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Shadow Game
Elle Anderson waited until he was right on top of her. When he turned to yell for security, she shot her blade across the back of his ankle, cutting his Achilles tendon. The shock robbed him of his voice, and his bodywent crashing to the ground. She covered his mouth and slit his throat. His body convulsed, making it harder to drag him into the shadows, but she needed to buy herself some time. She couldn’trisk one of the other men spotting him lying on the ground. It wasn’t perfect, and the man was still in the throes of death, but she had to go. Even if help were to arrive in the next couple of minutes, it would be too late. The only question How much time did she have before she had pursuit? Sent in by the CIA, Elle Anderson leads a small, elite team charged with destroying the most dangerous terrorist organizationthe world has ever known. She is intelligent and resourceful and capable of anything, butshe works in a world where emotions and distractions are unacceptable. It’s a world with no set rules and where the game is driven by will. This sometimes meansacting more like the villain than the hero, because it could mean the difference between life and death.
300 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2019
27 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Adair
6 books42 followersA.M. Adair retired from active duty as a Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Navy with over 21 years in the Intelligence Community specializing in counterintelligence and human intelligence. She has been to numerous countries, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her experiences have been unique and provided her imagination with a wealth of material to draw from to give her stories life. A lifelong fan of the genre, she is an associate member of International Thriller Writers.
Shadow Game was her debut novel and the first book in the Elle Anderson series. Her second novel, The Deeper Shadow, was a Distinguished Favorite in the thriller category at the 2021 NYC Big Book Awards. In 2023, her third novel, Shadow War, won in the Action/Adventure category of the Independent Press Awards and was a finalist for the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award. Her 4th novel, A New Game, also won the Independent Press Award in 2024 for Action/Adventure and is a Top Pick for the 2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award.
She lives in Tennessee with her husband Jake, her daughter Arya, and son Finn.”
Shadow Game was her debut novel and the first book in the Elle Anderson series. Her second novel, The Deeper Shadow, was a Distinguished Favorite in the thriller category at the 2021 NYC Big Book Awards. In 2023, her third novel, Shadow War, won in the Action/Adventure category of the Independent Press Awards and was a finalist for the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award. Her 4th novel, A New Game, also won the Independent Press Award in 2024 for Action/Adventure and is a Top Pick for the 2024 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award.
She lives in Tennessee with her husband Jake, her daughter Arya, and son Finn.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 27, 2022
A.M. Adair is a Navy veteran with an immense base of experience in the intelligence community. She brings that experience to bear with her debut novel, Shadow Game.
Elle Anderson is an OGA paramilitary operative running a limited footprint task force, consisting of herself, a former Ranger named Tex, an analyst named Eve, and a computer guru named Jack. They've been deployed to Iraq to destabilize the Islamic State's operations. They map out a target deck and quickly get to work on clearing it. The deeper Elle's team delves, the hairier the missions get.
Overall, I found Shadow Game to be a solid debut thriller, if a little rough around the edges. Anyone with knowledge of the IC knows that Adair walks the walk, even without knowing her professional pedigree. She's definitely harnessed the ability to compel the reader to turn the page and see what happens next.
Additionally, I found it refreshing to read a thriller from a woman's perspective. Military/espionage action thrillers are definitely a male-dominated field, so to have a female author penning a female protagonist proves to be a nice change of pace. Some of the situations and worries that Elle has carry more authenticity, knowing that they have been situations that the author herself has likely (and hopefully only) worried about.
I will say I thought it was a bit more plot-driven than I usually like in a book. Characterization is present, and the reader does become invested in the players. That said, it seems to me that the plot was a bit more of a priority. That may not be a problem to other readers, however.
Overall, I think it was a fun book that kept my interest, and I'm looking forward to reading the next two installments in the series. Well done, Ms. Adair!
Elle Anderson is an OGA paramilitary operative running a limited footprint task force, consisting of herself, a former Ranger named Tex, an analyst named Eve, and a computer guru named Jack. They've been deployed to Iraq to destabilize the Islamic State's operations. They map out a target deck and quickly get to work on clearing it. The deeper Elle's team delves, the hairier the missions get.
Overall, I found Shadow Game to be a solid debut thriller, if a little rough around the edges. Anyone with knowledge of the IC knows that Adair walks the walk, even without knowing her professional pedigree. She's definitely harnessed the ability to compel the reader to turn the page and see what happens next.
Additionally, I found it refreshing to read a thriller from a woman's perspective. Military/espionage action thrillers are definitely a male-dominated field, so to have a female author penning a female protagonist proves to be a nice change of pace. Some of the situations and worries that Elle has carry more authenticity, knowing that they have been situations that the author herself has likely (and hopefully only) worried about.
I will say I thought it was a bit more plot-driven than I usually like in a book. Characterization is present, and the reader does become invested in the players. That said, it seems to me that the plot was a bit more of a priority. That may not be a problem to other readers, however.
Overall, I think it was a fun book that kept my interest, and I'm looking forward to reading the next two installments in the series. Well done, Ms. Adair!
August 12, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by Shadow Game, the first book from A.M. Adair about Elle Anderson. I had heard a lot about this series so I thought I would give it a try. Great action and suspense and I will try at least one more.
October 24, 2022
When I started this book, I was waiting for something different then what it actually is. I mean, we don't have a lot of books which location is Iraq, so I came here expecting something...but when I started reading it, it was instantly disappointing. The way the author refers to Iraq and Iraqi people on this book is utterly revolting and disgusting, the way they didn't even do a research on the culture or tried at least to stay respectful to it - we have very xenophobic descriptions since the first chapter to the last one. The way Elle thinks of Iraqi people is just...disgusting. The way she says that they couldn't take care of themselves and that they needed the americans to intervene? Or that everybody is poor and stinky? Blatant racism there. I was wanting to gauge my eyes out every time they made one of these commentaries, and the next thing we have is the lack of representation, this book is in Iraq and the author didn't even care to show their culture or something, just this stereotyped and xenophobic version. I wanted to vomit. I wanted to drop the book. I didn't because I made a deal with book tasters, and I would fulfil my word. But that's it. If it was any other book, I would've been making this review, saying this same stuff by only reading the first two chapters.
We also have the white saviour. This book reeks of it, white Americans having to come to the rescue and doing everything because they are the good guy. I could almost confuse this with straight militarian propaganda, and was not only annoying but added up with the race issue that I have talked about on the last paragraph. Elle always talking how they needed to come and intervene to save these poor people, and how it uses historical events, but forgets key points (points which puts the white folks, our "saviours" in a bad light). We also have this religion issues, which the book is very weird (intolerant) at some points, the Tex-Mex nickname was unsettling to read, reeked of xenophobia as well. Also, the shallow/white feminism, she's not like other girls, kind.
Now about the writing, it's flat. Beyond flat. The author kept repeating the same she/her terms, when it could easily be avoided, and it turned out to be annoying, without a sheer of personality. Not only this - we don't have emotions. It's just bland, like, the book just tells us blandly without a sheer of anything. It was supposed to be a thriller, for what I know, thrillers are these action packed stories, etc. Not only the writing killed any action that might exist there, the fact that nothing happens for the whole book also corroborates. I mean, yes, there is a lot of things happening, but they don't happen - we don't have any sense of urgency or that feeling when you can't take the eyes off the book. It's just plain, they make a plan, everything goes according to it, they make another plan, repeat. Only by 90% of the book we have something, but the rest of it it's just flat. That's the word to describe it. We also don't have a proper main plot development, the author just drops everything and goes on how Elle is badass. (I will talk about this in a second.) But there's not a care of tension building or a proper building on anything.
About the characters, they're all one dimensional and there is no character development for anyone in this book, maybe we will have something for Elle on the second, but I don't have hopes and I won't be reading it. In these 300 pages, however, we don't have a thing. The author tries to make Elle a deep character, but fails, and her demonstrations of emotions are poor and not thought about, the writing forgetting about it a second later. It tried to make us sympathize with the main character, but failed completely. The try at found family is also not good, they just crack some jokes, Elle barks some orders, but that's it. Annoyed me to no end. It also spends a lot of time on how the main character is badass, smart, whatsoever. But it's so...bland. I didn't really feel that she was really badass by any part of it, nonetheless smart. She only just pointed the obvious or some assumptions that didn't even make sense - again, to write smart characters, the writing needs to be smart.
Last, but not least. The couple, I don't even know if they are going to be one in future books, but here we have the vibe so I'm talking. Julian and Elle just met, and there's already sexual tension, whatever. Didn't feel organic, at all. Look, I don't know how sexual attraction works, I'm asexual. But...I don't think is like that? Anyways, I don't have much to say on them, there was not much.
We also have the white saviour. This book reeks of it, white Americans having to come to the rescue and doing everything because they are the good guy. I could almost confuse this with straight militarian propaganda, and was not only annoying but added up with the race issue that I have talked about on the last paragraph. Elle always talking how they needed to come and intervene to save these poor people, and how it uses historical events, but forgets key points (points which puts the white folks, our "saviours" in a bad light). We also have this religion issues, which the book is very weird (intolerant) at some points, the Tex-Mex nickname was unsettling to read, reeked of xenophobia as well. Also, the shallow/white feminism, she's not like other girls, kind.
Now about the writing, it's flat. Beyond flat. The author kept repeating the same she/her terms, when it could easily be avoided, and it turned out to be annoying, without a sheer of personality. Not only this - we don't have emotions. It's just bland, like, the book just tells us blandly without a sheer of anything. It was supposed to be a thriller, for what I know, thrillers are these action packed stories, etc. Not only the writing killed any action that might exist there, the fact that nothing happens for the whole book also corroborates. I mean, yes, there is a lot of things happening, but they don't happen - we don't have any sense of urgency or that feeling when you can't take the eyes off the book. It's just plain, they make a plan, everything goes according to it, they make another plan, repeat. Only by 90% of the book we have something, but the rest of it it's just flat. That's the word to describe it. We also don't have a proper main plot development, the author just drops everything and goes on how Elle is badass. (I will talk about this in a second.) But there's not a care of tension building or a proper building on anything.
About the characters, they're all one dimensional and there is no character development for anyone in this book, maybe we will have something for Elle on the second, but I don't have hopes and I won't be reading it. In these 300 pages, however, we don't have a thing. The author tries to make Elle a deep character, but fails, and her demonstrations of emotions are poor and not thought about, the writing forgetting about it a second later. It tried to make us sympathize with the main character, but failed completely. The try at found family is also not good, they just crack some jokes, Elle barks some orders, but that's it. Annoyed me to no end. It also spends a lot of time on how the main character is badass, smart, whatsoever. But it's so...bland. I didn't really feel that she was really badass by any part of it, nonetheless smart. She only just pointed the obvious or some assumptions that didn't even make sense - again, to write smart characters, the writing needs to be smart.
Last, but not least. The couple, I don't even know if they are going to be one in future books, but here we have the vibe so I'm talking. Julian and Elle just met, and there's already sexual tension, whatever. Didn't feel organic, at all. Look, I don't know how sexual attraction works, I'm asexual. But...I don't think is like that? Anyways, I don't have much to say on them, there was not much.
February 26, 2023
I should have started this series sooner. The action, dialogue, character development and pace are enough to keep you hooked and wanting more. A.M. Adair’s real world experience really shows in the pages of this great thriller. Can’t wait to get caught up on the action that Elle and team are sure to provide.
May 16, 2024
What an outstanding thrill ride! This book captured my attention from the first page. I loved the badass female protagonist who wasn’t afraid of anything. Her team filled in nicely with their own personalities and strengths. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 17, 2020
All the best action of covert operations. Ranks up there with my other covet ops author, Matthew Dunn. I enjoyed this first of three books in the series and am looking forward to the second installment.
June 18, 2021
“In this work, the end justifies the means.”
Shadow Game, by A. M. Adair, is the first book in the Elle Anderson trilogy. It revolves around a mission to destroy a terrorist organization ‘Daesh’. We follow the main character, Elle, as she sets out to accomplish this mission alongside her skilled and hardworking teammates. But it’s not easy leading a group of people into the jaws of death. Elle knows she must trust the others because that’s how teams function, but she struggles to keep her mind composed whenever she feels she’s not in absolute control of things. Will Elle’s emotions get in the way of her job? Will this dangerous mission be a success?
I haven’t read many action-packed novels before, and none that focus on demolishing terrorists. This was new to me, but I am glad I read it. The author has done a commendable job in portraying the technical aspects of the story, especially since it’s about a secret military mission. The action sequences have been excellently written. They were the highlight of the book for me. There is a lot of thrill, and the storyline generates just enough sense of tension to keep the readers engaged. The narration is good enough. Although I do believe the author has the potential to do much better than just ‘good enough’. Maybe if the side characters were more well developed, I would have counted the book as one of the finest I’ve read this year.
Shadow Game, by A. M. Adair, is the first book in the Elle Anderson trilogy. It revolves around a mission to destroy a terrorist organization ‘Daesh’. We follow the main character, Elle, as she sets out to accomplish this mission alongside her skilled and hardworking teammates. But it’s not easy leading a group of people into the jaws of death. Elle knows she must trust the others because that’s how teams function, but she struggles to keep her mind composed whenever she feels she’s not in absolute control of things. Will Elle’s emotions get in the way of her job? Will this dangerous mission be a success?
I haven’t read many action-packed novels before, and none that focus on demolishing terrorists. This was new to me, but I am glad I read it. The author has done a commendable job in portraying the technical aspects of the story, especially since it’s about a secret military mission. The action sequences have been excellently written. They were the highlight of the book for me. There is a lot of thrill, and the storyline generates just enough sense of tension to keep the readers engaged. The narration is good enough. Although I do believe the author has the potential to do much better than just ‘good enough’. Maybe if the side characters were more well developed, I would have counted the book as one of the finest I’ve read this year.
October 15, 2019
Immersed in Elle's world from page 1.
This is exactly what I want in my thriller novels. I am so happy this is a series with a kick ass,no hold barred, convincing main character I look forward to following. I want to know more about Elle and how her missions will change as she discovers herself. The author immersed me in the war zone and while fiction, felt real when it came to facing Daesh. Bravo on a first book that really set its hook in me!
This is exactly what I want in my thriller novels. I am so happy this is a series with a kick ass,no hold barred, convincing main character I look forward to following. I want to know more about Elle and how her missions will change as she discovers herself. The author immersed me in the war zone and while fiction, felt real when it came to facing Daesh. Bravo on a first book that really set its hook in me!
October 27, 2019
!
This book was recommended by my son-in-law. He said you are a friend from the military. He is in the Navy and stationed in Norfolk Virginia. I am glad he recommended it. I enjoyed the book very much and can't wait to read the next one. Keep writing about Elle and Tex! I love them and how bad ass they are. I read on average, about 3 to 5 books a week and this is the first review I have given. Keep the books coming
This book was recommended by my son-in-law. He said you are a friend from the military. He is in the Navy and stationed in Norfolk Virginia. I am glad he recommended it. I enjoyed the book very much and can't wait to read the next one. Keep writing about Elle and Tex! I love them and how bad ass they are. I read on average, about 3 to 5 books a week and this is the first review I have given. Keep the books coming
August 6, 2020
This was something different for me and I liked it.
The main character is awesome and badass.
I've never read such fine action sequences.
The found family aspect with Jack, Eve and Tex is frankly adorable, which was a rather surprising find.
I hate series. I never seem to continue but with this book's next installment you bet I'm gonna try.
The main character is awesome and badass.
I've never read such fine action sequences.
The found family aspect with Jack, Eve and Tex is frankly adorable, which was a rather surprising find.
I hate series. I never seem to continue but with this book's next installment you bet I'm gonna try.
May 12, 2021
Fast-paced grabbing thriller
Great to read such an entertaining novel. Couldn't leave it until ended, especially in the second half. Many well-narrated details make you get deep inside the scenes. A.M. Adair Is a promising new author. Can't wait to read the second book of Elle Anderson's series. Well done!
Great to read such an entertaining novel. Couldn't leave it until ended, especially in the second half. Many well-narrated details make you get deep inside the scenes. A.M. Adair Is a promising new author. Can't wait to read the second book of Elle Anderson's series. Well done!
December 17, 2019
Stayed up all night to finish. Waiting for next book. I'm going to have to read slower, or your going to have to write faster!
Great read, fast moving, so descriptive, I felt like I was there.
Great read, fast moving, so descriptive, I felt like I was there.
January 22, 2021
Quick read; very entertaining. Elle is a strong female protagonist that readers care about, and the supporting characters are well-developed too. A suspenseful thriller.
January 31, 2024
Shadow Game is the first novel in the Elle Anderson series. Elle Anderson is a modern spy described by the author as intelligent, highly skilled in martial arts, an expert marksman, multi-lingual, and a ballroom dancer. All but that last skill will be put to use in this installment.
As this book begins, Elle comes off her sabbatical and heads to Iraq for her next mission. There she meets up with the rest of her team.
The team’s mission is to eliminate eleven members of Daesh/ISIS who are scattered throughout Iraq. Some are leaders and some are moneymen, some are media and some are cyber support. The hope is that by eliminating these targets with different roles, a strong blow will be dealt to ISIS. As the team leader and operation lead, Elle divides the targets by type and location as she devises her plan to kill them all. Unfortunately for Elle, her initial plans are overwritten by her superiors who instead ordered her to proceed with the initial two targets of their choosing.
Elle Anderson seems to be the perfect spy/assassin. She knows what her mission is. She knows her capabilities and those of her team. She knows how to control her emotions so that they don’t interfere with her mission or her team. Until they do.
We have an engaging story here. The action sequences are crisp. Through Elle’s eyes, we are part of the action as well as the thought process. An experienced operative, Elle has learned to trust her gut, which serves her well. We see her stop to assess what her gut is telling her and learn more about field operations as a result. We see how she struggles to communicate gut vs. perception to Tex, who is eager to take on a larger role. Although the mission isn’t completed in this story, the novel is self-contained while also setting us up for what’s to come next.
Where the story really shines, though, is in watching Elle Anderson grow as a person. A.M. Adair does a good job giving us a peek into Elle’s head. We see her move from almost an automaton on the job to someone who is learning to explore emotion. We see her learning the difference between leading a team and being part of a team. Essential a loner, we see Elle struggling with the camaraderie of the team, those emotional aspects that have nothing to do with the team’s goals but can and do affect how the team works together. She starts to learn not only to expect certain outputs from her team but to accept the value of emotion and friendship within the team.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a good series starter with well-thought-out character development.
Just one warning: Besides the to-be-expected violence, there is also a rape scene.
As this book begins, Elle comes off her sabbatical and heads to Iraq for her next mission. There she meets up with the rest of her team.
The team’s mission is to eliminate eleven members of Daesh/ISIS who are scattered throughout Iraq. Some are leaders and some are moneymen, some are media and some are cyber support. The hope is that by eliminating these targets with different roles, a strong blow will be dealt to ISIS. As the team leader and operation lead, Elle divides the targets by type and location as she devises her plan to kill them all. Unfortunately for Elle, her initial plans are overwritten by her superiors who instead ordered her to proceed with the initial two targets of their choosing.
Elle Anderson seems to be the perfect spy/assassin. She knows what her mission is. She knows her capabilities and those of her team. She knows how to control her emotions so that they don’t interfere with her mission or her team. Until they do.
We have an engaging story here. The action sequences are crisp. Through Elle’s eyes, we are part of the action as well as the thought process. An experienced operative, Elle has learned to trust her gut, which serves her well. We see her stop to assess what her gut is telling her and learn more about field operations as a result. We see how she struggles to communicate gut vs. perception to Tex, who is eager to take on a larger role. Although the mission isn’t completed in this story, the novel is self-contained while also setting us up for what’s to come next.
Where the story really shines, though, is in watching Elle Anderson grow as a person. A.M. Adair does a good job giving us a peek into Elle’s head. We see her move from almost an automaton on the job to someone who is learning to explore emotion. We see her learning the difference between leading a team and being part of a team. Essential a loner, we see Elle struggling with the camaraderie of the team, those emotional aspects that have nothing to do with the team’s goals but can and do affect how the team works together. She starts to learn not only to expect certain outputs from her team but to accept the value of emotion and friendship within the team.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a good series starter with well-thought-out character development.
Just one warning: Besides the to-be-expected violence, there is also a rape scene.
September 12, 2021
First held in 1896, the Olympic Games awards metal for first, second, and third place in competitions. In a world that is high risk, high reward and sports lots of opportunities for violence, SHADOW GAME only awards metal for last place. Lead. It's merc paradise and features a heroine who lives for the thrill. Murder, sabotage, and espionage are just a few examples of the everyday tasks. The end justifies the means. It's savage and primal. At the center of it all is Elle Anderson, martial arts badass, markswoman, and clinging to a love affair with the heavy bag. She's the go-to when the CIA needs a clean-up job and doesn't want to dirty its hands.
The competition may as well be called "Ten little Iraqis", or in a less offensive, 2021 way, "And Then There Were None" in an Agatha Christie lean-to, and it's a team event. Led by a martial arts expert, markswoman, and mechanic who's called in to clean up the Gov'mints mess. Succeed and those in the corridors of power take the cred--fail & be disowned. Now, she's being called in to form a team and help the CIA with the shutting down of Daesh in Iraq or what the MSM calls ISIS. She has a method and it works for her. She's successful because she does things different from everyone else, a micromanaging leader who mysteriously manages to be effective. Why? Because she says what she does and does what she says--like Listerine, only different.
SHADOW GAME delves into an infiltration and camera installation mission that rivals MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, sans Tom Cruise and cable suspension from the ceiling. Onatopp of things, there's lots of eating, showering, and napping, not necessarily in that order and apparently the cornerstone of covert ops. Coupled with a healthy dislike for boy band music, Elle Anderson doesn't mince words and pulls no punches. It's a game that is played on Inshallah Time, and she plays to win. Terse, succinct, and chock-full of action, get into the SHADOW GAME and see who gets the Gold and who takes Lead.
February 1, 2022
En este libro, Elle Anderson y su hábil equipo tienen la importante misión de destruir una organización terrorista "Daesh",así que se nos traslada a las arenas de Irak, pero nunca es fácil llevar a un grupo de personas directamente al peligro mortal además de tener que confiar en tu equipo y tratar de mantener todo bajo control.
No he leído muchas novelas de acción antes y es la primera que habla de terroristas pero fue muy interesante, las escenas de acción son excelentes, creo que es una de las mejores cosas del libro, hay mucha emoción, mucha acción y mantiene la tensión durante casi toda la narración logrando enganchar a los lectores; sin duda la historia me sumergió en la zona de guerra y, aunque solo era ficción, se sintió bastante real a la hora de enfrentar a "Daesh".
Es genial ver a un personaje femenino fuerte que se siente tan genuino y credible como Elle, ya quiero saber mas de Elle y cómo cambiarían sus misiones a medida que se descubre a sí misma en los siguientes libros.
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In this book, Elle Anderson and her skillful team have an important mission to destroy a terrorist organization "Daesh", so we are transferred to the sands of Iraq, but it is never easy to lead a group of people directly into mortal danger in addition to having to trust your team and try to keep everything under control.
I have not read many action novels before and it is the first one that talks about terrorists but it was very interesting, the action scenes are excellent, I think it is one of the best things in the book, there is a lot of emotion, a lot of action and it keeps the tension throughout. almost all the narration managing to hook the readers; the story certainly immersed me in the war zone and, although it was only fiction, it felt quite real when it came to facing "Daesh".
It's great seeing a strong female role that feels as genuine and believable as Elle, I already want to know more about Elle and how her missions would change as she discovers herself in the following books.
No he leído muchas novelas de acción antes y es la primera que habla de terroristas pero fue muy interesante, las escenas de acción son excelentes, creo que es una de las mejores cosas del libro, hay mucha emoción, mucha acción y mantiene la tensión durante casi toda la narración logrando enganchar a los lectores; sin duda la historia me sumergió en la zona de guerra y, aunque solo era ficción, se sintió bastante real a la hora de enfrentar a "Daesh".
Es genial ver a un personaje femenino fuerte que se siente tan genuino y credible como Elle, ya quiero saber mas de Elle y cómo cambiarían sus misiones a medida que se descubre a sí misma en los siguientes libros.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
In this book, Elle Anderson and her skillful team have an important mission to destroy a terrorist organization "Daesh", so we are transferred to the sands of Iraq, but it is never easy to lead a group of people directly into mortal danger in addition to having to trust your team and try to keep everything under control.
I have not read many action novels before and it is the first one that talks about terrorists but it was very interesting, the action scenes are excellent, I think it is one of the best things in the book, there is a lot of emotion, a lot of action and it keeps the tension throughout. almost all the narration managing to hook the readers; the story certainly immersed me in the war zone and, although it was only fiction, it felt quite real when it came to facing "Daesh".
It's great seeing a strong female role that feels as genuine and believable as Elle, I already want to know more about Elle and how her missions would change as she discovers herself in the following books.
October 14, 2022
I gave this book 2 stars only because I've only read two chapters of it, but as an Iraqi, I couldn't even read past those two chapters.
I couldn't help but feel offended by it.
the author and her character have a lot of strong opinions about my country.
I should've seen the red flags from the minute Elle (the FMC) set foot in BIAP (Baghdad international airport) and said "not this DAMN place again"
at first, I thought she was joking but then her description of the airport made it seem like it was in the middle of a desert.
and then she said the country smelled like dust, oil, and body odor, girl WHAT???
Baghdad does NOT smell like that, for heaven's sake.
she was viewing everything from an American perspective, including history!
and tried to make America like it was a strong, powerful, and generous country that was helping the helpless, powerless, and dumb middle eastern country.
I've always tried to avoid talking about religion and politics in my Goodreads account because Twitter was making me miserable enough, but then this book came and ruined everything
I'm not trying to shame the author for her opinions, she is free to think of whatever seems right to her, but when you try to portray a country at least make it from its people's perspective, not yours.
I couldn't help but feel offended by it.
the author and her character have a lot of strong opinions about my country.
I should've seen the red flags from the minute Elle (the FMC) set foot in BIAP (Baghdad international airport) and said "not this DAMN place again"
at first, I thought she was joking but then her description of the airport made it seem like it was in the middle of a desert.
and then she said the country smelled like dust, oil, and body odor, girl WHAT???
Baghdad does NOT smell like that, for heaven's sake.
she was viewing everything from an American perspective, including history!
and tried to make America like it was a strong, powerful, and generous country that was helping the helpless, powerless, and dumb middle eastern country.
I've always tried to avoid talking about religion and politics in my Goodreads account because Twitter was making me miserable enough, but then this book came and ruined everything
I'm not trying to shame the author for her opinions, she is free to think of whatever seems right to her, but when you try to portray a country at least make it from its people's perspective, not yours.
October 27, 2022
This book is a true page turner. I mean that in the sense of even when you have tasks to accomplish you put them off for another five minutes, then ten minutes, then fifteen as if you pressing the snooze button on an alarm - but rather than sleeping in, you keep reading “Shadow Game”. The authenticity of Elle is apparent from the start, it is clear that the author has used her experience and experiences of colleagues to form this character. There are no extra embellishments that make the action-oriented scenes in the book seem over the top or unrealistic, a common flaw in most action novels. In my opinion, the fatal flaw in most action novels is the inability to maintain the suspension of disbelief, and the author is expert at maintaining it. Additionally, as I don’t want to give away spoilers - I would like to commend the author on her skill, sensitivity, and detail as to the conditions of Iraq - both historically and in the present.
February 8, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author on behalf of Booktasters for an honest review).
To clarify right up front this wasn't for me, but it's far from the author's fault. What I mean by that without any offense, is I just don't think Military thrillers or related genres are my cup of tea. I've seen my fair share of them in other mediums but have never read any till now.
Given A.M. Adair's professional duty as a Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Navy, there is no surprise at all to how believably grounded and detailed this story was even within the short page count. From the initial setup of everything in the beginning to all the action scenes that felt like they were actually happening throughout, Adair knows her stuff without a doubt.
I'm just sad to say that this just wasn't for me but it's definitely for anyone out there who enjoys military fiction!
To clarify right up front this wasn't for me, but it's far from the author's fault. What I mean by that without any offense, is I just don't think Military thrillers or related genres are my cup of tea. I've seen my fair share of them in other mediums but have never read any till now.
Given A.M. Adair's professional duty as a Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Navy, there is no surprise at all to how believably grounded and detailed this story was even within the short page count. From the initial setup of everything in the beginning to all the action scenes that felt like they were actually happening throughout, Adair knows her stuff without a doubt.
I'm just sad to say that this just wasn't for me but it's definitely for anyone out there who enjoys military fiction!
February 18, 2022
I was given a free electronic copy of this book for an honest review.
So I really wish I could've enjoyed this and it does seem like I'm a bit of an outlier so I suppose it would be easy to write me off but here are my thoughts:
- I did feel the portrayal of Iraq and its citizens was problematic or at the very least, very generalising. For an author who clearly did a lot of research on other things like weapons, the contrast is a bit stark. And on that note, I didn't particularly think nicknaming a character "Tex" short for Tex-Mex because he was mistaken for Mexican was an endearing inside joke/good way of showcasing bonds.
- Unfortunately I feel like there was too much exposition/telling, not showing for my taste. A lot of the book was plan the mission > execute the mission with there feeling like very little conflict until the end which made reading about assassinations a lot less exciting than it sounds (for me anyway). I personally find it more exciting to get minimal details of the plan and then watch it unfold in real time.
- This is small but I was a bit taken out reading about characters using iPods in the year 2019 (when this was published) when contrasted with all the clearly researched details on weaponry, it did feel a bit odd/dated/out of touch.
- This has nothing to do with my rating but I thought I'd say something about there being a missing closed quotation mark after "Tex, get out of the building now.
Overall, I wish I had more positive things to say other than the author clearly having done research on weaponry but this book just wasn't for me.
So I really wish I could've enjoyed this and it does seem like I'm a bit of an outlier so I suppose it would be easy to write me off but here are my thoughts:
- I did feel the portrayal of Iraq and its citizens was problematic or at the very least, very generalising. For an author who clearly did a lot of research on other things like weapons, the contrast is a bit stark. And on that note, I didn't particularly think nicknaming a character "Tex" short for Tex-Mex because he was mistaken for Mexican was an endearing inside joke/good way of showcasing bonds.
- Unfortunately I feel like there was too much exposition/telling, not showing for my taste. A lot of the book was plan the mission > execute the mission with there feeling like very little conflict until the end which made reading about assassinations a lot less exciting than it sounds (for me anyway). I personally find it more exciting to get minimal details of the plan and then watch it unfold in real time.
- This is small but I was a bit taken out reading about characters using iPods in the year 2019 (when this was published) when contrasted with all the clearly researched details on weaponry, it did feel a bit odd/dated/out of touch.
- This has nothing to do with my rating but I thought I'd say something about there being a missing closed quotation mark after "Tex, get out of the building now.
Overall, I wish I had more positive things to say other than the author clearly having done research on weaponry but this book just wasn't for me.
December 15, 2021
A wonderful sequel, very enjoyable and very interactive for a good cause, to destroy a terrorist organization.
I'm a great fan of Elle, and I love her character.
You get to put your hands on your chest all the time, for this mission that takes them into danger with all this military trainings and secrets.
It is an action novel and I'm a big fan. I was recommended to read this book and I choose it while I was unsure If I'm a real fan of Action books, but I'm a big fan of this book that kept me going to the next page, very interesting and I recommend reading the sequel.
I'm a great fan of Elle, and I love her character.
You get to put your hands on your chest all the time, for this mission that takes them into danger with all this military trainings and secrets.
It is an action novel and I'm a big fan. I was recommended to read this book and I choose it while I was unsure If I'm a real fan of Action books, but I'm a big fan of this book that kept me going to the next page, very interesting and I recommend reading the sequel.
February 2, 2022
Love the female protagonist vibe! it was awesome seeing her doing it all, so strong-willed and determined although the book started slow at first but i loved when it picked a pace and i started to see the action during that final mission.
The action was so detailed and i felt carried along, like i was in Baghdad with the team.
looking forward to reading book two so i can see the relationship between Elle and Tex develop.
I also want to see more on Eve and Jack. It was a lovely book!
I enjoyed reading it!
The action was so detailed and i felt carried along, like i was in Baghdad with the team.
looking forward to reading book two so i can see the relationship between Elle and Tex develop.
I also want to see more on Eve and Jack. It was a lovely book!
I enjoyed reading it!
March 12, 2022
Good introduction to Elle Anderson. Her team is a top notch team of support staff. I look forward to more of Elle and her team.
The dynamic of the team is changing, I understand that was the point of the book. But it felt awkward. I would have like to see more of the original dynamic before the awkward changing.
With the pre-mission, action, then after mission you really got to experienced a lot and build on the characters. I thought that was well done it showing how missions play out.
The dynamic of the team is changing, I understand that was the point of the book. But it felt awkward. I would have like to see more of the original dynamic before the awkward changing.
With the pre-mission, action, then after mission you really got to experienced a lot and build on the characters. I thought that was well done it showing how missions play out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
A.M. Adair's Shadow Game introduces us to Elle Anderson, a fearless female protagonist who leads an elite team of intelligence operatives tasked with finding and eliminating terrorists who threaten our way of life. This story is a fast-paced read that crackles with authenticity. Elle Anderson is a hard-charging hero who will complete the mission no matter what obstacles stand in her way. She is a ruthless hero who does not shy away from violence and does not suffer fools. This is a fast-paced ride that will have you white knuckling until the very last page.
May 9, 2021
Wow, what an action pact thrill ride
This book features a female lea named Elle, and she is one dang awesome character. She is strong, intelligence and when she falls from defeat she rises back up with such a great will and fight in her. The story is pretty good, has espionage and is a thriller that happens in other countries where Elle is being assigned.
I was wowed by this book and look forward to book 2.
This book features a female lea named Elle, and she is one dang awesome character. She is strong, intelligence and when she falls from defeat she rises back up with such a great will and fight in her. The story is pretty good, has espionage and is a thriller that happens in other countries where Elle is being assigned.
I was wowed by this book and look forward to book 2.
January 1, 2022
A book about covert operations with a female kick-ass protagonist! The genre was clearly in need of a story like this from the feminine point of view. The whole plot is very no-nonsense and straight to the point.
Elle, our main character, faces some tough choices throughout the story, including how she should deal with her feelings. Being a top-of-the-notch spy definitely doesn't make you any less human. This is for sure one of my favorite books of the genre. More people need to read it!
Would recommend the reading for any fans of the genre.
Elle, our main character, faces some tough choices throughout the story, including how she should deal with her feelings. Being a top-of-the-notch spy definitely doesn't make you any less human. This is for sure one of my favorite books of the genre. More people need to read it!
Would recommend the reading for any fans of the genre.
January 18, 2022
Honestly didn't have any expectations while reading this book, but the scenes would get you more and more engrossed as you read. The second half was well-written and I didn't even notice I was already near the end. Elle is badass, but also flawed. She is prideful but it stemmed from being alone most of her life. Wasn’t really a fan of that subtle, brief romance. But I liked her team and their growing friendship. This was thrilling and would keep you on your toes while anticipating what's next.
Read
January 27, 2022A well composed read that starts in asomewhat slow pace but becomes fast paced as the plot unfolds. A.M. Adair uses Suspense in this thriller that makes the reader's heart beat faster. An action packed movie type of a novel that shows the strength and cunningness of the main Character Elle in carrying out her operation. The discriptive work that the author brings is surely a goodread and really will capture any thriller loving reader from the onset up to its conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
First I would like to thank BookTasters and the author for lending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A great read for an action packed novel. A modern spy story with nothing fancy in between. A down to earth book making it realistic! The characters were well written and all suited for the story. It's thrilling and expect it to be more in every chapter you read. Interesting plot and can't wait to find out what will happen next.
A great read for an action packed novel. A modern spy story with nothing fancy in between. A down to earth book making it realistic! The characters were well written and all suited for the story. It's thrilling and expect it to be more in every chapter you read. Interesting plot and can't wait to find out what will happen next.
April 20, 2022
Wonderful read! The complex main character, Elle Anderson, is very engaging and is now on my must read list. The support characters are all well thought out, but had hoped to see more from Tex. The plot is really well developed for a first novel. You can’t go wrong with “Shadow Game!” Great job!!
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