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Gray Man #11
Sierra Six
It's been years since the Gray Man's first mission, but the trouble's just getting started in the latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Before he was the Gray Man, Court Gentry was Sierra Six, the junior member of a CIA action team.
In their first mission they took out a terrorist leader, but at a terrible price--the life of a woman Court cared for. Years have passed and now The Gray Man is on a simple mission when he sees a ghost: the long-dead terrorist, but he's remarkably energetic for a dead man.
A decade may have gone by but the Gray Man hasn't changed. He isn't one to leave a job unfinished or a blood debt unpaid.
Before he was the Gray Man, Court Gentry was Sierra Six, the junior member of a CIA action team.
In their first mission they took out a terrorist leader, but at a terrible price--the life of a woman Court cared for. Years have passed and now The Gray Man is on a simple mission when he sees a ghost: the long-dead terrorist, but he's remarkably energetic for a dead man.
A decade may have gone by but the Gray Man hasn't changed. He isn't one to leave a job unfinished or a blood debt unpaid.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2022
1652 people are currently reading
5793 people want to read
About the author
Mark Greaney
59 books6,186 followersMark Greaney has a degree in International Relations and Political Science. In researching The Gray Man series he traveled to ten countries and trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close range combative tactics.
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 747 reviews
February 15, 2022
Amazing and explosive! Damn! He gets better and better!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you’ve been reading the Gray Man series for a while, you know how addicting it can be. This new addition is going to rock your world.
I don’t even know where to start with this one. There was so much happening on several levels!
Told from a dual point of view, today and 12 years ago, we get to see two sides of a story. We learn the story of how Zack and Court met and how these two time frames interconnect and inner weave throughout the book in the chase for a dead man.
This story is exciting, captivating, a little heartbreaking, and the climactic ending is a typical Greaney and Gray Man ending – tension-filled and explosive! I can never get enough.
I think every time I read a new addition to the series I say this one is my favorite, and Sierra Six I think is one of my favorites – again… I am unashamedly addicted. I just love Court in all of his creative, tortured, bad-ass ways.
I could go on and on about this series; the amazing talent this author has to captivate millions as he grabs our attention from page 1 and holds it completely through the entire book, and series.
Sierra Six is definitely not a story to miss and most assuredly a book you’re going to need to clear a weekend for. Might as well set that date right now!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/sierra-six-b...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you’ve been reading the Gray Man series for a while, you know how addicting it can be. This new addition is going to rock your world.
I don’t even know where to start with this one. There was so much happening on several levels!
Told from a dual point of view, today and 12 years ago, we get to see two sides of a story. We learn the story of how Zack and Court met and how these two time frames interconnect and inner weave throughout the book in the chase for a dead man.
This story is exciting, captivating, a little heartbreaking, and the climactic ending is a typical Greaney and Gray Man ending – tension-filled and explosive! I can never get enough.
I think every time I read a new addition to the series I say this one is my favorite, and Sierra Six I think is one of my favorites – again… I am unashamedly addicted. I just love Court in all of his creative, tortured, bad-ass ways.
I could go on and on about this series; the amazing talent this author has to captivate millions as he grabs our attention from page 1 and holds it completely through the entire book, and series.
Sierra Six is definitely not a story to miss and most assuredly a book you’re going to need to clear a weekend for. Might as well set that date right now!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/sierra-six-b...
August 2, 2022
The Grey Man is better off by himself. My lowest rated. 5 of 10 stars!
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October 14, 2022
3.0-Stars - "I Liked It"
Mark Greaney - Gray Man, #11 - Sierra Six
Audiobook - 15:58 Hours - Narrator: Jay Snyder
From my Reading Activity:
July 18, 2022 @ 36.0% - No comment
July 25, 2022 @ 69.0% - The dual timelines have me a bit "all-over-the-shop", but I am progressing with Mr Courtney's early and later adventures, although a bit slowly unfortunately. As the denouement approaches, the connections between the two stories are emerging, thank Odinn!"
August 1, 2022 @ 100.0% - Ultimately this book, with its dual timelines - the first, 12 years ago when Court Gentry joins the six man Sierra Team and the second, his present day adventure - is simply too long and the two stories become confusing."
Mark Greaney - Gray Man, #11 - Sierra Six
Audiobook - 15:58 Hours - Narrator: Jay Snyder
From my Reading Activity:
July 18, 2022 @ 36.0% - No comment
July 25, 2022 @ 69.0% - The dual timelines have me a bit "all-over-the-shop", but I am progressing with Mr Courtney's early and later adventures, although a bit slowly unfortunately. As the denouement approaches, the connections between the two stories are emerging, thank Odinn!"
August 1, 2022 @ 100.0% - Ultimately this book, with its dual timelines - the first, 12 years ago when Court Gentry joins the six man Sierra Team and the second, his present day adventure - is simply too long and the two stories become confusing."
October 31, 2021
When you really enjoy a series and can’t get enough of the protagonist, even when the author is generous enough to write new books annually, the best tale to arrive is an origin story. Especially one that is deftly wrapped up in a current caper with a twisty, racing-the-clock plot. SIERRA SIX is just that book. Author Mark Greaney gifts us with twin tales about the Gray Man, before he earned that moniker; when he was first known as Violator and then as Sierra Six. Before he was a legend, he was a 25 year old and much about the world at large was unknown to him.
Greaney’s skills as a writer include an incredible ability to pace out a hunt/destroy scene and make it come alive with the fear, tension and sheer terror that a thriller demands. He doesn’t just describe the setting, weapons and people involved in the battle; he places the reader right in the middle of it. This is a hard book to put down once begun; it’s just that good. I read it all in one weekend and it was a wild ride, not to be missed. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Greaney’s skills as a writer include an incredible ability to pace out a hunt/destroy scene and make it come alive with the fear, tension and sheer terror that a thriller demands. He doesn’t just describe the setting, weapons and people involved in the battle; he places the reader right in the middle of it. This is a hard book to put down once begun; it’s just that good. I read it all in one weekend and it was a wild ride, not to be missed. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 7, 2022
Sierra Six is not only the old call sign for Court Gentry it's also the title for this latest book by Mark Greaney. It is by far one of the best in the series about the Gray Man. Greaney must have had fun writing the 12 years ago chapters. I sure had real fun reading them. These gives a new dimension to the character and I'm all for that. This book is fast paced and filled with both action and suspense. As it should be. I must as always thank#Edelweiss @this_is_edelweiss @penguinrandomhouse #PenguinRandomHouse and @berkleypub for letting me read this advance copy ou on the 15th of February. and @markgreaneybooks for writing this stuff. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2025
An nice and intense thriller starring the Gray Man himself on a job in Algiers when the operator comes face to face with a man who was supposed to have 12 years earlier. And then Court is out to kill him.
The story is an interesting two-story volume in which we go back to the Gray man his beginning. The time hé was expected to become a team player and stop a mad man destroying stability between India and Pakistan.
And then there is today were the supposed to be dead man is fielding a similar plan to destabilize India.
The difference between the Gray Man and his opponent is that Court knows whom hé is hunting and the baddie is only surprised that hé has been recognized but has no clue that hé is being hunted by an Angel of death.
An intelligent thriller situated in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan and does paint a troublesome partnership between the various intelligence services, their purposes and roles in a conflict much more layered as some people want to believe. Our hero does play a believable part in this smart story. I did have some thoughts that this story could easily have been an Jason Bourne or 007 novel.
But it was an interesting thriller and origin story at the same time, it never outstayed its welcome and story.
The story is an interesting two-story volume in which we go back to the Gray man his beginning. The time hé was expected to become a team player and stop a mad man destroying stability between India and Pakistan.
And then there is today were the supposed to be dead man is fielding a similar plan to destabilize India.
The difference between the Gray Man and his opponent is that Court knows whom hé is hunting and the baddie is only surprised that hé has been recognized but has no clue that hé is being hunted by an Angel of death.
An intelligent thriller situated in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan and does paint a troublesome partnership between the various intelligence services, their purposes and roles in a conflict much more layered as some people want to believe. Our hero does play a believable part in this smart story. I did have some thoughts that this story could easily have been an Jason Bourne or 007 novel.
But it was an interesting thriller and origin story at the same time, it never outstayed its welcome and story.
August 5, 2022
DNF. I STRUGGLED THROUGH UNTIL THE 70% AND FINALLY DECIDED WOULD NOT FINISH BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET INVESTED IN THIS ONE.
THE PROBLEMS:
>A LOT OF STORY; LITTLE ACTION
>LACK OF ACTION and LACK OF SUSPENSE = boredom and skimming and slow pacing
>CONSTANTLY FLIPPING BACK AND FORTH = annoyance and confusion and interrupted suspense build up
>LONG BOOK. TOO LONG FOR ME TO CARE TO CONTINUE.
WHILE THE STORY LINE IS GOOD AND THE BACKGROUND OF THE GENSIS/EVOLUTION OF COURT GENTRY IS VERY INTERESTING, THE EXECUTION OF THE STORYLINE IS PROBLEMATIC. I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED THIS SERIES, BUT FOUND THIS ONE DISAPPOINTING.
NO CHILLS AND THRILLS WITH THIS GRAY MAN INSTALLMENT.
THE PROBLEMS:
>A LOT OF STORY; LITTLE ACTION
>LACK OF ACTION and LACK OF SUSPENSE = boredom and skimming and slow pacing
>CONSTANTLY FLIPPING BACK AND FORTH = annoyance and confusion and interrupted suspense build up
>LONG BOOK. TOO LONG FOR ME TO CARE TO CONTINUE.
WHILE THE STORY LINE IS GOOD AND THE BACKGROUND OF THE GENSIS/EVOLUTION OF COURT GENTRY IS VERY INTERESTING, THE EXECUTION OF THE STORYLINE IS PROBLEMATIC. I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED THIS SERIES, BUT FOUND THIS ONE DISAPPOINTING.
NO CHILLS AND THRILLS WITH THIS GRAY MAN INSTALLMENT.
March 3, 2022
One of my favorite books of the year, hands down. Perhaps my favorite book in the series since the debut novel.
November 11, 2021
Sierra Six, Mark Greaney's newest Gray Man novel, is set between present day and twelve years earlier when Courtland Gentry joined a CIA special activities team. Gentry, aka The Gray Man aka Violator aka Sierra Six, is on a run-of-the-mill singleton operation when he sees a ghost. Literally. Twelve years earlier, as Golf Sierra's newest member, they eliminated a terrorist leader who was the worst of the worst. And that terrorist has just shown up during a supposedly simple op. And the crap is about to hit the fan.
Greaney deftly jumps between present day and twelve years prior, giving fans of the Gray Man what he went through in joining Golf Sierra and his current op. I do not say this as hyperbole: Sierra Six is the best thing Greaney has written. We see Gentry as never before, and while it isn't an origin story per se, it is the defining moment of who he is today.
I don't believe Greaney served in the the military but you would never know. The action, dialogue and attention to detail is more authentic than anything written today. The Gray Man is hands down my favorite series and to say this is my favorite of the series is no understatement. I actually did something I've never done before: after finishing Sierra Six, I went back and reread the first Gray Man. And I'm glad I did. I cannot recommend Sierra Six enough.
My sincere thanks to Mark Greaney, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of Sierra Six.
Greaney deftly jumps between present day and twelve years prior, giving fans of the Gray Man what he went through in joining Golf Sierra and his current op. I do not say this as hyperbole: Sierra Six is the best thing Greaney has written. We see Gentry as never before, and while it isn't an origin story per se, it is the defining moment of who he is today.
I don't believe Greaney served in the the military but you would never know. The action, dialogue and attention to detail is more authentic than anything written today. The Gray Man is hands down my favorite series and to say this is my favorite of the series is no understatement. I actually did something I've never done before: after finishing Sierra Six, I went back and reread the first Gray Man. And I'm glad I did. I cannot recommend Sierra Six enough.
My sincere thanks to Mark Greaney, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of Sierra Six.
January 10, 2022
Book 11 in the Gray Man series and this is without a doubt one of the best. I loved the first two books and this is on the same level, brilliant storytelling.
What's particularly great about this book is the two timelines that goes throughout the book. One present and one from the past where both timelines are related. In the beginning I liked the timeline from the past better because it was so interesting to get the story behind Sierra Six but as the present story progressed I enjoyed that as much. It's not easy to write a book with two different timelines but Mark Greaney has done a fantastic job with this one. I highly recommend it if you like well-written stories with strong characters and action packed scenes. Gray Man is one of the best action characters out there.
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
What's particularly great about this book is the two timelines that goes throughout the book. One present and one from the past where both timelines are related. In the beginning I liked the timeline from the past better because it was so interesting to get the story behind Sierra Six but as the present story progressed I enjoyed that as much. It's not easy to write a book with two different timelines but Mark Greaney has done a fantastic job with this one. I highly recommend it if you like well-written stories with strong characters and action packed scenes. Gray Man is one of the best action characters out there.
Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
July 2, 2022
This has to be the best Gray Man book he's written. I really enjoyed it. Usually when you go back and forth in time during a book it is frustrating but Greaney pulled it off in spades. Well done and really enjoyed it.
January 9, 2022
As in all installments of Mark Greaney's incomparable, thrilling, and fast-moving Gray Man series, US government agent Court Gentry is tasked with saving a chunk of the world from destruction by yet another unstoppable, spine chilling madman, but in Sierra Six, the story structure is a bit different than the norm. The plot runs in two discrete timelines twelve years apart. One is when Court is in his mid twenties and new to the CIA's Sierra Six group led by the storied Nate Hightower. In the later timeline--present day--Court has left Hightower's command and now works as a special contractor for the CIA, called on when his unique skills are necessary. A particularly dastardly America-hating terrorist that Gray Man kills in the earlier time comes back to haunt Court in the present. Before he died twelve years ago, this particular bad guy took something from Court that he has trouble recovering from. Both timelines could be standalone plots, each as compelling and dramatic as the other, but eventually--no surprise--they come together in a dramatic do-or-die event.
I must admit, it annoyed me for a while trying to jump between the two time periods, but as I would expect, Mark Greaney eventually blended the action, characterization, and backstory into one thriller that couldn't be told without this unique approach. Highly recommended for those who love high-powered, can-do characters who do the impossible.
Note to Mark Greaney: That you managed to pull this two-timeline thing off is testament to your talent as a writer. Maybe because I'm old, but it was more challenging than usual to keep track of everything so I wouldn't mind if you stick to the more traditional storyline in the future.
I must admit, it annoyed me for a while trying to jump between the two time periods, but as I would expect, Mark Greaney eventually blended the action, characterization, and backstory into one thriller that couldn't be told without this unique approach. Highly recommended for those who love high-powered, can-do characters who do the impossible.
Note to Mark Greaney: That you managed to pull this two-timeline thing off is testament to your talent as a writer. Maybe because I'm old, but it was more challenging than usual to keep track of everything so I wouldn't mind if you stick to the more traditional storyline in the future.
February 26, 2022
I really just continue to love this series. While I don't think this entry is going to be among what I think are the best Gray Man books (the plot just wasn't as compelling to me) I do think there are some things that Greany did really well here. First of all this book has a dual timeline structure which can sometimes be hit or miss, but Greany executes it really well and even had me more invested in the 12 years ago plot. Second of all Greany shows why he is the best in the genre with amazing action scenes, a fantastic ending, and emotional moments and character work that are miles ahead of what you usually see in this genre. In fact, the last hour of this audiobook was so good it almost caused me to up this to 5 stars based on that alone. Ultimately I decided not to because I felt that parts of the present day plot dragged a bit. That's ultimately going to be a personal preference, but I always enjoy the books with more Susanne Brewer and Zach Hightower more than the books with more Gentry solo plot. Regardless, I can't recommend this series enough. Do yourself a favor and pick up The Gray Man and read them all. Bonus points if you listen to Jay Snyder's fantastic audio performance.
March 31, 2022
Greaney's Gray Man books are always very enjoyable. My only criticism of this one is that it is a bit over long.
December 7, 2021
Action? Copy. Intrigue? Copy. Everyone's favorite Anti-hero? Double copy.
Was this the BEST Gray Man book in the series? Maybe not. (DeadEye is my personal favorite). It is, however, in my top 3
This was one of the very first times that we got a peek into Court's past and his introduction to Golf Sierra. His sarcastic attitude and integrity shine through in so many ways in this book. The mirroring of the past and present in this book was superbly done.
Through much of the series I wondered why Violator's heart was so shut off from other people. Particularly from Zoya. It's clear that hes crazy about her, but I never understood why he was so hesitant to open his heart to her. NOW I GET IT. Thank you, Mark, for clearing that up.
I am never disappointed when I read a Gray man novel. I anticipate the next one highly.. Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Books and of course, Mark Greany for allowing me the privilege to read and review this great book. All opinions are my own.
Was this the BEST Gray Man book in the series? Maybe not. (DeadEye is my personal favorite). It is, however, in my top 3
This was one of the very first times that we got a peek into Court's past and his introduction to Golf Sierra. His sarcastic attitude and integrity shine through in so many ways in this book. The mirroring of the past and present in this book was superbly done.
Through much of the series I wondered why Violator's heart was so shut off from other people. Particularly from Zoya. It's clear that hes crazy about her, but I never understood why he was so hesitant to open his heart to her. NOW I GET IT. Thank you, Mark, for clearing that up.
I am never disappointed when I read a Gray man novel. I anticipate the next one highly.. Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Books and of course, Mark Greany for allowing me the privilege to read and review this great book. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2022
Yeah ... definitely found a new favorite author. Loved the interwoven timelines and, naturally, Court. Great action, attention to detail, and characters you really care about. Some language, but that's a given most times with paramilitary/military novels. Clean read.
August 8, 2022
I am, generally, a huge fan of origin stories - assuming they're not of the generic, giant trope-y type. You know those. Those are the ones where the lead had a perfect life before violence came to visit. Let me assure you, writers and readers alike, that there is no perfect life, and the perfect lives upended by sudden violence, with a vow of revenge afterward are, in a word, boring. I want to see the lead struggle with something before struggling with another something.
Which brings us to Sierra Six. This is book eleven in the series, and by now, we've seen Court Gentry go from CIA hit dude to member of one of CIA's back ops teams Sierra Golf (Court's call sign: Sierra Six) to private hit dude with the CIA and Suzanne Brewster (his last boss before she punted him) on his trail, trying to take him out. What is Court doing these days? Taking private contracts, of course. It isn't like the guy is going to retire to a beach and drink Mai Tais.
Before we go on: if you're a reader jumping in at this point in the series, do yourself a favor and go to book one and begin there. About half of the things in this book will not make a lot of sense, or will appear to have no bearing at all on the other half of the book. Besides, it's a great series and a lot of fun to read.
But we open, in Sierra Six, twelve years ago. Zack Hightower - a familiar enough name to readers of the series - leading Sierra Golf on an op to take out a terrorist and any other bad guys around him. It isn't giving anything away to say that Sierra Six gets smoked after opening a hatch and finding a nest of bad guys, all with guns pointing up. This is not the first Sierra Six they've lost, either. They'll need a new one. This mission, however, is over, and they get out, back to base.
They get Court, who is used to working alone and initially doesn't fit well with the team in training. Eventually, he gets himself on track, and Sierra Golf is ready to go find the bad guy and try again. This is the mission in the past.
Back to the present (book time present). Court is on a contract, staking out a small villa, watching for the chance to get to that villa when the target has arrived. He does so, and is about to kill the man when h realizes this guy should be dead. But he isn't, Court misses the chance, and has to escape.
He's been helped by a young woman operating a drone. She's captured by the bad guy's minions, and now we have the mission in the present: rescue the young woman and kill the terrorist before he's able to do any further evil deeds.
By now, most readers will have surmised that the mission in both time periods concerns the same bad guy, and it does. From here to the end, I won't be giving away a ton of details of what happens in the book.
What I will say is this: I've tons of books. If you're reading this on Goodreads, you can see the numbers, and these are only the things I have read since joining Goodreads plus the things i could remember reading prior to that time. The actual number is likely twice, perhaps twice and a half that. Why do I mention this?
It means I've read a number of books that are self-contained origin stories. Many series that have the same main characters will have them. Stephen Hunter took us to Vietnam for Bob Lee Swagger's origin, for instance. The Hobbit is itself ab origin story for the Lord of the Rings. Comic books - well, they're rife with origin stories, for both heroes and villains.
This is not to say that every character needs an origin story that encompasses everything in their life to point X or that begins at their birth (Superman), although sometimes some information about their childhood is helpful to know - Bruce Wayne sees his parents gunned down when he was a boy, for instance. What we, or at least I, want to know is what changed this character deep down within themselves. Mack Bolan's family is killed by his own father over despair about debt owed to a Mafia loansharking operation, leading Bolan to begin a campaign against the loansharks and then against the larger Mob.
Most of the background we get on series characters comes in pieces via narrative of the events in the current book-time. In Gregg Hurwitz's excellent Orphan X series, we get pieces of how Evan Smoak, literal orphan, and later Orphan X, came to be. Sometimes, it's just a paragraph or two, sometimes, it's longer, as when he's thinking about Jack, who basically became Evan's father.
What I don't think I've ever read, though, is a book that so effortlessly and (more importantly) readably (is this a word?) combines both an origin story and a current story told in an alternating fashion, where both parts, the past and the present, have very real stakes and are both incredibly well done - to the point where either of them, on their own, would be an excellent book, but where together, they are even better than a single book on each would be.
There are no wasted characters. We don't have Joe Smith show up in the story, only to have nothing to say or do that impacts anything. There are no wasted, throwaway scenes or dialogue. The twin stories are compelling, the action (as usual) fantastic, even if having someone jump from a construction crane, during a monsoon, onto a level of an uncompleted office building, or having them pole vault using bamboo taken from a scaffolding are perhaps stretching things a bit. There is an absolutely extraordinary helicopter chase through mountainous terrain that will leave you breathless, and not from the altitude.
There is, alas, also loss. That loss is often the most compelling - and indeed, most propelling - event for the character. While some may argue that Court's loss in this book is unrealistic and too brief to be meaningful, I'll say that it is sometimes the briefest of connections whose severance wounds us most deeply.
An absolute five star read. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the reading copy.
Which brings us to Sierra Six. This is book eleven in the series, and by now, we've seen Court Gentry go from CIA hit dude to member of one of CIA's back ops teams Sierra Golf (Court's call sign: Sierra Six) to private hit dude with the CIA and Suzanne Brewster (his last boss before she punted him) on his trail, trying to take him out. What is Court doing these days? Taking private contracts, of course. It isn't like the guy is going to retire to a beach and drink Mai Tais.
Before we go on: if you're a reader jumping in at this point in the series, do yourself a favor and go to book one and begin there. About half of the things in this book will not make a lot of sense, or will appear to have no bearing at all on the other half of the book. Besides, it's a great series and a lot of fun to read.
But we open, in Sierra Six, twelve years ago. Zack Hightower - a familiar enough name to readers of the series - leading Sierra Golf on an op to take out a terrorist and any other bad guys around him. It isn't giving anything away to say that Sierra Six gets smoked after opening a hatch and finding a nest of bad guys, all with guns pointing up. This is not the first Sierra Six they've lost, either. They'll need a new one. This mission, however, is over, and they get out, back to base.
They get Court, who is used to working alone and initially doesn't fit well with the team in training. Eventually, he gets himself on track, and Sierra Golf is ready to go find the bad guy and try again. This is the mission in the past.
Back to the present (book time present). Court is on a contract, staking out a small villa, watching for the chance to get to that villa when the target has arrived. He does so, and is about to kill the man when h realizes this guy should be dead. But he isn't, Court misses the chance, and has to escape.
He's been helped by a young woman operating a drone. She's captured by the bad guy's minions, and now we have the mission in the present: rescue the young woman and kill the terrorist before he's able to do any further evil deeds.
By now, most readers will have surmised that the mission in both time periods concerns the same bad guy, and it does. From here to the end, I won't be giving away a ton of details of what happens in the book.
What I will say is this: I've tons of books. If you're reading this on Goodreads, you can see the numbers, and these are only the things I have read since joining Goodreads plus the things i could remember reading prior to that time. The actual number is likely twice, perhaps twice and a half that. Why do I mention this?
It means I've read a number of books that are self-contained origin stories. Many series that have the same main characters will have them. Stephen Hunter took us to Vietnam for Bob Lee Swagger's origin, for instance. The Hobbit is itself ab origin story for the Lord of the Rings. Comic books - well, they're rife with origin stories, for both heroes and villains.
This is not to say that every character needs an origin story that encompasses everything in their life to point X or that begins at their birth (Superman), although sometimes some information about their childhood is helpful to know - Bruce Wayne sees his parents gunned down when he was a boy, for instance. What we, or at least I, want to know is what changed this character deep down within themselves. Mack Bolan's family is killed by his own father over despair about debt owed to a Mafia loansharking operation, leading Bolan to begin a campaign against the loansharks and then against the larger Mob.
Most of the background we get on series characters comes in pieces via narrative of the events in the current book-time. In Gregg Hurwitz's excellent Orphan X series, we get pieces of how Evan Smoak, literal orphan, and later Orphan X, came to be. Sometimes, it's just a paragraph or two, sometimes, it's longer, as when he's thinking about Jack, who basically became Evan's father.
What I don't think I've ever read, though, is a book that so effortlessly and (more importantly) readably (is this a word?) combines both an origin story and a current story told in an alternating fashion, where both parts, the past and the present, have very real stakes and are both incredibly well done - to the point where either of them, on their own, would be an excellent book, but where together, they are even better than a single book on each would be.
There are no wasted characters. We don't have Joe Smith show up in the story, only to have nothing to say or do that impacts anything. There are no wasted, throwaway scenes or dialogue. The twin stories are compelling, the action (as usual) fantastic, even if having someone jump from a construction crane, during a monsoon, onto a level of an uncompleted office building, or having them pole vault using bamboo taken from a scaffolding are perhaps stretching things a bit. There is an absolutely extraordinary helicopter chase through mountainous terrain that will leave you breathless, and not from the altitude.
There is, alas, also loss. That loss is often the most compelling - and indeed, most propelling - event for the character. While some may argue that Court's loss in this book is unrealistic and too brief to be meaningful, I'll say that it is sometimes the briefest of connections whose severance wounds us most deeply.
An absolute five star read. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the reading copy.
February 2, 2022
eBook Review – It's not easy to write a book with two different timelines but author Mark Greaney has done a fantastic job with Book 11 of The Gray Man series, “Sierra Six.” The plot runs in two distinct timelines twelve years apart. One is when Court Gentry is a young covert operations operative and new to the CIA's Sierra Six group, the later timeline - present day – where Gentry now works as a contract assassin for the CIA, called upon when his unique skills are needed. Both timelines could be standalone books, each as compelling and dramatic as the other, but eventually – in no surprise - they come together in one dramatic do-or-die closing. Greaney eventually blended the action, characterization, and backstory into one thriller that couldn't be told without this unique approach. Greaney managing to pull this unique two-timeline narrative off is testament to his talent as a writer. Sierra Six is a rollercoaster ride of vivid action, tremendous intrigue, and unprecedented dialogue. Each character is so well developed and invaluable to the story. Origin-type stories are always good because the author gives the reader, the full and unmitigated backstory of the characters and the series. Greaney did this with Sierra Six along with telling one of the best Gray Man stories in the series! Mark Greaney’s storytelling in Sierra Six gives a new height to the Gray Man series and will continue to be my personal favorite in the action thriller genre. Early contender for best thriller of the year! Sincere appreciation to author Mark Greaney, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing an ebook advanced reader’s copy of Sierra Six.
February 19, 2022
Notes:
I wasn't a fan of the dual timelines, but I enjoyed the story told in each one. Hopefully, Priya will show up again because she was cool.
I wasn't a fan of the dual timelines, but I enjoyed the story told in each one. Hopefully, Priya will show up again because she was cool.
April 20, 2022
It was good. Very good!
May 31, 2022
5 stars plus more if it was possible. It is going to have to be sum book I read to beat this one this year. This is one intense long slow read as you don't want to miss one word of what is going on. The feelings and action involved are overwhelming. This tale makes this one of my bestestest series ever. You are the ROCKSTAR Mark Greaney.
February 18, 2022
Man oh man…..what a ride!
This was another amazing installment of one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE series' and one of my all time favorite book characters. When you read as much as I do (over 5000 books) that is not a statement I make lightly.
This is the beginning of a new story arc for Court. He is back on the kill list for the CIA and he has had to cut the ties that he was very delicately building because of it. We find out that he is back to doing contract work and that is where the story begins.
This book is set in two different time periods - the present, and also 12 years ago. Each time period is delivered expertly. We go back in time as we the reader learn about the events that happened back then. We also get to see what precipitated bringing Court to the "Team" and the events that occurred was when he first became Sierra Six. For those long time readers, we have learned a whole lot about Court's past, but we never knew how he came to be on Golf Sierra. I found every single part of that fascinating. I loved following along on that journey just as much as I loved the events in the "present".
As usual, we get to see that Court Gentry, The Gray Man, is a very complicated character. In the past, he is not yet as hard as he will become. There are still moments of vulnerability that he shows that just melted my heart. He is not used to working with anybody else yet - and he finds that he likes being a part of a team. We get to see more emotion from him than usual, and of course, I loved every minute of it. Knowing what is going to happen to him - what the team is going to do to him....well, it just makes everything worse and it breaks my heart all over again.
We also get to see a possible love interest in the past. Like I said, we see more from Court in this past, but we also begin to see the events that occurred that began to harden his heart. I would have read this book even if it only had the story from the past - that's how much I enjoyed getting a peek into his beginnings with Matt Hadley and Sierra One.
But, there is another event- this is occurring in the present. Court gets pulled into something that has a great personal stake for him. As usual, once things take off, there is no stopping the action. Things explode right from the start and it is just one of those "holding on for dear life" books that we have come to expect from Mr. Greaney.
Unlike the last few books, Court has virtually no support. He does connect and team up with a couple of people, but for the most part, this is a solo op for him. I enjoyed the secondary character of Priya. I thought she was portrayed pretty realistically, and I liked her spunk and her willingness to help - regardless of the outcome. The other guy - Ted Appleton - I didn't like. I knew there was something with him from the very beginning. But - no spoilers, so that's all I'll say.
I did have something happen in this book that I can honestly say has not happened in the past.
I HAVE to also say that as usual, Jay Snyder did a FANTASTIC job as the narrator of this series. His portrayal of Court, of Matt Handley, of Zack Hightower ~ I always know exactly who is talking and those portrayals will forever be permanent in my mind.
As usual, I was so excited to start this book and at the same time, I was dreading the fact that it was going to be over too soon. Seriously, that is truly the best compliment that I could ever give to a book or an author. I LOVE this series and now, I'm sad that it is going to be another year until we get back to see what is happening to Court Gentry. I could have gone without hearing anything about Suzanne Brewer but I am completely putting my faith in Mr. Greaney that he is going to take care of that issue in the most perfect way. You will, won't you? I AM counting on you......
So, the wait begins.....
This was another amazing installment of one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE series' and one of my all time favorite book characters. When you read as much as I do (over 5000 books) that is not a statement I make lightly.
This is the beginning of a new story arc for Court. He is back on the kill list for the CIA and he has had to cut the ties that he was very delicately building because of it. We find out that he is back to doing contract work and that is where the story begins.
This book is set in two different time periods - the present, and also 12 years ago. Each time period is delivered expertly. We go back in time as we the reader learn about the events that happened back then. We also get to see what precipitated bringing Court to the "Team" and the events that occurred was when he first became Sierra Six. For those long time readers, we have learned a whole lot about Court's past, but we never knew how he came to be on Golf Sierra. I found every single part of that fascinating. I loved following along on that journey just as much as I loved the events in the "present".
As usual, we get to see that Court Gentry, The Gray Man, is a very complicated character. In the past, he is not yet as hard as he will become. There are still moments of vulnerability that he shows that just melted my heart. He is not used to working with anybody else yet - and he finds that he likes being a part of a team. We get to see more emotion from him than usual, and of course, I loved every minute of it. Knowing what is going to happen to him - what the team is going to do to him....well, it just makes everything worse and it breaks my heart all over again.
We also get to see a possible love interest in the past. Like I said, we see more from Court in this past, but we also begin to see the events that occurred that began to harden his heart. I would have read this book even if it only had the story from the past - that's how much I enjoyed getting a peek into his beginnings with Matt Hadley and Sierra One.
But, there is another event- this is occurring in the present. Court gets pulled into something that has a great personal stake for him. As usual, once things take off, there is no stopping the action. Things explode right from the start and it is just one of those "holding on for dear life" books that we have come to expect from Mr. Greaney.
Unlike the last few books, Court has virtually no support. He does connect and team up with a couple of people, but for the most part, this is a solo op for him. I enjoyed the secondary character of Priya. I thought she was portrayed pretty realistically, and I liked her spunk and her willingness to help - regardless of the outcome. The other guy - Ted Appleton - I didn't like. I knew there was something with him from the very beginning. But - no spoilers, so that's all I'll say.
I did have something happen in this book that I can honestly say has not happened in the past.
I HAVE to also say that as usual, Jay Snyder did a FANTASTIC job as the narrator of this series. His portrayal of Court, of Matt Handley, of Zack Hightower ~ I always know exactly who is talking and those portrayals will forever be permanent in my mind.
As usual, I was so excited to start this book and at the same time, I was dreading the fact that it was going to be over too soon. Seriously, that is truly the best compliment that I could ever give to a book or an author. I LOVE this series and now, I'm sad that it is going to be another year until we get back to see what is happening to Court Gentry. I could have gone without hearing anything about Suzanne Brewer but I am completely putting my faith in Mr. Greaney that he is going to take care of that issue in the most perfect way. You will, won't you? I AM counting on you......
So, the wait begins.....
February 23, 2022
This novel probably deserves six stars. Seriously, it was that good. The author takes us into the Gray Man's past...and we learn a bit more about Courtland Gentry in the process. The story was very believable and the character development was better than any previous book in the Gray Man series. I was amazed that the author could make two storylines twelve years apart flow together so seamlessly. If you've kept up with the series, be sure to give this book a chance, it's well worth the time spent.
December 9, 2021
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Sierra Six is the early leader in the clubhouse for the best thriller of 2022 and it will take something incredibly special to surpass it. It’s perfection!
Make sure to check out the full review
Sierra Six is the early leader in the clubhouse for the best thriller of 2022 and it will take something incredibly special to surpass it. It’s perfection!
Make sure to check out the full review
February 25, 2022
Sad with lost love attached but still all of the suspense and fight you get from Mark Greaney and his Gray Man series. Two books or stories in one. Really liked how he told both stories and mixed them together. Not one part of the book had a slow or boring part. All action and suspense. The ending with the cliffhanger will be important over the next year. Let’s see what you come up with.
February 26, 2022
Court Gentry is on what should be a simple job of bugging an embassy in Turkey, when he sees a man he thought was dead for 12 years. A man with an evil plan.
This takes him to Mumbai to kill the man and stop the plan. We also get part of Gentry's origin story and why he hates this man so much.
Both stories are great. Together they are even better.
This takes him to Mumbai to kill the man and stop the plan. We also get part of Gentry's origin story and why he hates this man so much.
Both stories are great. Together they are even better.
April 5, 2022
Reviewed by Gemini
Sierra Six is the 11th book in Mark Greaney’s The Gray Man Series. As with all of the other books that I have read in the series, I was not disappointed. It had everything that I love. There was action, adventure, guns, fights, more guns, bombs, etc. This book was a wild ride. The best part about this book was that I finally found out more about Courtland Gentry/The Gray Man’s past.
If you haven’t read any books in the series, you could likely still enjoy most of the book but you wouldn’t necessarily be able to put all of the pieces together as they relate to different relationships. Courtland Gentry is a very complicated man who could kill you in a hundred ways. He is very good at his job. Sometimes he is a friend of America and other times, America is out to kill him. For Courtland, that’s just another day in the life. This time, Court’s mission leads him to come face to face with a madman that he believed had died 12 years prior on one of Court’s earlier Ops. Consequently, Court makes it his mission to kill the man and thwart whatever new terrorist attack he has planned. Since they have a history, the book goes back and forth through time to get us all caught up as to what happened then so we are fully invested into what has to happen now. All of the pieces were nicely put together and I had the opportunity to sit back and watch The Gray Man do his worst.
I am going to be really sad when this series comes to an end. It has been a roller coaster ride that has provided so much entertainment value. At least, there is also a movie coming out that will finally give me the chance to see how Mark envisioned the character to be in real life. Hopefully, there are also more books to come.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
Sierra Six is the 11th book in Mark Greaney’s The Gray Man Series. As with all of the other books that I have read in the series, I was not disappointed. It had everything that I love. There was action, adventure, guns, fights, more guns, bombs, etc. This book was a wild ride. The best part about this book was that I finally found out more about Courtland Gentry/The Gray Man’s past.
If you haven’t read any books in the series, you could likely still enjoy most of the book but you wouldn’t necessarily be able to put all of the pieces together as they relate to different relationships. Courtland Gentry is a very complicated man who could kill you in a hundred ways. He is very good at his job. Sometimes he is a friend of America and other times, America is out to kill him. For Courtland, that’s just another day in the life. This time, Court’s mission leads him to come face to face with a madman that he believed had died 12 years prior on one of Court’s earlier Ops. Consequently, Court makes it his mission to kill the man and thwart whatever new terrorist attack he has planned. Since they have a history, the book goes back and forth through time to get us all caught up as to what happened then so we are fully invested into what has to happen now. All of the pieces were nicely put together and I had the opportunity to sit back and watch The Gray Man do his worst.
I am going to be really sad when this series comes to an end. It has been a roller coaster ride that has provided so much entertainment value. At least, there is also a movie coming out that will finally give me the chance to see how Mark envisioned the character to be in real life. Hopefully, there are also more books to come.
**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**
April 3, 2022
I loved it, I loved it, I loved it! This may be # 11 but it was definitely the best one so far. A little long and convoluted but who cares? We finally got some real insight into the man Court Gentry and we finally got some needed background on Sierra Six and the events that would alter his life and his identity forever. Greany gets better and better and this book really surpassed most of the prior ones. I am grateful he decided to write this. We needed to feel some emotional connection with the Gray Man we hadn’t had yet and the circumstances surrounding the young CIA operative and reluctant paramilitary as he tried to fit in with his team and others around him was touching and moving. His relationship with Julie Marquez was beautifully written though bittersweet. The missions were massive and complex, described in minute detail and the research was clearly thorough. Greany knows his stuff. Two separate but connected stories in one book but I never had trouble following the action. This will be tough to follow but if anyone can do it, it is Mark Greany.
Oh and kudos once again to Jay Snyder for his amazing narration.
Oh and kudos once again to Jay Snyder for his amazing narration.
November 12, 2021
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Sierra Six is everything a thriller fan could want wrapped up in a single book. Whenever the Gray Man is involved you know the plot is going to include vivid action sequences, sky scraping amounts of intrigue, and absolutely zero margin for error. Add that to Greaney’s unparalleled writing ability and you have yourself one hell of a book.
While out on a relatively easy mission The Gray Man sees a dead man standing right in front of him, dredging up ghosts from the past. When history threatens to repeat itself, Court Gentry is hell bent on finishing the job himself and exacting revenge upon the man who he was told died twelve years earlier.
Make sure to check out the full review
Sierra Six is everything a thriller fan could want wrapped up in a single book. Whenever the Gray Man is involved you know the plot is going to include vivid action sequences, sky scraping amounts of intrigue, and absolutely zero margin for error. Add that to Greaney’s unparalleled writing ability and you have yourself one hell of a book.
While out on a relatively easy mission The Gray Man sees a dead man standing right in front of him, dredging up ghosts from the past. When history threatens to repeat itself, Court Gentry is hell bent on finishing the job himself and exacting revenge upon the man who he was told died twelve years earlier.
Make sure to check out the full review
February 18, 2022
This one had dual story lines. I liked both of them equally. I have enjoyed all the books in the Gray Man series. This is #11, and while not my favorite, I still liked this one.
I like the MC, Court Gentry. He is guided by his own moral compass (not the world's or mine or yours...his own). And I like that he seems to have no fear which propels him into certain situations.
This wasn't quite 4 stars for me but I don't mind rounding up. I like this series and I'll read what ever the author writes. So 4 stars.
I like the MC, Court Gentry. He is guided by his own moral compass (not the world's or mine or yours...his own). And I like that he seems to have no fear which propels him into certain situations.
This wasn't quite 4 stars for me but I don't mind rounding up. I like this series and I'll read what ever the author writes. So 4 stars.
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