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Think Fast or Die
How do you start a war?
Assassinate a prominent American arms dealer.
How do you deal with a growing threat of terrorism spread across the world?
Find black-ops agent Rick Jensen.
The covert terror cell with a clandestine leader that no government or agency can identify.
A Kurdish soldier slave who could hold the key to unmasking the mastermind terrorist.
Looted ancient antiquities funding terror on a mass scale.
The clock is ticking.
No rules except think fast or die…
Rick has narrowly escaped a hidden army base deep in the Pakistan desert. Injured and exhausted, he tackles a series of terror incidents starting with bomb plot that would kill ten thousand people. No one else can stop the cell.
A new handler is assigned to Rick who needs him fighting the terrorists in Syria.
He hates Syria but a new evil has arisen.
The assignment is non-negotiable. Director’s orders.
Rick plunges into a human trafficking operation which must be stopped. Sarya is trapped as a slave in a bidding war when Rick aids her escape. Together they search for a phantom cell leader that only she has met.
On a parallel assignment Rick investigates American Mullenger whose arms-dealing and smuggling has caught the watchful eye of the CIA. Rick and Sarya know the entrepreneur must be connected to the mastermind terrorist.
Join in on the break-neck journey from Pakistan, Syria through to Egypt and back again as Rick strives to defeat the deadliest cell that ever existed.
Millions of lives are at stake. Superpowers under threat.
Only one outcome can restore temporary peace and bring stabilisation.
Assassinate a prominent American arms dealer.
How do you deal with a growing threat of terrorism spread across the world?
Find black-ops agent Rick Jensen.
The covert terror cell with a clandestine leader that no government or agency can identify.
A Kurdish soldier slave who could hold the key to unmasking the mastermind terrorist.
Looted ancient antiquities funding terror on a mass scale.
The clock is ticking.
No rules except think fast or die…
Rick has narrowly escaped a hidden army base deep in the Pakistan desert. Injured and exhausted, he tackles a series of terror incidents starting with bomb plot that would kill ten thousand people. No one else can stop the cell.
A new handler is assigned to Rick who needs him fighting the terrorists in Syria.
He hates Syria but a new evil has arisen.
The assignment is non-negotiable. Director’s orders.
Rick plunges into a human trafficking operation which must be stopped. Sarya is trapped as a slave in a bidding war when Rick aids her escape. Together they search for a phantom cell leader that only she has met.
On a parallel assignment Rick investigates American Mullenger whose arms-dealing and smuggling has caught the watchful eye of the CIA. Rick and Sarya know the entrepreneur must be connected to the mastermind terrorist.
Join in on the break-neck journey from Pakistan, Syria through to Egypt and back again as Rick strives to defeat the deadliest cell that ever existed.
Millions of lives are at stake. Superpowers under threat.
Only one outcome can restore temporary peace and bring stabilisation.
235 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2019
4 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Simon W. Clark
5 books594 followers Simon W Clark has been writing, reading and dreaming up adventures since he was a teenager. He has traveled the world frequently for both business; as an art consultant, and pleasure; reaching the far ends of the globe. Breaking down in the Transylvanian mountains and hiking for assistance; staying on a farm in northern Thailand and being holed up at the German/Czech border as authorities searched for wanted fugitives to mention a few highlights.
His most recent novel called 'The Republic's Assassin' is the latest techno-thriller and the third in the Jake Armitage series. It became available on January 1st 2024. The installment follows on at breakneck speed from 'Dead Mercenary's Trail' and 'The Russian Ink' which is set primarily in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Prior work, 'Think Fast or Die', is currently available on Amazon: a spy thriller set in the Middle East. Simon lives with his family in Melbourne, Australia. He continues to travel whenever possible to unexplored destinations that also provides inspiration for his novels. Otherwise he can be found working or relaxing with family and friends.
Thanks for taking the time to consider my work as it's truly an honor with so many titles to choose from.
Further information can be found at www.simonwclark.com
His most recent novel called 'The Republic's Assassin' is the latest techno-thriller and the third in the Jake Armitage series. It became available on January 1st 2024. The installment follows on at breakneck speed from 'Dead Mercenary's Trail' and 'The Russian Ink' which is set primarily in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Prior work, 'Think Fast or Die', is currently available on Amazon: a spy thriller set in the Middle East. Simon lives with his family in Melbourne, Australia. He continues to travel whenever possible to unexplored destinations that also provides inspiration for his novels. Otherwise he can be found working or relaxing with family and friends.
Thanks for taking the time to consider my work as it's truly an honor with so many titles to choose from.
Further information can be found at www.simonwclark.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 12, 2022
This is a heart-pounding ride with a great narrative and interesting people and places. It's set in the Middle East and from the start the main character Rick is deep undercover in the Pakistan desert.
It's got it all-antiques, guns and terrorist cells.
Get it today if you dare.
It's got it all-antiques, guns and terrorist cells.
Get it today if you dare.
June 10, 2024
It is an excellent and unknown thriller with well-described strange universes. The characters are always surprising but believable, from the most important to the most insignificant.
November 7, 2019
Good espionage thriller! Memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns kept me enthralled. An excellent blend of drama, suspense and some humor. The situations in which the protagonist finds, and sometimes puts, himself are varied and interesting. I liked that Rick, a loner, learns that he has to depend on others, at times, for his very survival in a foreign land. I learned some historical and compelling facts about the culture of the Middle East, as well. Clark keeps you involved in the action!
June 26, 2020
I don't normally read spy fiction, but the story and Clark's writing style really drew me in.
The main character, Rick, is rough around the edges but really knows how to get a job done. I loved reading about his "survival techniques" from in-field tactics to his personal addictions. He also encounters a myriad of interesting and varied characters in his journeys.
Clark paints vivid pictures of each setting, which helps to increase immersion and build tension. He takes readers through a journey in the Middle East to see the wonders and tragedies of their culture.
Highly recommended for readers interested in terrorist thrillers and espionage.
The main character, Rick, is rough around the edges but really knows how to get a job done. I loved reading about his "survival techniques" from in-field tactics to his personal addictions. He also encounters a myriad of interesting and varied characters in his journeys.
Clark paints vivid pictures of each setting, which helps to increase immersion and build tension. He takes readers through a journey in the Middle East to see the wonders and tragedies of their culture.
Highly recommended for readers interested in terrorist thrillers and espionage.
February 16, 2022
Emerging spy thriller/adventure mix with fast-paced action.
December 28, 2020
I am usually more of a romance fan, but I picked up this book in a bid to connect more with my son who is neck deep into spy thrillers. And I must say, it has been a fun, exciting and bonding experience for the both of us.
The book took us through an exciting fast paced journey, and Rick Jenson managed to keep us at the edge of our seat at each turn, be it sandy deserts of Syria or bustling Karachi. This spy can just not keep himself out of trouble!
Jenson took us from one, page turner to another, whether antiques, explosives or counterterrorism. I liked how humane the hero was, and my son loved how tech savvy Jenson was. Well, he does know his gadgets!
The thing that we liked the most was how detailed the narration and how engrossing the storyline was. The author painted a beautiful mental scenery for us. We could imagine the smells, the sounds, and the heat of all the places the action took place. It felt like I was an accomplice, helping Jenson on his missions. And boy does my son like that!
As a mom I really liked that the book does not involve anything too sexually graphic. It was perfect for my son in grade 6 and the book would help him improve his vocabulary and imagination.
If I have to summarise, it was a great experience. I cannot recommend “Think Fast or die” enough. Grab a copy and get lost in the dusty back alleys of espionage. Happy reading!
The book took us through an exciting fast paced journey, and Rick Jenson managed to keep us at the edge of our seat at each turn, be it sandy deserts of Syria or bustling Karachi. This spy can just not keep himself out of trouble!
Jenson took us from one, page turner to another, whether antiques, explosives or counterterrorism. I liked how humane the hero was, and my son loved how tech savvy Jenson was. Well, he does know his gadgets!
The thing that we liked the most was how detailed the narration and how engrossing the storyline was. The author painted a beautiful mental scenery for us. We could imagine the smells, the sounds, and the heat of all the places the action took place. It felt like I was an accomplice, helping Jenson on his missions. And boy does my son like that!
As a mom I really liked that the book does not involve anything too sexually graphic. It was perfect for my son in grade 6 and the book would help him improve his vocabulary and imagination.
If I have to summarise, it was a great experience. I cannot recommend “Think Fast or die” enough. Grab a copy and get lost in the dusty back alleys of espionage. Happy reading!
September 10, 2020
Reading this book felt like I was watching a movie or fixed in binoculars viewing all the events unfold in reality. When getting started with the first few chapters that covers the purchase of Hiraj’s medallion, a meeting with Al-Kannad, stealing guns from Renza and preventing the TCB Tower bombing, I thought that I had seen it all and the story was already at its climax. How wrong I was! The introduction of Debbie Sumner came with a new world of experiences and the story shot to another new level. What follows is a thrilling encounter and suspense as Rick Jensen is faced with split-second decisions that will determine his fate.
I have not been a die-hard fan of espionage thrillers, but this book has changed my perspective. Starting with the compelling storyline, followed by well-developed characters and blended with a swaying flow, it was hard to put the book down. Am a big fan of high-tech gadgets and this craving was well satisfied by the author. I highly recommend.
I have not been a die-hard fan of espionage thrillers, but this book has changed my perspective. Starting with the compelling storyline, followed by well-developed characters and blended with a swaying flow, it was hard to put the book down. Am a big fan of high-tech gadgets and this craving was well satisfied by the author. I highly recommend.
June 17, 2021
I loved Rick’s inner thoughts as it places you right in the middle of the action. Basically, you cannot not become his partner. He is a professional and he overcame the difficulties of his missions ingenuously. I am not a huge fan of open endings, so I really hope there’ll be a sequel soon, as the ending is definitely a beginning. I gave it only 4 stars because I think Rick’s past and personality could have been explored more. However, since it might be just the first book of a series, it makes sense to just introduce him at this stage.
March 12, 2021
The Life of a Spy
The title of the book whets the reader's appetite. It is about the life of a spy called Rick. The writer includes powerful real-life evils like terrorism and human/sex trafficking. It is interesting to get a glimpse into the lives of the perpetrators of such evils. They are money hungry and do not value human life at all. I love the conclusion of a woman, Satya, in a context with certain constraints on women. She is a force to reckon with in the story.
The title of the book whets the reader's appetite. It is about the life of a spy called Rick. The writer includes powerful real-life evils like terrorism and human/sex trafficking. It is interesting to get a glimpse into the lives of the perpetrators of such evils. They are money hungry and do not value human life at all. I love the conclusion of a woman, Satya, in a context with certain constraints on women. She is a force to reckon with in the story.
May 17, 2021
The title first hooked me. Immersed from the outset and held me to the end. Left me wanting more.
November 30, 2020
Think Fast or Die was a great thriller read that I was thoroughly engaged in from start to finish. Although the story does follow a somewhat well-used track, the plot twists and the surprising characters that our hero, Rick Jensen, meet along the way make up for it. In the novel, Rick is tasked with a dangerous mission in Syria to help bring down the terrorist cell, Snake Belly. Along the way he meets one of my favorite characters, Sarya, who is on a mission to save her sister. I really liked her wit, courage, and strength throughout the novel. I also enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of some of the events that occurred in the novel. Overall this book was an adventurous read and I recommend it.
March 5, 2022
Well paced and interesting characters different from the previous work and hope more of this action spy adventure to come.
September 16, 2022
Great action in the Middle East! This is a quick read and drew me in.
June 26, 2021
Top notch narrative, hard edge and funny while remaining very plausible. Buy it now and thank me later.
August 28, 2021
Good all-round spy thriller not a usual genre but look forward to more from Simon W Clark.
December 19, 2021
3.5 STARS Great Debut for the Genre
A heavyweight in the making for the spy thriller category at this quality. More words would have been even better.
A heavyweight in the making for the spy thriller category at this quality. More words would have been even better.
April 14, 2021
The novel is solid and entertaining.
I really liked the humor in this book it felt human. It is blended with great action sequences.
The main character Rick works well with local intelligence and he's self-effacing - not taking himself too seriously.
In uncovering the enemy Rick partners with the Pakistan intelligence community and a Kurdish soldier who are unlikely allies.
Entertaining and enjoyable - give this book a go I doubt you'll regret it!
I really liked the humor in this book it felt human. It is blended with great action sequences.
The main character Rick works well with local intelligence and he's self-effacing - not taking himself too seriously.
In uncovering the enemy Rick partners with the Pakistan intelligence community and a Kurdish soldier who are unlikely allies.
Entertaining and enjoyable - give this book a go I doubt you'll regret it!
May 14, 2021
An All-inclusive Story
What stood out the most for me with this story was the diversity of cultural groups. There are heroes and villains of both American and Middle Eastern backgrounds. Also of both genders that are different to mainstream stories.
The book builds a kind of anti-hero that is funny but serious at the same time. I'll be looking out for more from this book.
What stood out the most for me with this story was the diversity of cultural groups. There are heroes and villains of both American and Middle Eastern backgrounds. Also of both genders that are different to mainstream stories.
The book builds a kind of anti-hero that is funny but serious at the same time. I'll be looking out for more from this book.
February 27, 2022
Good Middle Eastern thriller with for a variety of readers. Thumbs up from me.
July 6, 2021
Refreshingly written in 1 POV of the main character which is rare these days especially for this genre. Inventive writing and momentum carries the reader to a satisfying climax.
July 28, 2021
Ripping yarn
This ripping yarn includes major pillars of a modern secret agent mix - Terrorism, looted antiquities, arms and slave trafficking with a political edge. Definite value.
This ripping yarn includes major pillars of a modern secret agent mix - Terrorism, looted antiquities, arms and slave trafficking with a political edge. Definite value.
January 26, 2022
Plot flows, effective descriptions and characters are mostly engaging.
Love the female lead Sarya. Female power!
Love the female lead Sarya. Female power!
August 9, 2021
Intense and funny simultaneously. Blows the hatches off most thrillers I have read lately . Thumbs Up
March 26, 2022
Rollicking good thrill into the Middle East against terrorism and evil.
July 22, 2022
I liked how the main character Rick took on each challenge and doesn't take himself too seriously.
January 9, 2022
This was probably the worst book I have ever read. It reads like a bad excuse for a fan fiction. The descriptions are poor, and the dialogue is cringe worthy at best. The characters are never fleshed out and the plot is incoherent. Spend your time reading something else.
January 25, 2022
Think Fast or Die is probably the worst book I have ever read.
January 11, 2022
This book was awful, do no waste your 5 dollars. I would have felt better if I ignited my 5 dollar bill instead. The descriptive elements are poor at best, never reaching beyond vague terms. The characters feel lazy, and do nothing interesting outside their generic archetypes. There's a reason this book is difficult to find in physical form.
May 8, 2023
Like three others, I feel this may have been the worse book I've ever read. Well at least in the last 25 years. I'm proud of myself for just finishing it, and I always finish books. Where to start?
Well, the prose is confusing, neccesitating rereading many passages. The plot is ...well, if there is a plot it's full of holes. Actually the last 25 pages were the best, not because of a good conclusion, but they were actually readable. This is only the 2nd or third, one star review I've ever given.
I really don't know what the other people were reading. It feels like a self-published book that the author pressed his friends and family to give it a good rating. I'm sorry and I respect anyone who had the courage to write a book, but his one is largely incoherent. This book feels like it could have been written by artificial intelligence, but not good AI. Where was the editor? I checked there was one listed, shame on you!
Well, the prose is confusing, neccesitating rereading many passages. The plot is ...well, if there is a plot it's full of holes. Actually the last 25 pages were the best, not because of a good conclusion, but they were actually readable. This is only the 2nd or third, one star review I've ever given.
I really don't know what the other people were reading. It feels like a self-published book that the author pressed his friends and family to give it a good rating. I'm sorry and I respect anyone who had the courage to write a book, but his one is largely incoherent. This book feels like it could have been written by artificial intelligence, but not good AI. Where was the editor? I checked there was one listed, shame on you!
January 23, 2025
A slow read for me. I was at no point in suspense or wondering if Rick would make it out alive during an operation. I also had no pull towards Rick as I don’t even remember the book describing him other than stating he is a contractor named Rick. Expected a lot more from this one based on a few reviews I read and the overall rating. 3 stars might even be generous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews