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Castling #1
Smoke Screen
Pulled from prison, Lever finds himself playing with the FBI while he bides his time and waits for his opportunity to escape.
Agent Sheldon did not sign up to be a federal babysitter, but that’s exactly what he finds himself doing when he’s made Lever’s handler.
With a terrorist attack looming, Agent Sheldon and Lever soon learn that what they thought was true may not be.
But will they be able to work together and stop the attack? Or does Lever have other plans?
Agent Sheldon did not sign up to be a federal babysitter, but that’s exactly what he finds himself doing when he’s made Lever’s handler.
With a terrorist attack looming, Agent Sheldon and Lever soon learn that what they thought was true may not be.
But will they be able to work together and stop the attack? Or does Lever have other plans?
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
P.D. Atkerson
63 books111 followersP.D. Atkerson is a homeschooled writer, living in Montana, who may or may not be a secret agent. She spends almost as much time in the worlds she creates as she does the real one.
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 4, 2022
It's out people!
October 27, 2023
Ok everyone, step aside, clear the way, roll out that carpet, Lever is in the house.
If I 'm being 100% honest (and why shouldn't I be😉) I have been on pins and needles for the *longest* time to get my hands on Smoke Screen, it isn't even funny. And P.D. knocked it out of the park.
Lever, one of the most wanted men in SLU history and heartbreak boy to his core, gets busted out of jail. . . and put right into the FBI JTTF task force. Go figure, right? But it gets worse. Better. Worse. Ugh, both. You can't just walk away from a life like his, and it doesn't forget you, either. And when a CI is wiser to the goings on then his FBI babysitter. . .yeah, that's a touchy fuse if I ever heard one.
Lever is forced to work against the people that used to be allies and pushed to question who really is on his side, all while plotting his escape back to the life that he's always known. But when the only emotion you've never understood is readily shown to you over and over again, and an Agent of all people take you in, even the best of us get confused.
Hold onto your heart and get ready to fall head over heels for one of P.D.'s most infamous villains of all time.
If I 'm being 100% honest (and why shouldn't I be😉) I have been on pins and needles for the *longest* time to get my hands on Smoke Screen, it isn't even funny. And P.D. knocked it out of the park.
Lever, one of the most wanted men in SLU history and heartbreak boy to his core, gets busted out of jail. . . and put right into the FBI JTTF task force. Go figure, right? But it gets worse. Better. Worse. Ugh, both. You can't just walk away from a life like his, and it doesn't forget you, either. And when a CI is wiser to the goings on then his FBI babysitter. . .yeah, that's a touchy fuse if I ever heard one.
Lever is forced to work against the people that used to be allies and pushed to question who really is on his side, all while plotting his escape back to the life that he's always known. But when the only emotion you've never understood is readily shown to you over and over again, and an Agent of all people take you in, even the best of us get confused.
Hold onto your heart and get ready to fall head over heels for one of P.D.'s most infamous villains of all time.
September 5, 2024
5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. Oh my heart, I loved this!! It’s almost like
Phantom Thief
all over again, except totally different and even better!
I HATED Jimmy/Lever in Rebel Mind. He was terrifying and terrible and I wished he had been killed so I knew he would never hurt Lee & Winfield again. But as soon as I began this story, I fell in love…
Lever broke my heart. As I read his story I realized how much he’s undergone and how badly he’s been warped by those around him. Although he made terrible choices, he also didn’t really know much better… and as you get deeper into his head, you understand that while he convinces himself he doesn’t care about people, the truth is, he does—especially the helpless & innocent. His arc was fantastically well done and I am SOOO excited for a second book where we can watch him continue to choose the right and get saved! (ALSO, that kid may be even wittier than Lee. Really. The two are so similar and it’s amazing and terrible at the same time. What a horrible father Grew was!)
While Derek wasn’t my fav, he was awesome with Lever and really very funny. ;P His wife was sweet, and Ariel was a darling! They were a lovely family and I adored seeing their interactions with Lever. The other characters were all enjoyable… the typical stupid but funny sidekicks. I enjoyed the plot a lot, too. This one was driven more by Lever’s character growth than by any action, but that didn’t slow things down! I enjoyed watching old characters come back in and seeing Lever trying to decide who he would help. As for the theme—I’m a firm believer in second chances, there’s-always-hope, everyone-has-value-because-God-loves-you, etc, and I was delighted to see these play out… as well as the beloved good-always-wins-against-evil.
Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the AKA Simon Lee series/spinoffs and again, I am reeeaaally looking forwards to Lost Time!!!!
Content: Some violence, killing, etc; one or two scenes of self-hatred; a lot of mild language (h*ck, g*sh, etc).
A Favourite Quote: His heart went out to the kid, and Derek realized his wife was right. Maybe they didn’t need to preach at him. Maybe they just needed to show God’s love to him through their own actions. Something told him the boy didn’t have much of a positive influence in his life.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re enjoying this too much, Agent Sheldon,” Lever grumbled as he flipped the book open. “...My braincells are dying already. I can’t read this!”
“But you said you would!” Ariel rested her head back against Lever’s chest and looked up at him with a pout.
“You’re a very evil child,” Lever grumbled…. “‘If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk’… Why on earth would you give a mouse a cookie in the first place? And why is he wearing overalls?”
As he read through the book, Lever couldn’t help wondering what ... it was about. Not feeding sugary treats to rodents? Lever would have thought that was an obvious thing to know. After about the fourth page, Lever decided that trying to figure out the book was a very bad idea.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
I HATED Jimmy/Lever in Rebel Mind. He was terrifying and terrible and I wished he had been killed so I knew he would never hurt Lee & Winfield again. But as soon as I began this story, I fell in love…
Lever broke my heart. As I read his story I realized how much he’s undergone and how badly he’s been warped by those around him. Although he made terrible choices, he also didn’t really know much better… and as you get deeper into his head, you understand that while he convinces himself he doesn’t care about people, the truth is, he does—especially the helpless & innocent. His arc was fantastically well done and I am SOOO excited for a second book where we can watch him continue to choose the right and get saved! (ALSO, that kid may be even wittier than Lee. Really. The two are so similar and it’s amazing and terrible at the same time. What a horrible father Grew was!)
While Derek wasn’t my fav, he was awesome with Lever and really very funny. ;P His wife was sweet, and Ariel was a darling! They were a lovely family and I adored seeing their interactions with Lever. The other characters were all enjoyable… the typical stupid but funny sidekicks. I enjoyed the plot a lot, too. This one was driven more by Lever’s character growth than by any action, but that didn’t slow things down! I enjoyed watching old characters come back in and seeing Lever trying to decide who he would help. As for the theme—I’m a firm believer in second chances, there’s-always-hope, everyone-has-value-because-God-loves-you, etc, and I was delighted to see these play out… as well as the beloved good-always-wins-against-evil.
Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the AKA Simon Lee series/spinoffs and again, I am reeeaaally looking forwards to Lost Time!!!!
Content: Some violence, killing, etc; one or two scenes of self-hatred; a lot of mild language (h*ck, g*sh, etc).
A Favourite Quote: His heart went out to the kid, and Derek realized his wife was right. Maybe they didn’t need to preach at him. Maybe they just needed to show God’s love to him through their own actions. Something told him the boy didn’t have much of a positive influence in his life.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re enjoying this too much, Agent Sheldon,” Lever grumbled as he flipped the book open. “...My braincells are dying already. I can’t read this!”
“But you said you would!” Ariel rested her head back against Lever’s chest and looked up at him with a pout.
“You’re a very evil child,” Lever grumbled…. “‘If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk’… Why on earth would you give a mouse a cookie in the first place? And why is he wearing overalls?”
As he read through the book, Lever couldn’t help wondering what ... it was about. Not feeding sugary treats to rodents? Lever would have thought that was an obvious thing to know. After about the fourth page, Lever decided that trying to figure out the book was a very bad idea.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 14, 2022
*blinks* Did I just stay up to 11 o'clock to finish that? Yes. Yes, I did.
Lever has always had my heart--although not willingly at first 😉. But this book. *screams* Yeah, I'm the official president of the Lever Fanclub 😇.
I couldn't believe Lever's past. 😭😭 All of a sudden, it made up for all the awful things he did...and the people he killed...and the way he acted... *cough*. I'm so glad I didn't know it when reading /AKA Simon Lee/.
But the epilogue... 😱😭😱😭 I NEED BOOK 2 RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you gasp, cry, laugh, and shudder all the way through it. Even Lever-Haters will eat their words and beg for more from the brilliant storyteller that is P.D. Atkerson.
Lever has always had my heart--although not willingly at first 😉. But this book. *screams* Yeah, I'm the official president of the Lever Fanclub 😇.
I couldn't believe Lever's past. 😭😭 All of a sudden, it made up for all the awful things he did...and the people he killed...and the way he acted... *cough*. I'm so glad I didn't know it when reading /AKA Simon Lee/.
But the epilogue... 😱😭😱😭 I NEED BOOK 2 RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you gasp, cry, laugh, and shudder all the way through it. Even Lever-Haters will eat their words and beg for more from the brilliant storyteller that is P.D. Atkerson.
July 18, 2024
Rating: 4.5 stars
Wow. Okay.
Well, I admit I refused to read this book for a rather long time. Seriously - a book about one of the worst villains I've come across? Who did all those things to my characters (yes, they're mine) in AKASL?
Nope, I didn't want to read this at all. I was quite determined not to, in fact. And every piece of information I heard confirmed my views. Yes, sure, I'd like to read a book with Derek in it, and yes it's the SLU and might be important for me to read, BUT.
I think I was probably the last one to hold out against reading the book. I might still have not read it, only I started seeing one or two things about it that made me a little confused. So I did a bit of digging and was eventually persuaded by a friend to just give it a go. (Thanks for not making Lever sound like a hero, because then I'd never have read it ;))
So I gave it a go. Rather skeptically at first, and fully prepared not to like it. But then for a long long time, all I could say was wow. And when I finished it, all I could say was wow. Because... Wow. Smoke Screen did not meet my expectations of what it would be like. Not at all.
Now, before I go one step further I want to categorically state that as far as my opinion of Lever goes, it is completely unchanged by this book. I do not understand how anyone can actually like him, and quite frankly he's still the most awful, terrible, horrible villain imaginable. BUT. There lies the whole point. You're not made to like him. You're not made to change your opinion of him. Smoke Screen, while revealing much about his past that makes you understand just how much he went through before he became what he is, doesn't make his crimes seem any less.
I admit, the main reason I didn't want to read it is because I didn't want to get into Lever's head. I expected the book to try and excuse what he's done, at least to a small extent, by bringing up the things in his past. But on both accounts, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it was an alternative POV between Derek and Lever. But somehow it did feel as if we had more from Derek's perspective - which is quite all right with me. Even if it was about equal, you never really got inside Lever's head. You saw things from his POV, but it was written in such a way you were often still not entirely sure what he was even thinking, truly. I found myself perfectly able to read his POV chapters with the same critical, unclouded eye as Derek's. I was very pleased about that.
Then, it never excused what he did, like I said. I expected at the very least to be made to feel sorry for him, and think he wasn't so very bad at heart...well, even that I didn't really. (There were times I felt a bit sorry for him, I admit. But it was more in a "What a pity he had to be like he is" way, rather than a "he's not so bad and should go free" (certainly not!) way.)
It is true, my understanding and picture of Lever DID change. But that's not the same as opinion of him or liking of him. I just realised that some of the things I had thought about him weren't exactly true. So yes, in that way I suppose he wasn't as bad as I thought from AKASL, for the simple fact that he didn't do the things I thought he did. But that's not saying that he wasn't quite bad enough.
So, as far as my objections to the story went, they weren't realised, which I was glad about. If they had been, I would have DNFd right then. There's no need to make this villain or any villain seem better than he is. But this, I am glad to report, the author did not do.
So, what did I actually think of the book in the end?
Well...rather to my surprise, I loved it. Really, really loved it. However bad Lever is, his book is... wow. I honestly think it's one of the author's best. Derek - I just loved Derek. (And I absolutely loved the references to a certain other series. When I realised Derek has no idea who Lever actually is, I was double interested to see where this would lead.) But wow - as an MC, I loved Derek. I can't say he came close to rivalling Winfield or someone like that, but I loved him. And he was the perfect person to take Lever in hand. Megan, too. She was so sweet and brave and caring...wow. Ariel was sweet, and Lever's interactions with her were amusing.
As for the side characters - I mostly liked them. Sam. Poor Sam. He was such a brave guy, I just loved him so much. Reed was awful but somehow I feel there's more to that story that I'm missing... Bates was good and the twist in his story was... WOW. Oh! And a Certain Other Person who I'd rather hoped to never see again made an unexpected addition to the story.
The story has the usual mixture of suspenseful, hilarious, and sweet and heartwarming as all the author's books generally do, but somehow in even more intensity. That climax scene was...wow. I was sitting on the edge of my seat. There were some great lines and moments that made me laugh out loud. And most of all, it was so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I was deeply invested in the story even though I tried not to be. That dinner scene with Megan's parents...wow. That was just so so good. And most of the last section of the book I was just blown away by how good it was. I can see what all the hype about this book was about, even if I still don't understand how anyone could possibly like Lever, when the book never makes you feel like you should.
The epilogue was great, although I didn't agree with everything Derek said to him. (Or with some of the other statements in the book, which is mostly the reason I lowered my rating to 4.5 stars.) But it was still heartbreaking. As far as that goes, you can feel sorry for Lever while not allowing that to cloud your judgement of him. But he isn't really the person depicted in AKASL anymore... Or at least, Lee's incomplete knowledge of him made him seem different to who he actually is. But especially in light of what happened in the last couple chapters... He's changing, that's for certain.
Speaking of Lee, I wanted to mention one other point. Firstly, Lever DOES NOT compare to Lee and never could. Or to Gregory - even less, perhaps. It would be a mistake to compare them. In fact, reading this made me want to reread AKASL just to remember how much I love Lee and how totally different and better he is than Lever. But at the same time, SS very much struck me as almost the mirror image of Phantom Thief...so much in it compared to that (the opening scene, the team members, the uncertainty about who to trust, etc). I'll even go as far to say Lever reminded me of Lee, or a far far worse version of him. But I must say, that undertone of comparison between the two books and between the two characters struck me as being brilliantly well done. I can't really go into it for fear of spoilers to AKASL, but that really did appeal to me.
In conclusion - yes, Lever should have got the death sentence straight off. No, I do not like Lever one bit. No, I don't know how the rest of the series will turn out and no, I'm probably never going to change my opinion of him. No, he doesn't compare to Lee. Yes, he is a terrible person who I feel no obligation to sympathise with. No, I still do not see any reason for all the hype over him. Him, not his book. Because Smoke Screen is one amazing book. I've heard it described as powerful, and that's just what it is. I couldn't call it one of my favourites, not with all the other ones out there in the SLU, but I think I can definitely call it one of the best in many ways. I'm glad I read it, and I'll read the others. And the only word I can really find to describe it is just...
Wow.
***
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
Wow. Okay.
Well, I admit I refused to read this book for a rather long time. Seriously - a book about one of the worst villains I've come across? Who did all those things to my characters (yes, they're mine) in AKASL?
Nope, I didn't want to read this at all. I was quite determined not to, in fact. And every piece of information I heard confirmed my views. Yes, sure, I'd like to read a book with Derek in it, and yes it's the SLU and might be important for me to read, BUT.
I think I was probably the last one to hold out against reading the book. I might still have not read it, only I started seeing one or two things about it that made me a little confused. So I did a bit of digging and was eventually persuaded by a friend to just give it a go. (Thanks for not making Lever sound like a hero, because then I'd never have read it ;))
So I gave it a go. Rather skeptically at first, and fully prepared not to like it. But then for a long long time, all I could say was wow. And when I finished it, all I could say was wow. Because... Wow. Smoke Screen did not meet my expectations of what it would be like. Not at all.
Now, before I go one step further I want to categorically state that as far as my opinion of Lever goes, it is completely unchanged by this book. I do not understand how anyone can actually like him, and quite frankly he's still the most awful, terrible, horrible villain imaginable. BUT. There lies the whole point. You're not made to like him. You're not made to change your opinion of him. Smoke Screen, while revealing much about his past that makes you understand just how much he went through before he became what he is, doesn't make his crimes seem any less.
I admit, the main reason I didn't want to read it is because I didn't want to get into Lever's head. I expected the book to try and excuse what he's done, at least to a small extent, by bringing up the things in his past. But on both accounts, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it was an alternative POV between Derek and Lever. But somehow it did feel as if we had more from Derek's perspective - which is quite all right with me. Even if it was about equal, you never really got inside Lever's head. You saw things from his POV, but it was written in such a way you were often still not entirely sure what he was even thinking, truly. I found myself perfectly able to read his POV chapters with the same critical, unclouded eye as Derek's. I was very pleased about that.
Then, it never excused what he did, like I said. I expected at the very least to be made to feel sorry for him, and think he wasn't so very bad at heart...well, even that I didn't really. (There were times I felt a bit sorry for him, I admit. But it was more in a "What a pity he had to be like he is" way, rather than a "he's not so bad and should go free" (certainly not!) way.)
It is true, my understanding and picture of Lever DID change. But that's not the same as opinion of him or liking of him. I just realised that some of the things I had thought about him weren't exactly true. So yes, in that way I suppose he wasn't as bad as I thought from AKASL, for the simple fact that he didn't do the things I thought he did. But that's not saying that he wasn't quite bad enough.
So, as far as my objections to the story went, they weren't realised, which I was glad about. If they had been, I would have DNFd right then. There's no need to make this villain or any villain seem better than he is. But this, I am glad to report, the author did not do.
So, what did I actually think of the book in the end?
Well...rather to my surprise, I loved it. Really, really loved it. However bad Lever is, his book is... wow. I honestly think it's one of the author's best. Derek - I just loved Derek. (And I absolutely loved the references to a certain other series. When I realised Derek has no idea who Lever actually is, I was double interested to see where this would lead.) But wow - as an MC, I loved Derek. I can't say he came close to rivalling Winfield or someone like that, but I loved him. And he was the perfect person to take Lever in hand. Megan, too. She was so sweet and brave and caring...wow. Ariel was sweet, and Lever's interactions with her were amusing.
As for the side characters - I mostly liked them. Sam. Poor Sam. He was such a brave guy, I just loved him so much. Reed was awful but somehow I feel there's more to that story that I'm missing... Bates was good and the twist in his story was... WOW. Oh! And a Certain Other Person who I'd rather hoped to never see again made an unexpected addition to the story.
The story has the usual mixture of suspenseful, hilarious, and sweet and heartwarming as all the author's books generally do, but somehow in even more intensity. That climax scene was...wow. I was sitting on the edge of my seat. There were some great lines and moments that made me laugh out loud. And most of all, it was so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I was deeply invested in the story even though I tried not to be. That dinner scene with Megan's parents...wow. That was just so so good. And most of the last section of the book I was just blown away by how good it was. I can see what all the hype about this book was about, even if I still don't understand how anyone could possibly like Lever, when the book never makes you feel like you should.
The epilogue was great, although I didn't agree with everything Derek said to him. (Or with some of the other statements in the book, which is mostly the reason I lowered my rating to 4.5 stars.) But it was still heartbreaking. As far as that goes, you can feel sorry for Lever while not allowing that to cloud your judgement of him. But he isn't really the person depicted in AKASL anymore... Or at least, Lee's incomplete knowledge of him made him seem different to who he actually is. But especially in light of what happened in the last couple chapters... He's changing, that's for certain.
Speaking of Lee, I wanted to mention one other point. Firstly, Lever DOES NOT compare to Lee and never could. Or to Gregory - even less, perhaps. It would be a mistake to compare them. In fact, reading this made me want to reread AKASL just to remember how much I love Lee and how totally different and better he is than Lever. But at the same time, SS very much struck me as almost the mirror image of Phantom Thief...so much in it compared to that (the opening scene, the team members, the uncertainty about who to trust, etc). I'll even go as far to say Lever reminded me of Lee, or a far far worse version of him. But I must say, that undertone of comparison between the two books and between the two characters struck me as being brilliantly well done. I can't really go into it for fear of spoilers to AKASL, but that really did appeal to me.
In conclusion - yes, Lever should have got the death sentence straight off. No, I do not like Lever one bit. No, I don't know how the rest of the series will turn out and no, I'm probably never going to change my opinion of him. No, he doesn't compare to Lee. Yes, he is a terrible person who I feel no obligation to sympathise with. No, I still do not see any reason for all the hype over him. Him, not his book. Because Smoke Screen is one amazing book. I've heard it described as powerful, and that's just what it is. I couldn't call it one of my favourites, not with all the other ones out there in the SLU, but I think I can definitely call it one of the best in many ways. I'm glad I read it, and I'll read the others. And the only word I can really find to describe it is just...
Wow.
***
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
December 2, 2022
I'M IN LOVE. I must admit (to all the Lee fans who will be after me for this)... I read this before a single AKA Simon Lee book. Yay me. But I'm finally seeing how the different series and books play together. And I adore Lever. In such a weird way haha. He's so sarcastic and fun, but so wounded... Seriously, I believed it before he wrote all the negative words on his arm, but then that just resonated with me and provided Derek with a chance at speaking to that pain. I love them all. Except not all the agents, of course.
I'm so ready for the next one when it comes out! And ready to go catch up on the other books now... :)
I'm so ready for the next one when it comes out! And ready to go catch up on the other books now... :)
February 19, 2022
I don't even know what to write in this review other than... Wow.
If you asked me what I thought of Lever two months ago, I would probably say exactly what I thought of him and that would probably include some not so nice things.
But, after reading Smoke Screen, after seeing things from his perspective, I may have changed my mind.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book.
I found myself forgetting where I was and forgetting that the characters in this story were, well, characters, not real people.
And (I can't believe I'm actually saying this) I found myself getting attached to Lever.
Even the worst of people, can become good when they find the love of God.
If you asked me what I thought of Lever two months ago, I would probably say exactly what I thought of him and that would probably include some not so nice things.
But, after reading Smoke Screen, after seeing things from his perspective, I may have changed my mind.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book.
I found myself forgetting where I was and forgetting that the characters in this story were, well, characters, not real people.
And (I can't believe I'm actually saying this) I found myself getting attached to Lever.
Even the worst of people, can become good when they find the love of God.
November 21, 2023
Smokescreen is as good inside as it's cover on the outside.
I've never actually liked Lever from the books prior to this one. He was a cruel, double-crossing criminal in my opinion. But it’s not every day that you get to take a peek int the life of a criminal. One never knows how much pain and hurt is disguised behind a tough act. P.D. Atkerson weaves a story fit for any teen or adult to binge read for long hours into the night. I enjoyed the amount of description and detail that she stitched into this work of art while still leaving enough room for your imagination to flow. By the end of the story my hardened view of this ‘criminal’ had slightly diminished and I know see what my friends so adamantly proclaimed was an excellent plot, character, and book. P.D Atkerson outdid herself with the makings of Smokescreen. Yet another ‘must read’.
I've never actually liked Lever from the books prior to this one. He was a cruel, double-crossing criminal in my opinion. But it’s not every day that you get to take a peek int the life of a criminal. One never knows how much pain and hurt is disguised behind a tough act. P.D. Atkerson weaves a story fit for any teen or adult to binge read for long hours into the night. I enjoyed the amount of description and detail that she stitched into this work of art while still leaving enough room for your imagination to flow. By the end of the story my hardened view of this ‘criminal’ had slightly diminished and I know see what my friends so adamantly proclaimed was an excellent plot, character, and book. P.D Atkerson outdid herself with the makings of Smokescreen. Yet another ‘must read’.
September 24, 2022
4.5 stars.
After reading all the Simon Lee books, I was excited to get to Lever’s POV. Now, I know there are a lot of people who believe Lever is just plain evil (including my brother), but I’m that crazy person who actually likes the villains sometimes. And SS didn’t disappoint. Getting to see how this insane kid’s gears turn was quite intriguing, to say the least.
As is normal in Atkerson’s writing, it could use a good editor, but the story was good I almost didn’t care. (The “almost” accounts for the half-star I took off).
While I can’t say it’s a complaint, I do have one observation that I’d like to make. Lever, who’s supposed to be this mastermind psychopath who tried to take over the world, didn’t actually seem like, well, the terrorist of the AKA SL books. A guy like Lever’s not exactly the type to change that much after a year locked up, then six days with an FBI agent. The Lever in SS just isn’t the same power-thirsty guy who’d shoot one of his own cronies without blinking an eye. Not like that’s a bad thing, of course—I happen to like Derick enough to be thankful he’s still alive (despite taking a known terrorist into his home).
All in all, very much worth the pain of actually buying one of P.D.'s books. (Getting all the others free was nicer, though 😉).
After reading all the Simon Lee books, I was excited to get to Lever’s POV. Now, I know there are a lot of people who believe Lever is just plain evil (including my brother), but I’m that crazy person who actually likes the villains sometimes. And SS didn’t disappoint. Getting to see how this insane kid’s gears turn was quite intriguing, to say the least.
As is normal in Atkerson’s writing, it could use a good editor, but the story was good I almost didn’t care. (The “almost” accounts for the half-star I took off).
While I can’t say it’s a complaint, I do have one observation that I’d like to make. Lever, who’s supposed to be this mastermind psychopath who tried to take over the world, didn’t actually seem like, well, the terrorist of the AKA SL books. A guy like Lever’s not exactly the type to change that much after a year locked up, then six days with an FBI agent. The Lever in SS just isn’t the same power-thirsty guy who’d shoot one of his own cronies without blinking an eye. Not like that’s a bad thing, of course—I happen to like Derick enough to be thankful he’s still alive (despite taking a known terrorist into his home).
All in all, very much worth the pain of actually buying one of P.D.'s books. (Getting all the others free was nicer, though 😉).
October 12, 2024
Boy! I loved Lever so much….like…how can you NOT fall in love with every MC of PDs?? Though I mean, I kinda had my favorites. 😜 but I love seeing the human side of Lever. In the SL books you only see him as a terrorist who’s inhuman and kills whoever comes on his path. But in here, you see what’s really down deep inside and it makes me want to cry! 😭 😆
Cannot wait to read book two!!!! A billion stars for my review….
Cannot wait to read book two!!!! A billion stars for my review….
June 19, 2024
Wow! This book was so amazing!
February 2, 2023
YES. Just YES. As much YES as can get packed into one book that brings all the feels, all the believability, and all the grace, even if not all the characters are ready to accept it yet. I laughed out loud more than once at the snark, and I hurt as characters made decisions that fit perfectly with their characters even as I wished they would take another option, and I wished I could give out hugs when the right decisions had consequences that, though they didn't outweigh the good, still hurt. Family relationships, especially found family, are the heart and backbone of this story that's dressed up to look like a soft dystopian suspense.
April 10, 2023
My review: 5 out of 5 Stars.
First off, WOW this was amazing. I really enjoy thrillers, but THIS was EPIC. Like, just EPIC.
Characters: Lever, Lever, Lever. The poor boy has gone through so much! The moment I started reading, I thought, “Man, this boy is going to be TROUBLE.” And he was. But, I also loved how he grew throughout the book as well! Usually, I don’t mind smart-aleck characters, but Lever was no exception. I mean, he had every smart remark in the book! Seriously, you could take notes from this guy!
Ariel was SO sweet and Megan was such a supportive wife. But, oh, poor Derek. My heart felt for him whenever he had to put up with Lever. I wouldn’t last a MINUTE with that boy!
Plot/Writing Style: The plot didn't feel very draggy at all, in fact, there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat! As for the style, I enjoyed that very much too. Wasn't too wordy, and the dialogue was well balanced.
My rating is from 0 to 5, 5 being the highest
Language: 0
Violence: 3
Romance: 1
Christian Aspects: 5
Overall, I loved this book and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!
First off, WOW this was amazing. I really enjoy thrillers, but THIS was EPIC. Like, just EPIC.
Characters: Lever, Lever, Lever. The poor boy has gone through so much! The moment I started reading, I thought, “Man, this boy is going to be TROUBLE.” And he was. But, I also loved how he grew throughout the book as well! Usually, I don’t mind smart-aleck characters, but Lever was no exception. I mean, he had every smart remark in the book! Seriously, you could take notes from this guy!
Ariel was SO sweet and Megan was such a supportive wife. But, oh, poor Derek. My heart felt for him whenever he had to put up with Lever. I wouldn’t last a MINUTE with that boy!
Plot/Writing Style: The plot didn't feel very draggy at all, in fact, there were moments where I was on the edge of my seat! As for the style, I enjoyed that very much too. Wasn't too wordy, and the dialogue was well balanced.
My rating is from 0 to 5, 5 being the highest
Language: 0
Violence: 3
Romance: 1
Christian Aspects: 5
Overall, I loved this book and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!
September 14, 2022
😭❤
***
September Reread:
I wouldn't say I can't get enough of this book, because I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be healthy to read this book nonstop, but seriously wow.
I'm looking forward to seeing how P.D. unrolls the story of this much-hated character. I can't believe this one got 5-stars, and I'm sorry to all the Lever-haters out there. While I empathize entirely, and this book fully carries across all of Lever's annoyingness in a way that adequately pushes your buttons, somehow it unravels into the beginning of a beautiful and powerful story. And that's why I had to reread it. And why you need to read it. Even if you hate Lever. 😝
***
September Reread:
I wouldn't say I can't get enough of this book, because I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be healthy to read this book nonstop, but seriously wow.
I'm looking forward to seeing how P.D. unrolls the story of this much-hated character. I can't believe this one got 5-stars, and I'm sorry to all the Lever-haters out there. While I empathize entirely, and this book fully carries across all of Lever's annoyingness in a way that adequately pushes your buttons, somehow it unravels into the beginning of a beautiful and powerful story. And that's why I had to reread it. And why you need to read it. Even if you hate Lever. 😝
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