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Agent Zero #9
Chasing Zero
The Palestinians decide they want to make peace with Israel—and they want the U.S. President to broker the historic treaty on their territory. Agent Zero advises the President against the dangerous trip, but he insists on going. After a series of dramatic and shocking twists, the most dangerous 48 hours of Zero’s life ensue, forcing him into an impossible mission: save the President at all costs.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
229 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Jack Mars
344 books684 followersJack Mars is author of the bestselling LUKE STONE thriller series, which include the suspense thrillers ANY MEANS NECESSARY (book #1), OATH OF OFFICE (book #2) and SITUATION ROOM (book #3).
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 31, 2024
In the world of espionage thrillers, Jack Mars' "Chasing Zero" stands out as a beacon of intrigue and suspense. The 9th installment in the Agent Zero series, narrated by Brian Callanan, is a testament to Mars' ability to weave a complex narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking. This review will delve into the various aspects of the audiobook, from its plot and character development to the performance of the narrator, and the overall experience of the listener.
**Plot and Pacing:
"Chasing Zero" plunges listeners into a high-stakes geopolitical drama where the Palestinians seek peace with Israel, and the U.S. president is determined to broker this historic treaty on their territory. Agent Zero, the series' protagonist, advises against the president's dangerous trip, but to no avail. What follows is a series of dramatic and shocking twists that lead to the most perilous 48 hours of Zero's life, culminating in an impossible mission: to save the president at all costs.
The pacing of the story is relentless, with Mars masterfully controlling the tempo of the narrative. The listener is kept on the edge of their seat, with each chapter acting as a piece of a larger, intricate puzzle. The plot is dense with detail, yet Mars ensures that it never becomes overwhelming, guiding the listener through the labyrinth of international espionage with a deft hand.
**Character Development:
Agent Zero is a character that has been fleshed out over the course of nine books, and in "Chasing Zero," his depth is more apparent than ever. He is not just a spy but a man with a past that haunts him, a present that challenges him, and a future that is uncertain. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, with each one playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. The characters' interactions are authentic, and their motivations are clear, adding layers of complexity to the story.
**Narration:
Brian Callanan's narration is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to bring each character to life, to imbue them with distinct voices and personalities, is a significant factor in the audiobook's success. Callanan's pacing is impeccable, and his intonation adds to the suspense, making the listener's experience all the more immersive. His performance is consistent and engaging, ensuring that the listener's attention never wanes.
**Listener Experience:
Listening to "Chasing Zero" is an experience that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The audiobook format adds a dimension of immediacy to the story, with Callanan's narration serving as the perfect conduit for Mars' thrilling tale. The production quality is high, with clear audio and no distractions, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the world of Agent Zero.
**Conclusion:
"Chasing Zero" is a standout audiobook that will satisfy fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Jack Mars has crafted a story that is complex, compelling, and thoroughly entertaining, while Brian Callanan's narration elevates the material to new heights. It is an audiobook that demands attention, rewards the listener with a rich narrative tapestry, and leaves them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. For those seeking an espionage thriller that combines action, intelligence, and a touch of humanity, "Chasing Zero" is an unmissable listen.
**Plot and Pacing:
"Chasing Zero" plunges listeners into a high-stakes geopolitical drama where the Palestinians seek peace with Israel, and the U.S. president is determined to broker this historic treaty on their territory. Agent Zero, the series' protagonist, advises against the president's dangerous trip, but to no avail. What follows is a series of dramatic and shocking twists that lead to the most perilous 48 hours of Zero's life, culminating in an impossible mission: to save the president at all costs.
The pacing of the story is relentless, with Mars masterfully controlling the tempo of the narrative. The listener is kept on the edge of their seat, with each chapter acting as a piece of a larger, intricate puzzle. The plot is dense with detail, yet Mars ensures that it never becomes overwhelming, guiding the listener through the labyrinth of international espionage with a deft hand.
**Character Development:
Agent Zero is a character that has been fleshed out over the course of nine books, and in "Chasing Zero," his depth is more apparent than ever. He is not just a spy but a man with a past that haunts him, a present that challenges him, and a future that is uncertain. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, with each one playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. The characters' interactions are authentic, and their motivations are clear, adding layers of complexity to the story.
**Narration:
Brian Callanan's narration is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to bring each character to life, to imbue them with distinct voices and personalities, is a significant factor in the audiobook's success. Callanan's pacing is impeccable, and his intonation adds to the suspense, making the listener's experience all the more immersive. His performance is consistent and engaging, ensuring that the listener's attention never wanes.
**Listener Experience:
Listening to "Chasing Zero" is an experience that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The audiobook format adds a dimension of immediacy to the story, with Callanan's narration serving as the perfect conduit for Mars' thrilling tale. The production quality is high, with clear audio and no distractions, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the world of Agent Zero.
**Conclusion:
"Chasing Zero" is a standout audiobook that will satisfy fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Jack Mars has crafted a story that is complex, compelling, and thoroughly entertaining, while Brian Callanan's narration elevates the material to new heights. It is an audiobook that demands attention, rewards the listener with a rich narrative tapestry, and leaves them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. For those seeking an espionage thriller that combines action, intelligence, and a touch of humanity, "Chasing Zero" is an unmissable listen.
August 7, 2022
The ninth Agent Zero book I read. Guess that says it all ;)
August 13, 2021
Moves along but a bit cartoonish
Every read a book that you realize is not very good but you persist in reading it just to find out the outcome?
That is the essence of the Zero books. So if you like action and outlandish super human efforts by Agent Zero you might like these books. Sort of an addiction. You know it is wrong but you do it anyway.
Every read a book that you realize is not very good but you persist in reading it just to find out the outcome?
That is the essence of the Zero books. So if you like action and outlandish super human efforts by Agent Zero you might like these books. Sort of an addiction. You know it is wrong but you do it anyway.
December 28, 2021
Jack Mars delivers with Chasing Zero, (Agent Zero #9). Once again, CIA operative Reid Lawson, aka Agent Zero, walks out of his living room onto the world stage to stave off an international crisis. This time he's too late to stop it, but maybe he can keep it from erupting into a world-wide conflict.
As with other books in the Agent Zero series, Mars gives us a super hero who is often pretty unspectacular. Lawson's body is breaking down and he has challenges aplenty raising two teenage daughters after his wife's death. Ah, but this does provide occasional ventures into the sub-plots of their lives which proves both interesting and tiresome at times. Interesting in that his girls may not be as skilled as their dad (yet), but they are every bit as savvy! Tiresome in that we see that "lather, rinse, repeat" cycle of their own adversities. But hey, they are teenagers and like teens, Maya and Sara are maturing at a teen's pace.
Mars' characters are believable. His dialog moves, the story is engaging, and (if you listen to the Audible), Brian Callanan's narration is fantastic!
I do find it interesting that for all the ambiguity in his life, the uncertainty of his missions, and the compunction surrounding his daughters, Agent Zero is dead certain he will see his dead wife again. "She's waiting for him!" Huh?! This too is an element of Lawson's humanness. One would think that a guy who trades in life and death, who is as careful and calculating and bright as Zero, would have a better blueprint for life after death than that napkin philosophy. Fluffy planning won't work for his missions, why will it suffice for the afterlife?
My recommendation: I enjoy spy-thrillers as much as I do ice cream, and I come back to Jack Mars and Agent Zero almost as often as I do my favorite flavor. Both still satisfy. On to Vengeance Zero (Agent Zero #10).
As with other books in the Agent Zero series, Mars gives us a super hero who is often pretty unspectacular. Lawson's body is breaking down and he has challenges aplenty raising two teenage daughters after his wife's death. Ah, but this does provide occasional ventures into the sub-plots of their lives which proves both interesting and tiresome at times. Interesting in that his girls may not be as skilled as their dad (yet), but they are every bit as savvy! Tiresome in that we see that "lather, rinse, repeat" cycle of their own adversities. But hey, they are teenagers and like teens, Maya and Sara are maturing at a teen's pace.
Mars' characters are believable. His dialog moves, the story is engaging, and (if you listen to the Audible), Brian Callanan's narration is fantastic!
I do find it interesting that for all the ambiguity in his life, the uncertainty of his missions, and the compunction surrounding his daughters, Agent Zero is dead certain he will see his dead wife again. "She's waiting for him!" Huh?! This too is an element of Lawson's humanness. One would think that a guy who trades in life and death, who is as careful and calculating and bright as Zero, would have a better blueprint for life after death than that napkin philosophy. Fluffy planning won't work for his missions, why will it suffice for the afterlife?
My recommendation: I enjoy spy-thrillers as much as I do ice cream, and I come back to Jack Mars and Agent Zero almost as often as I do my favorite flavor. Both still satisfy. On to Vengeance Zero (Agent Zero #10).
November 22, 2020
Whenever you are 9 books in to a series, I think it is safe to say that you are invested in the series. Personally, I have read everything that Jack Mars has published so far, so I think I can say that I am a fan of his work. I have especially liked this series. Nothing has changed that.
I will say, however, that this book had parts that made me cringe and think, "why, oh why are we going there?" I'm talking specifically with the storyline of Zero's daughter Sara. I mean, come on. She's a 17 year old girl with virtually no defensive skills and she decides that she wants to be a vigilante? Running away on a bicycle? Really? It just struck me as so unbelievably crazy that it pulled me out of the story.
Maya's storyline was not much better, but at least it made sense - a little. She is old enough and mature enough (as well as having skills to defend herself...and take out opponents). She can deal with unforeseen circumstances whereas Sara is not only immature, but she is vulnerable for so many reasons. She's young, she has been through enormous trauma, AND most important, she is very, very RECENTLY out of rehab....these are not the behaviors of someone who is going to stay on the straight and narrow. Okay, okay...I'll stop with that, it just really bothered me.
Other than that, this is another fly by the seat of your pants story that grips you from the beginning and continues until the end. I enjoyed seeing the EOT team working together and it seems as if Mars has set up the next book very well. I waited until this came out on Audible to read it and I had no problems with the narration. Okay...9 down, 2 more to go-- as of now at least.
I will say, however, that this book had parts that made me cringe and think, "why, oh why are we going there?" I'm talking specifically with the storyline of Zero's daughter Sara. I mean, come on. She's a 17 year old girl with virtually no defensive skills and she decides that she wants to be a vigilante? Running away on a bicycle? Really? It just struck me as so unbelievably crazy that it pulled me out of the story.
Maya's storyline was not much better, but at least it made sense - a little. She is old enough and mature enough (as well as having skills to defend herself...and take out opponents). She can deal with unforeseen circumstances whereas Sara is not only immature, but she is vulnerable for so many reasons. She's young, she has been through enormous trauma, AND most important, she is very, very RECENTLY out of rehab....these are not the behaviors of someone who is going to stay on the straight and narrow. Okay, okay...I'll stop with that, it just really bothered me.
Other than that, this is another fly by the seat of your pants story that grips you from the beginning and continues until the end. I enjoyed seeing the EOT team working together and it seems as if Mars has set up the next book very well. I waited until this came out on Audible to read it and I had no problems with the narration. Okay...9 down, 2 more to go-- as of now at least.
November 8, 2020
Gripping, high octane thriller.
In book 9 of the Agent Zero series Jack Mars maintains the tension and high octane pace that we have come to expect and skilfully extends his character development of our hero, his family members at the same time as creating believable protagonists. In this action packed story the American President is kidnapped in a manner that could ignite the Middle East into a major war! The plot has many twists and turns with increasing tension as the countdown gets ever closer and while Agent Zero’s team race against time to find and rescue the President his daughters are also building tension in their own lives. This is a real page turner that I didn’t want to put down!
In book 9 of the Agent Zero series Jack Mars maintains the tension and high octane pace that we have come to expect and skilfully extends his character development of our hero, his family members at the same time as creating believable protagonists. In this action packed story the American President is kidnapped in a manner that could ignite the Middle East into a major war! The plot has many twists and turns with increasing tension as the countdown gets ever closer and while Agent Zero’s team race against time to find and rescue the President his daughters are also building tension in their own lives. This is a real page turner that I didn’t want to put down!
December 26, 2022
Agent Zero is on assignment to watch over the signing of a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. He and his team are to keep the President safe at all costs. The unthinkable happens and the President is kidnapped. A Mossaud agent joins Agent Zero and his team to get the President back which entails several wild goose chases before they figure out where he has been taken. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat.
Meanwhile, back at home his own daughters have some stressful moments trying to keep from going crazy over the fact that they had been kidnapped and nearly sold into slavery. They find their own outlets that aid them to become the strong women they are destined to become.
Meanwhile, back at home his own daughters have some stressful moments trying to keep from going crazy over the fact that they had been kidnapped and nearly sold into slavery. They find their own outlets that aid them to become the strong women they are destined to become.
January 20, 2024
What is the government supposed to do when the Presidents life is at risk? Call Agent Zero of course. Who needs the entire military for something like this? Not this one, not with the "best" agent of all time. HA! This book was alright, but there were times where it just starts to get unbelievable and that kinda turned me off a little. However, I kept pace with my reading because it is part of the most unbelievably awesome book series I have ever read.
November 1, 2024
The last book in the series for me. They progressively get worse IMO.
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
November 3, 2020
One of the best Mars books
Agent Zero is no longer a Superman but an ordinary man with tremendous analytical ability. Mars might have read false assurances and threat bias to reshape Zero!
Agent Zero is no longer a Superman but an ordinary man with tremendous analytical ability. Mars might have read false assurances and threat bias to reshape Zero!
January 10, 2021
More exceptional story telling from Jack Mars. Their lives are changing and as always the team is needed during Middle East peace treaty is being signed in Jerusalem. A real nail biter. Cannot wait to read Vengeance Zero
May 12, 2024
Very clever storyline. A little contemporary with Palestine and Israel relations but very different to actual events. I am enjoying this series very much. Happy to see some kick-ass ladies in every book!
November 10, 2020
Countdown to Zero
More poignant from a personal level but with plenty of action. Zero relies even more on his brain, while his daughters and new stepdaughter forge their own paths.
More poignant from a personal level but with plenty of action. Zero relies even more on his brain, while his daughters and new stepdaughter forge their own paths.
December 13, 2020
Another suspenseful story that leaves you waiting for the next installment. Jack Mars knows how to grab the reader and connect him/her to the main character as well as the supporting characters.
December 21, 2020
Zero = More
How long can Zero carry on? Is Maya the next up in a a good series...that has a lot of potential!
How long can Zero carry on? Is Maya the next up in a a good series...that has a lot of potential!
January 4, 2021
So over the top and full of action, that I love this whole series.
January 7, 2021
I am a big fan of the Zero series but now the daughters are getting older and they are doing "escapades" of their own which I could do without
May 26, 2021
I always enjoy the Zero books. They are hard to put down till they are done.
May 31, 2021
Lovely series. I enjoy the characters and the plots.
January 21, 2022
Really great read
January 10, 2024
Excellent
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews