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Six Assassins #5
Vendetta Target
Bombs hidden across Denver. A race against time to defuse them. Will she die saving the city, or will she live to see it go up in smoke?
Elite assassin Ember Clarke has a lot to atone for in this life. And she knows the killer after her this week has plenty to be angry about. So angry, in fact, he’s planted a bomb in Denver, and it’s set to detonate within hours.
Ember scrambles to save innocent lives from becoming collateral damage in an assassins’ war. But the biggest shock of all comes when Ember learns this bomber has several more ready to detonate.
Can Ember find the hidden bombs and defuse them, or will the Mile High City’s citizens pay the ultimate price?
Vendetta Target is the fifth book in the pulse-pounding Six Assassins crime thriller series. If you like heroes with secrets, shocking reveals, and pages so exciting they almost turn themselves, you’ll love Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker’s epic six-part tale. Book 5 of 6.
Buy Vendetta Target to save the city today!
Elite assassin Ember Clarke has a lot to atone for in this life. And she knows the killer after her this week has plenty to be angry about. So angry, in fact, he’s planted a bomb in Denver, and it’s set to detonate within hours.
Ember scrambles to save innocent lives from becoming collateral damage in an assassins’ war. But the biggest shock of all comes when Ember learns this bomber has several more ready to detonate.
Can Ember find the hidden bombs and defuse them, or will the Mile High City’s citizens pay the ultimate price?
Vendetta Target is the fifth book in the pulse-pounding Six Assassins crime thriller series. If you like heroes with secrets, shocking reveals, and pages so exciting they almost turn themselves, you’ll love Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker’s epic six-part tale. Book 5 of 6.
Buy Vendetta Target to save the city today!
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2020
125 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Jim Heskett
68 books252 followersJim Heskett is a writer of short and long fiction, currently slaving away at a laptop in an undisclosed location in Broomfield, Colorado. Details about previous and future publications can be found at www.jimheskett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 19, 2020
I have to admit that out of the the books in the series I've read, which is all of them, I liked this one the least. It was a powerhouse of a story for sure and still a solid five star read, especially at the end, but it was very different from the others.
Yes, Ember is still trying to outrun her assassin, but she has face-to-face confrontations with him when she could've killed him easily or he could've killed her, but he chose to string her along by threatening to kill innocent people with bombs. If you've read any of this series, which really needs to be read in order, you know that Ember doesn't kill people unless they really deserve it. She's got a moral code that doesn't allow for innocents to be murdered and it turns her into a protector more than a cold-blooded assassin. She's got a sense of right and wrong that continues to surprise me.
This week, she's dealing with a pot-smoking stoner named Bam. He's scrawny and doesn't look like anything more than a kid, but he's got his own superpower and manipulation isn't it. He's cold, ruthless, and it seems that all he really cares about is getting that next high. But don't underestimate him. I felt he lost track of his mission, probably because he couldn't get his face out of a bong and had too much time to think when he wasn't able to think clearly. Sometimes I can feel something positive for the villains in stories, but not this one. I wanted to punch him in the face. But what good would it do? He probably wouldn't feel it anyway. He was so aggravating. But he is a good bad guy. He does it well.
So much is going on in this book. We've got Zach, then Zach and Ember, Layne Parrish, Serena Rojas, Isabel, Wellner, and that freak Marcus Lonsdale. The last quarter of this book was so fast and loaded with surprises, my head is still spinning. I literally gasped a few times and even yelled, "NO!" I wanted to shake the authors until their teeth rattled! Suffice it to say, sh*t just got real, folks.
It was a great book with great characters, twists and turns, and a huge surprise at the end.
Just as a side note, not all characters are meant to be liked. Some are meant to be loved, feared, or even hated. The fact that Bam irritated me is a good sign because he drew out an emotion, which means he was a well-developed character. All of the characters in this series are.
This series MUST be read in order.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
Yes, Ember is still trying to outrun her assassin, but she has face-to-face confrontations with him when she could've killed him easily or he could've killed her, but he chose to string her along by threatening to kill innocent people with bombs. If you've read any of this series, which really needs to be read in order, you know that Ember doesn't kill people unless they really deserve it. She's got a moral code that doesn't allow for innocents to be murdered and it turns her into a protector more than a cold-blooded assassin. She's got a sense of right and wrong that continues to surprise me.
This week, she's dealing with a pot-smoking stoner named Bam. He's scrawny and doesn't look like anything more than a kid, but he's got his own superpower and manipulation isn't it. He's cold, ruthless, and it seems that all he really cares about is getting that next high. But don't underestimate him. I felt he lost track of his mission, probably because he couldn't get his face out of a bong and had too much time to think when he wasn't able to think clearly. Sometimes I can feel something positive for the villains in stories, but not this one. I wanted to punch him in the face. But what good would it do? He probably wouldn't feel it anyway. He was so aggravating. But he is a good bad guy. He does it well.
So much is going on in this book. We've got Zach, then Zach and Ember, Layne Parrish, Serena Rojas, Isabel, Wellner, and that freak Marcus Lonsdale. The last quarter of this book was so fast and loaded with surprises, my head is still spinning. I literally gasped a few times and even yelled, "NO!" I wanted to shake the authors until their teeth rattled! Suffice it to say, sh*t just got real, folks.
It was a great book with great characters, twists and turns, and a huge surprise at the end.
Just as a side note, not all characters are meant to be liked. Some are meant to be loved, feared, or even hated. The fact that Bam irritated me is a good sign because he drew out an emotion, which means he was a well-developed character. All of the characters in this series are.
This series MUST be read in order.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
May 20, 2020
Ember continues to best her assigned targets as intrigue multiplies - 4.5 stars
The one assassin per week adventure continues in week five with two deadly but unfocused opponents from Five Points.
This week, Ember has to deal with Bam, a weed smoking athletic but dazed opponent who can't seem to make a plan and his buddies from Five Points. The Five Points crowd likes to have monthly paint ball play time to get their aggressions hyped up. Running a schedule is only important for their games. It seems almost reasonable that a bunch of assassins need to play with guns just to maintain an edge.
Ember's boyfriend Zack is being hunted with extreme prejudice after he refuses a lucrative job contract. Her recent employer, Marcus Lonsdale at the FBI, still appears to want Ember to die. Too many people want Ember or her main squeeze out of the way.
The Denver Assassin's Club President, Dave Wellner, becomes a player when he delegates a contract and gets his secretary to arrange the details.
Action spikes up. The number of deaths increases significantly. We get to observe all sides of the action with a drone providing real time coverage and a wave of intra-club violence gets intense.
Ember is fatigued and is losing some of her initial sharpness. I want to know if she will make it through the sixth week of her penalty. This series is good for at least several more episodes. I'm psyched.
The one assassin per week adventure continues in week five with two deadly but unfocused opponents from Five Points.
This week, Ember has to deal with Bam, a weed smoking athletic but dazed opponent who can't seem to make a plan and his buddies from Five Points. The Five Points crowd likes to have monthly paint ball play time to get their aggressions hyped up. Running a schedule is only important for their games. It seems almost reasonable that a bunch of assassins need to play with guns just to maintain an edge.
Ember's boyfriend Zack is being hunted with extreme prejudice after he refuses a lucrative job contract. Her recent employer, Marcus Lonsdale at the FBI, still appears to want Ember to die. Too many people want Ember or her main squeeze out of the way.
The Denver Assassin's Club President, Dave Wellner, becomes a player when he delegates a contract and gets his secretary to arrange the details.
Action spikes up. The number of deaths increases significantly. We get to observe all sides of the action with a drone providing real time coverage and a wave of intra-club violence gets intense.
Ember is fatigued and is losing some of her initial sharpness. I want to know if she will make it through the sixth week of her penalty. This series is good for at least several more episodes. I'm psyched.
June 13, 2020
Vendetta Target - a review by Rosemary Kenny
*slight spoilers*
...and breathe!! That's right, you may just forget to, as Vendetta Target (book 5 of 6), like all the other wonderful action-packed spy thrillers, in Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker's outstanding 6 Assassins series, is such a very amazingly, breathtakingly tense and gritty novel - to such a degree that you'll look at the cliffhanger on the last page in shock and disbelief!
Can 'Ember Clarke' survive for just two more weeks, (amid barrages of bombs, bullets and knives, that seem to appear out of nowhere), to get herself free of the official, (yet perversely applied) DAC deadly 'black spot'/trial by combat contract, that's been nefariously put on her?
Who among her colleagues and loved ones will survive the association with our heroine and help her bring about a miraculous HEA, for both Ember and the Boulder branch of the Denver Assassins Club she 'left' the FBI to infiltrate?
Get your copy of Vendetta Target, (and the preceding 4 books) to enjoy the most riveting and exciting espionage/overcoming the odds/dynamic novels you'll read this year, (ahead of Book 6, Final Target) to see where this life-changing game of deadly cat-and-mouse, dramatic series of plot and counter-plot, love, betrayal, truth, lies and the gray area in between, will end.
Another 5-star winner for Nick Thacker & Jim Heskett - guaranteed!
DO NOT MISS IT AT ANY COST!!
*slight spoilers*
...and breathe!! That's right, you may just forget to, as Vendetta Target (book 5 of 6), like all the other wonderful action-packed spy thrillers, in Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker's outstanding 6 Assassins series, is such a very amazingly, breathtakingly tense and gritty novel - to such a degree that you'll look at the cliffhanger on the last page in shock and disbelief!
Can 'Ember Clarke' survive for just two more weeks, (amid barrages of bombs, bullets and knives, that seem to appear out of nowhere), to get herself free of the official, (yet perversely applied) DAC deadly 'black spot'/trial by combat contract, that's been nefariously put on her?
Who among her colleagues and loved ones will survive the association with our heroine and help her bring about a miraculous HEA, for both Ember and the Boulder branch of the Denver Assassins Club she 'left' the FBI to infiltrate?
Get your copy of Vendetta Target, (and the preceding 4 books) to enjoy the most riveting and exciting espionage/overcoming the odds/dynamic novels you'll read this year, (ahead of Book 6, Final Target) to see where this life-changing game of deadly cat-and-mouse, dramatic series of plot and counter-plot, love, betrayal, truth, lies and the gray area in between, will end.
Another 5-star winner for Nick Thacker & Jim Heskett - guaranteed!
DO NOT MISS IT AT ANY COST!!
May 10, 2020
As things continue to unravel in the DAC, Ember faces her own challenges.
This week's assassin comes from the Five Points club and he's not particular who gets hurt in his nefarious plan to get even with Ember for the death of his mentor.
Chasing bombs and jumping through Bam's hoops would be enough for any girl, but she's also got to worry about her new boyfriend Zack and the mysterious company that's determined to do what ever it takes to recruit him or kill him in the effort ... and as if that wasn't enough, there's super spy Serina Rohas who's still looking to kill her to fulfill a contract put out on here by her FBI boss and former lover.
In short, this installment in the Six Assassins saga has all the sparks and smoke and screaming violence of a multi car crash on the hairpin curve of a multi lane highway ... and like a spectator to the carnage, you won't be able to look away or put the book down until the very last page which, incidentally, contains the latest surprise you won't likely have seen coming.
I love this series and I loved this story of the second to the last week of Ember's challenge. I can't wait to see how it all comes out.
This week's assassin comes from the Five Points club and he's not particular who gets hurt in his nefarious plan to get even with Ember for the death of his mentor.
Chasing bombs and jumping through Bam's hoops would be enough for any girl, but she's also got to worry about her new boyfriend Zack and the mysterious company that's determined to do what ever it takes to recruit him or kill him in the effort ... and as if that wasn't enough, there's super spy Serina Rohas who's still looking to kill her to fulfill a contract put out on here by her FBI boss and former lover.
In short, this installment in the Six Assassins saga has all the sparks and smoke and screaming violence of a multi car crash on the hairpin curve of a multi lane highway ... and like a spectator to the carnage, you won't be able to look away or put the book down until the very last page which, incidentally, contains the latest surprise you won't likely have seen coming.
I love this series and I loved this story of the second to the last week of Ember's challenge. I can't wait to see how it all comes out.
May 24, 2020
First and foremost this series must be read in order. I must congratulate the Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker for giving me a couple of surprises I did not see coming, this does not happen often. The surprises did not shock me and one was kind of sad. I can tell you Final Target is going to be crazy. There is action, lots of blood and a bunch of crazy. In my opinion who set Ember up was answered, which is who I thought, I just couldn't figure out how, now I know. I'm not sure how the Zach, Thomas and lab storyline fits in, other than a way to pull Ember's attention along with everything else going on. In my opinion Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker do a good job keeping things straight but yet chaotic. Bam is annoying and I couldn't wait for his demise. In my opinion Vendetta Target is a real page turner full of mystery, action and politics. Jim Heskett and Nick Thacker did not disappoint me. In my opinion if you have read the first four books this is a good continuation for the series. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
May 19, 2020
Ember Clarke has survived her trial by combat so far and reached the fifth week of the six. The assassin she faces this time is unlike the ones she’s already faced. Bam, as he’s known, likes to get high and stay high. When Ember comes face to face with the scrawny looking man she finds appearances can be wrong and she definitely mustn’t underestimate what he’s capable of. Bam doesn’t just want to kill Ember he wants to toy with her first by putting innocents at risk from explosives. The authors manage to keep the action and tension ramped right up with this latest instalment but at the same time we begin to see more of the lives of the people around Ember. There’s a lot of separate stories that reach a point where I can’t wait for the final chapter. This is a fun entertaining series that must be read in order and this book is another worthy addition.
May 4, 2020
This is the 5th book of the series and the action still continues at a frantic pace. Ember is advised by the assassin for the current week that he has planted 5 bombs and if she gets to them before they explode, then she will be able to fight him, Bam, one on one.
At the same time this is going on, Zach has also got issues that concern Ember. To help alleviate her concern, she has one of the other members of her branch watch over him. Layne, Isabel and Sebrina also interact in this story as well.
To find out how Ember is able to defeat Bam and what the other issues for Zach and Layne are, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed. The ending will dfinitely wet your appetite for the last book of the series.
At the same time this is going on, Zach has also got issues that concern Ember. To help alleviate her concern, she has one of the other members of her branch watch over him. Layne, Isabel and Sebrina also interact in this story as well.
To find out how Ember is able to defeat Bam and what the other issues for Zach and Layne are, then you need to read this book. You won't be disappointed. The ending will dfinitely wet your appetite for the last book of the series.
May 9, 2020
It was easy to go from book 4 into book 5. The two writers work so well together producing the right amount of terror, spiced up with intrigue and sprinkled with a heart racing (or stopping) beat-the-clock race to find a killer before he or she finds you. Ember is exhausted and suffering from physical aches all over her body. She has been beaten, shot at, knifed, held prisoner and yet she keeps ticking. There is one week left in book 6 to get through the punishment she was given by the Assassin's Club. I totally recommend reading the entire Six Assassin books. I received a copy of the book and this is my true review.
April 13, 2021
Vigilantes unite!
The 5th week of Member's black spot assassination trial is an entertaining ride with much revealed of the backstory to this whole sorry saga. Bam is this week's assassin who likes weed, explosions, video games and bombs. He was mentored by Niles, whose accidental death 'started' the whole saga. He therefore had it in for Ember, though his plan seems to be more of a wing it then planned....Paintball plays an important role. There is an unexpected death and a completely expected reveal. This penultimate story is gripping and entertaining and leaves you eager to read the finale.
The 5th week of Member's black spot assassination trial is an entertaining ride with much revealed of the backstory to this whole sorry saga. Bam is this week's assassin who likes weed, explosions, video games and bombs. He was mentored by Niles, whose accidental death 'started' the whole saga. He therefore had it in for Ember, though his plan seems to be more of a wing it then planned....Paintball plays an important role. There is an unexpected death and a completely expected reveal. This penultimate story is gripping and entertaining and leaves you eager to read the finale.
April 19, 2021
Oh, My Head Aches!
With five weeks of assassins trying to kill Ember Clarke she's been through the wringer! I've got a headache just anticipating what will happen in this final week. She's been captured, shot at, beaten, mislead and betrayed, sometimes by people whom she thought had her back. That's enough to take down almost anyone. But she endures. She's got a real, live boyfriend and is enjoying the benefits that go with that. But someone is still gunning (pardon the pun) for her and she has to prevail. She has to. Maybe no more bombs, gun battles, or sneak attacks. Maybe.
With five weeks of assassins trying to kill Ember Clarke she's been through the wringer! I've got a headache just anticipating what will happen in this final week. She's been captured, shot at, beaten, mislead and betrayed, sometimes by people whom she thought had her back. That's enough to take down almost anyone. But she endures. She's got a real, live boyfriend and is enjoying the benefits that go with that. But someone is still gunning (pardon the pun) for her and she has to prevail. She has to. Maybe no more bombs, gun battles, or sneak attacks. Maybe.
May 20, 2020
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. This is the best of the Ember Clark series so far. It grabbed me from the first page until the very last. If there weren't other people in my house who needed to be fed I would not have moved from the couch until it was completed. The surprises and curveballs just keep coming!! I didn't think the previous 4 books could be beaten, but this one did it. I'm not sure how I'll get through number six. I may need to double up on my blood pressure medicine now!! Don't miss out on this series. It is unbeatable!!!!!
May 21, 2020
Ember continues her trial by fire in book 5. Bam is the assassin after her this time, well one of them. She also is dealing with the me after her boyfriend and her old lover trying to kill her. Plus the DAC is unraveling and her handler is trying to figure out what is going on. Wow so many stories in 1 book. This week's assassin, Bam, was my least favorite. This installment was the one I struggled a bit with. I still really like Ember but it was just okay. I received a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 5, 2020
OH. MY. GOD
I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. I thought that this was going to a great book and now I have to say I cannot wait for #6.
Too much is happening, too much is being resolved, too much violence, too much of everything.
I have stronger feelings for Ember than before.
This is what a movie series or a least a TV series should be made of.
Netflix needs to read this series. Their the only ones to this justice.
I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. I thought that this was going to a great book and now I have to say I cannot wait for #6.
Too much is happening, too much is being resolved, too much violence, too much of everything.
I have stronger feelings for Ember than before.
This is what a movie series or a least a TV series should be made of.
Netflix needs to read this series. Their the only ones to this justice.
May 20, 2020
Vendetta Target (Six Assassins #5), my thirty-fourth read from author Jim Heskett. Another excellent read, and I anticipate a good series, that you can't wait to turn the next page and read more. The suspense has been building for five books, next up, Final Target (Six Assassins #6), the conclusion. I was given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 23, 2020
Totally fantastic
This has been the best series that I have read and enjoyed I started and I can't put it down until I finish it. The author's both do a fantastic job of creating thrills excitement and suspense. The character Ember is fantastic. She is a real kick butt gal that makes you feel good. Keep up the good work . I just the final book in the series and looking forward to read .
This has been the best series that I have read and enjoyed I started and I can't put it down until I finish it. The author's both do a fantastic job of creating thrills excitement and suspense. The character Ember is fantastic. She is a real kick butt gal that makes you feel good. Keep up the good work . I just the final book in the series and looking forward to read .
May 17, 2020
In book five of the six book series we have some things come together and some new developments. The situation in DAC is heating up more. Poor Ember is starting to have a harder time dealing with what is happening. Don't start reading if you have a lot of things to do because you will not be able to put it down till finished. Now I’m waiting for book six with the final conclusions.
May 21, 2020
Ember once again takes on multiple killers but ends up victorious, bruised and bloody. Edge of you seat action made the book hard to put down. Mind blowing ending! New allies and a tentative alliance forms. I can’t wait for the final instalment of this action packed series. I read this using my KU subscription.
May 23, 2020
Ember has made it this far, will she keep living through this book? Keep reading to find out! She is tackling a bomber this book and the action never slows down. I love this series, I really don't want it to end.
I received an advanced reader copy but the opinions and review are my own honest comments.
I received an advanced reader copy but the opinions and review are my own honest comments.
February 28, 2022
yet another great read
Just as you think things couldn’t get any worse for Ember, she comes up against a full blown nutter, Bam, who is bent on revenge for the loss of his mentor! Absolutely excellent and totally gripping from start to finish. Can’t wait to get into the final book in the series. Well done guys!
Just as you think things couldn’t get any worse for Ember, she comes up against a full blown nutter, Bam, who is bent on revenge for the loss of his mentor! Absolutely excellent and totally gripping from start to finish. Can’t wait to get into the final book in the series. Well done guys!
May 18, 2020
This series just gets more exciting book after book! Nice character development, great plot ideas & twists! I liked this story more than the previous ones, it is all starting to come together, hopefully building to an amazing climax!
May 20, 2020
Continuing Tension and chaos
Ember continues with her trial by fire in a book that begins to work towards the end point. There are he usual twists and turns, with a little romance thrown in, but with a huge surprise at the end. Clearly, Ember's endgame will occur in Book 6.
Ember continues with her trial by fire in a book that begins to work towards the end point. There are he usual twists and turns, with a little romance thrown in, but with a huge surprise at the end. Clearly, Ember's endgame will occur in Book 6.
May 20, 2020
This is another exciting addition to the Six Assassins series. This storyline is very entertaining with so many twists and turns. The storyline is very well developed. I am really enjoying this series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
June 4, 2020
Insane action throughout the entire book
This fifth part of the series is just as exciting as the first part. Ember is literally being bombed from all sides. Zach has his own encounters and Lonsdale has his filthy fingerprints in everything. I highly recommend this book.
This fifth part of the series is just as exciting as the first part. Ember is literally being bombed from all sides. Zach has his own encounters and Lonsdale has his filthy fingerprints in everything. I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2020
Another great read by Jim Heskett. Had a hard time putting it down late last night. Ember finds herself hunted by another assassin in her 6-week punishment for killing another assassin. Then her boss from the FBI sends a covert killer after her as well. Many twists and turns. ENJOY!
August 20, 2020
Revenge at it Best
Now I can hardly wait to read the next book. A lot of things written in this story. But it is doubtful that truth will come out.This a must read book. You will find out that you can’t just lay it down. Now I got to find out about Zach. Who is he. Read the book.
Now I can hardly wait to read the next book. A lot of things written in this story. But it is doubtful that truth will come out.This a must read book. You will find out that you can’t just lay it down. Now I got to find out about Zach. Who is he. Read the book.
February 18, 2021
And then there was one
Good book. I did not want to stop reading until I finished, now I will go on to #6. What a different story line other that good guys vs bad. Who is bad and who is good? Is Amber bad or Good? Maybe #6 will tell us.
Good book. I did not want to stop reading until I finished, now I will go on to #6. What a different story line other that good guys vs bad. Who is bad and who is good? Is Amber bad or Good? Maybe #6 will tell us.
May 19, 2020
These books are excellent. Full of action & adrenaline, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good job.
November 27, 2020
'Vendetta Target' was another great addition to an awesome series. Ember is really getting to the end of her rope but she keeps pushing through. I can't wait to read more.
February 24, 2021
I was hard pressed to wonder where the Colorado government was sleeping
When all the mayhem was going on.
It was exciting if you did not think about that. I did like it
When all the mayhem was going on.
It was exciting if you did not think about that. I did like it
March 2, 2021
Good casual reading. Little bit predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews