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Ryan Kaine #1
On the Run
Ryan Kaine is on the run...
A seemingly routine operation ends in tragedy when eighty-three civilians are killed in an aircraft explosion. Kaine, a highly decorated former Royal Marine, becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt; the police want him on terrorism charges, and a sinister organisation wants him dead.
In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Kaine is forced to rely on two women he barely knows — a country veterinarian who treats his wounds and an IT expert with a dark secret of her own.
Kaine must battle his overwhelming guilt, life-threatening injuries and strong moral code as he hunts for the people who turned him into a mass-murderer.
Using his skill in combat, gut instincts, and new-found allies, can Kaine uncover the truth and find redemption before the net finally closes?
A seemingly routine operation ends in tragedy when eighty-three civilians are killed in an aircraft explosion. Kaine, a highly decorated former Royal Marine, becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt; the police want him on terrorism charges, and a sinister organisation wants him dead.
In a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, Kaine is forced to rely on two women he barely knows — a country veterinarian who treats his wounds and an IT expert with a dark secret of her own.
Kaine must battle his overwhelming guilt, life-threatening injuries and strong moral code as he hunts for the people who turned him into a mass-murderer.
Using his skill in combat, gut instincts, and new-found allies, can Kaine uncover the truth and find redemption before the net finally closes?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2017
4937 people are currently reading
1465 people want to read
About the author
Kerry J. Donovan
35 books280 followers#1 bestselling author with the US-based Lucky Shores romantic suspense series and the Ryan Kaine military action thrillers, and creator of the popular DCI Jones Casebook series of police procedurals, Kerry J Donovan was born in Dublin, before spending many formative years in West Wales.
Kerry earned a first-class honours degree in Human Biology and a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. A former scientific advisor to The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, he helped UK emergency first-responders prepare for chemical and biological attacks in the wake of the 9/11 atrocities. This background adds a keen scientific edge to Kerry’s writing.
Kerry’s life experiences help him add an extra layer of realism to his stories and his characters. For example, readers will discover the water-borne adventures of his action hero, Ryan Kaine, a former member of the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Services, as authentic and exciting as a night-time dip in the Bay of Biscay.
As the owner of a “pristine” Honda NC750X, you’ll often find him touring the less well-known regions of Europe in search of interesting locations for his novels. A life-long sports enthusiast and open-water swimmer, the moment Kerry catches a glimpse of the ocean, it’s off with the bike leathers and on with his wetsuit.
A citizen of the world, Kerry recently returned from spending two decades living in the heart of rural Brittany and now lives with Margaret in a recently renovated bungalow in Nottinghamshire, UK.
When not writing, Kerry enjoys riding his motorbike, jogging, swimming, spending time with his four wonderful grandchildren, and travelling the world.
To find out more about Kerry’s books, read the first chapter of each book free, download his Press Kit, or get in touch via his contact page or social media.
Kerry earned a first-class honours degree in Human Biology and a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. A former scientific advisor to The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, he helped UK emergency first-responders prepare for chemical and biological attacks in the wake of the 9/11 atrocities. This background adds a keen scientific edge to Kerry’s writing.
Kerry’s life experiences help him add an extra layer of realism to his stories and his characters. For example, readers will discover the water-borne adventures of his action hero, Ryan Kaine, a former member of the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Services, as authentic and exciting as a night-time dip in the Bay of Biscay.
As the owner of a “pristine” Honda NC750X, you’ll often find him touring the less well-known regions of Europe in search of interesting locations for his novels. A life-long sports enthusiast and open-water swimmer, the moment Kerry catches a glimpse of the ocean, it’s off with the bike leathers and on with his wetsuit.
A citizen of the world, Kerry recently returned from spending two decades living in the heart of rural Brittany and now lives with Margaret in a recently renovated bungalow in Nottinghamshire, UK.
When not writing, Kerry enjoys riding his motorbike, jogging, swimming, spending time with his four wonderful grandchildren, and travelling the world.
To find out more about Kerry’s books, read the first chapter of each book free, download his Press Kit, or get in touch via his contact page or social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
January 16, 2020
My first book by this author, and am I pleased to have started this action packed series.
This starts the series with a bang !
It is fast paced, non stop action, good suspense, gripping and with added humour.
Ryan Kaine is a tough, honest, gritty character, with a soft side.
A passenger plane explodes. Eighty-three people die. One man is responsible.
When an apparently routine operation ends in tragedy, decorated former Royal Marine, Ryan Kaine, becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt. The police want him on terrorism charges. A sinister organisation wants him dead.
Desperate to prove his innocence, Kaine is forced to rely on two women he barely knows: one, a country vet who treats his wounds; the other an IT expert with a secret of her own and two great characters.
Battling overwhelming guilt, life-threatening injuries, and his strong moral code, Kaine hunts for the people who turned him into a mass-murderer with determination, grit and heart.
Using his combat skills, instincts, and new-found allies to lead him to the truth and redemption, Ryan Kaine is … On the Run.
From the pen of Kerry J Donovan, Ryan Kaine: On the Run, is a heart-stopping, action-packed novel set against the backdrop of the international arms trade. The first in the Ryan Kaine’s 83 thriller series, Ryan Kaine is an explosive addition to the great military action characters in the tradition of Lee Child, Mark Dawson, Ben Coes, Mark Greaney, Gregg Hurwitz, David Baldacci, Steven Konkoly and Matt Rogers.
All I can say is I recommend this series, highly. Five Stars
Seems I am not the only one who loves this series other fans are saying:
“Love them! I want more.”
“Another gripping story I tore through in one sitting. Highly recommended!”
“Fast paced, action-packed and hard to put down. Every Kaine story just gets better with each new release.”
“Another great book from Mr. Donovan! I love Ryan Kaine and his cast of characters. I can’t wait for the next one.”
“Kaine is a fascinating hero and each story in the series is a gripping read. What’s Ryan Kaine going to get into next?”
This starts the series with a bang !
It is fast paced, non stop action, good suspense, gripping and with added humour.
Ryan Kaine is a tough, honest, gritty character, with a soft side.
A passenger plane explodes. Eighty-three people die. One man is responsible.
When an apparently routine operation ends in tragedy, decorated former Royal Marine, Ryan Kaine, becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt. The police want him on terrorism charges. A sinister organisation wants him dead.
Desperate to prove his innocence, Kaine is forced to rely on two women he barely knows: one, a country vet who treats his wounds; the other an IT expert with a secret of her own and two great characters.
Battling overwhelming guilt, life-threatening injuries, and his strong moral code, Kaine hunts for the people who turned him into a mass-murderer with determination, grit and heart.
Using his combat skills, instincts, and new-found allies to lead him to the truth and redemption, Ryan Kaine is … On the Run.
From the pen of Kerry J Donovan, Ryan Kaine: On the Run, is a heart-stopping, action-packed novel set against the backdrop of the international arms trade. The first in the Ryan Kaine’s 83 thriller series, Ryan Kaine is an explosive addition to the great military action characters in the tradition of Lee Child, Mark Dawson, Ben Coes, Mark Greaney, Gregg Hurwitz, David Baldacci, Steven Konkoly and Matt Rogers.
All I can say is I recommend this series, highly. Five Stars
Seems I am not the only one who loves this series other fans are saying:
“Love them! I want more.”
“Another gripping story I tore through in one sitting. Highly recommended!”
“Fast paced, action-packed and hard to put down. Every Kaine story just gets better with each new release.”
“Another great book from Mr. Donovan! I love Ryan Kaine and his cast of characters. I can’t wait for the next one.”
“Kaine is a fascinating hero and each story in the series is a gripping read. What’s Ryan Kaine going to get into next?”
December 7, 2020
Typical action thriller. I found this one more interesting that a lot of them as the protagonist is a former SBS operative as opposed to the usual SEAL or Delta. All of the action takes place in Great Britain.
Ryan Kaine takes on a freelance job to test a SAM. Thinking he is shooting at a drone he takes out a commercial airliner. It's all about a corporate conspiracy to further their agenda and offer Kaine up as a scapegoat. Familiar plot.
Kindle Unlimited. About 300 pages. Easy read without getting bogged down with useless details.
Ryan Kaine takes on a freelance job to test a SAM. Thinking he is shooting at a drone he takes out a commercial airliner. It's all about a corporate conspiracy to further their agenda and offer Kaine up as a scapegoat. Familiar plot.
Kindle Unlimited. About 300 pages. Easy read without getting bogged down with useless details.
June 14, 2017
This is a cracker Book its a 5 star read i didn't want it to finish it had a brilliant plot and and impossible Situation for our hero
Ryan Kaine our Author has the skill to make this book so
such a different thriller don't think I have enjoyed a read as much for some time If you want something just a little Different this is for you
Ryan Kaine On Guard is the next offering due out 16 the Sept
Ryan Kaine our Author has the skill to make this book so
such a different thriller don't think I have enjoyed a read as much for some time If you want something just a little Different this is for you
Ryan Kaine On Guard is the next offering due out 16 the Sept
October 2, 2024
Wow, What a Wild Ride
I loved this book, from the beginning chapters to the very end. It was one wild ride. I loved some of the characters, Kaine and also Lara Orchard. The storyline was great and I caught myself, several times, holding my breath. The book is violent and there is some gore, but given the storyline it had to be. I’m definitely going to read the other books. I’m grateful I have t read the series because now I have a new author to follow with sequels to binge on.
I loved this book, from the beginning chapters to the very end. It was one wild ride. I loved some of the characters, Kaine and also Lara Orchard. The storyline was great and I caught myself, several times, holding my breath. The book is violent and there is some gore, but given the storyline it had to be. I’m definitely going to read the other books. I’m grateful I have t read the series because now I have a new author to follow with sequels to binge on.
December 9, 2017
Ryan Kaine On the Run is a terrific story, with a great plot, and well developed characters.
There are other stories written with similar themes but the quality of the writing differentiates Ryan Kaine, and positions it above the others. The author sets the plot early in the book when a plane is blown out the air and 83 crew and passengers are killed. Sounds conventional, doesn't it? It's not and there's a twist that comes out of left field. The author then relentlessly builds the tension and excitement, chapter after chapter.
I can't spoil the story, but I know readers will be gripped by Ryan Kaine, Highly recommended.
There are other stories written with similar themes but the quality of the writing differentiates Ryan Kaine, and positions it above the others. The author sets the plot early in the book when a plane is blown out the air and 83 crew and passengers are killed. Sounds conventional, doesn't it? It's not and there's a twist that comes out of left field. The author then relentlessly builds the tension and excitement, chapter after chapter.
I can't spoil the story, but I know readers will be gripped by Ryan Kaine, Highly recommended.
March 14, 2022
The action went from page one to the end. I really liked it. I believe I will be reading the rest in the series. The protagonist, Ryan Kaine, was likeable. Because I read the author's bio, I could see the action and the methods used by the main character were realistic and believable.
May 28, 2017
Ryan Kaine: On the Run by Kerry J Donovan is an action adventure story, introducing the character of Ryan Kaine in what promises to be an exciting new series. The novel concerns itself with the murky world of arms companies vying for government defence contracts.
The opening is shocking, setting a morally ambiguous tone when Kaine is duped into shooting down a passenger plane and killing 83 people. This act sets in motion a chaotic and violent series of events and leaves Kaine struggling with his own conscience. The pace of the story is break-neck, leaving the reader with barely enough time to draw breath. The speed is emphasised by the way Donovan uses dates to head up his chapters. The whole novel is set over a period of a week. The dates also underscore the military background by creating a precise, report like style.
Despite the action-packed nature of the story Donovan does a great job with characterisation. Multiple viewpoints are used in a 3rd person narrative which allows the reader to get inside the psyche of all the main characters. Ryan Kaine himself is a middle-aged ex-Captain in the Royal Marines, left adrift when government cutbacks led to him being retired from service at 39. I think Donovan does a great job of highlighting a real problem for people who spend a large part of their adult life acquiring skills that are not adaptable to civilian life. Like many ex-service personnel Kaine finds himself drifting through freelance work for not always reputable agencies.
The military aspect of the novel is very convincing. Kaine calls upon former colleagues to help him out and the banter between the men lends an air of authenticity to the story. There is an unspoken code between them and Kaine trusts them with his life. Fans of The DCI Jones Casebook series will enjoy the guest appearance by DCI Jones who Kaine trusts to process the damning information he unearths and it’s probably no coincidence that Jones also has a military background.
It’s gratifying that the female characters in the novel hold their own. Dr Laura Orchard is a military widow and vet who helps Kaine and goes on the run with him. She is capable and resourceful and the blossoming romance between the two of them is the perfect foil for the otherwise stark landscape of the story. My favourite character however is the IT expert, Sabrina Faroukh. Her insight and internal commentary about the people around her show her to be intelligent and spiky. Donovan hints at Sabrina not being who she seems which adds an added layer of mystery.
Regardless of the violence and dark subject matter Donovan uses his villains to inject some humour into his novel. Several of them are psychopathic shadowy figures, creating a sense of almost pantomime villainy that allows the reader to relish the violence that is meted out to them and a guilt-free satisfaction when they get what’s coming to them.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about the novel is the fact that Donovan chooses to place a series of extraordinary events within a very ordinary setting. The story begins in the seaside towns of Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe which makes an intriguing change from the more traditional exotic settings of espionage.
Donovan’s skill as a writer is stamped all over this novel, in both the control he exerts despite the speed of the plot and the way he builds the tension to an almost fever pitch. There is a lot of violence but I didn’t find it gratuitous or excessive.
I really enjoyed this introduction to Ryan Kaine and it would make the perfect holiday read. If you’re looking for escapism with lots of action and adventure then this is one for you.
The opening is shocking, setting a morally ambiguous tone when Kaine is duped into shooting down a passenger plane and killing 83 people. This act sets in motion a chaotic and violent series of events and leaves Kaine struggling with his own conscience. The pace of the story is break-neck, leaving the reader with barely enough time to draw breath. The speed is emphasised by the way Donovan uses dates to head up his chapters. The whole novel is set over a period of a week. The dates also underscore the military background by creating a precise, report like style.
Despite the action-packed nature of the story Donovan does a great job with characterisation. Multiple viewpoints are used in a 3rd person narrative which allows the reader to get inside the psyche of all the main characters. Ryan Kaine himself is a middle-aged ex-Captain in the Royal Marines, left adrift when government cutbacks led to him being retired from service at 39. I think Donovan does a great job of highlighting a real problem for people who spend a large part of their adult life acquiring skills that are not adaptable to civilian life. Like many ex-service personnel Kaine finds himself drifting through freelance work for not always reputable agencies.
The military aspect of the novel is very convincing. Kaine calls upon former colleagues to help him out and the banter between the men lends an air of authenticity to the story. There is an unspoken code between them and Kaine trusts them with his life. Fans of The DCI Jones Casebook series will enjoy the guest appearance by DCI Jones who Kaine trusts to process the damning information he unearths and it’s probably no coincidence that Jones also has a military background.
It’s gratifying that the female characters in the novel hold their own. Dr Laura Orchard is a military widow and vet who helps Kaine and goes on the run with him. She is capable and resourceful and the blossoming romance between the two of them is the perfect foil for the otherwise stark landscape of the story. My favourite character however is the IT expert, Sabrina Faroukh. Her insight and internal commentary about the people around her show her to be intelligent and spiky. Donovan hints at Sabrina not being who she seems which adds an added layer of mystery.
Regardless of the violence and dark subject matter Donovan uses his villains to inject some humour into his novel. Several of them are psychopathic shadowy figures, creating a sense of almost pantomime villainy that allows the reader to relish the violence that is meted out to them and a guilt-free satisfaction when they get what’s coming to them.
One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about the novel is the fact that Donovan chooses to place a series of extraordinary events within a very ordinary setting. The story begins in the seaside towns of Cleethorpes and Mablethorpe which makes an intriguing change from the more traditional exotic settings of espionage.
Donovan’s skill as a writer is stamped all over this novel, in both the control he exerts despite the speed of the plot and the way he builds the tension to an almost fever pitch. There is a lot of violence but I didn’t find it gratuitous or excessive.
I really enjoyed this introduction to Ryan Kaine and it would make the perfect holiday read. If you’re looking for escapism with lots of action and adventure then this is one for you.
June 26, 2024
Superior thriller and adventure that fairly races along, carrying the reader willingly with it. Nice to have an all-action and decent through and through main character who is British rather than American. Like a certain Mr Reacher in another continent, there is huge satisfaction in knowing that the villains, bullys, and ner-do-wells will get their very well deserved just desserts. Our hero exhibits a modicum of the softer emotions, but these in no way hinder his ability to deliver well-deserved justice to the odious.
I'll definitely be reading further adventures in this series.
I'll definitely be reading further adventures in this series.
April 6, 2025
This is my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last. This was quite the thrill ride. There were many nasty and greedy bad guys but also some truly honorable people including our main character. He is very likable after we get to know him. And he is one tough SOB. There is a lot of action and many times it seemed impossible for a good outcome. It was a fantastic story overall.
February 23, 2025
enjoyed this book
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
March 8, 2025
This story is so far out there it should be considered science fiction
This book is SO far out there it should be considered science fiction. I really don't care for science fiction and very happy I did not spend my hard earned money to read
This book is SO far out there it should be considered science fiction. I really don't care for science fiction and very happy I did not spend my hard earned money to read
March 23, 2025
Violence substitute s for good writing
This is like reading a John Wick or Charles Bronson movie (depending on your age). Thin plot with lots of macho posturing and gore.
Basically, gross.
This is like reading a John Wick or Charles Bronson movie (depending on your age). Thin plot with lots of macho posturing and gore.
Basically, gross.
April 20, 2024
This is going to be a fun series. Enjoyed the character development and exciting plot.
September 29, 2024
Great start to a fantastic series. Very much inline with Jack Reacher
Brilliant as good as Jack Reacher novels. I enjoyed this from start to finish. Can't wait to read the next.
Brilliant as good as Jack Reacher novels. I enjoyed this from start to finish. Can't wait to read the next.
August 10, 2022
Very good thriller. I liked the main character. It’s refreshing to read about honor and integrity.
June 4, 2017
An Honest Man in a Dishonest World
Weapons specialist and expert marksman Ryan Kaine is a man with a target on his back. If his enemies catch up with him, he’s a dead man. If they don’t, he’ll rot in prison for the rest of his life, convicted of a crime he technically didn’t commit.
One of his enemies is a man who’ll sell out anyone for a price. “He ran the calculations. Eighty-three victims—eighty-four if you included Ryan—worked out at a little under twenty-four grand a piece. Didn’t sound too bad if you said it quickly. What value did you put on a life? Bugger all if you didn’t know them. A conscience had no value. A conscience never paid the bills.”
The thriller is well-researched and reflective of the author’s expert weapons and technological knowledge. There's also a delicious surprise for Kerry Donovan fans. No spoilers, so you’ll have to find out for yourself.
Weapons specialist and expert marksman Ryan Kaine is a man with a target on his back. If his enemies catch up with him, he’s a dead man. If they don’t, he’ll rot in prison for the rest of his life, convicted of a crime he technically didn’t commit.
One of his enemies is a man who’ll sell out anyone for a price. “He ran the calculations. Eighty-three victims—eighty-four if you included Ryan—worked out at a little under twenty-four grand a piece. Didn’t sound too bad if you said it quickly. What value did you put on a life? Bugger all if you didn’t know them. A conscience had no value. A conscience never paid the bills.”
The thriller is well-researched and reflective of the author’s expert weapons and technological knowledge. There's also a delicious surprise for Kerry Donovan fans. No spoilers, so you’ll have to find out for yourself.
June 8, 2017
Fast paced thriller! Enjoyed it!
May 24, 2017
Great read
Very good read. Just enough suspense, not too much gore, and not too much filler. Looking forward to the next book.
Very good read. Just enough suspense, not too much gore, and not too much filler. Looking forward to the next book.
May 20, 2017
Action-packed. This book wasn't really my usual genre, but it grabbed my attention from the first, and kept it through the end. I was rooting for the very likable character of Ryan Kaine throughout. The graphic fighting/killing scenes were a bit too much for me. A few Scooby-doo type confessions and explanations, plus an odd sharp turn at the very end, are what kept me from giving this book 5 stars.
May 13, 2017
Kindle Unlimited {some not all} film noir detective thriller, think Donovan invented a new sub-genre.
The DCI Jones Casebook Box Set: Books 1-3 in the Casebook Series not ku - The DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman not ku - The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Collins free - The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn ku - The DCI Jones Casebook: Cryer's View ku
On Lucky Shores: A Chet Walker Adventure ku - The Transition of Johnny Swift ku - look at amazon writer page for others
This one Ryan Kaine: On the Run, kindle was a bit odd as far as amazon; it said at end {several thousand pages} that the end of the sampler was there, huh? This was definitely more in the thriller type genre than his other books, of which have read all of them if they were ku. This was not police procedure as in the other various books, quite unlike his usual type, but if I was going to read a thriller type {not that much in to those} this would be one of the writers, and with the twists and all definitely worth a read.
The DCI Jones Casebook Box Set: Books 1-3 in the Casebook Series not ku - The DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman not ku - The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Collins free - The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn ku - The DCI Jones Casebook: Cryer's View ku
On Lucky Shores: A Chet Walker Adventure ku - The Transition of Johnny Swift ku - look at amazon writer page for others
This one Ryan Kaine: On the Run, kindle was a bit odd as far as amazon; it said at end {several thousand pages} that the end of the sampler was there, huh? This was definitely more in the thriller type genre than his other books, of which have read all of them if they were ku. This was not police procedure as in the other various books, quite unlike his usual type, but if I was going to read a thriller type {not that much in to those} this would be one of the writers, and with the twists and all definitely worth a read.
May 17, 2017
Like the other books Kerry Donovan has written, Ryan Kaine, On The Run, gives you taut, tense plotting, and a story that keeps you engrossed throughout. Unlike his DCI Jones casebook series, this novel is a flat out thriller, rife with action and adventure from the very beginning, which enables Ryan Kaine On The Run, to successfully step up as a world class thriller! Kudos, Mr. Donovan.
David Wind
David Wind
May 13, 2017
I'm a big fan of Kerry Donovan's DCI David Jones, so I wondered whether this new character Ryan Kaine might be as good. Well, while Ryan Kaine is a totally different breed from DCI Jones, I'll be following the exploits of Ryan Kaine from now on. This first book is an excellent introduction to Ryan as well as an incredible story. What seems at the outset to be another predictable story turns in to a nonstop page turner filled with action that is very believable and more plot twists than should be allowed.
If you enjoy action, intrigue, violence and a touch of honor and humanity grab a copy and settle in for an entertaining read. One note of caution, if you start reading in the evening, make sure you really didn't need to sleep because this book will keep you wanting just one more chapter until the night is gone and morning has arrived.
If you enjoy action, intrigue, violence and a touch of honor and humanity grab a copy and settle in for an entertaining read. One note of caution, if you start reading in the evening, make sure you really didn't need to sleep because this book will keep you wanting just one more chapter until the night is gone and morning has arrived.
May 13, 2017
This is a departure from Mr Donovan's usual genré of police procedural but he has very successfully made the jump to the action/adventure genré. This adventure grabs you from the first page and never lets up until the very end. It has everything a reader looks for in a great book: characters you can really care about and you do, action, adventure, bad guys, shoot-em ups, romance, best friends, conspiracy, treachery, EVERYTHING! The action is non-stop and believable (not once did I roll my eyes), the dialogue is smooth and the plotting is tight and consistent. I couldn't ask for a better way to escape into a world other than the one in which I live. Don't miss this one: it is a sure-fire winner!
May 15, 2017
Action packed and fast paced. Does not disappoint those Kerry Donovan fans out there.
May 31, 2024
If Kerry J. Donovan's only objective here was to write an exciting, fast-paced, action-packed thriller, then there is no doubt that he has succeeded. I enjoyed it very much indeed and flew through it. Why only 3 stars then? Well, if you're a big fan of action thrillers where you not only have to suspend disbelief but put it in a catapult and launch it into space, and are happy to ride every action thriller cliché going, then this is a 4 or 5 star book. If you like an action thriller occasionally, but your eyes get tired after too much eye rolling, then it's probably more a 2 or a three. If you're the kind of reader who has a breakdown if someone wears the wrong kind of cap in historical fiction, then walk on by. Your eyes will roll right out of your head and away down the hill before the end of the first chapter. Does the world need another invincible, badass, wise-cracking, rugged action hero who's a teensy bit attractive to the opposite sex? Hell yeah.
March 2, 2024
Read this as a Kindle Unlimited item. Pleased it came with my Prime Subscription and I didn't have to pay for it!!
This is touted as a GB Version of Jack Reacher. I would say its like Jack Reacher and Rambo on Steroids.
The story flows OK - otherwise I would not have bothered to finish it, the only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1). But the scenarios get more ludicrous as the story progresses with so many "coincidences" and "friends that can be called upon" it is unreal. The "hero" Ryan Kaine ha more lives than 2 cats and the stamina and constitution of several oxen.
If you like all action, whizz bang, military type violence and are not too bothered about the possible reality of the story - this is for you.
This is the first in a series, which I have no intention of following.
This is touted as a GB Version of Jack Reacher. I would say its like Jack Reacher and Rambo on Steroids.
The story flows OK - otherwise I would not have bothered to finish it, the only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1). But the scenarios get more ludicrous as the story progresses with so many "coincidences" and "friends that can be called upon" it is unreal. The "hero" Ryan Kaine ha more lives than 2 cats and the stamina and constitution of several oxen.
If you like all action, whizz bang, military type violence and are not too bothered about the possible reality of the story - this is for you.
This is the first in a series, which I have no intention of following.
May 29, 2017
Clear your calendar before starting this book. I have seldom encountered a story so completely difficult to put down. The story begins with Ryan set to test a new weapon from a boat in the English Channel. From the time he pulls the trigger to the very end of the book the action and suspense is unrelenting. The characters are developed in depth, and the unique personas of career military are reflected in actions on every side of the action. Kaine is an unusual individual, whose strong sense of morality is reflected in every decision he makes. The battle scenes are realistic and surge from one crisis to the next. Even after reading once and knowing the ending, I reread this book just to enjoy it again.
November 12, 2021
Wow, just finished reading this and I feel like I have been in a train wreck! The plot is extremely well dreamt up and the action is fast paced and explosive. Plenty of humour but also plenty of suspense and gripping drama which keep you turning the pages. It’s certainly the sort of book that I found hard to put down and I am moving straight into the next one as it carries on immediately from where this one finishes. There are plenty of twists and just when you think you can guess what is coming next, then the author shows you that you hadn’t got a clue. The ending was totally unexpected too, which adds a completely new dimension to the series.
July 9, 2021
A page turner but nothing else
As a page turner the book gets 5 stars plus
However the plot is totally improbable. One man against armies and walking away. Bond had fewer lives. The romance is equally unbelievable, seems thrown in because it’s deemed part of the formula.
Characterisation is non existent. It’s full of cardboard cut outs, either totally good or the opposite, absolutely no subtlety.
Having said all that, if you’re looking for a fast (very) moving thriller this is for you
As a page turner the book gets 5 stars plus
However the plot is totally improbable. One man against armies and walking away. Bond had fewer lives. The romance is equally unbelievable, seems thrown in because it’s deemed part of the formula.
Characterisation is non existent. It’s full of cardboard cut outs, either totally good or the opposite, absolutely no subtlety.
Having said all that, if you’re looking for a fast (very) moving thriller this is for you
August 14, 2021
Ryan Kaine is an odd character to my mind. As a hardened killer - ex- SBS - it is hard to see him respond to situations with such gushes of emotion. The story is based on an interesting premise, that of corporate greed bearing responsibility for innocent deaths but my suspension of disbelief was dented too many times for me to become involved with the story line. On The Run is certainly an easy book to read, and there are without doubt some exciting and page-turning events, but as a whole I feel that the book does not hold enough water for me to pursue further episodes in the series.
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