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Nerve Attack
Former American intelligence operative Kolya Petrov, struggling with the physical and psychological aftereffects of kidnapping and torture, is drawn back into the game when Dmitri, his childhood best friend, holds the key to stopping an attack by terrorists armed with a deadly nerve agent. Working with Dmitri, however, is complicated. While their friendship had been forged during their years in an abusive Russian boys' home, the two men's lives took very different paths. Dmitri had headed the North American branch of a Russian gang until Kolya, working undercover, put him in prison. Ten years later, Dmitri's cooperation is essential to finding the smuggler of the nerve agent, and he refuses to work with anyone but Kolya. Kolya reluctantly agrees to undertake one more mission, but to succeed, he must come to terms with the past. Can he trust Dmitri not to take revenge for the betrayal of their friendship? Can he rely on his own judgment and abilities, despite a leg injury and ongoing PTSD, to survive an elaborate plot that threatens his life and that of his fiancee, as well as the lives of hundreds of innocent people?
- GenresFiction
370 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1384 people want to read
About the author
S. Lee Manning
5 books65 followersS. Lee Manning spent two years as managing editor of Law Enforcement Communications before realizing that lawyers make a lot more money. A subsequent career as an attorney spanned from a first tier New York law firm, to working for the State of New Jersey, to solo practice. In 2001, Manning agreed to chair New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NJADP), writing articles on the risk of wrongful execution and arguing against the death penalty on radio and television in the years leading up to its abolition. She also published literary short stories, winning the Cincinnati Mercantile Library short story contest. Currently, she is the award winning author of Trojan Horse, Nerve Attack, and - coming soon - Bloody Soil.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 22, 2021
In a deadly espionage game in which stakes are high and people’s lives don’t seem to matter, trust seems to be one commodity that could not even be bought or held on to with money, no matter how much. The protagonists of psychological thriller Nerve Attack learn this the hard way with unexpected outcomes for each of them.
First, there is Yuri Bykovsky, President of the Russian Federation. He is furious that his mistress and her teenage daughter had slipped through his fingers and made a daring escape out of Moscow to America, helped by USA agents. And his 10 billion dollars in his accounts, which the US has frozen. Bykovsky vows revenge on all who did this to him.
Next is Kolya Petrov, a former American intelligence operative, who suffers from PTSD and a leg injury as a direct result of kidnap and torture in a previous operation. He still couldn’t get over the fact that the agency he worked for had deliberately put him in harm’s way. Then three years ago he successfully pulled off the Russian operation. He now seems happy with his new life in Vermont as a lawyer and with Alex, his fiancee
And then there is Dmitri Lemonsky, Kolya’s childhood best friend during their time in an abusive Russian boy’s home. Years later Dmitri got involved in racketeering run by a Russian gang in America. Kolya, then working undercover, helped put him into prison. Dmitri felt betrayed but yet…
Now, after ten years, Kolya and Dmitri find themselves crossing paths again unexpectedly. An unknown group, armed with Novichok, a deadly nerve agent that could only have come from Russia, is about to launch a full-scale attack on America. The FBI and CIA have some intel of Russian involvement but they don’t know who and why, and where the targets might be. Given his criminal past, Dmitri holds the key to stopping the attack and agrees to help but he will only work with Kolya. Reluctantly Kolya agrees to undertake one more mission for the Executive Covert Agency (ECA), his former employer, despite his misgivings about having to work with Dmitri, whom he felt he had betrayed. An armed attack on Alex’s family just days before helped seal his decision.
Kolya and Dmitri, together with a team of ECA agents, head to St. Petersburg, Russia to seek answers from people that Dmitri knew in the past. Each answer leads them closer to the startling truth and nearer to the top echelons of political power, including the mastermind of the nerve attack. To gain access to him in a disarming way, Kolya poses as a businessman who has a deal to import high quality drugs from Canada to America but needs a smuggling network to bring them in. They agree on the terms of the deal. At the same time Kolya and Dmitri are constantly watching their backs as they know they are being mercilessly hunted down by the FSB, Russia's dreaded security agency.
Kolya and Dmitri extricate themselves from Russia and head home to hunt down the nerve agent smugglers but in a bizarre twist, when they arrive home, Kolya finds himself being held at gunpoint by Dmitri. Is Dmitri in cahoots with the smugglers? Does he intend to kill Kolya for his betrayal? These are questions swirling in Kolya's as he awaits his fate in a deadly showdown between the smugglers and ECA agents in the forests of Vermont. Meanwhile, in Moscow a stark reckoning awaits President Yuri Bykovsky.
S. Lee Manning is a new writer of the espionage genre for me and I'm delighted that I discovered her through Booksirens. Nerve Attack has all the essential elements of a suspenseful nail-biting thriller. The intricate plot hinged on a plausible nerve agent attack, a Russian president bent on revenge, a former US operative sacrificing his own comfort and his pain for the sake of national duty, and trust lost and regained, has the hallmark worthy of a Dan Brown or a Daniel Silva thriller. Colourful characters with complex and idiosyncratic personalities and emotional baggage heighten the tensions as they try to outdo one another in staying ahead of the game. Their individual backstories are well-crafted and developed, giving them a realism that readers could identify with.
Having completed the mission, Kolya already has his eyes and hope set on the next mission. Coming from the pen of Manning, I’m sure it will be an equally exciting one. I shall look forward to his next adventure.
My thanks to Booksirens and the publisher for the free ARC e-copy. My review is given voluntarily.
First, there is Yuri Bykovsky, President of the Russian Federation. He is furious that his mistress and her teenage daughter had slipped through his fingers and made a daring escape out of Moscow to America, helped by USA agents. And his 10 billion dollars in his accounts, which the US has frozen. Bykovsky vows revenge on all who did this to him.
Next is Kolya Petrov, a former American intelligence operative, who suffers from PTSD and a leg injury as a direct result of kidnap and torture in a previous operation. He still couldn’t get over the fact that the agency he worked for had deliberately put him in harm’s way. Then three years ago he successfully pulled off the Russian operation. He now seems happy with his new life in Vermont as a lawyer and with Alex, his fiancee
And then there is Dmitri Lemonsky, Kolya’s childhood best friend during their time in an abusive Russian boy’s home. Years later Dmitri got involved in racketeering run by a Russian gang in America. Kolya, then working undercover, helped put him into prison. Dmitri felt betrayed but yet…
Now, after ten years, Kolya and Dmitri find themselves crossing paths again unexpectedly. An unknown group, armed with Novichok, a deadly nerve agent that could only have come from Russia, is about to launch a full-scale attack on America. The FBI and CIA have some intel of Russian involvement but they don’t know who and why, and where the targets might be. Given his criminal past, Dmitri holds the key to stopping the attack and agrees to help but he will only work with Kolya. Reluctantly Kolya agrees to undertake one more mission for the Executive Covert Agency (ECA), his former employer, despite his misgivings about having to work with Dmitri, whom he felt he had betrayed. An armed attack on Alex’s family just days before helped seal his decision.
Kolya and Dmitri, together with a team of ECA agents, head to St. Petersburg, Russia to seek answers from people that Dmitri knew in the past. Each answer leads them closer to the startling truth and nearer to the top echelons of political power, including the mastermind of the nerve attack. To gain access to him in a disarming way, Kolya poses as a businessman who has a deal to import high quality drugs from Canada to America but needs a smuggling network to bring them in. They agree on the terms of the deal. At the same time Kolya and Dmitri are constantly watching their backs as they know they are being mercilessly hunted down by the FSB, Russia's dreaded security agency.
Kolya and Dmitri extricate themselves from Russia and head home to hunt down the nerve agent smugglers but in a bizarre twist, when they arrive home, Kolya finds himself being held at gunpoint by Dmitri. Is Dmitri in cahoots with the smugglers? Does he intend to kill Kolya for his betrayal? These are questions swirling in Kolya's as he awaits his fate in a deadly showdown between the smugglers and ECA agents in the forests of Vermont. Meanwhile, in Moscow a stark reckoning awaits President Yuri Bykovsky.
S. Lee Manning is a new writer of the espionage genre for me and I'm delighted that I discovered her through Booksirens. Nerve Attack has all the essential elements of a suspenseful nail-biting thriller. The intricate plot hinged on a plausible nerve agent attack, a Russian president bent on revenge, a former US operative sacrificing his own comfort and his pain for the sake of national duty, and trust lost and regained, has the hallmark worthy of a Dan Brown or a Daniel Silva thriller. Colourful characters with complex and idiosyncratic personalities and emotional baggage heighten the tensions as they try to outdo one another in staying ahead of the game. Their individual backstories are well-crafted and developed, giving them a realism that readers could identify with.
Having completed the mission, Kolya already has his eyes and hope set on the next mission. Coming from the pen of Manning, I’m sure it will be an equally exciting one. I shall look forward to his next adventure.
My thanks to Booksirens and the publisher for the free ARC e-copy. My review is given voluntarily.
October 10, 2021
Spine-chilling thriller of a cliffhanger
This spy thriller from S. Lee Manning forced me to read through it in one sitting. The action is taut, the suspense edgy, and the plot slides in and out of the shadows with mind numbing affect. Kolya Petrov, emotionally and physically damaged from his last assignment, is called back to work to prevent a terrorist attack using nerve agents by the request of his boyhood friend, gangster, and man he put in prison ten years earlier. The supporting cast, good and bad, are well fleshed out and engaging, while the plot sizzles along to a surprising and climatic finale.
This spy thriller from S. Lee Manning forced me to read through it in one sitting. The action is taut, the suspense edgy, and the plot slides in and out of the shadows with mind numbing affect. Kolya Petrov, emotionally and physically damaged from his last assignment, is called back to work to prevent a terrorist attack using nerve agents by the request of his boyhood friend, gangster, and man he put in prison ten years earlier. The supporting cast, good and bad, are well fleshed out and engaging, while the plot sizzles along to a surprising and climatic finale.
September 19, 2021
Warning: Spoilery Review---
S. Lee Manning’s world of spies and espionage makes a return in her new novel, “Nerve Attack” which continues the adventures of protagonist Kolya Petrov months after the events of “Trojan Horse”. In this book, we leave the events of Romania to confront a new international threat--the Russian Federation itself—and stop an act of revenge by its ruthless president. While the danger seems to be sparked by a fatal nerve agent smuggled into U.S soil to set off a massive killing spree, the real danger comes from a host of different antagonists that Kolya face in the novel. That of course includes his own PTSD that resulted from the events in Romania, something that I felt was a great and realistic addition to his journey.
What I really liked in Manning’s first book was her ability to give depth to her characters and their relationships. Her stories are a page-turner not only because of every gripping high stakes mission, but because it’s easy to become attached to the characters and their individual story. I love that in this book we get to explore Kolya’s harsh childhood in Russia as a Russian Jew, as well as his tense relationship with an old friend, Dmitri Lemonosky. Speaking of, Dmitri is an enjoyable character to follow, acting as the snarky and dangerous foil to Kolka throughout the mission and being a source of dark humor and snide banters. It fulfilled one of my favorite tropes of misguided ex-friends/comrades forced to work together, where you don’t know if one will eventually betray the other.
I also enjoy a good redemption arc, and we get a dose of that through Tomas Grigorovich Orlov, the Director of Russia’s internal spy agency and President Yuri’s brother-in-law. Despite trying to sabotage Kolya and Dmitri’s plans to get in contact with Rzaev, the gang-leader possibly responsible for smuggling the nerve agent into the U.S., he ultimately takes a great risk to go against Yuri and help the American side. Even while being an initial ‘antagonist’ to Kolya, Tomas’s actions are grey and justifiable (to protect his country and family)—a stark difference to the sadistic madman that is President Yuri himself. Their dynamic is what makes the side of the “bad guys” so interesting.
Of course, a key obstacle that is prevalent throughout the novel is the protagonist’s trauma from the grueling torture he faced in the first book. I love that mental health impacts many of Kolya’s decisions and outcomes, making his role as a highly-skilled field agent more realistic and humanizing, rather than the typical one-and-done series of missions we see in typical spy stories. It allows the reader to root for him, to take his side when he scorns the very agency that betrayed him and asks for his help again. It also affects his relationship with other characters and ultimately himself.
Plot-wise, there are a lot more character perspectives and events to follow in the second installment, flipping between a dangerous mission in Russia to a dangerous rendezvous in the U.S. (specifically Vermont). The overarching threat takes a grander scale, pitting two familiar Cold-War superpowers against each other. As always, Manning paints every scene and setting with such vivid details that I feel like I’m right there exploring the beauty of St. Petersburg and the White Nights festival, while experiencing the tense moments of each undercover operation. In addition to new characters, the returning cast also play a supporting hand in the story to help carry each part of the overall mission forward. This is another great spy thriller if you are looking not only for an edge-of-your-seat experience, but also real, engaging characters and camaraderie. I look forward to the next installment! Hoping to see more of Kolya and Dmitri together!
- Julisa B.
S. Lee Manning’s world of spies and espionage makes a return in her new novel, “Nerve Attack” which continues the adventures of protagonist Kolya Petrov months after the events of “Trojan Horse”. In this book, we leave the events of Romania to confront a new international threat--the Russian Federation itself—and stop an act of revenge by its ruthless president. While the danger seems to be sparked by a fatal nerve agent smuggled into U.S soil to set off a massive killing spree, the real danger comes from a host of different antagonists that Kolya face in the novel. That of course includes his own PTSD that resulted from the events in Romania, something that I felt was a great and realistic addition to his journey.
What I really liked in Manning’s first book was her ability to give depth to her characters and their relationships. Her stories are a page-turner not only because of every gripping high stakes mission, but because it’s easy to become attached to the characters and their individual story. I love that in this book we get to explore Kolya’s harsh childhood in Russia as a Russian Jew, as well as his tense relationship with an old friend, Dmitri Lemonosky. Speaking of, Dmitri is an enjoyable character to follow, acting as the snarky and dangerous foil to Kolka throughout the mission and being a source of dark humor and snide banters. It fulfilled one of my favorite tropes of misguided ex-friends/comrades forced to work together, where you don’t know if one will eventually betray the other.
I also enjoy a good redemption arc, and we get a dose of that through Tomas Grigorovich Orlov, the Director of Russia’s internal spy agency and President Yuri’s brother-in-law. Despite trying to sabotage Kolya and Dmitri’s plans to get in contact with Rzaev, the gang-leader possibly responsible for smuggling the nerve agent into the U.S., he ultimately takes a great risk to go against Yuri and help the American side. Even while being an initial ‘antagonist’ to Kolya, Tomas’s actions are grey and justifiable (to protect his country and family)—a stark difference to the sadistic madman that is President Yuri himself. Their dynamic is what makes the side of the “bad guys” so interesting.
Of course, a key obstacle that is prevalent throughout the novel is the protagonist’s trauma from the grueling torture he faced in the first book. I love that mental health impacts many of Kolya’s decisions and outcomes, making his role as a highly-skilled field agent more realistic and humanizing, rather than the typical one-and-done series of missions we see in typical spy stories. It allows the reader to root for him, to take his side when he scorns the very agency that betrayed him and asks for his help again. It also affects his relationship with other characters and ultimately himself.
Plot-wise, there are a lot more character perspectives and events to follow in the second installment, flipping between a dangerous mission in Russia to a dangerous rendezvous in the U.S. (specifically Vermont). The overarching threat takes a grander scale, pitting two familiar Cold-War superpowers against each other. As always, Manning paints every scene and setting with such vivid details that I feel like I’m right there exploring the beauty of St. Petersburg and the White Nights festival, while experiencing the tense moments of each undercover operation. In addition to new characters, the returning cast also play a supporting hand in the story to help carry each part of the overall mission forward. This is another great spy thriller if you are looking not only for an edge-of-your-seat experience, but also real, engaging characters and camaraderie. I look forward to the next installment! Hoping to see more of Kolya and Dmitri together!
- Julisa B.
March 5, 2022
Masterful Suspense
S. Lee Manning‘s second book in the Kolya Petrov thrillers provides masterful suspense right from the start. The plot in Nerve Attack has former ECA agent Kolya Petrov back on the job despite suffering physical injuries and post traumatic stress disorder (and who wouldn’t have PTSD after being tortured and betrayed as he was in the first book in the series, Trojan Horse.)
This time the Russians are smuggling potent nerve agents across the Vermont border. So with his boyhood friend, Dimitri, at his side, Koyla slips back into Russia to determine who is behind the plot and how far it goes up the political chain. Meanwhile, back in Vermont, his love interest, Alex, is in jeopardy and comes under the protection of an ex- Israeli Mossad agent Tehila Melaku who has a sixth sense, and a carload of heavy munitions. The action ping pongs between Russia and Vermont until Kolya outwits his Russian adversaries despite his physical and emotional damage.
Manning’s writing style is crisp and deliberate. She effectively uses interspersed staccato sentences to create tension and anxiety in the passage, and in the reader, who’s waiting for the next bad thing to go down. I found myself having to put the book down on occasion, just to reduce my heart’s pounding. At the end of Nerve Attack, there’s the hint of Kolya’s next mission regarding neo-Nazi activity operating across borders and inside government agencies (see Bloody Soil release date November 2022 per Manning’s website.)
I highly recommend this spy thriller. Just don’t read it before you go to bed unless you plan to be up all night.
S. Lee Manning‘s second book in the Kolya Petrov thrillers provides masterful suspense right from the start. The plot in Nerve Attack has former ECA agent Kolya Petrov back on the job despite suffering physical injuries and post traumatic stress disorder (and who wouldn’t have PTSD after being tortured and betrayed as he was in the first book in the series, Trojan Horse.)
This time the Russians are smuggling potent nerve agents across the Vermont border. So with his boyhood friend, Dimitri, at his side, Koyla slips back into Russia to determine who is behind the plot and how far it goes up the political chain. Meanwhile, back in Vermont, his love interest, Alex, is in jeopardy and comes under the protection of an ex- Israeli Mossad agent Tehila Melaku who has a sixth sense, and a carload of heavy munitions. The action ping pongs between Russia and Vermont until Kolya outwits his Russian adversaries despite his physical and emotional damage.
Manning’s writing style is crisp and deliberate. She effectively uses interspersed staccato sentences to create tension and anxiety in the passage, and in the reader, who’s waiting for the next bad thing to go down. I found myself having to put the book down on occasion, just to reduce my heart’s pounding. At the end of Nerve Attack, there’s the hint of Kolya’s next mission regarding neo-Nazi activity operating across borders and inside government agencies (see Bloody Soil release date November 2022 per Manning’s website.)
I highly recommend this spy thriller. Just don’t read it before you go to bed unless you plan to be up all night.
October 21, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A toxic nerve gas has killed US citizens in various locations. This gas, Novichok, was originally made and is only available in Russia.
Kolya Petrov, an ex-ECA agent, returns on a last mission, despite his previous betrayal by his boss, Margaret Bradford. He is the only one that can convince his old friend Dmitri- who he has put in prison - to help them locate Rzaev, a Russian mob boss.
For Kolya, this is an extremely dangerous mission, since he has to always watch his back. Will his fiancee Alex be safe from abduction? Can he trust Dmitri not to kill him in revenge after the mission? And after her previous betrayal, can he trust his boss to have his back?
Kolay still suffers from PTSD and a bad knee after his torture in Romania. The author describes his symptoms and shares his thoughts with the reader so that we can get a clear picture of his struggles. He still experiences flashbacks, which put him at risk since he needs to be sharp and alert at all times.
Nerve Attack is a complex novel with distinct plot lines that keeps you rooting for Kolya. We gain insight in Kolya’s struggle with PTSD, and his fierce loyalty to Alex, which is also his greatest weakness.
Trigger Warnings: Violence | Death | Profanity
Read the full review on my blog: https://readorrot.com/nerve-attack-by...
A toxic nerve gas has killed US citizens in various locations. This gas, Novichok, was originally made and is only available in Russia.
Kolya Petrov, an ex-ECA agent, returns on a last mission, despite his previous betrayal by his boss, Margaret Bradford. He is the only one that can convince his old friend Dmitri- who he has put in prison - to help them locate Rzaev, a Russian mob boss.
For Kolya, this is an extremely dangerous mission, since he has to always watch his back. Will his fiancee Alex be safe from abduction? Can he trust Dmitri not to kill him in revenge after the mission? And after her previous betrayal, can he trust his boss to have his back?
Kolay still suffers from PTSD and a bad knee after his torture in Romania. The author describes his symptoms and shares his thoughts with the reader so that we can get a clear picture of his struggles. He still experiences flashbacks, which put him at risk since he needs to be sharp and alert at all times.
Nerve Attack is a complex novel with distinct plot lines that keeps you rooting for Kolya. We gain insight in Kolya’s struggle with PTSD, and his fierce loyalty to Alex, which is also his greatest weakness.
Trigger Warnings: Violence | Death | Profanity
Read the full review on my blog: https://readorrot.com/nerve-attack-by...
September 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this fast paced espionage thriller. This is my first read by the author and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Former US intelligence operative Kolya Petrov is reluctantly pulled back into saving the country one more time. I found his character to be interesting. Suffering from a leg injury from previous mission and also PTSD he's a very complex character. Another character I liked is Dimitri. He's also a complex character with baggage. Loved the little banter between the two.
Another plus point for this story is the intricate details. You can picture each scene with details written by the author. Specially when St Petetsbourg was described. I felt like I was there.
Definitely recommend this fast paced action packed story and I can not wait to read more of the author's work.
Former US intelligence operative Kolya Petrov is reluctantly pulled back into saving the country one more time. I found his character to be interesting. Suffering from a leg injury from previous mission and also PTSD he's a very complex character. Another character I liked is Dimitri. He's also a complex character with baggage. Loved the little banter between the two.
Another plus point for this story is the intricate details. You can picture each scene with details written by the author. Specially when St Petetsbourg was described. I felt like I was there.
Definitely recommend this fast paced action packed story and I can not wait to read more of the author's work.
October 25, 2021
A well-crafted spy thriller
This story is a very well-crafted spy thriller. I didn’t read the first in the series, but there was sufficient explanation around the events of that story and how they pertain to our hero and his ongoing physical and psychological issues for it to not matter. In Kolya Petrov we have an unlikely, somewhat reluctant, flawed but likeable hero and alongside him a cast of well fleshed out supporting characters that add immeasurably to the story. The story is action packed with something always going on to help it move forward at a fast pace with all the various threads tying back into an extremely satisfactory conclusion. I’ll be watching for the next in the series to be released.
This story is a very well-crafted spy thriller. I didn’t read the first in the series, but there was sufficient explanation around the events of that story and how they pertain to our hero and his ongoing physical and psychological issues for it to not matter. In Kolya Petrov we have an unlikely, somewhat reluctant, flawed but likeable hero and alongside him a cast of well fleshed out supporting characters that add immeasurably to the story. The story is action packed with something always going on to help it move forward at a fast pace with all the various threads tying back into an extremely satisfactory conclusion. I’ll be watching for the next in the series to be released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
Absolutely loved this book, totally engrossed throughout the story. No drawn out drivel filling pages for the sake of it. Everything flowed well and no glaring gaps in the plot. Loved (& hated) some of the characters, fab plot, well throughout and well written.
This book had everything from childhood relationships, to love, war, crazy politicians and espionage.
The plot was exciting but not far fetched, I can totally believe that this could actually happen - I mean the different spy agencies. I liked how it covered some aspects of PTSD sensitively and didn't underplay how it affects “strong” people as well.
If you like fast moving espionage/spy books - then this one is for you.
Brilliant ......., will defo look out for this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had everything from childhood relationships, to love, war, crazy politicians and espionage.
The plot was exciting but not far fetched, I can totally believe that this could actually happen - I mean the different spy agencies. I liked how it covered some aspects of PTSD sensitively and didn't underplay how it affects “strong” people as well.
If you like fast moving espionage/spy books - then this one is for you.
Brilliant ......., will defo look out for this author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2021
Kolya is drawn back from becoming a lawyer to go back to the black ops when he is calls to help a convict who is a young good friend. The story includes problems of bias against Jews. Kolya and fiancé, Alex, are both Jews by race, but not religious. The story brings traitors, killers, Russian criminals and official. The action is very suspenseful as the action goes on. This is a very interesting book.
March 25, 2022
Fast-paced! Riveting! Emotional! Suspenseful! Compelling! Complex! This book brings it ALL! It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense. THIS is how you successfully keep a series interesting and keep your readers wanting more!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 11, 2022
Wow. Just--wow. I was engrossed right from the beginning. Although I hadn't read the previous book in the series, the author provided enough information for me to understand what was going on without bogging down the current story line. And the current story line was riveting. I'm impressed. Definitely five stars!
April 9, 2022
New to me author. I enjoyed the story. Believable situations and well thought out characters. Suspense was high. Will read more by this author.
November 26, 2022
Phenomenal, fast-paced espionage. I enjoyed the heck out of the first one (Trojan Horse) but this one was even better! Getting the third one for sure.
September 26, 2021
“Nerve Attack” by S. Lee Manning is the second in her Kolya Petrov series. Many of the characters reappear from the first novel.
This truly is an international thriller, hopping all over the globe, often between Moscow and Washington, D.C.
The novel starts with a bang—the meeting between a U.S. agent and a Russian in wintery Moscow—and doesn’t let up. This is not a cozy. Expect violence. And betrayals—Kolya himself is forced to team up with a dicey friend from childhood who is serving a long prison sentence. (Think that’ll be a problem?)
“Nerve Attack” gets its title from an extremely dangerous nerve agent called Novichok, which brings in a terrorist attack on the U.S., Jihadists, corrupt government officials and a series of killings.
The settings are many, the characters legion, and the plot complex but not confusing. The point of view changes many times, which means you’ll need to put special effort into remembering the characters.
The prose is clean and the dialogue direct. Manning does a good job of sprinkling backstory into the novel without it’s becoming cumbersome. I’m looking forward to the next wild ride of the series.
September 28, 2021
I was aware that Nerve Attack was the second Kolya Petrov book but it held its own as a standalone. That said, I will read the first book so I have better understanding of Kolya’s backstory.
This book grabbed my attention early on and didn’t let go until I’d finished. Living not all that far from where Novichok nerve agent was deployed by Russian agents in the UK, and reading about the after effects and clean up operations, this story was terrifying. That was on a miniscule scale compared to the threat in the book.
I instantly liked Kolya and Alex, and had a grudging respect for Dmitri. As someone who is dealing with PTSD, the author’s descriptions felt well researched and executed. Kolya’s struggle felt so familiar to me.
The story was fast paced and exciting, and I could feel the tension rising as it wound towards the inevitable confrontations. Would I recommend Nerve Attack? Absolutely, but I would read Trojan Horse first for better context. I gave Nerve Attack five stars.
This book grabbed my attention early on and didn’t let go until I’d finished. Living not all that far from where Novichok nerve agent was deployed by Russian agents in the UK, and reading about the after effects and clean up operations, this story was terrifying. That was on a miniscule scale compared to the threat in the book.
I instantly liked Kolya and Alex, and had a grudging respect for Dmitri. As someone who is dealing with PTSD, the author’s descriptions felt well researched and executed. Kolya’s struggle felt so familiar to me.
The story was fast paced and exciting, and I could feel the tension rising as it wound towards the inevitable confrontations. Would I recommend Nerve Attack? Absolutely, but I would read Trojan Horse first for better context. I gave Nerve Attack five stars.
September 28, 2021
I love a good spy book!! I also happen to love series, so I'm hoping this will become one 👀👀 I havent read the first one yet, but will definitely be going back to it. (Doesn't upset the story if you haven't read the first I dont think)
Theres a great balance between Kolya's personal life and work life. I like that there was no 'fillers'. Everything written, seems to have it's own reason for being there, and adds to the story.
A great fast paced book, full of action, suspense, betrayal, corruption. All of the characters are written with great backstories and personalities too. Descriptions of places were so intricate I felt I was with Kolya and the crew on their mission!!
Safe to say I am adding plenty more espionage novels to my my TBR!
I'm really hoping this becomes a big series, because I can't wait to go on another mission with Kolya.
(I got this book in return for a review- all opinions are my own)
Theres a great balance between Kolya's personal life and work life. I like that there was no 'fillers'. Everything written, seems to have it's own reason for being there, and adds to the story.
A great fast paced book, full of action, suspense, betrayal, corruption. All of the characters are written with great backstories and personalities too. Descriptions of places were so intricate I felt I was with Kolya and the crew on their mission!!
Safe to say I am adding plenty more espionage novels to my my TBR!
I'm really hoping this becomes a big series, because I can't wait to go on another mission with Kolya.
(I got this book in return for a review- all opinions are my own)
October 14, 2021
This is the second Kolya Petrov novel but can definitely be read as a stand-alone, as much of the back story from book one is slowly revealed as the plot progresses. And the plot itself moves along at breakneck speed.
Kolya has been betrayed by his organisation just eight months previously - turning against him and his fiancée, a cause of his recurring PTSD. Brought back into service to try and defeat a Russian plot involving the nerve agent Novichok being released on US soil, he teams up with an old childhood friend who he helped imprison years earlier. Not an easy task and with trust issues galore.
Fantastic pacing throughout with quite a few jaw dropping “what-just-happened-there?” moments - this is a great story, well-executed (and bloody) which sets up the next novel with some lovely little breadcrumbs in its conclusion.
This absolutely draws you in and keeps you enthralled. As a result I, for one, am looking forward to the next Kolya Petrov instalment - S.Lee Manning is an author to watch out for.
Thanks to Random Things Tours Encircle Publications and the author for my preview copy and the spot on the blog tour.
More book stuff over on my Instagram @thefirstelevenminutes
Kolya has been betrayed by his organisation just eight months previously - turning against him and his fiancée, a cause of his recurring PTSD. Brought back into service to try and defeat a Russian plot involving the nerve agent Novichok being released on US soil, he teams up with an old childhood friend who he helped imprison years earlier. Not an easy task and with trust issues galore.
Fantastic pacing throughout with quite a few jaw dropping “what-just-happened-there?” moments - this is a great story, well-executed (and bloody) which sets up the next novel with some lovely little breadcrumbs in its conclusion.
This absolutely draws you in and keeps you enthralled. As a result I, for one, am looking forward to the next Kolya Petrov instalment - S.Lee Manning is an author to watch out for.
Thanks to Random Things Tours Encircle Publications and the author for my preview copy and the spot on the blog tour.
More book stuff over on my Instagram @thefirstelevenminutes
June 15, 2021
Having survived betrayal by his adopted country and torture by a direct descendant of Vlad the Impaler in TROJAN HORSE, jazz-loving, Jewish-Russian-American, former spy Kolya Petrov is back in S. Lee Manning’s NERVE ATTACK. This time, though, he’s retired from the espionage game to the more stable life of a lawyer when he’s reluctantly pulled back in to save the country—and the world—from random attacks of the nerve agent, Novichok, supposedly perpetrated by those in his native Russia, and must team with the childhood friend he put behind bars ten years earlier to do so.
For those who believe it would be difficult for Manning to top the action she expertly manifested in her earlier, award-winning thriller, fear not. While enough backstory is imparted to allow this book to stand alone, Kolya’s foes are more relatable to the average reader in this second of the series: pain from the past—both physical and emotional, PTSD, and a begrudging trust as Kolya learns that some ties may transcend betrayal. In a world where loyalties are split between his native land and the one that seemingly spurned him, the woman he loves versus the duty he feels compelled to fulfill, NERVE ATTACK is, surprisingly, an even more complex book than its predecessor and better for it. Another winner for Manning and her readers who I assume will share my anticipation for Book #3!
For those who believe it would be difficult for Manning to top the action she expertly manifested in her earlier, award-winning thriller, fear not. While enough backstory is imparted to allow this book to stand alone, Kolya’s foes are more relatable to the average reader in this second of the series: pain from the past—both physical and emotional, PTSD, and a begrudging trust as Kolya learns that some ties may transcend betrayal. In a world where loyalties are split between his native land and the one that seemingly spurned him, the woman he loves versus the duty he feels compelled to fulfill, NERVE ATTACK is, surprisingly, an even more complex book than its predecessor and better for it. Another winner for Manning and her readers who I assume will share my anticipation for Book #3!
January 15, 2022
I had received this book free of charge in return for an honest review.
S. Lee Manning is a new writer of the espionage genre for me and I'm delighted that I discovered her through Booksirens. Nerve Attack has all the essential elements of a suspenseful nail-biting thriller. The intricate plot hinged on a plausible nerve agent attack, a Russian president bent on revenge, a former US operative sacrificing his own comfort and his pain for the sake of national duty, and trust lost and regained, has the hallmark worthy of a Dan Brown or a Daniel Silva thriller. Colourful characters with complex and idiosyncratic personalities and emotional baggage heighten the tensions as they try to outdo one another in staying ahead of the game. I found that their individual backstories are well-crafted and developed, giving them a realism that readers could identify with.
This is the first book of S. Lee Manning's that I had the opportunity to enjoy, and I look forward to reading her next book. Saying that, I believe that this book is easily rated a four-star review.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
S. Lee Manning is a new writer of the espionage genre for me and I'm delighted that I discovered her through Booksirens. Nerve Attack has all the essential elements of a suspenseful nail-biting thriller. The intricate plot hinged on a plausible nerve agent attack, a Russian president bent on revenge, a former US operative sacrificing his own comfort and his pain for the sake of national duty, and trust lost and regained, has the hallmark worthy of a Dan Brown or a Daniel Silva thriller. Colourful characters with complex and idiosyncratic personalities and emotional baggage heighten the tensions as they try to outdo one another in staying ahead of the game. I found that their individual backstories are well-crafted and developed, giving them a realism that readers could identify with.
This is the first book of S. Lee Manning's that I had the opportunity to enjoy, and I look forward to reading her next book. Saying that, I believe that this book is easily rated a four-star review.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
August 31, 2021
An absolutely outstanding thriller that had me hooked from the first page. Twists and turns to keep you trying to guess what happens next. A must read.
February 14, 2022
While the premise of the story is straightforward - a nerve toxin is smuggled into the United States that could cause a mass casualty event - almost everything else in this story is quite convoluted. While attempting to not give too much away, the following get mixed into the plot: multiple international security agencies; organized crime; jihadists; possible double agents, traitors and moles; racists; and vengeful world leaders.
The tension is kept taut throughout. The action occurs simultaneously in both Russia and the United States. The primary 6 to 8 characters are fairly well developed. The twists and turns could be appreciated by a fan of Ludlum.
I felt, after the inner turmoil and mission conflict faced by the main character, simply worn out after finishing. As a thriller, it definitely delivered for me.
I received a copy of this story through BookSirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The tension is kept taut throughout. The action occurs simultaneously in both Russia and the United States. The primary 6 to 8 characters are fairly well developed. The twists and turns could be appreciated by a fan of Ludlum.
I felt, after the inner turmoil and mission conflict faced by the main character, simply worn out after finishing. As a thriller, it definitely delivered for me.
I received a copy of this story through BookSirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2022
I loved this! It had plot twists and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2021
I don’t read many spy novels. The moral ambiguity featured in many of these works often means there is little different between the good guys and the bad guys’ behavior. While moral questions are raised in S. Lee Manning’s “Nerve Attack: A Kolya Petrov Thriller” (Encircle Publications), its hero seeks to do the right thing, even though it’s not always clear what that means.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
January 17, 2022
Another page-turning thriller. I really liked Kolya from the first book in the series and jumped right into book 2. After the betrayal of the ECA in book 1, Kolya quit the ECA (Executive Covert Agency, the off-the-books US spy agency). But he is drawn back in because his friend Dimitri from his Russian childhood, who is in a US prison, will only talk to Kolya. With lots of action. A trip to Russian, betrayal and more, this is another excellent spy-thriller!
September 22, 2021
Kolya Petrov is back in action - though a little worse for wear - and ready to put everything on the line once again in order to stop a deadly nerve agent from killing thousands of innocent Americans. Petrov is barely healed from his physical injuries sustained eight months ago during his last assignment in Romania. He has only begun to scratch the surface of his psychological healing after being tortured by the brutal terrorist Mihai Cuza and having his fiancée used as leverage against him - all at the behest of the very agency that once employed him. But when the success of an old mission comes back to haunt him and his closest friend from the ECA asks for his help, Kolya can't just walk away.
The urgency behind Kolya's latest assignment is felt on a deeper level having known what he experienced previously in Trojan Horse. Fighting to control his PTSD and harboring an extremely understandable grudge against the ECA for its betrayal towards him puts the reader that much more on edge when seeing Petrov endanger himself and his fiancée a second time. On top of everything else, the only man who can help the US prevent the chemical attacks is Kolya's former best friend - a man he put in prison years ago. Probably not a good recipe for his therapeutic rehabilitation, but Kolya's never been one for taking the easy way through anything.
Nerve Attack didn't quite hit its stride the way its predecessor did for me. The characters didn't seem as personable as they had been and there was a great deal more build-up with fewer pockets of action until the very end. That being said, Manning remains just as skillful in weaving multiple narratives which culminate into a solid, cohesive climax. Also impressive is her seemingly effortless ability to make Russian culture, politics, weaponry, and espionage not only comprehensible, but very entertaining.
The conclusion to all the villainy was relatively satisfying, and some of it was delivered via an unexpected source. However, the decision Kolya makes with his fiancée, Alex, did also strike me as rather nonchalant and abrupt given everything that occurred in both books.
Nerve Agent is a strong sophomoric follow-up and well worth a read. Those seeking intrigue, spy action, and an admirably intelligent yet unpretentious thriller should look no further. I highly recommend reading Trojan Horse prior though, in order to gain full appreciation of each character and their respective arcs.
The urgency behind Kolya's latest assignment is felt on a deeper level having known what he experienced previously in Trojan Horse. Fighting to control his PTSD and harboring an extremely understandable grudge against the ECA for its betrayal towards him puts the reader that much more on edge when seeing Petrov endanger himself and his fiancée a second time. On top of everything else, the only man who can help the US prevent the chemical attacks is Kolya's former best friend - a man he put in prison years ago. Probably not a good recipe for his therapeutic rehabilitation, but Kolya's never been one for taking the easy way through anything.
Nerve Attack didn't quite hit its stride the way its predecessor did for me. The characters didn't seem as personable as they had been and there was a great deal more build-up with fewer pockets of action until the very end. That being said, Manning remains just as skillful in weaving multiple narratives which culminate into a solid, cohesive climax. Also impressive is her seemingly effortless ability to make Russian culture, politics, weaponry, and espionage not only comprehensible, but very entertaining.
The conclusion to all the villainy was relatively satisfying, and some of it was delivered via an unexpected source. However, the decision Kolya makes with his fiancée, Alex, did also strike me as rather nonchalant and abrupt given everything that occurred in both books.
Nerve Agent is a strong sophomoric follow-up and well worth a read. Those seeking intrigue, spy action, and an admirably intelligent yet unpretentious thriller should look no further. I highly recommend reading Trojan Horse prior though, in order to gain full appreciation of each character and their respective arcs.
October 3, 2024
TROJAN HORSE, #1 - An interesting introduction and intriguing story. Some may not like Vlad, gruesome but not graphic, but he's an interesting part of this story, which is partly set in Romania. Good characters and interesting story lines along with what will be done in the name of love. Source: BookFunnel. 4*
NERVE ATTACK, #2 - Interesting but so wordy in places I was bored. I also had enough about the negative Russian and Jew references being the cause of several actions. I get the prejudice,
especially the Russian in this genre, but the continuous repetition in both books got on my nerves. Story picks up eight months after TH ends. Source: BookSirens. 3*
BLOODY SOIL, #3 - My favorite of the three books in this series. Deadly Choice is my favorite; both favorites due to the better writing style and my favorite character Lizette. Read all four in order but especially BB then DC. Story oucks up where NA ends. Source: BookSirens. 5*
DEADLY CHOICE - What an awesome book! I've never heard of this author and decided to gamble on four of her ARCs. Something told me I would not regret it. Seldom do I get breathless or excited throughout a story but DC is full of intrigue, excitement, twists and interesting, immersing story lines. The characters are pretty much perfect in their roles. Lizette and Patricia are over the top with their thoughts and actions. I cannot wait to read the other three books; so far, this author is a keeper. Source: BookSirens. 5*
NERVE ATTACK, #2 - Interesting but so wordy in places I was bored. I also had enough about the negative Russian and Jew references being the cause of several actions. I get the prejudice,
especially the Russian in this genre, but the continuous repetition in both books got on my nerves. Story picks up eight months after TH ends. Source: BookSirens. 3*
BLOODY SOIL, #3 - My favorite of the three books in this series. Deadly Choice is my favorite; both favorites due to the better writing style and my favorite character Lizette. Read all four in order but especially BB then DC. Story oucks up where NA ends. Source: BookSirens. 5*
DEADLY CHOICE - What an awesome book! I've never heard of this author and decided to gamble on four of her ARCs. Something told me I would not regret it. Seldom do I get breathless or excited throughout a story but DC is full of intrigue, excitement, twists and interesting, immersing story lines. The characters are pretty much perfect in their roles. Lizette and Patricia are over the top with their thoughts and actions. I cannot wait to read the other three books; so far, this author is a keeper. Source: BookSirens. 5*
September 23, 2021
This was an interesting story. I really liked the premise of the book, and the bits pertaining to the nerve agent were fascinating. However, while it was a main focus of conversation in the book, not much really happened with it. The nerve agent was more of a theoretical threat with little true danger occurring. The book would’ve been better served with more action and less description of settings and dialogue.
The relationship between Dmitri and Kolya was full of humor, betrayal, and understated tenderness. I really enjoyed their interactions and would love to see more stories of them working together. However, all of the other POVs were rather superfluous. There were so many shifts in perspective, time, and setting that it was hard to keep up. I often found myself skimming one section to get back to the more exciting plot lines.
Overall, this was a good tale of espionage. While there is room for improvement, it had a solid ending and a decent amount of intrigue.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
The relationship between Dmitri and Kolya was full of humor, betrayal, and understated tenderness. I really enjoyed their interactions and would love to see more stories of them working together. However, all of the other POVs were rather superfluous. There were so many shifts in perspective, time, and setting that it was hard to keep up. I often found myself skimming one section to get back to the more exciting plot lines.
Overall, this was a good tale of espionage. While there is room for improvement, it had a solid ending and a decent amount of intrigue.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
November 13, 2021
A worthy successor to Trojan Horse. Nerve Attack kept my interest throughout. I found it more well-rounded and more complex than book one, Trojan Horse, and I consider that a five-star thriller. This book delved deeper into relationships, developed the permanent cast of characters that I assume will hold firm in later books, and shone a light on the parallel workings of intelligence agencies both in the US and the Russian Federation. Though both entities are fictional--all fiction has a thread of truth or it wouldn't work--as a thriller reader and a student of political intrigue, biological warfare has already been used by dictators and terrorists. We live in dangerous times, and Ms. Manning uses the threat of a biological weapon that has been used by Russia to drive her story. Her tease of the next book makes me eager to read book three, though I hope we'll get back to avenge the villain in book one at some future point. Well done, Ms. Manning, and thanks for the hours of excitement.
November 23, 2024
Nerve Attack by S. Lee Manning is the second book in the Kolya Petrov series. While this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone book. The author does a great job explaining the background so the reader does not get confused. The book is a very fast paced thriller that keeps the reader engaged and not able to put the book down. The story is about Kolya Petrov a lawyer and former intelligence agent for the US government. While Kolya is dealing with PSTD and physical injuries he is asked to help the U.S. government track down a lethal nerve agent that is being released in the U.S. The book has a great cast of characters that the author does a great job developing and letting us get to know and understand. It is fast paced with lots of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more in the series. Overall a great book, I had a hard time picking between 4 and 5 stars, it is really a 4 1/2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2022
Nerve Attack is loaded with elements that make a great thriller: a compelling plot, complex characters, scenes as nerve-racking as the title. I especially liked how Manning alternates between scenes in Russia and scenes in Vermont, both so well-written I felt like I was there. Vermont is not a state often associated with terrorism, but it’s the perfect venue to smuggle in a nerve agent. Nerve Attack is a wonderful follow-up to Manning’s Trojan Horse. I was glad to see that the ending points us to another novel featuring Kolya Petrov.
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