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Hayley Chill Thriller #2
Savage Road
Hayley Chill descends even deeper into the dangerous political web of Washington, DC, in this thrilling sequel to the “propulsive, page-turning, compelling” (C.J. Box, #1 New York Times bestselling author) national bestseller Deep State.
When a series of devastating cyber attacks rock the United States, Hayley Chill is tasked by the “deeper state” to track down their source. NSA analysts insist that Moscow is the culprit, but that accusation brings plenty of complications with Hayley directing the president as a double agent against the Russians. With increasing pressure on the president to steer him towards a devastating war, it’s up to Hayley to stop the mysterious computer hacker and prevent World War III—while also uncovering some shocking truths about her own life.
Magnificently crafted and perfectly timed, Savage Road is an edge-of-your-seat political thriller ideal for our times.
When a series of devastating cyber attacks rock the United States, Hayley Chill is tasked by the “deeper state” to track down their source. NSA analysts insist that Moscow is the culprit, but that accusation brings plenty of complications with Hayley directing the president as a double agent against the Russians. With increasing pressure on the president to steer him towards a devastating war, it’s up to Hayley to stop the mysterious computer hacker and prevent World War III—while also uncovering some shocking truths about her own life.
Magnificently crafted and perfectly timed, Savage Road is an edge-of-your-seat political thriller ideal for our times.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2021
208 people are currently reading
2029 people want to read
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April 11, 2023
2.5-Stars >> 3.0-Stars
"I Liked It - but I expected to like it a lot more"
Savage Road - Hayley Chill, #2 - Chris Hauty
Audiobook: 10:20 Hours - Narrator: Marin Ireland
The super twist revealed at the end of #1, Deep State, set a standard for the Hayley Chill debut and the least I expected was something similar, if not quite as dramatic, for #2, Savage Road. Nope. The final hour or so just fell into a mess of scattered, implausible events that left me totally perplexed and pissed off. So much for the high expectations I had for this series.
My rating for this book was heading for another 4-Stars: I Really Liked It, until the "denouement", and what a scrambled mess that proved to be! Now I am quite unsure of what rating to give this book*. I will post this review without a rating while I ponder further. In the meantime, I can say that, again, the audiobook narration was very good and benefited from a slight downward change in the pace of delivery by Marin Ireland, compared to #1.
*2.5-Stars
The following dictionary definition and example for "denouement" can serve as my comment on finishing this book:
'The final part of a play, film, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved:' (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary)
"denouement" - example:
"the book's denouement was unsatisfying and ambiguous" - EXACTLY!
From my 'Reading Activity':
March 27, @ 36%: Buying the followup to a successful debut novel can be dodgy. I enjoyed "#1, Deep State" very much and immediately purchased "#2, Savage Road" to see if my first impressions of the main protag, Hayley Chill, have been maintained. Happily, so far it appears they have been :)
March 28, @ 75%: Loving this audiobook! I notice that the narrator is reading a little less breathlessly in #2 compared to #1. In hindsight, this is a good thing, although I still think the #1 narration was most acceptable.
March 29, @ 100%: I settled in last night to listen to the final 2:30 hours of "Savage Road", anticipating an exciting wrap to what had been, until then, an interesting and drama-filled story. What The Eff happened??
"I Liked It - but I expected to like it a lot more"
Savage Road - Hayley Chill, #2 - Chris Hauty
Audiobook: 10:20 Hours - Narrator: Marin Ireland
The super twist revealed at the end of #1, Deep State, set a standard for the Hayley Chill debut and the least I expected was something similar, if not quite as dramatic, for #2, Savage Road. Nope. The final hour or so just fell into a mess of scattered, implausible events that left me totally perplexed and pissed off. So much for the high expectations I had for this series.
My rating for this book was heading for another 4-Stars: I Really Liked It, until the "denouement", and what a scrambled mess that proved to be! Now I am quite unsure of what rating to give this book*. I will post this review without a rating while I ponder further. In the meantime, I can say that, again, the audiobook narration was very good and benefited from a slight downward change in the pace of delivery by Marin Ireland, compared to #1.
*2.5-Stars
The following dictionary definition and example for "denouement" can serve as my comment on finishing this book:
'The final part of a play, film, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved:' (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary)
"denouement" - example:
"the book's denouement was unsatisfying and ambiguous" - EXACTLY!
From my 'Reading Activity':
March 27, @ 36%: Buying the followup to a successful debut novel can be dodgy. I enjoyed "#1, Deep State" very much and immediately purchased "#2, Savage Road" to see if my first impressions of the main protag, Hayley Chill, have been maintained. Happily, so far it appears they have been :)
March 28, @ 75%: Loving this audiobook! I notice that the narrator is reading a little less breathlessly in #2 compared to #1. In hindsight, this is a good thing, although I still think the #1 narration was most acceptable.
March 29, @ 100%: I settled in last night to listen to the final 2:30 hours of "Savage Road", anticipating an exciting wrap to what had been, until then, an interesting and drama-filled story. What The Eff happened??
June 4, 2023
I found this an okay story and worthwhile listen. 5 of 10 stars
April 3, 2023
Chris Hauty is back with the second in his Hayley Chill political thrillers. Gripping and captivating, it explores the deep state and all that plays into that premise. Hauty provides the reader with a great story that packs a punch as it tackles issues torn from the headlines. While slow and clunky at times, Hauty provides some intense writing and thought-provoking plots worth analysis by the attentive reader.
Hayley Chill is in a unique situation within the White House. The Chief of Staff to a powerful member of the President of the United States’ team, Hayley has an in with whatever is going on. She’s also employed by the ‘Deeper State’ to keep an eye on all things taking place within the Oval Office. Thankfully, she has POTUS on her radar, a man who was placed in the role by the Russians but whom Hayley is turning to America’s favour. Still, it is a precarious position and requires the utmost secrecy.
As if her day were not busy enough, a series of cyber attacks are causing havoc across the US. Hayley his tasked by the ‘Deeper Stse’ to find out who is behind them and have it neutralised. Many feel that it is the Russians, flexing their muscle in the eye of another clash between superpowers. Knowing that, Hayley will have to be careful as she works the double-agent POTUS to garner intel. The Russians are not sitting idly by as accusations are tossed in their direction.
Hayley will have to work all angles to ensure that she is not taking the country down a rabbit hole, with World War III looming. She has to get POTUS to make a move, but one that will not upset either side and still provide needed information to bring own a hacker. There is no time for games or silliness, but Hayley Chill is never one to dawdle. In the midst of trying to save her country, Hayley is forced to look inside herself as things in her own sphere change drastically and the truth she was sure she knew about her family comes tumbling down. One move changes everything and leaves the plan in tatters! Hauty provides some great development in this piece, sure to keep the reader hooked until the final pages.
Stories of this nature are surely not dreamed up in a void. While there are some interesting parallels to what could have been taking place not too long ago, Chris Hauty is sure to create some strong fictional elements to keep his piece on point. There are moments of greatness within the narrative, as it weaves from one topic to the next. The reader can see how things are developing while also feeling that the piece is on solid ground. The characters are well positioned to provide the best impact within the story, some with strong backstories and others who are simply there to transition from one topic to the next. Hauty does well to keep things moving along, as the pilot twists are also quite abrupt and keep the narrative from getting too drab. I can only hope that there will be more to build upon as Chris Hauty left some great sprinkles within this piece in the form of a strong cliffhanger. A great political thriller that has me wanting more before I move onto another great story.
Kudos, Mr. Hauty, for this strong second novel, which has all the elements of a well-crafted piece of political gold.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Hayley Chill is in a unique situation within the White House. The Chief of Staff to a powerful member of the President of the United States’ team, Hayley has an in with whatever is going on. She’s also employed by the ‘Deeper State’ to keep an eye on all things taking place within the Oval Office. Thankfully, she has POTUS on her radar, a man who was placed in the role by the Russians but whom Hayley is turning to America’s favour. Still, it is a precarious position and requires the utmost secrecy.
As if her day were not busy enough, a series of cyber attacks are causing havoc across the US. Hayley his tasked by the ‘Deeper Stse’ to find out who is behind them and have it neutralised. Many feel that it is the Russians, flexing their muscle in the eye of another clash between superpowers. Knowing that, Hayley will have to be careful as she works the double-agent POTUS to garner intel. The Russians are not sitting idly by as accusations are tossed in their direction.
Hayley will have to work all angles to ensure that she is not taking the country down a rabbit hole, with World War III looming. She has to get POTUS to make a move, but one that will not upset either side and still provide needed information to bring own a hacker. There is no time for games or silliness, but Hayley Chill is never one to dawdle. In the midst of trying to save her country, Hayley is forced to look inside herself as things in her own sphere change drastically and the truth she was sure she knew about her family comes tumbling down. One move changes everything and leaves the plan in tatters! Hauty provides some great development in this piece, sure to keep the reader hooked until the final pages.
Stories of this nature are surely not dreamed up in a void. While there are some interesting parallels to what could have been taking place not too long ago, Chris Hauty is sure to create some strong fictional elements to keep his piece on point. There are moments of greatness within the narrative, as it weaves from one topic to the next. The reader can see how things are developing while also feeling that the piece is on solid ground. The characters are well positioned to provide the best impact within the story, some with strong backstories and others who are simply there to transition from one topic to the next. Hauty does well to keep things moving along, as the pilot twists are also quite abrupt and keep the narrative from getting too drab. I can only hope that there will be more to build upon as Chris Hauty left some great sprinkles within this piece in the form of a strong cliffhanger. A great political thriller that has me wanting more before I move onto another great story.
Kudos, Mr. Hauty, for this strong second novel, which has all the elements of a well-crafted piece of political gold.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 15, 2020
Savage Road
"What!?", "Wow!", "Oh sh*t!" are all words I uttered out loud as I was reading SAVAGE ROAD.
As if channeling his ruthlessly effective protagonist, author Chris Hauty took one look at the 2nd Book Slump cliché and destroyed it with a barrage of lightning fast pacing, emotional body blows, and plot twists that might as well jump off the page and slap you across the face.
In SAVAGE ROAD, Hayley Chill is torn between her instincts to help unravel a series of increasingly dangerous cyber attacks and her unwavering dedication to her nearly impossible duties as a "Deeper State" agent as the U.S. barrels full steam towards all out war. When she discovers new information regarding the defining event in her life, she is forced to question everything and decide who she really is.
I have to admit I was unsure if Hauty could duplicate the insanely high level of suspense and surprise of his first novel Deep State. So many authors who have dynamic debuts fail to live up to the hype on the second book. Well... this is not one of those times. As an avid reader of thrillers and mysteries, I pride myself on having a pretty solid idea of where a book may be headed. Chris manages to throw in plot twist after plot twist that had me second guessing my every assumption.
I had said in November of 2019 (when I was lucky enough to receive an ARC) that DEEP STATE would be one of the best books of 2020. I have it currently ranked in my top 3. I have recommended DEEP STATE more than any book in 2020. I see no reason not to make another bold statement and say that SAVAGE ROAD will be vying for #1 thriller of 2021.
I honestly wish I could say more, but I want each and every fan of the thriller genre to enjoy this book the same way I did... going in blind and holding on for the ride.
*P.S. I also want to publicly comment on how much I love the way Chris builds out the future paths of seemingly inconsequential characters. I love this unique bit of story development in his books.
"What!?", "Wow!", "Oh sh*t!" are all words I uttered out loud as I was reading SAVAGE ROAD.
As if channeling his ruthlessly effective protagonist, author Chris Hauty took one look at the 2nd Book Slump cliché and destroyed it with a barrage of lightning fast pacing, emotional body blows, and plot twists that might as well jump off the page and slap you across the face.
In SAVAGE ROAD, Hayley Chill is torn between her instincts to help unravel a series of increasingly dangerous cyber attacks and her unwavering dedication to her nearly impossible duties as a "Deeper State" agent as the U.S. barrels full steam towards all out war. When she discovers new information regarding the defining event in her life, she is forced to question everything and decide who she really is.
I have to admit I was unsure if Hauty could duplicate the insanely high level of suspense and surprise of his first novel Deep State. So many authors who have dynamic debuts fail to live up to the hype on the second book. Well... this is not one of those times. As an avid reader of thrillers and mysteries, I pride myself on having a pretty solid idea of where a book may be headed. Chris manages to throw in plot twist after plot twist that had me second guessing my every assumption.
I had said in November of 2019 (when I was lucky enough to receive an ARC) that DEEP STATE would be one of the best books of 2020. I have it currently ranked in my top 3. I have recommended DEEP STATE more than any book in 2020. I see no reason not to make another bold statement and say that SAVAGE ROAD will be vying for #1 thriller of 2021.
I honestly wish I could say more, but I want each and every fan of the thriller genre to enjoy this book the same way I did... going in blind and holding on for the ride.
*P.S. I also want to publicly comment on how much I love the way Chris builds out the future paths of seemingly inconsequential characters. I love this unique bit of story development in his books.
December 8, 2020
Savage Road is a well-planned and well-executed conspiracy thriller with copious amounts of shocking and game-changing twists at every plot turn. A worthy successor to Deep State, Savage Road will keep you hooked onto the book with the riveting plot, exciting espionage, unpredictable game-changing twists, intriguing characters with shadowy agendas, and a protagonist who’s equally as smart as she is badass!
Savage Road is the story of modern day warfare. A war not fought among clearly stated nations with nuclear weapons and other conventional weapons, but among shadowy entities with a greater weapon; computer code. Coding and programming play vital roles in this narrative, as the antagonist wrecks havoc on American lives through smartly written and dangerously executed computer code, made possible due to shocking and scary vulnerabilities in public utilities.
Hayley Chill is now working as a full time staffer at White House, secretly managing the Russian mole she turned as an asset against the Russians, the President of the United States. As the string of computer exploits bring about deaths and destructions with no clear attribution but lots of heated debates pointing fingers to Russia, it’s up to Hayley Chill and her fellow Deeper State operative, April Wu, to find the hacker and put an end to his shenanigans before the next unthinkable act occurs. The copious amounts of unpredictable and excellently jaw-dropping twists and turns are second to none.
While the narrative isn’t exactly action packed, the author still showcases Hayley Chill’s readiness towards violence in a showcase of after effects of Chill’s brutal antics. There is one badass hand to hand combat sequence where Chill takes on a Cuban operative, only armed with a fist full of keys utilized in fashion that will make the action fans and fanatics giddy.
Hayley Chill continues to shine as a strong, independent character whose emotional vulnerabilities and demons are explored, especially when she has a personal and unresolved trauma from her past in this storyline. Her cool under fire, and calm demeanor are ever present, but so is the rage bubbling underneath her calm façade. It’s a fascinating perspective that is a treat for the readers. Her banter with April Wu, her Deeper State somewhat reluctant peer, is a great one, with lots of witty exchanges and some profound emotional growth in the relationship between the two characters. I would definitely love to see more of April Wu in the future.
Savage Road is an unpredictable, fast-paced, character and plot driven thriller with lots of computer science and computer engineering tidbits that have been researched thoroughly enough to make a computer science undergrad like me relate to the programming aspects and the vulnerabilities of the systems. The what if scenarios brought to life in the events of the book are hauntingly eerie to imagine, and reaffirm the need to have people like Hayley Chill watching out for us. Hayley Chill is here to stay for good. A must-read thriller, with a hopeful positive aftermath of COVID to lift our spirits up.
Savage Road is the story of modern day warfare. A war not fought among clearly stated nations with nuclear weapons and other conventional weapons, but among shadowy entities with a greater weapon; computer code. Coding and programming play vital roles in this narrative, as the antagonist wrecks havoc on American lives through smartly written and dangerously executed computer code, made possible due to shocking and scary vulnerabilities in public utilities.
Hayley Chill is now working as a full time staffer at White House, secretly managing the Russian mole she turned as an asset against the Russians, the President of the United States. As the string of computer exploits bring about deaths and destructions with no clear attribution but lots of heated debates pointing fingers to Russia, it’s up to Hayley Chill and her fellow Deeper State operative, April Wu, to find the hacker and put an end to his shenanigans before the next unthinkable act occurs. The copious amounts of unpredictable and excellently jaw-dropping twists and turns are second to none.
While the narrative isn’t exactly action packed, the author still showcases Hayley Chill’s readiness towards violence in a showcase of after effects of Chill’s brutal antics. There is one badass hand to hand combat sequence where Chill takes on a Cuban operative, only armed with a fist full of keys utilized in fashion that will make the action fans and fanatics giddy.
Hayley Chill continues to shine as a strong, independent character whose emotional vulnerabilities and demons are explored, especially when she has a personal and unresolved trauma from her past in this storyline. Her cool under fire, and calm demeanor are ever present, but so is the rage bubbling underneath her calm façade. It’s a fascinating perspective that is a treat for the readers. Her banter with April Wu, her Deeper State somewhat reluctant peer, is a great one, with lots of witty exchanges and some profound emotional growth in the relationship between the two characters. I would definitely love to see more of April Wu in the future.
Savage Road is an unpredictable, fast-paced, character and plot driven thriller with lots of computer science and computer engineering tidbits that have been researched thoroughly enough to make a computer science undergrad like me relate to the programming aspects and the vulnerabilities of the systems. The what if scenarios brought to life in the events of the book are hauntingly eerie to imagine, and reaffirm the need to have people like Hayley Chill watching out for us. Hayley Chill is here to stay for good. A must-read thriller, with a hopeful positive aftermath of COVID to lift our spirits up.
December 21, 2020
Hayley Chill is ferocious, brilliant, and her powder blue eyes will leave you stunned!
Oh my word! This follow up to the amazing debut Deep State by Chris Hauty is even better. I know, people say it, but this is another head turning, mind blowing thrill ride that is so much fun to read! Chill is what I picture an All American girl doing great things for her country looking like. West Virginia born and bred, serves her country in the Army after losing her father overseas in the endless wars but is dedicated to ensuring that America is safe.
I know, I know. Reviewers say it all the time, “amazing detail, great content, couldn’t put it down.” But what if you pictured yourself, as a camera man, off to the side of the filming of a movie, watching the actors unfold the script your tasked with recording??? I’m serious, Chris Hauty has written an amazingly fun, terrifying (if it were to come true), and enjoyable story. I hate giving spoilers away so I won’t, but Hayley has some serious drive and manipulative ability with her realm of work.
You also like learning about familial history and why people do the things they do? Well that’s in here too... something makes you question why our government operates the way it does!!!
5 ⭐️ all day long!!
Oh my word! This follow up to the amazing debut Deep State by Chris Hauty is even better. I know, people say it, but this is another head turning, mind blowing thrill ride that is so much fun to read! Chill is what I picture an All American girl doing great things for her country looking like. West Virginia born and bred, serves her country in the Army after losing her father overseas in the endless wars but is dedicated to ensuring that America is safe.
I know, I know. Reviewers say it all the time, “amazing detail, great content, couldn’t put it down.” But what if you pictured yourself, as a camera man, off to the side of the filming of a movie, watching the actors unfold the script your tasked with recording??? I’m serious, Chris Hauty has written an amazingly fun, terrifying (if it were to come true), and enjoyable story. I hate giving spoilers away so I won’t, but Hayley has some serious drive and manipulative ability with her realm of work.
You also like learning about familial history and why people do the things they do? Well that’s in here too... something makes you question why our government operates the way it does!!!
5 ⭐️ all day long!!
November 25, 2020
I was blessed to be gifted an ARC for Chris Hauty’s SAVAGE ROAD, the follow up to his premiere DEEP STATE,turning the thriller genre on end with its introduction of a new heroine protagonist,Hayley Chill. This magnificent creation has the staying power for another 20 novels to come. Hauty has created a persona with a myriad of assets,ranging from a highly focused analytical mind, an eidetic memory,a soldier capable of killing with her bare hands, and one with the determination and grit to complete the mission at any costs. Personal or otherwise.
Hauty has a gift for creating plot twists unforeseen and unpredictable. I believe this will be an identifiable trait of Chris Hauty’s future endeavors. How do you outdo yourself when you’ve created the most perverse and shocking twist ever found in the modern thriller novel? The turning of a treasonous United States President. I was skeptical of the author’s ability to do so, but he was successful beyond my wildest dreams.
Hayley Chill is introduced as Chief of Staff to Senior Presidential Advisor, Kyle Rodgers,some 20 months after joining White House staff as a summer intern. Her extraordinary ability at organization and dedication to assignment detail and completion gets her noticed by senior staff as an integral part of White House support staff. Her rescuing of the President, Richard Monroe, from an assassination attempt further ingratiated Hayley into the inner sanctum.
Hayley Chill possesses a secret few are aware of. She is a Deep State asset, answerable to Publius, composed of former presidents, top national security officers representing all the agencies, a shadow overlord of the world’s most powerful nation. Hayley,as former military, was selected for her unique talents of an eidetic memory with copious attention to detail and organization, the ability to kill with her bare hands if need be, with non-swerving focus on the given mission, to serve as overseer of a treasonous president, a Russian mole,in feeding misinformation back to his Russian counterparts.
A more ominous threat however has reared its dangerous and ugly head. A possible cyberwar. A series of cyber orchestrated attacks has begun, origin undetermined. A subtle power struggle has begun between two senior national security agency leaders who are jockeying for predominant position in the president’s cabinet, with the prize, the overseeing of all administration decisions and operations regarding cyber security. Washington DC is not the kind of town where you would turn your back to a possible enemy or a psychopath. Each are deadly.
These attacks seem to roll, one right after the other;the computer systems of the nation’s leading newspapers are sabotaged. A subway train derailment follows next, then a takedown of the east coast energy hub supplying electricity to major cities, including Washington, DC.
The White House response to all this? Pandemonium. It seems that hubris and greed for power has taken a step too far. A recommended rule of thumb from her deceased former mentor,TRUST NO ONE, becomes Hayley’s mantra. Hayley finds herself ensnared in power plays. She realizes she may be the only individual who can properly identify the perpetrator of all this. She begins her hunt for the suspected culprit. Treason seems to be the predominant theme of this novel.
Eidetic memory can be a real pain at times. It doesn’t allow you to forget anything. My brother had one. It lets you forget nothing though it may take time to sift up, to unbury the thought or mental picture that nags at you. It finally percolates up, the missing piece, the link. Hayley is locked and loaded, on a search for the treasonous terrorist,with a former training acquaintance joining forces to track down and stop the culprit on a personal cyber jihad.
Hauty introduces an intensity, found in subplots, through the intertwining of it with the main storyline.You soon realize there are multiple layers of treason, betrayal, playing out before you. Some personal,some professional. Everyone assumes the obvious, the Russians have reinitiated the Cold War. Hayley doesn’t. She begins to overturn every rock in her search for answers and to unearth the terrorist in a life or death showdown. It shows that in life, perseverance pays off, and the irony of Karma can be a bitch.
This is a tale of political machinations, Machiavellian power plays, fights to the death, assassinations, poetic justice, and hero betrayal which I suspect opens the door to book three. Hauty reiterates briefly the origins of Hayley Chill that led her to a path to DC. He introduces in depth those events that have shaped her thoughts and actions for the past 27 years, and how in a blink of an eye, are all shattered. The past does indeed shape the future.
Chris Hauty has brought a new level of intrigue and espionage to the table of political thrillers. As fans and readers,we are accustomed to the more nuanced role played by political figures. Hauty turns this on end with an accurate assessment of the foibles, motivation and drive of Washingtonian power players. His introduction of multiple twists in the story, which reveal astonishing secrets, and unsuspected endings seem to be the earmarks of his novels. SAVAGE ROAD has truly established and cemented Chris Hauty as the hottest new player in the thriller world through the creation of stunning plots, and equally stunning protagonists. Thriller fans can’t miss reading this novel. It sets the stage for the 2021 THRILLER OF THE YEAR.
Hauty has a gift for creating plot twists unforeseen and unpredictable. I believe this will be an identifiable trait of Chris Hauty’s future endeavors. How do you outdo yourself when you’ve created the most perverse and shocking twist ever found in the modern thriller novel? The turning of a treasonous United States President. I was skeptical of the author’s ability to do so, but he was successful beyond my wildest dreams.
Hayley Chill is introduced as Chief of Staff to Senior Presidential Advisor, Kyle Rodgers,some 20 months after joining White House staff as a summer intern. Her extraordinary ability at organization and dedication to assignment detail and completion gets her noticed by senior staff as an integral part of White House support staff. Her rescuing of the President, Richard Monroe, from an assassination attempt further ingratiated Hayley into the inner sanctum.
Hayley Chill possesses a secret few are aware of. She is a Deep State asset, answerable to Publius, composed of former presidents, top national security officers representing all the agencies, a shadow overlord of the world’s most powerful nation. Hayley,as former military, was selected for her unique talents of an eidetic memory with copious attention to detail and organization, the ability to kill with her bare hands if need be, with non-swerving focus on the given mission, to serve as overseer of a treasonous president, a Russian mole,in feeding misinformation back to his Russian counterparts.
A more ominous threat however has reared its dangerous and ugly head. A possible cyberwar. A series of cyber orchestrated attacks has begun, origin undetermined. A subtle power struggle has begun between two senior national security agency leaders who are jockeying for predominant position in the president’s cabinet, with the prize, the overseeing of all administration decisions and operations regarding cyber security. Washington DC is not the kind of town where you would turn your back to a possible enemy or a psychopath. Each are deadly.
These attacks seem to roll, one right after the other;the computer systems of the nation’s leading newspapers are sabotaged. A subway train derailment follows next, then a takedown of the east coast energy hub supplying electricity to major cities, including Washington, DC.
The White House response to all this? Pandemonium. It seems that hubris and greed for power has taken a step too far. A recommended rule of thumb from her deceased former mentor,TRUST NO ONE, becomes Hayley’s mantra. Hayley finds herself ensnared in power plays. She realizes she may be the only individual who can properly identify the perpetrator of all this. She begins her hunt for the suspected culprit. Treason seems to be the predominant theme of this novel.
Eidetic memory can be a real pain at times. It doesn’t allow you to forget anything. My brother had one. It lets you forget nothing though it may take time to sift up, to unbury the thought or mental picture that nags at you. It finally percolates up, the missing piece, the link. Hayley is locked and loaded, on a search for the treasonous terrorist,with a former training acquaintance joining forces to track down and stop the culprit on a personal cyber jihad.
Hauty introduces an intensity, found in subplots, through the intertwining of it with the main storyline.You soon realize there are multiple layers of treason, betrayal, playing out before you. Some personal,some professional. Everyone assumes the obvious, the Russians have reinitiated the Cold War. Hayley doesn’t. She begins to overturn every rock in her search for answers and to unearth the terrorist in a life or death showdown. It shows that in life, perseverance pays off, and the irony of Karma can be a bitch.
This is a tale of political machinations, Machiavellian power plays, fights to the death, assassinations, poetic justice, and hero betrayal which I suspect opens the door to book three. Hauty reiterates briefly the origins of Hayley Chill that led her to a path to DC. He introduces in depth those events that have shaped her thoughts and actions for the past 27 years, and how in a blink of an eye, are all shattered. The past does indeed shape the future.
Chris Hauty has brought a new level of intrigue and espionage to the table of political thrillers. As fans and readers,we are accustomed to the more nuanced role played by political figures. Hauty turns this on end with an accurate assessment of the foibles, motivation and drive of Washingtonian power players. His introduction of multiple twists in the story, which reveal astonishing secrets, and unsuspected endings seem to be the earmarks of his novels. SAVAGE ROAD has truly established and cemented Chris Hauty as the hottest new player in the thriller world through the creation of stunning plots, and equally stunning protagonists. Thriller fans can’t miss reading this novel. It sets the stage for the 2021 THRILLER OF THE YEAR.
August 7, 2021
Saving Estonia Again
Review of the Simon & Schuster Audio audiobook edition (January 5, 2021)
First off the bat, it is key to know that Savage Road is a spoiler for the dramatic reveal towards the end of Deep State (2020), so definitely do not start the Hayley Chill series with Book #2.
Again, I have some personal bias here with my Estonian heritage and again the small Baltic nation is used as a straw dog here to be supposedly attacked by a sabre-rattling Russia. This time it is a cyber-attack but the attackers are also striking at American utilities. The U.S. government thinks that Russia is behind it all and prepares for an all out cyber war. Agent Hayley Chill again has to work behind the scenes to uncover the real plotters, but this time she has assistance from one of her fellow agent recruits who was introduced towards the end of Deep State.
Author Chris Hauty does another excellent job in keeping the action moving and the reader guessing as to who are the villains and who are the allies in this 2nd outing. And yes, Estonia is saved again!
The narration by Marin Ireland was excellent in all voices in this audiobook edition.
Trivia and Links
Hayley Chill will return in Storm Rising (expected 2022).
Review of the Simon & Schuster Audio audiobook edition (January 5, 2021)
First off the bat, it is key to know that Savage Road is a spoiler for the dramatic reveal towards the end of Deep State (2020), so definitely do not start the Hayley Chill series with Book #2.
Again, I have some personal bias here with my Estonian heritage and again the small Baltic nation is used as a straw dog here to be supposedly attacked by a sabre-rattling Russia. This time it is a cyber-attack but the attackers are also striking at American utilities. The U.S. government thinks that Russia is behind it all and prepares for an all out cyber war. Agent Hayley Chill again has to work behind the scenes to uncover the real plotters, but this time she has assistance from one of her fellow agent recruits who was introduced towards the end of Deep State.
Author Chris Hauty does another excellent job in keeping the action moving and the reader guessing as to who are the villains and who are the allies in this 2nd outing. And yes, Estonia is saved again!
The narration by Marin Ireland was excellent in all voices in this audiobook edition.
Trivia and Links
Hayley Chill will return in Storm Rising (expected 2022).
March 20, 2021
This espionage thriller has quite a number of strands running through it. From Haley Chill running a double agent, as well as trying to apprehend a computer hacking terrorist and discover the circumstances surrounding her father's death.
You can tell the author, Chris Hauty is a screenwriter the way he writes scenes in the book, fast paced and to the point.
However I found it tiresome when having introduced a minor character he then goes on to describe how that character would fare in the future from graduating medical school to winning the lottery to dying of a heart attack.
Another minor point, you would think a terrorist in Washington who didn't want to stand out from the crowd would refrain from wearing a red Manchester United football shirt. Not so unusual in the UK but he would draw attention to himself in America.
The ending was unexpected but Haley's reaction didn't ring true.
And then as an afterthought we have the final chapter from the author and I could not work out why he included it. It was as if he just wanted to write some more.
You can tell the author, Chris Hauty is a screenwriter the way he writes scenes in the book, fast paced and to the point.
However I found it tiresome when having introduced a minor character he then goes on to describe how that character would fare in the future from graduating medical school to winning the lottery to dying of a heart attack.
Another minor point, you would think a terrorist in Washington who didn't want to stand out from the crowd would refrain from wearing a red Manchester United football shirt. Not so unusual in the UK but he would draw attention to himself in America.
The ending was unexpected but Haley's reaction didn't ring true.
And then as an afterthought we have the final chapter from the author and I could not work out why he included it. It was as if he just wanted to write some more.
May 12, 2022
Excellent read. Part 2 was even better than 1. Haley Chili’s a new breed of thriller character. This story is as fascinating as it is frightening. It feels too real, too plausible. Especially where we are today. Can’t wait for number 3. I wonder where Hauty will take her next.
October 18, 2020
I'm always a little nervous about an author's second novel, especially when the debut novel is so superb. However, Chris Hauty crushed his second novel, SAVAGE ROAD, after a phenomenal first book of the series, DEEP STATE.
The debut novel blew me away, and I didn't think it would be possible for Hauty to write as good of a follow-up. But wow, did he ever! This novel is packed with action and mystery, and Hayley Chill is a dynamic, interesting, intriguing, and badass protagonist. As with the first novel, this book weaves through many twists and turns, and we get to see Chill develop tremendously.
I felt that this book delved deeply into Chill's personality, showing pieces of her past that really assist in rounding her out as a character. She is arguably the most lethal and brilliant character, let alone females, in the thriller genre.
This is a fantastic thriller, and if you haven't, make sure you read the debut as well! These are two great novels that you won't want to miss!
The debut novel blew me away, and I didn't think it would be possible for Hauty to write as good of a follow-up. But wow, did he ever! This novel is packed with action and mystery, and Hayley Chill is a dynamic, interesting, intriguing, and badass protagonist. As with the first novel, this book weaves through many twists and turns, and we get to see Chill develop tremendously.
I felt that this book delved deeply into Chill's personality, showing pieces of her past that really assist in rounding her out as a character. She is arguably the most lethal and brilliant character, let alone females, in the thriller genre.
This is a fantastic thriller, and if you haven't, make sure you read the debut as well! These are two great novels that you won't want to miss!
November 10, 2020
I won this book on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review - and I feel horrible for saying I didn't like it! However, you asked for honesty, so here it is. Mr. Hauty is a screenwriter, and this book is more like a screenplay than a novel. I'm still not clear on just what the main plot was - cyber attacks? Russian moles? The main character's father? It was all just thrown out there, with no clear ties between one thing and another. I didn't like the main character; she may have been haunted by past ghosts but her past was too garbled to figure out. ( And really, an eight-year-old sneaking into a funeral home, opening a casket, and viewing body bags of remains? Just couldn't buy it.) What bothered me most of all was Hauty's writing in the present tense. Don't do that. It doesn't work. The plot had potential; it wasn't delivered.
June 25, 2021
The job of President of the United States is extremely stressful. The added unsolicited positions of Russian mole and US double agent should drive the man crazy. Then the author adds a series of cyber attacks that NSA believes are Russian backed. An interesting if unbelievable premise for Savage Road.
I haven't read the previous Hayley Chill novel. This one kept me reading, but diverged off the plot a lot, giving full background on minor characters and even futures for people with no real impact on the story. Haley Chill is a rather boring personality. She is supposedly brilliant, but doesn't come across that way. She also has huge mood swings from very calm and controlled to out-of-control anger, which the villain uses to easily manipulate her and send her off track.
The chapter at the end from Haley's childhood didn't do anything for the story.
I haven't read the previous Hayley Chill novel. This one kept me reading, but diverged off the plot a lot, giving full background on minor characters and even futures for people with no real impact on the story. Haley Chill is a rather boring personality. She is supposedly brilliant, but doesn't come across that way. She also has huge mood swings from very calm and controlled to out-of-control anger, which the villain uses to easily manipulate her and send her off track.
The chapter at the end from Haley's childhood didn't do anything for the story.
January 26, 2021
I was lucky to win an ARC of Savage Road from Chris Hauty in December. I was drooling (literally) watching all the ARC's going out in October and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one! Deep State (his first in this series) left me wanting more and I couldn't wait to see where this book would go. Savage Road, the name alone, was a big Red Flashing Alert for me. Having worked for the government (the NSA) for nearly 20 years and half of that at Ft Meade or as Chris puts it “Savage Road” I couldn’t wait to see what he devised this time.
So as a former NSA Computer Scientist Chris “had me at hello” with the name of the book and knowing that it would involve some type of “cyber” crimes or conspiracies and the NSA. I have to admit I was salivating (I apparently did a lot of that with this book) at what would be the “gotcha” moment of this book. And once again I was not disappointed! The new villains he puts in her path as well as the many crises she must quicky squash, all are "sit on the edge of your seat" worthy.
Without having any or very little knowledge of the inner workings of the White House or the NSA, Chris has managed to weave a tail of intrigue worthy of any spy thriller.
Being the second in the Haley Chill series, Chris gives us more insight into his main character and protagonist. You can’t help but root for and like her even more. If you thought she was smart and tough in Deep State, hold onto your hats! Haley Chill not only brings her smarts, stamina and strength into this book, but you get to see a bit of a softer side as well. Her rugged upbringing makes her who she was, but her job turns her into the person she has always wanted to be. Chris doesn’t just do a double twist in this book, he leaves you hanging again at the end with another WTF moment, bringing in a whole new storyline, making you wonder where Book 3 might go.
Get ready to stay up all night to finish this one. 2021 is going to start off with a sizzling bang!
So as a former NSA Computer Scientist Chris “had me at hello” with the name of the book and knowing that it would involve some type of “cyber” crimes or conspiracies and the NSA. I have to admit I was salivating (I apparently did a lot of that with this book) at what would be the “gotcha” moment of this book. And once again I was not disappointed! The new villains he puts in her path as well as the many crises she must quicky squash, all are "sit on the edge of your seat" worthy.
Without having any or very little knowledge of the inner workings of the White House or the NSA, Chris has managed to weave a tail of intrigue worthy of any spy thriller.
Being the second in the Haley Chill series, Chris gives us more insight into his main character and protagonist. You can’t help but root for and like her even more. If you thought she was smart and tough in Deep State, hold onto your hats! Haley Chill not only brings her smarts, stamina and strength into this book, but you get to see a bit of a softer side as well. Her rugged upbringing makes her who she was, but her job turns her into the person she has always wanted to be. Chris doesn’t just do a double twist in this book, he leaves you hanging again at the end with another WTF moment, bringing in a whole new storyline, making you wonder where Book 3 might go.
Get ready to stay up all night to finish this one. 2021 is going to start off with a sizzling bang!
November 30, 2020
HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!! WHAT A BOOK.
First, I would be re-missed if I did not thank Chris Hauty, Emily Bestler, David Brown, Atria Books and Simon and Schuster for sending me an ARC of Savage Road. It was a complete surprise and I am very thankful for receiving one!
So there is a term in sports and in the writing community called the Sophomore Slump...
I am here to tell you that this does not apply to Mr. Hauty!!!.
I have said many times that Deep State was my book of the year for 2020, and I can say honestly that this one is even better!! Watch out 2021 because, the book of the year may have already been written.
Wearing my Dodger Blue as read, I think about Chris' history as a screen writer. This gives him an unique way of writing and setting up plot and carrying the story along while giving details to the future without giving away to much. It is on 2nd and 3rd read that you are like OH WOW, I should have seen that, but never do. The twist and turns and surprises right up to the last page will have you wanting more!!!
First, I would be re-missed if I did not thank Chris Hauty, Emily Bestler, David Brown, Atria Books and Simon and Schuster for sending me an ARC of Savage Road. It was a complete surprise and I am very thankful for receiving one!
So there is a term in sports and in the writing community called the Sophomore Slump...
I am here to tell you that this does not apply to Mr. Hauty!!!.
I have said many times that Deep State was my book of the year for 2020, and I can say honestly that this one is even better!! Watch out 2021 because, the book of the year may have already been written.
Wearing my Dodger Blue as read, I think about Chris' history as a screen writer. This gives him an unique way of writing and setting up plot and carrying the story along while giving details to the future without giving away to much. It is on 2nd and 3rd read that you are like OH WOW, I should have seen that, but never do. The twist and turns and surprises right up to the last page will have you wanting more!!!
March 21, 2021
A follow up to the first Hailey Chill, superstar undercover ex-Army young woman who prevented the assassination of the President in book 1. We now find that the President is actually a Russian mole. Okay, that stretches credulity, but good ol Hailey turns him into a double agent. Things go haywire with cyber attacks in D.C. with Hailey trying to track down the cyber jihadist. This could have been a lot of better if the author had left out the few chapters at the end of the book where 8 year old Hailey is rescuing a 12 year old friend back in West Va. Too much padding.
January 14, 2021
Not as good as the first book but still very gripping and entertaining.
January 4, 2021
Chris Hauty’s Savage Road is quite the thriller! From the first page to the last, it is absolutely riveting. The heroine, Hayley Chill, was first introduced in the first book of this series, Deep State, and Savage Road continues the story of her efforts to protect her country from various outside threats.
I loved the author’s writing. The story is fraught with tension from the start to the finish. I truly enjoyed the main character, Hayley Chill. She is a delightfully, strong female protagonist. She is physically strong and mentally agile, and she has the grit and determination to take on a potentially treasonous president and escalating cyber attacks.
The incredible intrigue and espionage made me wish I had read Deep State prior to reading Savage Road, so that will be at the top of my to-be-read list as I anxiously await the next installment in the series.
I received an advance copy of the book from Atria Books in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
I loved the author’s writing. The story is fraught with tension from the start to the finish. I truly enjoyed the main character, Hayley Chill. She is a delightfully, strong female protagonist. She is physically strong and mentally agile, and she has the grit and determination to take on a potentially treasonous president and escalating cyber attacks.
The incredible intrigue and espionage made me wish I had read Deep State prior to reading Savage Road, so that will be at the top of my to-be-read list as I anxiously await the next installment in the series.
I received an advance copy of the book from Atria Books in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
January 8, 2021
Recommended. Great follow-up to one of the best books (feat. an insane,jaw-dropping plot twist) that I read in 2020. Not quite as good as the original, but still unpredictable and fun, with a decent follow-up plot twist, too.
October 22, 2020
An excellent follow up to Deep State which won't disappoint fans of the first book but will deepen the need for more in this series.
Full review in due course on mysteryandsuspense.com
Highly recommended.
Full review in due course on mysteryandsuspense.com
Highly recommended.
March 11, 2022
Perhaps too high expectations killed this for me. Very promising start. Eerie companion alongside the current military crisis. However, multiple storylines weakened the character substantially. Too many unnecessary characters like Odom and Sam. Hayley wasn't even on her touted best this time. The West Wing is such a drag to the storyline. Ending was trying to be wondrous but fell flat - too ridiculous. That said, I might give the next book a shot again.
Thanks for the lux tips. If you're looking for gorgeous leather products: Tanner Krolle and Mark Cross for your document bags and bespoke trunks.
Thanks for the lux tips. If you're looking for gorgeous leather products: Tanner Krolle and Mark Cross for your document bags and bespoke trunks.
January 25, 2021
Pretty enjoyable read, but too many machinations and double agents and double crosses all piled on top of each other to diminishing returns.
Also found myself laughing at the repeated use of the Animal House end-title card gimmick, where every random character like a cab driver or bank customer was given a 2-sentence wrap up story of their eventual fate, like winning the lottery.
Also found myself laughing at the repeated use of the Animal House end-title card gimmick, where every random character like a cab driver or bank customer was given a 2-sentence wrap up story of their eventual fate, like winning the lottery.
August 15, 2021
Major disappointment in follow up to Deep State. What was fun and unique the first time around becomes ridiculous as Hayley continues to work for the president but also looks into the death of her father. Plus, it is really boring. Undecided on whether I will read next entry.
November 25, 2020
Haley Chill returns in Chris Hauty’s sophomore outing, SAVAGE ROAD, a taut, fast-paced page turner that is impossible to put down; I read it in about 8 hours over 2 days (work, family life, and sleep intruded). We find Haley firmly ensconced in the West Wing, steps from the Oval Office and very close to President Robert Monroe, following the head-snapping conclusion of Hauty’s stunning debut novel, DEEP STATE.
Cyberattacks launched by the never-before-seen Cyber Jihad plunge the Monroe administration into chaos and thrust Haley into heart-pounding confrontations with both internal and external threats on multiple fronts. The threats are real, and Haley must form an uneasy alliance with a rival from her past to hunt down and destroy Cyber Jihad, while managing the conflicts within the White House, and with Monroe himself.
The action starts on page 1 and is relentless until the very end. Hauty has crafted a masterpiece of a story that far exceeds the excellent writing of DEEP STATE, which is arguably the best debut novel of 2020. In true Chris Hauty head-turning fashion, there are several plot twists the reader won’t see coming, building up to a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, breathless climax complete with a massive mind screw at the very end.
I received an Advance Reader's Edition of this book.
SAVAGE ROAD, by Chris Hauty, is available January 5, 2021.
DEEP STATE is available now, everywhere books are sold.
Cyberattacks launched by the never-before-seen Cyber Jihad plunge the Monroe administration into chaos and thrust Haley into heart-pounding confrontations with both internal and external threats on multiple fronts. The threats are real, and Haley must form an uneasy alliance with a rival from her past to hunt down and destroy Cyber Jihad, while managing the conflicts within the White House, and with Monroe himself.
The action starts on page 1 and is relentless until the very end. Hauty has crafted a masterpiece of a story that far exceeds the excellent writing of DEEP STATE, which is arguably the best debut novel of 2020. In true Chris Hauty head-turning fashion, there are several plot twists the reader won’t see coming, building up to a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, breathless climax complete with a massive mind screw at the very end.
I received an Advance Reader's Edition of this book.
SAVAGE ROAD, by Chris Hauty, is available January 5, 2021.
DEEP STATE is available now, everywhere books are sold.
April 29, 2021
The thing the Hayley Chill has going for it is that it doesn’t mind swinging for the fences when it comes to the narrative. Not content to sit idly by after the bombshell in the end of the last book, that the President indeed is a Russian mole, in this book the President DEFECTS back to Russia. Talk about a ballsy call.
The main plot involving the Homeland Secretary hatching a plot with a degenerate CIA hacker to cripple the U.S. in order to expand the purview of Homeland, was also an inspired one. All in all, the story resolved brilliantly and in a satisfactory way. I have never seen the usage of flash forwards to color in the trajectory of the main characters so much. It’s an inspired little conceit.
And, like the last book, the author waits almost the entire book before deploying another effective plot twist. This time it’s the fact Hayley’s father is alive, that he may have stolen his friend’s id and faked his own, and that right until the end of the the current period he was doing fine on his own.
Then, shock of all shocks, he kills himself.
That’s how you end a book.
The main plot involving the Homeland Secretary hatching a plot with a degenerate CIA hacker to cripple the U.S. in order to expand the purview of Homeland, was also an inspired one. All in all, the story resolved brilliantly and in a satisfactory way. I have never seen the usage of flash forwards to color in the trajectory of the main characters so much. It’s an inspired little conceit.
And, like the last book, the author waits almost the entire book before deploying another effective plot twist. This time it’s the fact Hayley’s father is alive, that he may have stolen his friend’s id and faked his own, and that right until the end of the the current period he was doing fine on his own.
Then, shock of all shocks, he kills himself.
That’s how you end a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
A stellar follow-up to his jaw-dropping debut, Deep State. Hauty did it again with another surprising twist that left me wanting to know more. How? Why? But, seriously, how??? I didn’t see it coming, which is what made it all the more shocking. Hayley Chill is hands down one of the best protagonists in the genre, and Savage Road is her showcase. If you loved his first one, you’ll love what Hauty has done here. The threat feels closer to home while still global in scope. This was a fast-paced novel I would happily read again!
July 29, 2021
Hayley Chill is the main protagonist in this fast paced journey into the deep state governing the American people. So many twists, turns, and unexpected events kept me glued to the page. The surprises continue to the final page. Chris Hauty has a firm grip on what really goes on the behind the scenes drama of DC politics. Today’s political situation seems like something he might have written, making us wonder who is the puppet master controlling the current president.
I received Savage Road through a goodreads giveaway.
I received Savage Road through a goodreads giveaway.
January 9, 2021
Hayley Chill is a fantastic main character, first introduced to us in last year's Deep State, a book with genuinely jawdropping revelations. Now we return to the White House where the president himself is at the centre of intrigue. The theme here is cyber war but it goes much deeper than that. Another excellent, political thriller and there could be no better time to read it. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
December 29, 2021
My Rating: 3 Red Soccer Jerseys
A decent thriller, a little far-fetched.
Good narration of the audio book
A decent thriller, a little far-fetched.
Good narration of the audio book
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