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The Phoenix Chronicles #1
The Shadow Hunter
Buckle up for this pulse-pounding thriller from award-winning and best selling author R.J. Patterson in a new series debut!
Former black ops agent Brady Hawk is enjoying his new life with his growing family on a ranch in Montana. Then the former head of the CIA pays Hawk a visit to discuss a dangerous assignment: extracting one of Hawk’s Navy SEAL friends stuck in Siberian Russia. Unwilling to leave his pal behind enemy lines, Hawk agrees to accept the mission.
But when he arrives in Russia, he finds that everything isn’t as it seems while uncovering a secret that could have far-reaching implications on the country’s national security. Desperate to complete his mission and return home, Hawk must overcome unforgiving terrain while being hunted by Russia’s intelligence agency to not only save his country but also save his life.
Former black ops agent Brady Hawk is enjoying his new life with his growing family on a ranch in Montana. Then the former head of the CIA pays Hawk a visit to discuss a dangerous assignment: extracting one of Hawk’s Navy SEAL friends stuck in Siberian Russia. Unwilling to leave his pal behind enemy lines, Hawk agrees to accept the mission.
But when he arrives in Russia, he finds that everything isn’t as it seems while uncovering a secret that could have far-reaching implications on the country’s national security. Desperate to complete his mission and return home, Hawk must overcome unforgiving terrain while being hunted by Russia’s intelligence agency to not only save his country but also save his life.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
1834 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Patterson
194 books207 followers*** Signup for my newsletter and receive a free copy of The Warren Omissions, the first book in my James Flynn thriller series, by visiting http://eepurl.com/bZwpdf ***
THE FIRST SIGNS that I might like writing -- and that I might be slightly competitive -- appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event -- and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation -- and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time--and had a blast in the process.
I’m not out to become the next Faulkner or Hemingway -- I’m just out to tell a good story. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!
THE FIRST SIGNS that I might like writing -- and that I might be slightly competitive -- appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.
In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event -- and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.
After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.
I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!
But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation -- and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.
After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time--and had a blast in the process.
I’m not out to become the next Faulkner or Hemingway -- I’m just out to tell a good story. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 22, 2021
Really, this is for adults?
I gave the rating because this is not a book, it's a comic with the pictures missing.
The story is simplistic and lacks credibility, dangerous situations are overcome with ease and we move on. The enemy is depicted as a procession of fools.
I would recommend it to the trashcan,
I gave the rating because this is not a book, it's a comic with the pictures missing.
The story is simplistic and lacks credibility, dangerous situations are overcome with ease and we move on. The enemy is depicted as a procession of fools.
I would recommend it to the trashcan,
August 10, 2022
I think that this is an intriguing storyline, with plenty of action, but some of the situations were just too simplistic… Fight scenes needed more detail and Hawks interaction with his wife is often kinda quirky. (She can defend herself against a Russian assassin, but can hardly handle her five year old son?). Overall, it’s an entertaining book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 7, 2021
A story full of suspense and lots of action. Brady and his family just want a peaceful life, no missions. When they’re asked for one last job to help find a missing Seal in Russia, it’s impossible to say no. Intriguing all the way.
March 22, 2021
THE SHADOW HUNTER..R.J Patterson
..Phoenix Chronicles #1
Five years in the peaceful Montana ranch with their son, Alex and Brady are missing the action of a black op, no way to go back, Helping with private security now,
Morgan May comes with an offer. Her uncle was Senator Blunt, the one they trusted in Washington had retired. Magnum was being designed in Los Angles to replaced the Phoenix Foundation working with CIA Besserman . The mission she came to tell them was about Eddie Tyson a Navy Seal. Hawk owed his life to him was in trouble in Siberia. Brady. couldn’t say no, even if he wanted to, he had a young son also. He meet American mercenaries, his shoulder was injured by one called The Reaper...He is worried about Alex and then finding a Russian had paid her a night call. Hawk did the job, just wasn’t the one he thought.
Good beginning with Brady and Alex will there be more ops for this duo.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
..Phoenix Chronicles #1
Five years in the peaceful Montana ranch with their son, Alex and Brady are missing the action of a black op, no way to go back, Helping with private security now,
Morgan May comes with an offer. Her uncle was Senator Blunt, the one they trusted in Washington had retired. Magnum was being designed in Los Angles to replaced the Phoenix Foundation working with CIA Besserman . The mission she came to tell them was about Eddie Tyson a Navy Seal. Hawk owed his life to him was in trouble in Siberia. Brady. couldn’t say no, even if he wanted to, he had a young son also. He meet American mercenaries, his shoulder was injured by one called The Reaper...He is worried about Alex and then finding a Russian had paid her a night call. Hawk did the job, just wasn’t the one he thought.
Good beginning with Brady and Alex will there be more ops for this duo.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 12, 2021
Truly awful. Unless you enjoy travelogues and constant reminders of how much the characters love their children and families and apple pie. I confess I was only able to make it a little more than halfway through it was so bad. But it's a quick read; you can skip 3, 4, or 5 pages at a time and miss nothing.
The author started out as a sports writer at a small newspaper and perhaps that's where he should have stayed. His knowledge of special operations has seemingly been gleaned from reading a couple of Mitch Rapp novels.
I do not recommend this book to anyone, except maybe those who are having trouble falling asleep at night. 10 minutes with this book should do it.
The author started out as a sports writer at a small newspaper and perhaps that's where he should have stayed. His knowledge of special operations has seemingly been gleaned from reading a couple of Mitch Rapp novels.
I do not recommend this book to anyone, except maybe those who are having trouble falling asleep at night. 10 minutes with this book should do it.
June 27, 2021
Huff
I sat down this last couple of months and reread the entire Brady Hawk series. Had read what was there previously a couple of years ago. Now just have The Reaper to read. Like the books, obviously,, but genuinely Hate the exp rest used numerous times. Huffed a laugh through the nose. Disgusting! And way too many errors with words left out of as sentence or the wring word used
I sat down this last couple of months and reread the entire Brady Hawk series. Had read what was there previously a couple of years ago. Now just have The Reaper to read. Like the books, obviously,, but genuinely Hate the exp rest used numerous times. Huffed a laugh through the nose. Disgusting! And way too many errors with words left out of as sentence or the wring word used
November 17, 2023
I really wanted to give this a 4 but bad editing means a 3.
This story is all about two former agent living on a ranch in Montana with their 4 year old son.
Both are bored with their very calm day to day life. No adrenaline rushes or bad guys to defeat.
They’re offered a job and they get it done with a few major snafus.
This story is all about two former agent living on a ranch in Montana with their 4 year old son.
Both are bored with their very calm day to day life. No adrenaline rushes or bad guys to defeat.
They’re offered a job and they get it done with a few major snafus.
November 1, 2021
Predictable
Boring. Always knew what was coming. Wish it has better writing and less predictable. Characters also non developed. Very disappointed
Boring. Always knew what was coming. Wish it has better writing and less predictable. Characters also non developed. Very disappointed
December 9, 2023
Great story but
There were numerous grammatical and syntax errors. Some misspelled words and jumping from pronouns. The book obviously was not proofread carefully
There were numerous grammatical and syntax errors. Some misspelled words and jumping from pronouns. The book obviously was not proofread carefully
March 26, 2021
Brady, Alex and their young son, John Daniel, are trying to live a normal, peaceful life in Montana. But Morgan, J. D. Blunt’s niece, has asked Brady and Alex for one more mission—rescuing Eddie Tyson, a Navy Seal, from exile in Russia. Both Brady and Alex are conflicted about returning to “the life” even though they really miss the action. So off Brady goes to Russia for what they are saying is their last mission. As usual, Brady gets into a world of trouble, becomes isolated from Alex and she begins to wonder if Brady is alive or dead. As the story unfolds there is lots of danger and lots of action as Brady tries to rescue his friend. There are so many great characters in this story and I found myself absorbed in the plot. Such a great storyline! I really liked this book and easily give it 5+ stars. Keep reading to find out what happens next to Brady, Eddie Tyson and Alex.
May 5, 2023
Former black ops agent Brady Hawk is enjoying his new life with his growing family on a ranch in Montana. Then the former head of the CIA pays Hawk a visit to discuss a dangerous assignment: extracting one of Hawk’s Navy SEAL friends stuck in Siberian Russia. Unwilling to leave his pal behind enemy lines, Hawk agrees to accept the mission.
But when he arrives in Russia, he finds that everything isn’t as it seems while uncovering a secret that could have far-reaching implications on the country’s national security. Desperate to complete his mission and return home, Hawk must overcome unforgiving terrain while being hunted by Russia’s intelligence agency to not only save his country but also save his life.
A fairly quick read and neither bad or great, the writing could have been better and charters better defined but it wasn't all bad.
But when he arrives in Russia, he finds that everything isn’t as it seems while uncovering a secret that could have far-reaching implications on the country’s national security. Desperate to complete his mission and return home, Hawk must overcome unforgiving terrain while being hunted by Russia’s intelligence agency to not only save his country but also save his life.
A fairly quick read and neither bad or great, the writing could have been better and charters better defined but it wasn't all bad.
March 31, 2021
The Shadow Hunter. R.J. Patterson
Retirement has finally become a reality for Alex and Brady They now have a son and life is good. They are both bored to death. There employer the Phoneix Foundation has a new name and operates out of Lo s Angeles. Senator Blunt their old boss has retired. His niece, Morgan is now in charge. She needs Brady for one last mission and he agrees. What follows is non stop action and betrayal by powerful people. What surfaces at the end of his mission and an additional one with Alex's involvement is a clandestine group called the Alliance. Extremely powerful and they have no idea who they are. This is an excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
Retirement has finally become a reality for Alex and Brady They now have a son and life is good. They are both bored to death. There employer the Phoneix Foundation has a new name and operates out of Lo s Angeles. Senator Blunt their old boss has retired. His niece, Morgan is now in charge. She needs Brady for one last mission and he agrees. What follows is non stop action and betrayal by powerful people. What surfaces at the end of his mission and an additional one with Alex's involvement is a clandestine group called the Alliance. Extremely powerful and they have no idea who they are. This is an excellent read!! Enjoyed immensely!!
March 26, 2021
The first of the Phoenix Chronicles contains plenty of dark undertones and duplicity, amid unsettling times for the USA geopolitically. There are links to earlier books, about Brady Hawk, as the story moves between Russia, Siberia and the USA. I read long into the night, with my heart in my mouth as the mission and stakes were raised. I was also interested to note how becoming a father has impacted on Brady’s decision making, although his ultimate goal is still to help others. As long as he keeps things in perspective, he’ll always do the right thing.....What’s next for Brady and Alex?
March 27, 2021
Brady and Alex come out of retirement for the sole purpose of rescuing one of Brady’s SEAL teammates who saved his life in training. Once again as in all previous Brady Hawk stories the action is nonstop and intense, and not everything is as it appears. To say I enjoyed this return of Brady and Alex is an understatement, now if they will just stay unretired. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
March 26, 2021
An excellent Special Ops story with a good storyline and great main characters. A real page turner with plenty of action and suspense. Brady and Alex are strong well developed characters that we can easily root for. Highly recommended book, series, and author. Bring on the next Brady Hawk adventure.
August 16, 2021
Good read
The plot was a tad forced at times like a first time author. If that is the case the succeeding books should get better and better. I hope the author reads these reviews. Editing was great and the story held my interest.
The plot was a tad forced at times like a first time author. If that is the case the succeeding books should get better and better. I hope the author reads these reviews. Editing was great and the story held my interest.
November 12, 2021
A great Spy story.
The author has written an exciting and intriguing story of the adventures and actions taken to prevent war with North Korea. A story full of action and suspense that will keep you entertained.
The author has written an exciting and intriguing story of the adventures and actions taken to prevent war with North Korea. A story full of action and suspense that will keep you entertained.
January 23, 2023
4 Stars
The Shadow Hunter (The Phoenix Chronicles #1) by R.J. Patterson...
Still on my R.J Patterson binge, trying to clear some of the books that I've had on my TBR pile for a while...
Full review still to come.
The Shadow Hunter (The Phoenix Chronicles #1) by R.J. Patterson...
Still on my R.J Patterson binge, trying to clear some of the books that I've had on my TBR pile for a while...
Full review still to come.
February 28, 2024
Hawk completes the mission
Although many twists and turns occur Brady and his now wife Alex the mission is completed, they get married and it seems they will again be working for the Alliance!
Although many twists and turns occur Brady and his now wife Alex the mission is completed, they get married and it seems they will again be working for the Alliance!
June 16, 2024
Meet John Daniel
Five years have passed since Alex and Brady have retired to take up residence on a Montana mountain ranch with their son! New black ops teams and terrorists pull them back into their previous life!
Five years have passed since Alex and Brady have retired to take up residence on a Montana mountain ranch with their son! New black ops teams and terrorists pull them back into their previous life!
August 23, 2025
Was this written by AI? I couldn't bring myself to read more than a couple chapters. The setting, dialogue, and action was so cliche that it felt more like a B-level video game than a novel. Would not recommend.
March 27, 2021
A good book
I am so glad to see Hawk back in action once again ,I can't wait till the next one comes out!
I am so glad to see Hawk back in action once again ,I can't wait till the next one comes out!
May 3, 2021
The Shadow Hunter
Nice to see Brady and Alex get back in the game. Brady moving into Russia to retrieve and old friend. Not realizing what he'll have to endure to do so.
Nice to see Brady and Alex get back in the game. Brady moving into Russia to retrieve and old friend. Not realizing what he'll have to endure to do so.
May 12, 2021
I enjoyed the book and would have given it a 5 star except there was too much of the kid in it. I need just Hawk and Alex to be in the books.
May 30, 2021
Good read
Interesting story line! I am not a fan of the all volunteer military in our country. Good example of why we need two year civilians inducted.
Interesting story line! I am not a fan of the all volunteer military in our country. Good example of why we need two year civilians inducted.
July 14, 2021
A Good Hunt
A familiar spy thriller story but told well with a couple of twists to keep things interesting. Easy to enjoy.
A familiar spy thriller story but told well with a couple of twists to keep things interesting. Easy to enjoy.
August 9, 2021
Hawk is back,doing what he does best.
Only ctiticism is editing; some mispellings, inaccurate grammer and some tangled conversation. Glad to have Hawk and Alex back in the saddle.
Only ctiticism is editing; some mispellings, inaccurate grammer and some tangled conversation. Glad to have Hawk and Alex back in the saddle.
Read
August 23, 2021Not bad
Cool stuff. Just needs more gadgets and gun descriptions. Maybe a little more drama and some martial arts on the hero.
Cool stuff. Just needs more gadgets and gun descriptions. Maybe a little more drama and some martial arts on the hero.
September 1, 2021
Excellent
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The Hawks are very complex and the story line takes us on a wild roller coaster ride.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The Hawks are very complex and the story line takes us on a wild roller coaster ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews