What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadlock #1
Deadlock
Before there was a Phantom Thief, one boy made a choice. For as long as he can remember, Gregory’s life has been laid out for him. He’s always known if he passes his testing, he will become a leader in Deadlock like his ancestors before him. But after nearly dying and being saved by the man he was sent to kill, and who takes him in, Gregory starts to wonder if the life he’s been living is really a life at all. By the time he realizes Deadlock won't just let him walk away, he only has one choice to Finish the testing and return to Deadlock? Or fight for his new life and family? But no matter what he chooses, he may lose everything.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2021
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
P.D. Atkerson
63 books111 followersP.D. Atkerson is a homeschooled writer, living in Montana, who may or may not be a secret agent. She spends almost as much time in the worlds she creates as she does the real one.
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 27, 2022
4.5 stars
This is my second P.D. Atkerson book (the first being Phantom Thief), and let me tell you something. This book was great, but it was made especially amazing because of the background knowledge I had from Phantom Thief. I think I shall forever be a Gregory fan.
Characters: So let's start off with the obvious - Gregory! Seeing him in a different form from the Simon Lee books changed my perspective so much. He reminded me a little bit of Simon, but he wasn't quite as sarcastic, and he just seemed way more broken. I felt so much for him! I though he was really well done - no, he wasn't portrayed as innocent in the plot he'd nearly committed, but you could also tell he had been very controlled and manipulated into the person he'd become. And the Winfields! I loved them, especially Jonathan. The way they sacrificially loved this teenage assassin dude was so beautiful and amazing. And Cody was also fun - he was always kind of surprising me with all of the twists and turns of his part of the plot.
Writing Style/Plot: The writing style was really nice - Atkerson has a clear, concise voice that works well with this type of book. And the plot? Wow! The whole idea of Deadlock and Gregory's past was really interesting, and while there were some moments of action, a lot of quality character development really propelled the plot. The pacing was great, and I don't think it ever felt like it dragged at all. And, like any good first book in the series, I'm left with questions!
Moral/Theme: The biggest theme this book explored was sacrificial love - love displayed by the Winfields as they dimly reflected Christ's love. The way they adopted Gregory into their family and forgave him so readily was a beautiful picture of forgiveness. It was great to watch Gregory hear the Gospel, and I'm excited to see how his spiritual journey continues throughout the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for a clean, fast-paced book, this one's for you. And I need to get the second one in the very near future - I can't wait to read more about Gregory!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This is my second P.D. Atkerson book (the first being Phantom Thief), and let me tell you something. This book was great, but it was made especially amazing because of the background knowledge I had from Phantom Thief. I think I shall forever be a Gregory fan.
Characters: So let's start off with the obvious - Gregory! Seeing him in a different form from the Simon Lee books changed my perspective so much. He reminded me a little bit of Simon, but he wasn't quite as sarcastic, and he just seemed way more broken. I felt so much for him! I though he was really well done - no, he wasn't portrayed as innocent in the plot he'd nearly committed, but you could also tell he had been very controlled and manipulated into the person he'd become. And the Winfields! I loved them, especially Jonathan. The way they sacrificially loved this teenage assassin dude was so beautiful and amazing. And Cody was also fun - he was always kind of surprising me with all of the twists and turns of his part of the plot.
Writing Style/Plot: The writing style was really nice - Atkerson has a clear, concise voice that works well with this type of book. And the plot? Wow! The whole idea of Deadlock and Gregory's past was really interesting, and while there were some moments of action, a lot of quality character development really propelled the plot. The pacing was great, and I don't think it ever felt like it dragged at all. And, like any good first book in the series, I'm left with questions!
Moral/Theme: The biggest theme this book explored was sacrificial love - love displayed by the Winfields as they dimly reflected Christ's love. The way they adopted Gregory into their family and forgave him so readily was a beautiful picture of forgiveness. It was great to watch Gregory hear the Gospel, and I'm excited to see how his spiritual journey continues throughout the series.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for a clean, fast-paced book, this one's for you. And I need to get the second one in the very near future - I can't wait to read more about Gregory!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 5, 2024
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. All right, so this was so much fun! I always wanted to know Winfield’s backstory, since it’s only hinted at in the AKA Simon Lee series. I loved seeing how Jonathan & Esther took him in, and how sweet and loving they were… Lee totally didn’t value them at their worth! Seeing Mia at that age was a bit creepy, knowing what happens in
Rebel Mind
… Jackson was a doll, though! But I wonder where Frank and the others were?! Grew and Carlos and Roman were just as horrid as ever but Gregory was amazing… <33 and his mother sounds so sweet—poor lady… wow.
Overall, this was an amazing not-addition to the Simon Lee Series ;) and I’m super excited for more books about Gregory/Winfield!!!
Quote: “‘Church?’ Gregory had heard the word before from his father after he heard his mother use it. If he remembered right, it was where a bunch of self-righteous people came together to talk about how horrible everyone else was, and how much better they were. It was hard to believe that these people went to something like that.
“‘Yes, church,’ Esther said, smiling at him. ‘So? Will you come with us?’
“He couldn’t say what his father had said about church, so he racked his brain for anything else he knew about the place, and he said that instead. ‘Um…Do I have to… wear a tie?’ he asked. That hadn’t been what he was going to ask, but it was probably a better idea than asking if he had to be a good person to go because he was pretty sure if that was the case, he wasn’t getting in.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Overall, this was an amazing not-addition to the Simon Lee Series ;) and I’m super excited for more books about Gregory/Winfield!!!
Quote: “‘Church?’ Gregory had heard the word before from his father after he heard his mother use it. If he remembered right, it was where a bunch of self-righteous people came together to talk about how horrible everyone else was, and how much better they were. It was hard to believe that these people went to something like that.
“‘Yes, church,’ Esther said, smiling at him. ‘So? Will you come with us?’
“He couldn’t say what his father had said about church, so he racked his brain for anything else he knew about the place, and he said that instead. ‘Um…Do I have to… wear a tie?’ he asked. That hadn’t been what he was going to ask, but it was probably a better idea than asking if he had to be a good person to go because he was pretty sure if that was the case, he wasn’t getting in.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
January 11, 2023
Now available in audio!
https://amzn.to/3ZwTKmg
https://amzn.to/3ZwTKmg
October 23, 2021
To be honest, I enjoyed this more than I expected. I read two of the early Simon Lee books, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how much Atkerson's writing has improved since then. Deadlock still has numerous typos and grammar/punctuation errors, but the writing as a whole was much stronger, smoother, and easier for me to engage with.
As for the story itself, Gregory was a well-written character, and it was easy to feel his conflicted emotions. His gradual change of heart was well done, and it was so powerful how one family's kindness changed his life. I also appreciated how the message of God's love was woven into the story as Gregory needed it, rather than in an abrupt or preachy manner. Some parts of the story stretched believability a bit (people taking kids in as part of the family with little attempt to locate parents or work through the normal channels?), and I occasionally found it odd that Gregory could be so well trained in criminal matters and still not know what 9-1-1 was or how to tell if someone was on drugs. But it was endearing to watch him trying to learn what "normal" people did. I loved watching Jonathan's love and patience toward him, and I liked Cody a lot, too. One thing that bothered me was that the story didn't feel very finished at the end. I know this is a series, and Atkerson customarily leaves the reader hanging, picks up the story in the next book, and repeats the process…but while that might be good for book sales, it can lead to reader frustration. This series has tie-ins to the Simon Lee books, but I would say it functions well on its own.
The action scenes were really well written, but the emotional scenes were also realistic. It was easy to be right there with Gregory every step of the way. This was an engrossing, imaginative, high-stakes read with a lovely sense of finding home, and I'm looking forward to the release of the next Deadlock book!
As for the story itself, Gregory was a well-written character, and it was easy to feel his conflicted emotions. His gradual change of heart was well done, and it was so powerful how one family's kindness changed his life. I also appreciated how the message of God's love was woven into the story as Gregory needed it, rather than in an abrupt or preachy manner. Some parts of the story stretched believability a bit (people taking kids in as part of the family with little attempt to locate parents or work through the normal channels?), and I occasionally found it odd that Gregory could be so well trained in criminal matters and still not know what 9-1-1 was or how to tell if someone was on drugs. But it was endearing to watch him trying to learn what "normal" people did. I loved watching Jonathan's love and patience toward him, and I liked Cody a lot, too. One thing that bothered me was that the story didn't feel very finished at the end. I know this is a series, and Atkerson customarily leaves the reader hanging, picks up the story in the next book, and repeats the process…but while that might be good for book sales, it can lead to reader frustration. This series has tie-ins to the Simon Lee books, but I would say it functions well on its own.
The action scenes were really well written, but the emotional scenes were also realistic. It was easy to be right there with Gregory every step of the way. This was an engrossing, imaginative, high-stakes read with a lovely sense of finding home, and I'm looking forward to the release of the next Deadlock book!
August 1, 2021
Characters: Gregory was a great main character. Even though he had such a tragic past and had been trained as a killer, he still seemed like a real teenage boy. The side characters added so much to this story. I especially liked Mr. Winfield’s interactions with Gregory. Mr. Winfield was an excellent contrast to Gregory’s father.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main themes of this novel were family and God’s love.
Plot: Adventure, action, suspense, great character interactions, high stakes—I couldn’t ask for more in a plot! This book definitely moved … And it kept me up way too late for a couple of nights!
Romance: Clean. Actually, this book didn’t contain any romance. Which was a nice change from most of the Christian fiction books out there.
Writing: P.D. Atkerson’s writing style fits well with this book’s fast-paced plot.
Overall: I loved reading Deadlock and am looking forward to the second book in the series! I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction, action/adventure, and suspense.
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main themes of this novel were family and God’s love.
Plot: Adventure, action, suspense, great character interactions, high stakes—I couldn’t ask for more in a plot! This book definitely moved … And it kept me up way too late for a couple of nights!
Romance: Clean. Actually, this book didn’t contain any romance. Which was a nice change from most of the Christian fiction books out there.
Writing: P.D. Atkerson’s writing style fits well with this book’s fast-paced plot.
Overall: I loved reading Deadlock and am looking forward to the second book in the series! I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction, action/adventure, and suspense.
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
The tears just kept coming! I couldn't help but to cry over the ending to this!
This book has been on my TBR for so long, and I'm so glad I finally got to read it.
Well done P.P. Atkerson! couldn't put it down.
Second time around, just as good. I cried through it, on it, in it, over it, and after it!! I'm surprised I still had tears left afterward. NO JOKE. This is the first time 've ever gotten a book wet by crying. *sobs again*
Gregory Deadlock has always had one goal in life: Please his father. And when it's time for his ultimate test to see whether or not he is fir to become a DL leader, he is determined to make his father proud. Mission: Kill Preacher.
But things go south, when the very man he is sent to kill saves him from dying. He starts to question where his loyalty stands. Is Deadlock really what he wants for his life? Or is there more to life than killing and gaining power?
He can't just walk away. . . or can he?
This book has been on my TBR for so long, and I'm so glad I finally got to read it.
Well done P.P. Atkerson! couldn't put it down.
Second time around, just as good. I cried through it, on it, in it, over it, and after it!! I'm surprised I still had tears left afterward. NO JOKE. This is the first time 've ever gotten a book wet by crying. *sobs again*
Gregory Deadlock has always had one goal in life: Please his father. And when it's time for his ultimate test to see whether or not he is fir to become a DL leader, he is determined to make his father proud. Mission: Kill Preacher.
But things go south, when the very man he is sent to kill saves him from dying. He starts to question where his loyalty stands. Is Deadlock really what he wants for his life? Or is there more to life than killing and gaining power?
He can't just walk away. . . or can he?
March 2, 2022
A gripping tale of a young boy raised by a black hearted father and crime boss.
Snippets of his mother's face and caring touch lived with Gregory long after she died a mysterious death. Her love touched his heart in ways nothing else could. Raised by a father who cared for nothing but power, Gregory Deadlock hasn't known anything since his mother's death but hard training and the wiles of evil. No choices are his own, not until a hazardous mission lands him in the car of a man who, dare he believe it?, actually cares.
As with all of P.D.Atkerson's books, Deadlock is full of mystery and excitement. She barely gives you time to take a breath before another plot twist plops into your lap.
Gregory's tale is touching and definitely shows the real love a godly family can give. Hard decisions that will shape his life are brought forth, mirroring the truth of these choices. Good or evil? And in most cases, if you choose good, evil catches up.
I gave this book four stars because I was completely caught up in its world and didn't want to put it down. The last star that I didn't give was for this reason: While I love how this book is written and the story told, I constantly found it hard to imagine Gregory as the fourteen year old he is. I understand that he was raised to be older and more mature in the perilous DL, but he just didn't seem...that young. Neither did his brother in truth. I kept imagining them as older, maybe late teens or early twenties. Maybe that's just showing how well Atkerson shaped his character *shrug* but I like stories that I can be aware of the age of the character without going overboard on TWENTY. Imagine my mental gasp when I learned his age and though 'Oh my poor boy! I thought you were older! Now I feel really sorry for you!' and then want to smother him in hugs he DEFINITELY won't appreciate. XD.
*Clears throat* excuse my little rant on ages. *Gets a severe glare from Gregory.*
I really can't decide a favorite part because the whole thing was just that good! I loved finding out who his uncle was! That was awesome! And then his reaction to J's injury made me want to cheer out loud 📢!
I can't wait to see what the next book brings! And *glares at Atkerson* be nice to him for ONCE in your life!...please?
(I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Snippets of his mother's face and caring touch lived with Gregory long after she died a mysterious death. Her love touched his heart in ways nothing else could. Raised by a father who cared for nothing but power, Gregory Deadlock hasn't known anything since his mother's death but hard training and the wiles of evil. No choices are his own, not until a hazardous mission lands him in the car of a man who, dare he believe it?, actually cares.
As with all of P.D.Atkerson's books, Deadlock is full of mystery and excitement. She barely gives you time to take a breath before another plot twist plops into your lap.
Gregory's tale is touching and definitely shows the real love a godly family can give. Hard decisions that will shape his life are brought forth, mirroring the truth of these choices. Good or evil? And in most cases, if you choose good, evil catches up.
I gave this book four stars because I was completely caught up in its world and didn't want to put it down. The last star that I didn't give was for this reason: While I love how this book is written and the story told, I constantly found it hard to imagine Gregory as the fourteen year old he is. I understand that he was raised to be older and more mature in the perilous DL, but he just didn't seem...that young. Neither did his brother in truth. I kept imagining them as older, maybe late teens or early twenties. Maybe that's just showing how well Atkerson shaped his character *shrug* but I like stories that I can be aware of the age of the character without going overboard on TWENTY. Imagine my mental gasp when I learned his age and though 'Oh my poor boy! I thought you were older! Now I feel really sorry for you!' and then want to smother him in hugs he DEFINITELY won't appreciate. XD.
*Clears throat* excuse my little rant on ages. *Gets a severe glare from Gregory.*
I really can't decide a favorite part because the whole thing was just that good! I loved finding out who his uncle was! That was awesome! And then his reaction to J's injury made me want to cheer out loud 📢!
I can't wait to see what the next book brings! And *glares at Atkerson* be nice to him for ONCE in your life!...please?
(I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
January 1, 2022
This was an awesome read! P.D. has once again captivated her readers with her words!
I will definitely be getting the next one.
I will definitely be getting the next one.
Read
March 23, 2021Better review to come after publication, but I love it so, so much... <3
September 18, 2021
I really, really enjoyed reading Deadlock. It provided so much insight into the story behind everything, if you are already a reader and fan of the AKA Simon Lee series (which is, I must say, a must read series).
It was interesting seeing Gregory’s personality as a much younger person and seeing what made him, him.
Deadlock was actually a lot more hard-hitting than I was expecting (which I should have expected anyway). I loved the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the unconditional love found in Christ.
As always, I highly recommend P.D. Atkerson’s books, this one especially.
It was interesting seeing Gregory’s personality as a much younger person and seeing what made him, him.
Deadlock was actually a lot more hard-hitting than I was expecting (which I should have expected anyway). I loved the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the unconditional love found in Christ.
As always, I highly recommend P.D. Atkerson’s books, this one especially.
December 29, 2023
As always, the authors fight scenes are top notch and I enjoy learning things(who knew that about cayenne pepper, right?!). I appreciated the beginning of Gregory’s journey.
There were a few things that seemed… very… convenient, sometimes some also “wait where did that come from/what’s the point here?” moments. And Gregory’s repetitions to himself I started to skim. But, my biggest complaint is that the ending was so abrupt.
Still.
Action-packed and a great message throughout: found family and choosing what’s right over the wrongs you’ve been force fed.
The twist with his mom was 👏🏻
I received a free copy of this work from the author in return for an honest review, the opinions here are my own 💛
There were a few things that seemed… very… convenient, sometimes some also “wait where did that come from/what’s the point here?” moments. And Gregory’s repetitions to himself I started to skim. But, my biggest complaint is that the ending was so abrupt.
Still.
Action-packed and a great message throughout: found family and choosing what’s right over the wrongs you’ve been force fed.
The twist with his mom was 👏🏻
I received a free copy of this work from the author in return for an honest review, the opinions here are my own 💛
October 31, 2022
He can't just walk away. . .
Gregory was sent on a mission. And what spirals from that is gonna grab your heart, make it swell, and tear it-all at the same time. Deadlock is without a doubt one of the most intense, heartstring-pulling, nail-biting, gasp-worthy books I ever had the privilege of reading. You are not going to be able to put this down. That just won't happen.
Will he bend? Or break.
Gregory was sent on a mission. And what spirals from that is gonna grab your heart, make it swell, and tear it-all at the same time. Deadlock is without a doubt one of the most intense, heartstring-pulling, nail-biting, gasp-worthy books I ever had the privilege of reading. You are not going to be able to put this down. That just won't happen.
Will he bend? Or break.
April 28, 2023
I don't want to give any spoilers away, but Deadlock was such a fun read. As usual with her books, P. D. Atkerson weaves a story of action and intrigue with Gospel truths woven throughout. The characters are fun, and the Winfield family is so wonderful. I love the kindness and love they show Gregory and how Jonathan remained patient with him and continued to share the truth with him. Gregory is an interesting character, and I love getting to see another side to him as this is his backstory and so we meet an older, more mature Gregory in the AKA Simon Lee series. The themes were great as well, with an emphasis on sacrificial love and God's forgiveness. Definitely give Deadlock a try!
May 8, 2023
So, I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book, considering what the book was about. However, I was pleasantly surprised and found myself looking forward to the next chapter. I was always wondering about Gregory’s past and worried about what would happen to him next. It saddened me to know what Gregory endured at Deadlock.
The plot twists were great, and I’m curious to read more about some the others’ stories.
There were some words used I didn’t particularly care for, including stupid and idiot.
I received a free audio copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review.
The plot twists were great, and I’m curious to read more about some the others’ stories.
There were some words used I didn’t particularly care for, including stupid and idiot.
I received a free audio copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review.
July 18, 2024
I loved this so, so much. Gregory, in the AKA Simon Lee series, was always a top favourite character for me – if not my very favourite – and even knowing his backstory, I really was looking forward to reading this and finding out all the exact details. I did not, however, expect to love it just as much as AKA SL.
But I did. Gregory is amazing, even as he is here, and you just find yourself rooting for him from Page 1. And the Winfields… I love Jonathan and Esther so much and they are both just so sweet and wonderful. And as for the children… well, while they’re both adorable, let’s just say having read AKA SL it’s really weird reading about one of them as a sweet little kid. And I absolutely LOVE the hint of foreshadowing there that comes out in one part! But I love the other Winfield kid so, so much.
And as for Cody… and all the other characters like him… they were just amazing too. Especially one… And on that note, the pieces of Gregory’s mother’s story that come out are just so sad and touching. I wish we could get to know more about her!
The other thing that I really liked is that, although I personally feel it’s better to read this after reading AKA SL, it can be read first or without ever reading the other one. (But, please don’t do that. If you haven’t read AKA SL yet, you really need to! ;) And if you have read it and not this, this is such an amazing addition to it! In fact, it is just what I was hoping it would be!)
The story itself was so good. Gregory’s decision would be a terribly hard one to make, and it was, I felt, very realistically written. The building up to the final conflict, too, was just so well done. And as for that ending… it was just so, so sweet.
I found Deadlock incredibly hard to put down. Especially near the end… It is all so suspenseful, and gripping, and I just loved it so much!
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
But I did. Gregory is amazing, even as he is here, and you just find yourself rooting for him from Page 1. And the Winfields… I love Jonathan and Esther so much and they are both just so sweet and wonderful. And as for the children… well, while they’re both adorable, let’s just say having read AKA SL it’s really weird reading about one of them as a sweet little kid. And I absolutely LOVE the hint of foreshadowing there that comes out in one part! But I love the other Winfield kid so, so much.
And as for Cody… and all the other characters like him… they were just amazing too. Especially one… And on that note, the pieces of Gregory’s mother’s story that come out are just so sad and touching. I wish we could get to know more about her!
The other thing that I really liked is that, although I personally feel it’s better to read this after reading AKA SL, it can be read first or without ever reading the other one. (But, please don’t do that. If you haven’t read AKA SL yet, you really need to! ;) And if you have read it and not this, this is such an amazing addition to it! In fact, it is just what I was hoping it would be!)
The story itself was so good. Gregory’s decision would be a terribly hard one to make, and it was, I felt, very realistically written. The building up to the final conflict, too, was just so well done. And as for that ending… it was just so, so sweet.
I found Deadlock incredibly hard to put down. Especially near the end… It is all so suspenseful, and gripping, and I just loved it so much!
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
February 1, 2023
Poor Gregory! I just felt so bad for him. To have to make the decisions he did? *shakes head* Anyway. this was my first book by P.D. Atkerson, and I really enjoyed it. The first sentence grabbed my attention and the story held me to the very last one. I was fully invested in all the characters and rooting for Gregory to make the right decisions. Since I haven’t read any of the Simon Lee books I was completely in the dark about whether Gregory was one of the bad guys or not. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the events that occurred.
The Winfields totally won my heart. Rarely do I find books in which Christian families are portrayed so realistically. The contrast between Jonathan and Gregory’s real father was striking. In all the good ways.
One thing that threw me off was Gregory’s age. I saw that others had noticed it too. He’s only thirteen?!? I thought he was at least 16. But I suppose what he’s gone through would age him. It didn’t detract from the story, just made me do a double take.
My only pet peeve has nothing to do with the story, but the formatting of the kindle edition. The chapter breaks were placed awkwardly and I found a few typos. But, aside from that, I really enjoyed this book.
I hope to read the Simon Lee series sometime in the future and see Gregory again.
The Winfields totally won my heart. Rarely do I find books in which Christian families are portrayed so realistically. The contrast between Jonathan and Gregory’s real father was striking. In all the good ways.
One thing that threw me off was Gregory’s age. I saw that others had noticed it too. He’s only thirteen?!? I thought he was at least 16. But I suppose what he’s gone through would age him. It didn’t detract from the story, just made me do a double take.
My only pet peeve has nothing to do with the story, but the formatting of the kindle edition. The chapter breaks were placed awkwardly and I found a few typos. But, aside from that, I really enjoyed this book.
I hope to read the Simon Lee series sometime in the future and see Gregory again.
December 23, 2023
Great!
What great imagination this author has !
Loved every chapter and character .
Highly recommend this book.
Evil exists but love always wins.
What great imagination this author has !
Loved every chapter and character .
Highly recommend this book.
Evil exists but love always wins.
June 24, 2024
A good concept, but the execution was lacking for me. I think you'll get the same concepts and better execution from the author's later works.
January 9, 2024
First time reader of P.D. Atkerson!
I must say I got through this book fairly quickly. It was full of action and suspense so I had to know how it would end.
The family aspect of the book was great.
I couldn’t believe the MC was only 12 years old though. I felt really bad for his upbringing. The scars run deep for such a young kid. I was glad he ended up caring for his foster family.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
I must say I got through this book fairly quickly. It was full of action and suspense so I had to know how it would end.
The family aspect of the book was great.
I couldn’t believe the MC was only 12 years old though. I felt really bad for his upbringing. The scars run deep for such a young kid. I was glad he ended up caring for his foster family.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews