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John Kovac #1
Shadow Kill
A HITMAN LOOKING TO PUT THINGS RIGHT, ONE CARTEL BOSS AT A TIME.
Former Navy SEAL John Kovac is an assassin on a mission to eliminate a yakuza boss when the job spirals out of control. Betrayed by his employer and left for dead, Kovac decides to lie low in Tokyo.
His plan? Revenge...
But when a young woman asks him to protect her from the yakuza, Kovac feels duty-bound to help. She’s a victim of abuse, and long experience tells him if he doesn’t step in tonight she’ll be a corpse before dawn.
As Kovac works to uncover the truth of his last job, he finds himself drawn into a conspiracy which goes well beyond the yakuza to a new and terrifying multinational cartel. One that will stop at nothing to control the global drug trade.
The kingpins are certain they’ve covered all bases. They're well-funded and utterly ruthless. But they’ve failed to account for one man – John Kovac.
SHADOW KILL is the first in a fast-paced, unflinching thriller series that won't in any way shortchange you on action. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Mark Greaney and Mark Dawson.
Former Navy SEAL John Kovac is an assassin on a mission to eliminate a yakuza boss when the job spirals out of control. Betrayed by his employer and left for dead, Kovac decides to lie low in Tokyo.
His plan? Revenge...
But when a young woman asks him to protect her from the yakuza, Kovac feels duty-bound to help. She’s a victim of abuse, and long experience tells him if he doesn’t step in tonight she’ll be a corpse before dawn.
As Kovac works to uncover the truth of his last job, he finds himself drawn into a conspiracy which goes well beyond the yakuza to a new and terrifying multinational cartel. One that will stop at nothing to control the global drug trade.
The kingpins are certain they’ve covered all bases. They're well-funded and utterly ruthless. But they’ve failed to account for one man – John Kovac.
SHADOW KILL is the first in a fast-paced, unflinching thriller series that won't in any way shortchange you on action. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Mark Greaney and Mark Dawson.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2021
711 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 19, 2025
First book from this author for me. Interesting, and okay for first in series.
Former Navy SEAL John Kovac is an assassin on a mission to eliminate a yakuza boss when the job spirals out of control. Betrayed by his employer and left for dead, Kovac decides to lie low in Tokyo.
His plan? Revenge...
But when a young woman asks him to protect her from the yakuza, Kovac feels duty-bound to help. She’s a victim of abuse, and long experience tells him if he doesn’t step in tonight she’ll be a corpse before dawn.
As Kovac works to uncover the truth of his last job, he finds himself drawn into a conspiracy which goes well beyond the yakuza to a new and terrifying multinational cartel. One that will stop at nothing to control the global drug trade.
The kingpins are certain they’ve covered all bases. They're well-funded and utterly ruthless. But they’ve failed to account for one man – John Kovac.
Three stars from me, just a little lacking in suspense, shocks, rollercoaster pace, although steady.
Former Navy SEAL John Kovac is an assassin on a mission to eliminate a yakuza boss when the job spirals out of control. Betrayed by his employer and left for dead, Kovac decides to lie low in Tokyo.
His plan? Revenge...
But when a young woman asks him to protect her from the yakuza, Kovac feels duty-bound to help. She’s a victim of abuse, and long experience tells him if he doesn’t step in tonight she’ll be a corpse before dawn.
As Kovac works to uncover the truth of his last job, he finds himself drawn into a conspiracy which goes well beyond the yakuza to a new and terrifying multinational cartel. One that will stop at nothing to control the global drug trade.
The kingpins are certain they’ve covered all bases. They're well-funded and utterly ruthless. But they’ve failed to account for one man – John Kovac.
Three stars from me, just a little lacking in suspense, shocks, rollercoaster pace, although steady.
October 21, 2022
Shadow kill by David Karis is a very typical thriller/suspense novel. It's all the points that you expect a novel in the genre to hit and it does it pretty well.
This story follows Kovac, an ex military man who is now an assassin for a large company. Kovach is led to believe that the company has turned against him and turned him over as bait. He must kill his way through all the prime suspects while also gathering information an Intel against the company that he works for to discover the truth. All while towing along to women who seem intent on slowing him down. The story definitely remains suspenseful and does a good job at filling plot holes along the way.
I give this book a solid 3/5. While it is well written and definitely a fun read at times, it did I have a hard time holding my attention at points and it's just very typical of a thriller book. There was nothing overly special about the story.
This story follows Kovac, an ex military man who is now an assassin for a large company. Kovach is led to believe that the company has turned against him and turned him over as bait. He must kill his way through all the prime suspects while also gathering information an Intel against the company that he works for to discover the truth. All while towing along to women who seem intent on slowing him down. The story definitely remains suspenseful and does a good job at filling plot holes along the way.
I give this book a solid 3/5. While it is well written and definitely a fun read at times, it did I have a hard time holding my attention at points and it's just very typical of a thriller book. There was nothing overly special about the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
If you enjoy fast-paced stories, with lots of action and intrigue in family and corporate lives you should not miss downloading this book. The plot is well organized and sets the ground for the actions and situations that will happen till the end. I could not leave this book and read it at once, it hooked me up and I´ll be starting on book number two asap. Great entertainment!!!
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
April 18, 2021
The espionage thriller, “Shadow Kill ( A John Kovac Book)” was a novel of conflict and survival, yet the climax was lukewarm and the resolution was as expected. I was left perplexed because I was really getting into the grit of the novel until one of Kovac’s kills was written logically to support his actions, but the explanation of why the alleged enemy did what they did made absolutely no sense whatsoever. This disturbed me because I liked this particular character. I was so bummed after reading it. It seemed like me nor Kovac could ever recover.
John Kovac is a home spun killer created by an Australian corporation, Curzon International to do their “wet work” whenever required. Such a mission comes into play when Kovac is sent to Japan by his handler, Bishop to rub out a minor middleman, Yoshinori Yamada as a warning to local Yakuza boss, Ken Masuda. Masuda had run up a big tab on Curzon’s dime and refused to pay up. Tumultuous events causes Kovac’s mission to go sideways. One of these events is when Kovac becomes the savior of a teenage girl, Anna and a counselor named Bennet. Things go to Death Con 5 when Kovac learns that Masuda is a puppet for Peng Biao, a Swedish national who heads an organization known as “The Association “. Peng’s endgame is to control Curzon’s distribution networks by any means necessary.
Kovac grows increasingly leary of Anna, Bishop or anybody related to Curzon International when it appears Masuda knows all about Kovac.
The author’s writing style was consistent, but the plot needed work. The characters were authentic, but in the end, the author left them as orphans. I really wanted to give this four stars. Oh well, maybe in another John Kovac story. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
John Kovac is a home spun killer created by an Australian corporation, Curzon International to do their “wet work” whenever required. Such a mission comes into play when Kovac is sent to Japan by his handler, Bishop to rub out a minor middleman, Yoshinori Yamada as a warning to local Yakuza boss, Ken Masuda. Masuda had run up a big tab on Curzon’s dime and refused to pay up. Tumultuous events causes Kovac’s mission to go sideways. One of these events is when Kovac becomes the savior of a teenage girl, Anna and a counselor named Bennet. Things go to Death Con 5 when Kovac learns that Masuda is a puppet for Peng Biao, a Swedish national who heads an organization known as “The Association “. Peng’s endgame is to control Curzon’s distribution networks by any means necessary.
Kovac grows increasingly leary of Anna, Bishop or anybody related to Curzon International when it appears Masuda knows all about Kovac.
The author’s writing style was consistent, but the plot needed work. The characters were authentic, but in the end, the author left them as orphans. I really wanted to give this four stars. Oh well, maybe in another John Kovac story. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 6, 2021
Shadow Kill by David Caris 4/5/2021 Kindle
Shadow Kill is the first in a series starring Jack Kovac, a paid assassin who works for one of the top conglomerates in the world. When he is beat to his assigned kill and hunted down by competitive killers, he gets away, knocking off a few bad guys during his escape. The method of the kill mirrors his detailed plan so knows someone has inside information.
From there, things get sticky as Jack is no longer sure who is on which side. We slowly learn our hero isn’t totally out in the cold without help as he is continuously supplied with whatever tools the story tells us he needs. I tried to keep count of the bodies that piled up along the way, but quickly ran out of fingers, and toes.
Action packed drama may be one description of this book, but silly seems to also come to mind. If you can put logic aside along with credibility, the story is at least entertaining. This story is certainly not a contender for a realism award, but as a quick read, it was fun.
Shadow Kill is the first in a series starring Jack Kovac, a paid assassin who works for one of the top conglomerates in the world. When he is beat to his assigned kill and hunted down by competitive killers, he gets away, knocking off a few bad guys during his escape. The method of the kill mirrors his detailed plan so knows someone has inside information.
From there, things get sticky as Jack is no longer sure who is on which side. We slowly learn our hero isn’t totally out in the cold without help as he is continuously supplied with whatever tools the story tells us he needs. I tried to keep count of the bodies that piled up along the way, but quickly ran out of fingers, and toes.
Action packed drama may be one description of this book, but silly seems to also come to mind. If you can put logic aside along with credibility, the story is at least entertaining. This story is certainly not a contender for a realism award, but as a quick read, it was fun.
June 21, 2025
Shadow Kill is a thriller story that follows an assassin’s attempt to fulfill a contract for his employer. It does have plenty of action and tight stops that brings tension and suspense to the story. However, it struck me as overly complicated. Why does a for profit corporation with legal products need an assassin? In my opinion, it’s not clear why they face such dangerous enemies. Can it really be just a very hostile takeover? As the story begins, who is this assassin, John Kovacs? Who does he work for? Why is he pursuing a seemingly low-level member of the Japanese Yakuza? While it takes longer than necessary to identify Kovacs and his employer it does happen. I never got a satisfying answer about why Kovacs was hunting a low-level member of the Yakuza. Many plot lines were rather complicated and identification of the good guy’s vs the bad guys was always rather muddled. In fact, this contributed to John Kovacs appearing to be more paranoid than is good for an assassin trying to accomplish his mission and then live to talk about it.
April 14, 2021
Lock the door. Unplug the TV. Turn off the phone. Shut down your computer. Settle into a comfy chair, because soon you're going to be tense as hell. Prepare to immerse yourself in all things John Kovac. Action packed from beginning to end, David Caris's Shadow Kill is an intense thriller worthy of a binge read.
"He knew exactly who he was, what he had done in the past, past and what he did for a living now. He didn't improve people's lives, he ended them."
As a kid, John Kovac got a raw deal that left him less than compliant to authority. He joined a gang, developed a ruthless streak, and did what he needed to survive on the street. Before he died in the gutter, he was selected to be groomed into the perfect assassin. And he excelled at his job.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book. The honest review is my own.
"He knew exactly who he was, what he had done in the past, past and what he did for a living now. He didn't improve people's lives, he ended them."
As a kid, John Kovac got a raw deal that left him less than compliant to authority. He joined a gang, developed a ruthless streak, and did what he needed to survive on the street. Before he died in the gutter, he was selected to be groomed into the perfect assassin. And he excelled at his job.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book. The honest review is my own.
August 27, 2022
Unfortunately, this book didn’t do much for me. I enjoy high action reads, this failed to provide. The Gray Man series is action packed. This just didn’t live up to the hype of action packed. The plot was weak for starters. The in-between action was no that impressive. Kovac simply didn’t think like a SEAL or a professional assassin. He would have ditched Anna and he definitely wouldn’t have added to the Anna burden by bringing along Bennett. I was hoping for a great new series with a good story and some high octane action; this just did not provide.
September 24, 2022
Set in Japan John Kovac is an ex-Navy Seal and assassin hired to take down a yakuza boss. He has been betrayed by his employer when other assassins hunt down their prey and Kovac narrowly escapes. A young woman asks Kovac to help her escape the yakuza from abuse. There are lots of twists and turns in this story. I really enjoyed this fast-paced action thriller novel.
October 8, 2023
Clear Your Calendar Before Starting!
Great read. Characters are multifaceted and it’s complex. No really “good” guys, but some really damn bad ones! I’m usually disappointed in books with poor development and sudden endings, but this just kept unfolding with twists and turns till the last drop!
Great read. Characters are multifaceted and it’s complex. No really “good” guys, but some really damn bad ones! I’m usually disappointed in books with poor development and sudden endings, but this just kept unfolding with twists and turns till the last drop!
March 29, 2021
Non-stop action
Definitely strains credulity, although it's well enough written to hold the reader's interest. It's a shame that with firearms playing such a big part, the author knows so little about them
Definitely strains credulity, although it's well enough written to hold the reader's interest. It's a shame that with firearms playing such a big part, the author knows so little about them
April 11, 2021
Excellent Para Military Type Action!
Caris began this novel at a high speed pace that never let up in this fast paced page-turner! Lots of hardcore action, suspense and interesting characters!
Caris began this novel at a high speed pace that never let up in this fast paced page-turner! Lots of hardcore action, suspense and interesting characters!
August 4, 2021
great read
Great book that kept me up at night wanting to read more. Excellent character development, mystery, and lots of thriller action along with being well written. It's not many times I want to continue on with an author or series but I certainly do this time.
Great book that kept me up at night wanting to read more. Excellent character development, mystery, and lots of thriller action along with being well written. It's not many times I want to continue on with an author or series but I certainly do this time.
July 30, 2022
Gritty
Kovack is an Asset, and he's a beast. He finds out that he's been betrayed on this job, and now he has to fight for his life. He's also been stuck with two targets, that he can't trust. This story goes round and round. I couldn't wait to finish it, and I'm sad that I did.
Kovack is an Asset, and he's a beast. He finds out that he's been betrayed on this job, and now he has to fight for his life. He's also been stuck with two targets, that he can't trust. This story goes round and round. I couldn't wait to finish it, and I'm sad that I did.
July 31, 2022
Speeding Ticket Read
This book moves at such a pace I fully expected it to be flagged down by the police and given a speeding ticket. The descriptive passages were so good I felt actually there. Cannot wait to start the next story.
This book moves at such a pace I fully expected it to be flagged down by the police and given a speeding ticket. The descriptive passages were so good I felt actually there. Cannot wait to start the next story.
August 3, 2022
Couldn’t put it down
Lots of twists to the story, didn’t want to stop reading. Felt like i was seeing Japan thru Kovac’s adventures in the city and mountains. Look forward to the next Kovac thriller.
Lots of twists to the story, didn’t want to stop reading. Felt like i was seeing Japan thru Kovac’s adventures in the city and mountains. Look forward to the next Kovac thriller.
November 1, 2022
Exciting DANGER
What a page turner! Couldn’t put it down! I’m on to Kovak’s next adventure and Curzon’s next threat. Besides, I still want to find out if Kozac & Meghan get together❣️
What a page turner! Couldn’t put it down! I’m on to Kovak’s next adventure and Curzon’s next threat. Besides, I still want to find out if Kozac & Meghan get together❣️
November 28, 2022
Solid Action, Tough and Savvy Character
I liked this book. Nothing slow or boring. Kovak is likeable but brutal, and Caris keeps the pedal down on the action. I'm ordering book 2 right now.
I liked this book. Nothing slow or boring. Kovak is likeable but brutal, and Caris keeps the pedal down on the action. I'm ordering book 2 right now.
January 16, 2023
I kept reading
I only have three stars because to me parts of the story just didn't flow. I really liked the Kovac character and his connection to Bishop, but therein !it's my disconnect at times. How Bishop always knew where he was.
I only have three stars because to me parts of the story just didn't flow. I really liked the Kovac character and his connection to Bishop, but therein !it's my disconnect at times. How Bishop always knew where he was.
May 7, 2023
Very good book. Lots of action kept me wanting to read more and more. John Kovac is a ruthless assassin but not someone to just kill innocent bystanders. I like this about him. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
March 22, 2021
Intense.
July 24, 2021
Engrossing character
Well crafted with many a twist and turn.. An excellent start for a series that will satisfy an action junkies hunger.
Well crafted with many a twist and turn.. An excellent start for a series that will satisfy an action junkies hunger.
September 8, 2021
Well written book.
A new author to follow.
A new author to follow.
June 22, 2022
Action thriller!
Great action thriller! Kept me interested until the last page! I want to read more by David Caris, hopefully soon!
Great action thriller! Kept me interested until the last page! I want to read more by David Caris, hopefully soon!
July 25, 2022
Shadow Kill
There is now shadow of what this writer feels about profaning the sacred or throwing out f-bombs. This junk is not worth my time.
There is now shadow of what this writer feels about profaning the sacred or throwing out f-bombs. This junk is not worth my time.
July 27, 2022
Good Read
A good read . Plenty of action good storyline and strong characters. Like any series you are left wanting to read the next book.
A good read . Plenty of action good storyline and strong characters. Like any series you are left wanting to read the next book.
July 28, 2022
Excellent book. I am not good at writing reviews, but this was honestly one of the best books I gave read. Never a dull moment with John Kovac. Looking forward to more of his writing.
July 30, 2022
A great thriller
Betrayals, plotting, kidnapping, murder -all packaged in a fast moving story that will keep you reading and guessing to the end.
Betrayals, plotting, kidnapping, murder -all packaged in a fast moving story that will keep you reading and guessing to the end.
July 31, 2022
Kill
A Navy Seal turned professional killer with a need to carry a weapon and survival kit 24-7 and a desire to quit but can he?
A Navy Seal turned professional killer with a need to carry a weapon and survival kit 24-7 and a desire to quit but can he?
July 31, 2022
Well done
It was a little Rambo ish at times. But it was a pretty good read. Plot works fine. The ending would lead one to believe Jack will be back.
It was a little Rambo ish at times. But it was a pretty good read. Plot works fine. The ending would lead one to believe Jack will be back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews