the cost of duty. Zero's amnesia serves as a metaphor for the loss of self that can occur in the line of service. The question of whom to trust, especially when betrayal comes from within, is a recurring motif that resonates throughout the story.
**Conclusion:
Overall, "Trapping Zero" is a gripping audiobook that delivers on multiple fronts. While the narration has room for improvement, the story itself is a thrilling ride that will satisfy fans of Jack Mars and attract new listeners to the series. The blend of action, espionage, and personal drama makes for an audiobook that is not only entertaining but thought-provoking as well.
May 6, 2020
Nowhere near as good as the first 3 books in the series. I can suspend my disbelief that the main characters all live through events that would kill normal people, and that the big baddie can kill off his trusted henchmen when they have fulfilled their purposes, and that the sidekicks can show up just at the right time every time, and that the evil operatives in the government can decide to let the hero live rather than kill him or put him away when they have the chance. However, the bad guy's big terror plot is so convoluted and the way that Zero and Maria and friends foil him is so unlikely that I must call it quits.
October 29, 2020
Un Jack Mars cojo
La trama, como siempre, emocionante y llena de acción, pero la traducción al español es pésima. No ésta a la altura de los demás libros de la zaga.
La trama, como siempre, emocionante y llena de acción, pero la traducción al español es pésima. No ésta a la altura de los demás libros de la zaga.
December 22, 2020
Not as good as the first 3 books. Gets predictable and boring at times.
January 26, 2020
Reid Lawson, a.k.a Kent Steele, a.k.a. Agent Zero, is back to being Professor Lawson. His memory has not fully returned, but he occasionally gets flashes of memory when seeing someone, having or seeing a particular task, or even a smell. He is leaving being a field agent and trying to provide a stable family environment for his daughters safety and to help them recover from recent trauma. However the world and his CIA superiors will not let that happen. He is thrust back into being an active agent. His burden is enormous trying to protect his daughters and successfully complete his CIA tasks. All the while knowing there is a large conspiracy involving high ranking government officials. He also does not know who to trust or who is trying to kill him. He cannot do it alone, so he accepts help from wherever he can get it. He really wants to get his total memory back to make his life easier and his family safer. Can he do all that is required of him. Action, drama, and surprises await him.
July 1, 2023
Twists, turns... and lost sleep
This is book 4 in the Agent Zero series. I have always loved international spy stories. This series does not disappoint.
Agent Zero, aka Kent Steele, aka Reid Lawson, works for the CIA. He is also a college professor, in his Reid Lawson persona.
In this installment, Agent Zero works with his fellow agents to foil a Middle Eastern plot to destroy a major United States landmark.
While the books build upon each other, there is a summary of the previous book in the beginning to refresh the reader about the previous adventure.
The first book pulled me into the story after the first two pages. The writing is taut, concise, the settings and characters are believable and the author switches seamlessly through the Agent Zero/Kent Steele and Reid Lawson personas without confusing the reader. You do need to pay attention, but hold on for a wild ride.
This is book 4 in the Agent Zero series. I have always loved international spy stories. This series does not disappoint.
Agent Zero, aka Kent Steele, aka Reid Lawson, works for the CIA. He is also a college professor, in his Reid Lawson persona.
In this installment, Agent Zero works with his fellow agents to foil a Middle Eastern plot to destroy a major United States landmark.
While the books build upon each other, there is a summary of the previous book in the beginning to refresh the reader about the previous adventure.
The first book pulled me into the story after the first two pages. The writing is taut, concise, the settings and characters are believable and the author switches seamlessly through the Agent Zero/Kent Steele and Reid Lawson personas without confusing the reader. You do need to pay attention, but hold on for a wild ride.
March 2, 2020
Having read the first three books in this series, I can categorically say that changing narrators mid-stream, specifically from Edoardo Ballerini to Brian Callanan was a monumental mistake. It took a barely 3 star series over the audio-cliff from enjoyable to unreadable. A tremendous voice like Ballerini becomes the character. Suddenly, Callanan's marginal ability to narrate replaces the character.
I'm done with this series. I understand that perhaps Ballerini was unavailable, or was too much of a cost for self-publishing, but Jack Mars looses big on this gamble.
My Star rating system is 1 for books that I absolutely can't read, 2 for a book that is not good but I bit the bullet and read till the end. I lasted 3 tracks on this one.
Don't bother unless you can read in print.
I'm done with this series. I understand that perhaps Ballerini was unavailable, or was too much of a cost for self-publishing, but Jack Mars looses big on this gamble.
My Star rating system is 1 for books that I absolutely can't read, 2 for a book that is not good but I bit the bullet and read till the end. I lasted 3 tracks on this one.
Don't bother unless you can read in print.
August 28, 2022
Another installment in the annals of Agent Zero finds him pulled back into spy life. Suspicious as the motivations behind those inviting him to help thwart imminent terrorist attacks, he assembles his own team of trusted associates to help save as many lives as possible. Even his daughters show surprising fortitude in the face of danger, but who will came out of this adventure alive?
Another fast-paced adventure that distracts you from thinking too much about the amazing coincidence that keeps some people alive while condemning others to death. Clearly, I appreciate the writing and storylines because I plan to read the next one.
Another fast-paced adventure that distracts you from thinking too much about the amazing coincidence that keeps some people alive while condemning others to death. Clearly, I appreciate the writing and storylines because I plan to read the next one.
January 1, 2021
Reid Lawson, a.k.a. Kent Steele, a.k.a. Agent Zero is back . . . from saving multitudes from destruction . . . from saving his daughters from human traffickers. He's on the mend, but not for long.
In TRAPPING ZERO (Book #4), a terrorist cell in the Mideast gains a new, fanatic leader, one intent on orchestrating what would be the deadliest attack on American soil. Can Agent Zero uncover the plot and stop him in time? Publisher's reviewReading Jack Mars Trapping Zero is like going to a great movie, only better!
October 3, 2021
Going to far?
Frankly, I was close to putting this book down before I was halfway through. Getting the children almost kidnapped again was too much as was their disarming one of the bad guys. It doesn’t play right.
Zero just gets through superhuman fights and falls over 40 feet after a gladiator fight and is saved by landing on his adversary under rocks! A few weeks later he is off again in giant one on one battles!
Plot should be spread out over a number of years. Do I buy Book 5? I don’t know.
Frankly, I was close to putting this book down before I was halfway through. Getting the children almost kidnapped again was too much as was their disarming one of the bad guys. It doesn’t play right.
Zero just gets through superhuman fights and falls over 40 feet after a gladiator fight and is saved by landing on his adversary under rocks! A few weeks later he is off again in giant one on one battles!
Plot should be spread out over a number of years. Do I buy Book 5? I don’t know.
August 24, 2025
Vote: 3,75
Class: L-B1 (FP)
(fourth book of a series)
The fourth book of the Agent Zero series tell us a new adventure of our beloved professor Lawson, while his two daughters, Sara and Maya are recovering from their terrible one.
Not a really original plot a not a relly original book, but it's very well done and it has some interesting plot twists.
Fast pacing, with interesting characters, I found it to be a page turner (well, to be honest I listened to it!). Good writing style.
I'll read the sequel sometimes soon.
Class: L-B1 (FP)
(fourth book of a series)
The fourth book of the Agent Zero series tell us a new adventure of our beloved professor Lawson, while his two daughters, Sara and Maya are recovering from their terrible one.
Not a really original plot a not a relly original book, but it's very well done and it has some interesting plot twists.
Fast pacing, with interesting characters, I found it to be a page turner (well, to be honest I listened to it!). Good writing style.
I'll read the sequel sometimes soon.
November 2, 2022
Agent Zero must figure out what a Middle Eastern terrorist plans as he tries to reconcile with his daughters and bring the family back some type of normality. To do this he must try to get his memories back but has no idea if the surgery will work. And, he has no idea who he can truly trust at the CIA but he must trust someone.
October 1, 2024
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆�� OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆�� OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
November 27, 2019
It opens at the close. These words from J K Rowling are apt for this book. Agent zero’s memory comes back in the last 2-3 pages of the book, and that is actually where the book begins, for me. Onward to the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2020
Sleep is largely overrated when reading one of Jack Mars' books. This one was great to read on rainy day. The action became so overwhelming I could not help but finish around 4 a.m. And started next in series.
You will not be disappointed!
You will not be disappointed!
April 22, 2020
Another hit
Again Mars scores with another great read filled with action and excitement. He has created characters that become friends. I recommend this author for non-stop action and intrigue.
Again Mars scores with another great read filled with action and excitement. He has created characters that become friends. I recommend this author for non-stop action and intrigue.
May 27, 2022
Great Continuation of the Agent Zero Series
Again this book kept my interest throughout especially the last half of the book. Insurgents among other things. I can't wait to start the next book.
Again this book kept my interest throughout especially the last half of the book. Insurgents among other things. I can't wait to start the next book.
Read
June 10, 2025Covers every base, checks every box!
The best Agent Zero so far with the perfect mix intrigue, action, domestic and international, and finally a clue that Kent & Maria are about to get serious? We can only hope!
The best Agent Zero so far with the perfect mix intrigue, action, domestic and international, and finally a clue that Kent & Maria are about to get serious? We can only hope!
June 11, 2019
Audible - Really enjoyable as with the previous 3 books. Wish the same narrator had been used though.
July 2, 2019
Still good read but weakest story to date. Feels like the set up book to maybe a final book to this series?!?!
November 9, 2019
Excellent Story Line
Very entertaining, fast paced and totally absorbing series of books which will keep you interested and reading. Very difficult to impossible to put down 😉
Very entertaining, fast paced and totally absorbing series of books which will keep you interested and reading. Very difficult to impossible to put down 😉
November 16, 2019
Love this series!
I love this series! I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m enjoying these as much as Vince Flynn/Kyle Mill’s Mitch Rapp books. Great books Jack Mars!
I love this series! I can’t wait to read the next book! I’m enjoying these as much as Vince Flynn/Kyle Mill’s Mitch Rapp books. Great books Jack Mars!
December 1, 2019
3 1/2......
December 10, 2019
Awesome
Can’t put these down. Starting book 5 immediately. My other books can wait. Agent Zero is an incredible and tough guy!
Can’t put these down. Starting book 5 immediately. My other books can wait. Agent Zero is an incredible and tough guy!
February 3, 2020
Good read and I will continue to read
Read
February 25, 2020it was a good spy book.
July 29, 2020
Following the Lead
The excitement and intensity rages through this story! Zero and his team go after the Brotherhood full force. It's unbelievable what Zero does to get his man!!
The excitement and intensity rages through this story! Zero and his team go after the Brotherhood full force. It's unbelievable what Zero does to get his man!!
December 12, 2020
Love it!
🥰🥰🥰🥰 This series has been so good. I can't even put it into words. 🥳😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 You all HAVE TO READ THIS
🥰🥰🥰🥰 This series has been so good. I can't even put it into words. 🥳😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 You all HAVE TO READ THIS
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews