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Jack Widow #2

Winter Territory

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Alternate-cover edition can be found here

Jack Widow used to be the guy who went undercover with the Navy SEALs and Black Ops Teams. He's not that guy anymore. Now Widow, all alone, hitchhikes across country, trying to stay out of trouble. Impossible task.

Following the road ahead, Jack Widow is thrown neck-deep into a conspiracy that spans from Washington's most secretive agency to the mountains of Wyoming.

Deep in Northern Wyoming, in the dead of winter, CIA Agent Alex Shepard is desperate. A few days ago, he sent an undercover agent to the Red Rain Indian Reservation. When his man was supposed to check-in, Shepard heard nothing. No report. No communication.

With a major snowstorm fast-approaching, Shepard's secret mission is in peril. He thinks that his agent is dead. He has no time left. And lives are on the line.

Enter Jack Widow--Shepard's one hope to recover his agent and stop an unthinkable terrorist plot.

Jack Widow hitchhikes across the country, finding injustice, and correcting it.

Now he will face the harsh, winter elements; a reluctant and beautiful tribal deputy; and a hidden enemy.

Bonus: A preview of A Reason to Kill (Out Now).

NOTE: This book IS a rewrite of the Cameron series. The place to start if you have read my old Cameron series is at a "A Reason to Kill." If you have read Cameron's "Gone Forever", then you won't need to read this one.

JACK WIDOW Book Series in order:
GONE FOREVER Book #1
WINTER TERRITORY Book #2
A REASON TO KILL Book #3
WITHOUT MEASURE #4

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2016

2904 people are currently reading
799 people want to read

About the author

Scott Blade

48 books307 followers
USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLER - Scott Blade is a Nomadvelist, a drifter and author. He writes the bestselling Jack Widow book series, two of which reached the Top 100 list on Amazon, knocking Harry Potter & Jack Reacher off the top spots, which angered one of the big publishers. Scott wears that fact as a badge of honor.

Scott Blade isn't a traditional novelist who spends his time stuck behind a computer desk in some dreary office. He truly walks the walk. He drifts around like the nomad he writes about, touring the world, writing mysteries and searching for the perfect coffee.

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5 stars
2,175 (47%)
4 stars
1,635 (35%)
3 stars
644 (13%)
2 stars
117 (2%)
1 star
49 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
Profile Image for Michael Slavin.
Author 8 books282 followers
November 12, 2020
Winter Territory had 363 ratings with an average of 4.3 on Amazon. It is not too long and I liked the cover. So I read it. It is the second book in a 15 book series about Jack Widow.

Think Lee Child's Jack Reacher. Jack Widow is a wanderer, no home base, moves on every book, ex-military, an ex-military cop (NCIS), ex-naval Academy, and a former Lt. Commander 0-4. The same thing as Jack Reacher except it's the Navy, not the Army. And he is a big guy like Reacher. I felt this was a Jack teacher rip off and I almost quit after five chapters as it just set the character up. But I kept going and I must say the story was excellent.

What I liked:
-Snow...snow, and very bad weather. Even had a tornado during the blizzard.
-Much of the story takes place on a small Indian reservation. That was interesting.
-The chief was also the police chief and his daughter was his deputy. They were likable and very interesting characters.
-A young Mexican boy that was a mystery.
-And many other things including lots of action.

What I didn't like:
Slow start, but only my opinion.

This was an excellent story, I will read the rest of the series. It was also interesting the author is a wander, and he writes his stories set in the places he travels too.

Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime (action-packed thriller on Amazon to buy or KU. As of this writing 93% 5 and 4-star reviews on Amazon with 350+ reviews)
6,206 reviews80 followers
August 18, 2022
Jack Widow is walking the earth, and winds up in an Indian Reservation in Wyoming during a blizzard. After helping a female cop, he finds himself in jail,and then on a secret mission.

Almost made 3 stars. Definite improvement from the first book in the series.
Profile Image for Scott Blade.
Author 48 books307 followers
August 13, 2017
I know. I wrote it, but it is almost my favorite.
Profile Image for S.A. Krishnan.
Author 31 books231 followers
August 11, 2020
The second of the series, Jack Widow is a very interesting character.
Former NCIS officer, now he just roams around the country with no aim or will and he enjoys it.
The pacing of the story is a little slow in the beginning, but the second half is very intriguing and totally builds up the momentum as Jack finds himself embroiled in another mess which he has to solve. The plot was solid and the way the other characters were built into the story was enjoyable. Liked it immensely.
Profile Image for Wiseask.
169 reviews17 followers
September 6, 2020
Winter Territory is so similar to the popular Jack Reacher series, the only mystery in the book is why author Lee Child hasn’t sued Scott Blade for copyright infringement. Like Reacher, Blade’s hero, Jack Widow, shares the same first name, was also a former military cop, shares Reacher’s imposing height at only an inch shorter, is a taciturn wanderer whose only baggage is a toothbrush, has the uncanny sense to know the time without a watch, loves to drink lots of black coffee, and has the moral compass and fighting skills to right wrongs.

The plot in this book is so preposterous, it makes the most outlandish James Bond fantasy look like a documentary. In Winter Territory, Widow’s wanderlust takes him to an Indian reservation in Wyoming. He had been approached in a roadside diner by a stranger with a hideous facial scar who said he was a CIA agent and needed Widow’s help to recover a stolen biological weapon said to be on the reservation. Widow simply accepted as fact that the CIA would recruit an outsider like himself in a diner on a matter of national security, secrecy and urgency.

When Widow asked the alleged agent for evidence he worked for the CIA, the agent asked Widow where else would he have gotten such a bad scar. That explanation was good enough to satisfy the dimwitted Widow. Naturally there was no biological weapon, just a fortune’s worth of stolen diamonds which Widow had been bamboozled to find for the rogue agent. By the time Widow figured out he had been duped and used, the book was over, and I felt obliged to warn anyone who will listen about this tepid copy of Jack Reacher.

One theory might explain how Scott Blade was able to essentially clone Lee Child’s creation for their mutual benefit. Unable to invent an original hero of his own, Blade approaches Child for permission to create Jack Widow. Having exhausted his imagination to produce many more Jack Reacher adventures, Child assents in exchange for a portion of Blade’s profits. This perfectly legal arrangement is no more far fetched than the plot of this book, makes sense out of Child’s acquiescence, and is a win-win for everyone except their readers.

One star for the story but three additional stars to the author for his audacity.
Profile Image for Steve.
630 reviews24 followers
August 21, 2024
“Winter Territory” by Scott Blade, narrated by Alan Phillip Ormond, is the 2nd installment in the Jack Widow series. This audiobook offers a gripping blend of suspense, action, and intrigue, set against the harsh backdrop of a Wyoming winter.

Plot Overview

The story follows Jack Widow, a drifter and former Navy SEAL, who is drawn into a high-stakes mission involving a deadly bioweapon and a hidden terrorist threat. CIA Agent Alex Shepard is desperate after losing contact with an undercover agent sent to the Red Rain Indian Reservation to investigate a terrorist plot. With a violent snowstorm approaching, Shepard enlists Widow to recover the agent and thwart the impending danger.

Character Development

Jack Widow is a compelling protagonist, reminiscent of Lee Child's Jack Reacher. He is resourceful, skilled, and driven by a strong moral compass. Widow's character is fleshed out through his interactions with other characters and his internal monologues, revealing a man haunted by his past but determined to do what is right. His military background and drifter lifestyle add layers of complexity to his character, making him both relatable and admirable.

Narration

Alan Phillip Ormond's narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the essence of Jack Widow, bringing the character to life with a sense of gravitas and authenticity. Ormond's pacing is well-suited to the story's tension, and his ability to differentiate between characters through subtle changes in tone and inflection enhances the listening experience. His narration adds an extra layer of immersion, making the cold, desolate setting of Wyoming feel palpable.

Themes and Setting

“Winter Territory” explores themes of loyalty, justice, and survival. The harsh winter setting serves as both a physical and metaphorical obstacle for the characters. The relentless snowstorm mirrors the escalating tension and danger of the plot, creating a sense of urgency and isolation. The Red Rain Indian Reservation adds a unique cultural dimension to the story, highlighting issues of sovereignty and the often-overlooked struggles of indigenous communities.

Writing Style

Scott Blade's writing is crisp and engaging, with a strong emphasis on action and suspense. His descriptions are vivid, painting a clear picture of the icy landscape and the perilous situations the characters face. Blade's ability to build tension is commendable, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats throughout the audiobook. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, contributing to the authenticity of the characters and their interactions.

Comparison to Other Works

Fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series, Tom Clancy's thrillers, and Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp novels will find much to enjoy in “Winter Territory.” Blade's protagonist, Jack Widow, shares similarities with these iconic characters, yet he stands out with his unique blend of skills and personal history. The audiobook's fast-paced, high-stakes narrative is reminiscent of these authors' works, making it a must-listen for thriller enthusiasts.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the strengths of “Winter Territory” is its well-crafted plot. The story is tightly woven, with each twist and turn adding to the overall suspense. The character development, particularly of Jack Widow, is another highlight, providing depth and relatability to the narrative.

However, some listeners might find the pacing uneven at times, with certain sections feeling rushed while others drag slightly. Additionally, while the narration by Alan Phillip Ormond is generally excellent, there are moments where the audio quality fluctuates, which can be a minor distraction.

Conclusion

“Winter Territory” is a thrilling addition to the Jack Widow series, offering a captivating story, well-developed characters, and a chilling winter setting. Alan Phillip Ormond's narration enhances the experience, making it an engaging listen for fans of action-packed thrillers. Despite minor pacing issues, the audiobook delivers a satisfying blend of suspense and adventure, solidifying Scott Blade's reputation as a talented storyteller.
Profile Image for Nick Brett.
1,063 reviews68 followers
July 15, 2019
Second in a Jack Reacher rip-off series. Not as good as the first as it takes itself a little more seriously.
Anyway, Jack Widow is a talented (ex-cop ex-military special forces etc etc) individual who has taken some time out to just drift with nothing but a toothbrush and a money clip for company. Apparently this is all the rage for ex-military cops).
This time he finds himself on a Native American reservation and when he sees a female cop in trouble, wades in. But finds himself arrested and told to get out of town. He is minded to do so when the CIA ask for his help. One of their guys has gone missing and might have critical information on a bio-weapon. Can Widow track him down and save the day? Oh and there is a massive storm heading in too!
Okay, but just. A bit too obvious and too generic.
Profile Image for Dan Banana.
463 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2022
Fun little story with action, suspense, good characters, guns, knives, characters getting firsthand experience with one or both. Very Reacher like character but, done all those so this fills the gratuitous violence book needs section ✔️.
Profile Image for Mike Marsbergen.
Author 6 books22 followers
March 5, 2018
WINTER TERRITORY is the second in the Jack Widow series of Reacher-inspired novels. In some ways it was better than the first book, GONE FOREVER, and in other ways it made the same mistakes.

This one started with a bang, and I was excited about that because it's a shorter book than the first—so I figured it would be a high-octane thrill ride from start to finish. Unfortunately it wasn't. It slows down after that and only picks up again in the second half. My other problem with the pacing was that the book's blurb basically only becomes relevant with the second half of the book. Yeah, it takes about 115 pages for the book to actually get to what's mentioned on the book's back cover. Another problem is the book has the habit of head-hopping within the same chapter (generally for a paragraph or two). Blade didn't have this problem in the previous book, as it was written in the first-person perspective. Hopefully the next third-person books avoid this, as it takes me out of the story.

Other positives: The writing has gotten tighter. I think Blade's gotten deeper into the mind of Widow, and he knows the character better. There are less usages of the unnecessary "that." Less comma, typo and hyphen errors.

But those latter issues still exist here and there—another thorough edit would catch them all. My hope is the next one is better, which I have a feeling it will be.
Profile Image for P..
Author 1 book10 followers
April 5, 2020
Good build up

An interesting and enjoyable book w which offered a good sense of place and build up of tension. There was a love interest element but this was not quite in the way that many similar books approach the matter.
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,347 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2016
Jack Widow is back roaming our country, this time in Wyoming. You know things are gonna happen when Jack's around. He gets a ride from a man delivering coffee to an Indian Reservation, and Jack things it might be a good place to explore. But when Jack sees two men intimidating a police officer, he steps in to help. But in the turn of events, the two men were FBI agents and Jack is arrested and held in jail. And the office who arrests him? The police chiefs daughter.

When the Police Chief investigates, he has his daughter release Jack and take him into town and buy him breakfast as he knows this daughter didn't read Jack his rights or any charges, plus he knows a good man when he sees one and he knows it was an honest mistake.

When Jack gets into town, he is approached by a CIA agent telling him he needs Jack help to find a missing CIA agent that is known to be on the Indian Reservation. Jack agrees and goes back to the reservation. But what Jack is facing is a whole lot more then he expected!

Great book that will keep you reading. I really enjoy Jack's adventures!
48 reviews
March 11, 2020
Okay. As good as Jack Reacher

There are referenced that Widow might be related to Reacher. This character is very much like Reacher, a drifter who prefers to carry just a toothbrush. Doesn't look for trouble, but he usually finds it. Has no problem facing dangerous odds. The writing is very much like Lee Child, with one exception. Lately, Reacher novels have been a little lackluster, while Glade takes off on a run and never let's down. He's extremely readable (read as binge reading). I cannot stop. Last is as proliferous as Child, some 14 or so books out. I never thought I'd find a character or author comparing to Reacher /Child. I have and am ecstatic. This guy is GREAT
Profile Image for Don.
1,027 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2020
Well I guess I am hooked on Jack Widow as this is another great story by Scott Blade. I always was a big Reacher fan and Widow is almost a Reacher. Blade uses his last name in the same fashion as Child. I like how he maneuvers Widow and his thought process. Most all of this story takes place on an Indian reservation in upper Wyoming. Even though it is contrived, it is totally believable that a CIA agent would use his powers to be that corrupt. Widow doles out justice in a big way, loved it. 5
180 reviews
November 26, 2019
Good book

I'm reading this series in order and liking it so far. I thought the first book was good and this one is better. It is interesting, fast moving and has a different plot. The story continues, but not with an annoying cliffhanger. The events in this book are wrapped up, thankfully. If you like the story, you'll want to see what adventures await Widow next. I recommend this book.
53 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2020
When it started off the first chapter was like was going to happen. Then the story started in chapter two. From that time on I couldn't put the book down. This is the first book about a veteran with such background that is different and great. You'll stay glued to this book until your at the end but looking for the story to keep going. The only weird part to me was the stuff in chapter one never showed up in the story or I read right over it?? But I'd still rate this book a big FIVE.
Profile Image for Shawn W.
61 reviews
May 18, 2023
Another GREAT Jack Widow novel!!! As always these are fast paced in your face graphic action thrillers. I would have liked the combat scenes to last a few more pages each time but this was still another great book. I read this with the Kindle Unlimited service and as soon as I finished it, I returned it just to borrow another Widow novel for future reading. Don’t hesitate grab another book in this series. You won’t be disappointed!!!
1,537 reviews5 followers
November 16, 2019
Chilling

Always go forward, like Reacher. Widow goes where the road takes him, and it's right into the middle of a Federal mess. Shepard( Fed), is an evil man, working his own agenda. Killing is his way to get what he wants. He gives Widow a story to enlist his help finding Jacobs. Widow finds Jacobs, learns the truth, and now Shepard will be brought to justice.
Profile Image for Susan Moore.
509 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2024
Excellent book!

Love the humanity, character, and fighting techniques of the main character, Jack Widow. I like Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, bounty hunter-Jess Williams, and the vigilante-Jack Lambert. They all fight for right. But, I'm totally hooked on this series. I highly recommend this book and the series. Many thanks to Scott Blade, author.
320 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2020
Again-a superb Jack Widow thriller

Original, as always. Fast moving. Criminals intent on destroying an Indian reservation and all the inhabitants, in a deceitfully planned plot. Lying to Jack, asking for his help, he is able to see the lies and to bring this wonderful story to a surprising ending.
Profile Image for Lela Preston.
256 reviews21 followers
June 11, 2021
Bad Shows up and finds truth.

All members of Soldiers are supposed to be there for one another,but Widow finds out that money can make a soldier lose his honesty..his Friends are not what they used to be.Widow stays true to his Mother's teaching...stay honest and respect is to be earned.
3,119 reviews47 followers
December 30, 2021
I do love listening to Alan Philip Ormond, he has a very easy way with him.

In this second book of the series, Widow finds himself in a snow covered Yellowstone and on to a Native American reservation in winter where he gets mixed up with a rogue CIA operative. Between the snow and slight distrust he has his work cut for himself. Great intrigue and action and kept engaged throughout
Profile Image for Debbie Clark.
164 reviews
August 16, 2020
Exciting

Jack Widow, former Navy SEAL, current drifter, wanders onto the Red Rain Indian Reservation in Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park. Unable to mind his own business, he finds himself uncovering a rogue CIA operation on the res.
275 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2020
Gripping

This book is interesting in that it combines some geography with history. The beginning is a bit strange but it soon becomes clear. Jack must come to terms with the tribe, try to find Mark and solve the mystery. Read on.
188 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2020
Great book

Great book it will keep you thinking about it all the time and it will have a lot more of the best way it was written a very nice of him for that it will be the best possible way it will end
111 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2020
The new Reacher

Thoroughly enjoyed the Winter Territory and recommend to Reacher fans. A new series to read! Fast paced and read in one sitting type of book. Just downloaded the first book and can't wait to start reading!
19 reviews
September 20, 2020
WOW

Looking a great read? Jack could become your Hero. Scott keeps his readers on the edge of their seat.
I would recommend Scott Blade as a must read Author. Looking forward to Book 3.
796 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2021
Non stop action

Blade knows how to weave action into his story. Widow is Jack Reacher times 2. Widow helps Amita and her father unravel the mystery surrounding the lose of her boyfriend and a rogue CIA agent Shepherd who thinks he is going to defeat Widow.
153 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2021
What's not to like about Widow?

An unusual venue for all this action with vivid descriptions that make it come to life. Yet another book with too many typos though. (Example. He fires a canon ...really? Cannons kill more people than canons). Oh well....on to number 3!
350 reviews
December 26, 2022
wow

So far they keep getting better and better. Why do people think they can deceive Widow? On the road again for the next story. As always keep writing and I will keep reading. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews

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