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The Perseus Protocol: A Cal Shepard Black-Ops Thriller

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He was a hunter of men who became the hunted.Now, he’s a warrior without a country.And a disavowed agent with a kill order on his life.Everyone thought former CIA operator Cal Shepard had permanently gone dark until he reappeared in India, setting off a deadly pursuit that will stretch Cal to his breaking point as he attempts to track down the originator of Perseus’ source code. Little does he know that there is more than one ruthless party who wants the device in his possession, and they’re willing to destroy anyone who gets in the way.In an all-out race to reintegrate Perseus’ unique software into the mainframes back in the U.S. before an impending terrorist attack on American soil, Cal must take the fight to the enemy once more in the explosive follow-up to Search and Destroy.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2021

311 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

J.T. Sawyer

80 books126 followers

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5 stars
581 (65%)
4 stars
244 (27%)
3 stars
53 (5%)
2 stars
7 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
6,267 reviews80 followers
July 17, 2021
This second book in the series sees Shepard in Northern India, trying to find a mysterious Russian hacker, who knows what to do with the Perseus code. Along the way, he rescues a beautiful relief worker from bandits, who pursue him, because he killed the son of the bandit leader. A Russian crew is also pursuing the hacker. And to top things off, a black ops kill crew is also after Shepard.

Good thing Shepard has a few friends.

Very exciting.
Profile Image for Patrick.
908 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2025
The Perseus Protocol

The software in this story sounds a lot like AI that is currently being developed. It makes me wonder when this was written. It probably should be updated.
1,764 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2021
I received this ARC for an honest review.

This story continues from where the 1st one left off. Cal is searching for an individual who can update the software code on the Perseus package that he got after his boss was killed. Cal was charged and had to flee the country or be arrested. The 1st part of the story depicts the trek that Cal followed to find this person and the obstacles he needed to overcome.

It also talks to the pursuit of one corrupt politician and his quest for dominance and what he was willing to do to bring this to fruition. Cal's mission would hopefully put a stop to his madness.

The action throughout is immense. To discover who was the corrupt individual and what he had planned and whether the steps that Cal took succeeded, then you must read this book. It is well worth it.
1,652 reviews15 followers
December 17, 2024
4.5 STARS - ROUNDED UP

Another thriller and I think you need to read book 1 to fully understand all the players. I enjoyed book 1 more because it was the heart of our hero. You'll understand why he is so intent on hunting certain villains down.

If you're looking for intense story filled with twists, great main and secondary characters, many nasty villains, plus lots of violence, this book and series is for you.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, nice set up for next story, HEA, crude words used and Lord's name in vain a few times, and clean. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide to purchase or not. (ljb)
Profile Image for Shawn W.
65 reviews
July 31, 2023
Wow. I could NOT put this book down. I read it in one weekend. This is another great espionage/spy/black ops thriller. This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and never let go. I know this series has 5 titles and I hope Mr Sawyer decides to add more. I love the cast of characters and the many plot twists in this book. Don’t even think twice about this book. Grab it and trust me you won’t be disappointed!
572 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2021
An excellent espionage thriller with a well written storyline and strong realistic characters. Loaded with plenty of action and suspense. A very enjoyable read that was quite a real page turner. Highly recommended book, series, and author. Will definitely be looking for the next adventure with Cal Shepard.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,786 reviews71 followers
July 24, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
192 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2022
even better

Book 2 in this Cal Shepard series surpasses the first. Bringing the players on through along with the story of cyber espionage and old fashion action packed battles kept me up all night. The baddies are bad, but the hearts of the good guys still believe that the USA still deserves loyalty and that doing the right thing matters. Great heroes and I m onto book 3!
Profile Image for Denny Howard.
155 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2021
Definitely a thriller and definitely an exciting page turner. The book continues from Book 1, so there’s no wondering where you left off in Book 1. Sadly, I was disappointed after I’d completed the book, as there was nothing else to read about Cal Shepard’s slow burn. Come on!
532 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2022
An exciting new series

Book two of this series picks where book one ended and moves at a fast paced unique style that I firmly enjoy. I already have book three downloaded and am going to start it right now.
Profile Image for John.
492 reviews18 followers
March 2, 2022
OUTSTANDING Black Ops thriller!

Book two in the series shows Cal Shepard still on the run from every intelligence agency around the world with a kill on site order. Hunted for an act of treason he did not commit!
Profile Image for Connie Hamby.
1,021 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2022
Another great book!

I read the second one of this series and it was as good as the first one they just get better and better if you like a lot of action i suggest you read these books you want be disappointed!
Profile Image for See.
639 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2023
JT Sawyer writes exciting and action stories.

Cal Shepard lives in a world of super spies and works with a well oiled team to right wrongs, and punish evil people. I look forward to volume three.
Profile Image for Jim Cerone The Perfect Host DJ MC.
372 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2023
Above Average Action

Sawyer writes in a no-nonsense style, fitting believable dialogue in around lots of action. The plot wasn’t too complicated but the characters were sometimes hard to keep straight. Looking forward to book 3.
11 reviews
July 5, 2023
I can't believe I never read J. T. SAWYER before. After reading the first book, I immediately purchased the other 4 books. Book 2 (a follow up to the 1st) is a must read if you read Book 1. I love this writer. The characters are so real from Cal to Volger and Viper. I have pictures in my head of them IRL. I will not give anything away. The series are a must READ. Thrilling, on the edge of my seat, can't put down novels. I enjoy the humor too.
Profile Image for Samantha Glass.
1,140 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2023
Lots of continued chaos, cyber work, mercenaries, so-called patriotism, and more in book 2. Picks up bear the end of book 1 and jumps back into the action. Many favorite characters appear, and several scores are settled by the end. Quick, enjoyable read.
105 reviews
September 27, 2025
Outstanding

This second Book in the Cal Shepherd Series Is an intriguing look into the government's clandestine services. This is another "Can't put-down till finished" book. A must read for Espionage fans.
Profile Image for Brenda Cosby.
112 reviews
August 2, 2021
Great thriller

Really great story telling and expert knowledge of Black-Ops. Very much a page turner and the story never lags, lots of action and good guys and gals and bad guys.
4 reviews
September 1, 2021
Fun read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next one. I definitely recommend it for a fast paced easy read
13 reviews
March 1, 2022
Good read

Another good book in the series, good characters, good story good action, quick read, the series keeps getting better getting ready for the next one.
486 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2022
Love this series!

This second book picks up where the first one ended. It was a fast pace action filled storyline. Get his books and leave your reviews.
Profile Image for ShanDizzy .
1,358 reviews
July 24, 2023
Glad to see Cal come out of his tunnel of grief and get back to doing what he’s good at.
6 reviews
November 27, 2023
Great read! I would put Sawyer’s books in same category with Mark Greaney’s “The Gray Man” series.
Profile Image for Kathy D Dodge.
292 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2024
Good series

Fast paced action with characters you love. Although it makes you wonder just what our government can get by with!
13 reviews
December 15, 2024
A really action packed read!

I enjoyed the characters, how they were presented and how they were developed. This is my second in the series and I’ll go on with more Cal Shepard.
104 reviews
May 26, 2025
This was more of a 4.5 rating. Cal Shepard is your typical black ops guy that is indestructible.
Enjoyed this escape that keeps you entertained.
I am already reading his next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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