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Drenna Steel #1
Retribution
Someone tried to kill the CIA's most lethal assassin, and now she's faked her own death to hunt them down.
Just weeks before retirement, CIA operative Drenna Steel and boyfriend Trevor Lambert are run off a mountain road by another vehicle. Drenna survives the crash, but Trevor doesn't.
There is little doubt that someone placed a bounty on Drenna's head, but who was it? Only a handful of people even know she exists. Determined to find the person who ordered the hit, Drenna fakes her own death and begins an investigation that takes her to the glamorous French Riviera, where a mysterious figure known as the Phantom awaits her.
But as suspects emerge closer to home, what began as a search for truth turns into a personal vendetta of the most vicious kind.
Just weeks before retirement, CIA operative Drenna Steel and boyfriend Trevor Lambert are run off a mountain road by another vehicle. Drenna survives the crash, but Trevor doesn't.
There is little doubt that someone placed a bounty on Drenna's head, but who was it? Only a handful of people even know she exists. Determined to find the person who ordered the hit, Drenna fakes her own death and begins an investigation that takes her to the glamorous French Riviera, where a mysterious figure known as the Phantom awaits her.
But as suspects emerge closer to home, what began as a search for truth turns into a personal vendetta of the most vicious kind.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2021
217 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 15, 2021
With Remorse. This is a book that has a lot of similarities to Tom Clancy's Without Remorse (soon to be in bastardized form on your screens), but a lot of key differences. As with the Clancy text, here we get to see a bit of a retired super spy/ assassin falling in love... before we see that ripped away in brutal fashion, with the spy surviving what the bad guys think has killed them. And as with the Clancy text, the rest of the tale is essentially the spy doing whatever it takes to send their lover's killer(s) straight to Hell - Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200. The key differences here are that while the Clancy text was more of a coda to an already existing character, this one is intentionally set up as Book 1 of a potential new series, and thus there are some of the standard-ish "book 1" mechanics of working to set up a universe, allowing a few plot threads to dangle, setting up an overarching mythos that can be strung out or wrapped up as the author (and, likely, sales) demand, etc. And arguably the real difference here is the *lack* of utter brutality in this text. Here, Steel is quite capable, and often underestimated - and we see her use her skills in situations that many might deem "less realistic", but which are plausible enough to work within the story. Still extremely hard hitting and with a decent body count of bad guys genre readers expect, just nowhere near the outright savage brutality of the Clancy. But fans of Clancy, either long time or new ones picked up from the upcoming movie, will do themselves a great service in reading this book. Very much recommended.
January 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this mystery, spy thriller. Drenna Steele, long time CIA agent and world class assassin was on the verge of retirement, but an assassination attempt causes her to fake her own death. Retribution is Drenna’s journey to finding the truth and avenging her boyfriend’s death. There were so many twists and turns in this book I was thrown for a loop so many times! I was trying to figure out who the villain was with all the clues and John Sneeden had me confused a few times, but I eventually figured it out. This was a really enjoyable read and I’ll definitely read the next one!
I enjoyed the narration and the narrator really brought Drenna’s character to light. I also enjoyed the other accents the narrator portrayed for the characters.
Story: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narration: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed the narration and the narrator really brought Drenna’s character to light. I also enjoyed the other accents the narrator portrayed for the characters.
Story: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narration: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 19, 2025
Dude, even being a burned CIA agent and losing the only person she loved she is freaking fierce! Took out absolutely everyone and got herself out of every situation. Kept me captivated and with every clue I kept trying to guess who it was…was wrong every time 😂💀
February 10, 2022
A GREAT, CLEAN, READ FOR A MYSTERY BUFF
I love to read a good novel. But my definition of "Good," is very particular. The writer must have a clear understanding of what is being set on the page. The subject matter must be communicated to the reader as if they are in the story, or at least, there to observe the action.
Sneeden's characters are believable. Drenna is an accomplished spy and assassin. But she is not super-human who accomplishes unbelievable tasks. He builds her legend skillfully and made her so easy to believe and want to see more of.
Finally, it is frustrating to start a book that is highly rated and fits into my interests, only to be assaulted by harsh, course language and graphic sex. This author weaves a great story without relying on titillating the reader with sex. He holds the reader with his ability to paint the page with his use of good clean and clear prose.
I love to read a good novel. But my definition of "Good," is very particular. The writer must have a clear understanding of what is being set on the page. The subject matter must be communicated to the reader as if they are in the story, or at least, there to observe the action.
Sneeden's characters are believable. Drenna is an accomplished spy and assassin. But she is not super-human who accomplishes unbelievable tasks. He builds her legend skillfully and made her so easy to believe and want to see more of.
Finally, it is frustrating to start a book that is highly rated and fits into my interests, only to be assaulted by harsh, course language and graphic sex. This author weaves a great story without relying on titillating the reader with sex. He holds the reader with his ability to paint the page with his use of good clean and clear prose.
March 4, 2023
it’s supposed to be an action/ spy thriller that reads like fanfic
This book is about the typical CIA black ops specialist who is left out in the cold. For this style novel to be good is a specific recipe, well developed relatable characters, a plot with a solid arc without blatantly obvious foreshadowing, and research to anchor the otherwise ludicrous story with constant bits of reality. This book has none of these. It’s written like bad fan fiction. The author is incapable of creating an emotional narrative to accompany the physical, and the whole time my response was “Really??!!”. This type of book is the real life result of all kids getting a participation trophy. Yes it’s a book, with chapters and words, but the most memorable aspect of it is how frustrated I am that I will never get that time back.
This book is about the typical CIA black ops specialist who is left out in the cold. For this style novel to be good is a specific recipe, well developed relatable characters, a plot with a solid arc without blatantly obvious foreshadowing, and research to anchor the otherwise ludicrous story with constant bits of reality. This book has none of these. It’s written like bad fan fiction. The author is incapable of creating an emotional narrative to accompany the physical, and the whole time my response was “Really??!!”. This type of book is the real life result of all kids getting a participation trophy. Yes it’s a book, with chapters and words, but the most memorable aspect of it is how frustrated I am that I will never get that time back.
January 8, 2023
This book was so good and intense. Omg this book started was so intense. Drenna was in the CIA and was working on getting out so she can start her life with Trevor then he ended up died which is so heartbreaking. She survives the crash and wants revenge for her love. The way she desperately is epic and was so well written. I was so sad when Trevor died you can tell he loved her and wanted her to be from her CIA life. This book was not one I usually listen or read but it was a good one to listen too. The two agents looking for Drenna are in deep and looking everywhere. Deanna reaches out to her sister but doesn’t trust anyone. Why is one of the agents trying to spy on Deanna so much intense and mystery moments. Omg the surprise of seeing her daughter is crazy too omg so many twist and turns. This book will for keep you on the edge of your seat. The cliffhanger was so good. Omg I needed to keep listening so I knew what would happen next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2022
I will admit, at first I found Drenna a little whiny. To be fair I haven't read a straight thriller in a long time and I have no idea how a CIA agent, weeks from retirement, would feel if the love of her life was taken from her, so it's possible I'm being a little harsh on poor Drenna. I will say this book reminds me of Brad Thor and Scot Harvath with the action, intrigue and secrets. After I got over Drenna and her emotional baggage, I really enjoyed the book. I will be looking for the second book to see how our girl fairs.
February 15, 2021
John Sneeden has introduced another excellent lead character. From the start Drenna pulls you into her history of being a CIA assassin who just wants to retire and enjoy her life but someone out there doesn't want her to live. Follow her as she stays one step ahead of the person and learns their true identity. I am looking forward to the next book with Drenna and the few people she can trust. Great Job John Sneeden.
November 12, 2025
Drenna Steel is one of the deadliest CIA assassins on vacation when she barely escapes being taken out. Since she is unknown to almost everyone she goes underground to try and figure out who is trying to have her killed.
The story is engaging. John Sneeden writes women well. Drenna has a some secrets of her own and few allies. There are some twists and turns and some untwists too. I will definitely pick up the next one.
The story is engaging. John Sneeden writes women well. Drenna has a some secrets of her own and few allies. There are some twists and turns and some untwists too. I will definitely pick up the next one.
February 14, 2021
Get ready for some sleepless nights
This new series and characters keep you, the reader, wanting more and more. John has done a great job of developing the main character and plot line that you will be angry there isn't a second book to dive into. Do yourself a favor and get a copy.
This new series and characters keep you, the reader, wanting more and more. John has done a great job of developing the main character and plot line that you will be angry there isn't a second book to dive into. Do yourself a favor and get a copy.
May 24, 2022
On The Edge of my Seat
This was a very good and awesome read,. It will keep your on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The bad guy was a little to good, but that made the ending so much better. If you like spy novels this is a must read. You will not be able to put it down.
This was a very good and awesome read,. It will keep your on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The bad guy was a little to good, but that made the ending so much better. If you like spy novels this is a must read. You will not be able to put it down.
January 7, 2023
This was a super great read and listen. The mystery of who was after the FMC. The tension, the questions, and the suspense was great.
Imagine working for the CIA for years not expecting to find the love of your life. Then once found you don’t want to lose him. So you decide to put your notice in. But only to be hunted for what, your at a loss to it all. But you want revenge.
Imagine working for the CIA for years not expecting to find the love of your life. Then once found you don’t want to lose him. So you decide to put your notice in. But only to be hunted for what, your at a loss to it all. But you want revenge.
October 8, 2023
I was sorely disappointed in this book. The synopsis describes the protagonist as the deadliest assassin on the planet, however within the first one-third of the book the author has her make so many mistakes, one has to wonder how she made it past high school.
I could not finish this one and had to return it.
I could not finish this one and had to return it.
February 25, 2021
My favorite so far
I’ve read all his books and John just gets better and better. I was pulled in from the beginning thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and can’t wait to read more about Deena
I’ve read all his books and John just gets better and better. I was pulled in from the beginning thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and can’t wait to read more about Deena
July 10, 2022
Interesting
I started reading this series with some trepidation but soon was engrossed in the story. Kept you wanting to read more. I could not guess who was the Villain! Throughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one.
I started reading this series with some trepidation but soon was engrossed in the story. Kept you wanting to read more. I could not guess who was the Villain! Throughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one.
January 7, 2023
The Female Gray Man
Just finished the book and Dreana reminds me so much of Mark Greaney’s Gray Man. Good read well plotted keep you guessing makes me want more of Dreana’s adventures!
Just finished the book and Dreana reminds me so much of Mark Greaney’s Gray Man. Good read well plotted keep you guessing makes me want more of Dreana’s adventures!
October 26, 2024
review of Retribution by John Sneeden
I did enjoy this book a lot it was a little slow for me at first but after a while I was hooked plot, characters, excitement, has it all in plan on reading the sequel
I did enjoy this book a lot it was a little slow for me at first but after a while I was hooked plot, characters, excitement, has it all in plan on reading the sequel
July 9, 2025
Irene Adlaw did an amazing job bringing to life the characters of Retribution. The twists caught me off guard at every turn and I did not see the ending coming. I am excited to add the rest of the series to my TBR and see where everything goes with these characters!
October 4, 2021
Retribution
Fast paced and exciting! I was quite impressed with the plotline and the chracters. Great start to a new series.
Fast paced and exciting! I was quite impressed with the plotline and the chracters. Great start to a new series.
November 15, 2021
Excellent quick read
I liked the flow of the book and the characters were very good. I am a big John Sneeden fan and this book didn't let me down.
I liked the flow of the book and the characters were very good. I am a big John Sneeden fan and this book didn't let me down.
December 15, 2021
Outstanding Read
I got this book on a whim. I’m glad I did. It was well written and flowed well. I would like to see a sequel.
I got this book on a whim. I’m glad I did. It was well written and flowed well. I would like to see a sequel.
December 24, 2022
I enjoyed listening to this book. The mystery and adventure in this story kept me on my toes. It was a fun listen.
April 8, 2023
Trust
A really great read can't wait until the next read to come out. She is quite the deadly assassin with a heart.
A really great read can't wait until the next read to come out. She is quite the deadly assassin with a heart.
October 15, 2023
Really enjoyed the development of
a new character. Looking forward
to book 2 and future additions.
a new character. Looking forward
to book 2 and future additions.
July 10, 2025
I listened to this as an audio book and really enjoyed the narration. Has a few twists and turns and made for a good thriller.
December 29, 2022
This was a fantastic story. Tons of mystery and intrigue, it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Drenna Steel, a CIA operative, was weeks from retiring when someone runs her and her boyfriend off the road. Pretending to be dead, Drenna must now figure out who wants her dead..and why?
I think the author did a great job with this novel. Everything felt so authentic, you can tell this author enjoys writing mystery/thriller books.
Drenna Steel, a CIA operative, was weeks from retiring when someone runs her and her boyfriend off the road. Pretending to be dead, Drenna must now figure out who wants her dead..and why?
I think the author did a great job with this novel. Everything felt so authentic, you can tell this author enjoys writing mystery/thriller books.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews