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Dan Clifford #2
The Third Instinct
A high-octane thriller that sets Dan Clifford against ancient secret societies vying for power in the modern world; in the vein of Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series.
In The Third Instinct, author Kent Lester brings his signature blend of cutting-edge science, history, and pulse-pounding action to the next Dan Clifford adventure.
A shadowy group of bio-hackers called the Firemen threaten to worsen the Covid pandemic by releasing an even more lethal version of the pathogen. But what drives the Firemen and how do their motivations relate to the wealth of the Roman Empire and to the third basic human instinct?
The answers may lie with prediction scientist Dan Clifford. Unemployed and struggling with two years of pandemic isolation, he is rebuilding both his career and personal life. His plans to propose to his adrenaline-junkie girlfriend, Rachel Sullivan, are interrupted by the FBI. Dan must connect a maze of clues from the shadowy underworld of Savannah's hacker community, to the ancient powerbrokers of Rome and in doing so, uncover a hidden agenda of big Pharma and a two-thousand-year-old battle for control of public opinion.
In The Third Instinct, author Kent Lester brings his signature blend of cutting-edge science, history, and pulse-pounding action to the next Dan Clifford adventure.
A shadowy group of bio-hackers called the Firemen threaten to worsen the Covid pandemic by releasing an even more lethal version of the pathogen. But what drives the Firemen and how do their motivations relate to the wealth of the Roman Empire and to the third basic human instinct?
The answers may lie with prediction scientist Dan Clifford. Unemployed and struggling with two years of pandemic isolation, he is rebuilding both his career and personal life. His plans to propose to his adrenaline-junkie girlfriend, Rachel Sullivan, are interrupted by the FBI. Dan must connect a maze of clues from the shadowy underworld of Savannah's hacker community, to the ancient powerbrokers of Rome and in doing so, uncover a hidden agenda of big Pharma and a two-thousand-year-old battle for control of public opinion.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published December 6, 2022
About the author
Kent Lester
8 books42 followersAuthor of the latest sequel in the Dan Clifford series, The Third Instinct, published by Macmillan-Forge.
Author of the recent Dan Clifford thriller, The Seventh Sun, published by Macmillan-Forge.
Current non-fiction author of The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home, 5th edition, with over 350,000 copies in print.
Author of the recent Dan Clifford thriller, The Seventh Sun, published by Macmillan-Forge.
Current non-fiction author of The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home, 5th edition, with over 350,000 copies in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 11, 2023
Action-packed sequel full of science, history, and moral/ethical dilemma is fast and fun.
This follow-up to THE SEVENTH SUN takes prediction scientist Dan Clifford and his girlfriend, Rachel Sullivan, to a new threat involving ancient, secret societies and the scary organism known as the Devil's Paradox. You will want to read the first book before opening this one. Full of realistic technology, conspiracy theories, political corruption, DNA hacking gone amuck, and all sorts of other interesting details, the story is a thriller as well as an adventure. There's even a bit of romance and the characters are unlikely, reluctant heroes who do their best to save the world. A bit of social commentary lends credence and believability to the narrative.
I enjoyed both books very much and recommend you read them back to back if possible. I like the writing style and the pacing that made this hard to put down. I'd love to see a film adaptation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the e-book to read, review, and recommend.
This follow-up to THE SEVENTH SUN takes prediction scientist Dan Clifford and his girlfriend, Rachel Sullivan, to a new threat involving ancient, secret societies and the scary organism known as the Devil's Paradox. You will want to read the first book before opening this one. Full of realistic technology, conspiracy theories, political corruption, DNA hacking gone amuck, and all sorts of other interesting details, the story is a thriller as well as an adventure. There's even a bit of romance and the characters are unlikely, reluctant heroes who do their best to save the world. A bit of social commentary lends credence and believability to the narrative.
I enjoyed both books very much and recommend you read them back to back if possible. I like the writing style and the pacing that made this hard to put down. I'd love to see a film adaptation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the e-book to read, review, and recommend.
October 30, 2022
If you haven't read Kent Lester's debut novel, THE SEVENTH SUN, put this book down and go read it! THE THIRD INSTINCT may not pick up exactly where THE SEVENTH SUN ends, but it does rely on more than just a little bit of the first book's plot. Both books are genre murky combinations of modern day crime thriller and speculative fiction. Both are page turners.
THE THIRD INSTINCT is as up-to-date as the millions of deaths from COVID 19, and it's computer/robotic technology is both mind-boggling and believable. We learn more about the back stories of both Dan Clifford and Rachel Sullivan as they travel separate roads only to find themselves once more on the same track. Other people and places from THE SEVENTH SUN play key roles, once again, in THE THIRD INSTINCT.
Although the sell copy compares the work of Lester to that of Dan Brown, I found that Lester writes with his own voice and such comparison is rather superficial. Where Brown relies on religious lore, Kent Lester is deep into science and technology. A secret dark money society seems hell bent on bringing about the end of the world as we know it. The corporate greed elite along with government agencies and the politicians that run them vie for the role of public enemy number one. Which will destroy the planet first?
The books of Kent Lester will become classics… I only hope that they are not as prophetic as they seem.
THE THIRD INSTINCT is as up-to-date as the millions of deaths from COVID 19, and it's computer/robotic technology is both mind-boggling and believable. We learn more about the back stories of both Dan Clifford and Rachel Sullivan as they travel separate roads only to find themselves once more on the same track. Other people and places from THE SEVENTH SUN play key roles, once again, in THE THIRD INSTINCT.
Although the sell copy compares the work of Lester to that of Dan Brown, I found that Lester writes with his own voice and such comparison is rather superficial. Where Brown relies on religious lore, Kent Lester is deep into science and technology. A secret dark money society seems hell bent on bringing about the end of the world as we know it. The corporate greed elite along with government agencies and the politicians that run them vie for the role of public enemy number one. Which will destroy the planet first?
The books of Kent Lester will become classics… I only hope that they are not as prophetic as they seem.
November 27, 2022
The Third Instinct is a very fast paced novel. Lots of action/shooting scenes that were well written and exciting. This book was like Upgrade mixed with Ready Player One and a Dan Brown novel.
I think the book tried to be a little too many things so you got only snippets of some parts that were really cool. I was a huge fan of the simulation scenes that Dan went through in the book, but it was only one section. Same with the areas regarding the secret ancient society. Felt brushed over into one scene vs showing up in multiple threads throughout the book.
I enjoyed the storyline and large amount of action packed scenes. I had not read the first Dan Clifford novel in the series, but I will go back to read it because the story intrigues me.
I think the book tried to be a little too many things so you got only snippets of some parts that were really cool. I was a huge fan of the simulation scenes that Dan went through in the book, but it was only one section. Same with the areas regarding the secret ancient society. Felt brushed over into one scene vs showing up in multiple threads throughout the book.
I enjoyed the storyline and large amount of action packed scenes. I had not read the first Dan Clifford novel in the series, but I will go back to read it because the story intrigues me.
December 1, 2022
I received an ARC through "NetGalley", and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story has Dan being asked while home to meet with the FBI. When Dan arrives, he is advised about a potential bioterror attck which might happen and for him to help stop it. Dan is tasked with finding a hacker who leads a group known as the Firemen. Dan along with Rudi, a friend and programmer, go to Savannah to attend a convention where they believe the hacker might try to get in touch with Dan.
At the same time that this is going on, Rachel, Dan's girlfriend, has learned that she is carrying a disease at decides to leave Dan. She returns to her old haunt where she decides to do something before she is no longer able. While performing, she is approached by members of Homeland Security who want her to give them information where Dan is.
So far Dan has had no luck finding this hacker, but he is invited to go through a test and at the end he would finally meet with the person he wanted. The test involved many different acts that brought into play some of Dan's fears.
As a result of this testing and due to actions of a person on the task force was assigned to, Dan wound up being banned from the "Firemen" group.
To discover who the hacker was, how Rudi played a roll and what event Dan and Rachel performed, then you need to read this book, you won't be disappointed.
This story has Dan being asked while home to meet with the FBI. When Dan arrives, he is advised about a potential bioterror attck which might happen and for him to help stop it. Dan is tasked with finding a hacker who leads a group known as the Firemen. Dan along with Rudi, a friend and programmer, go to Savannah to attend a convention where they believe the hacker might try to get in touch with Dan.
At the same time that this is going on, Rachel, Dan's girlfriend, has learned that she is carrying a disease at decides to leave Dan. She returns to her old haunt where she decides to do something before she is no longer able. While performing, she is approached by members of Homeland Security who want her to give them information where Dan is.
So far Dan has had no luck finding this hacker, but he is invited to go through a test and at the end he would finally meet with the person he wanted. The test involved many different acts that brought into play some of Dan's fears.
As a result of this testing and due to actions of a person on the task force was assigned to, Dan wound up being banned from the "Firemen" group.
To discover who the hacker was, how Rudi played a roll and what event Dan and Rachel performed, then you need to read this book, you won't be disappointed.
December 31, 2022
Much of this novel was beyond my familiarity and understanding. Most of the terminology was foreign to me. The plot took a long time to get going. Dan going to a hacker convention and then party was not an engaging concept to get me invested in the novel.
I did find it interesting to read about many of the things hackers were inventing. I had read about the masks avoiding facial recognition software and a vendor at the hacker convention was selling such items. I was amazed at the gene editing that could be done by innovative people with just the right equipment needed. There is a ton of cutting edge technology and political intrigue ultimately included.
After a multi-page virtual reality adventure, I struggled to retain interest in the plot. It was just too far from my experience. I think this novel would appeal more to younger readers who are more interested in gaming. Lester's writing style just did not appeal to me. I liked all the futuristic content but the novel in general did not appeal to me.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I did find it interesting to read about many of the things hackers were inventing. I had read about the masks avoiding facial recognition software and a vendor at the hacker convention was selling such items. I was amazed at the gene editing that could be done by innovative people with just the right equipment needed. There is a ton of cutting edge technology and political intrigue ultimately included.
After a multi-page virtual reality adventure, I struggled to retain interest in the plot. It was just too far from my experience. I think this novel would appeal more to younger readers who are more interested in gaming. Lester's writing style just did not appeal to me. I liked all the futuristic content but the novel in general did not appeal to me.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 2, 2022
I found the beginning a bit strange but shortly got into the story. Dan is called in to help on a case with the FBI. Not all the big wigs are happy with that arrangement and don’t trust Dan because their previous encounter with him was because he was hacking into the government computer systems. A pardon by the President for his deeds has endeared him less to them that would prefer to see him rot in jail for the rest of his live. His job is to infiltrate a group of hackers to determine go stole the virus.
I did not realize there had been a previous book but at this point I plan to buy it because I like to know in more detail what happened before but it wasn’t 100 % necessary to follow what was going on here.
You really have a bit of everything. Biohackers, Computer hackers, politics, corruption, greed, and airplane stunts just to name a few. They are all nicely woven into the story to make a complete exciting book to read.
I did not realize there had been a previous book but at this point I plan to buy it because I like to know in more detail what happened before but it wasn’t 100 % necessary to follow what was going on here.
You really have a bit of everything. Biohackers, Computer hackers, politics, corruption, greed, and airplane stunts just to name a few. They are all nicely woven into the story to make a complete exciting book to read.
December 6, 2022
The Third Instinct
by Kent Lester
Pub Date: 06 Dec 2022
"The Third Instinct" is a story about good vs evil, tale of kings, heroes, villains, elves, dwarves and hobbits.
Compare it to "Lord of The Rings" but in a thriller version!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Macmillan-Tor/Forge Forge Books for an advanced e-ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
I rated this 4 stars.
by Kent Lester
Pub Date: 06 Dec 2022
"The Third Instinct" is a story about good vs evil, tale of kings, heroes, villains, elves, dwarves and hobbits.
Compare it to "Lord of The Rings" but in a thriller version!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Macmillan-Tor/Forge Forge Books for an advanced e-ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
I rated this 4 stars.
November 28, 2022
There are the firemen who are a group of young biohackers, makers, and normal hackers. Then there are the horsemen the ones with all the money (old money) who buy what they need or have someone steal it for them. But when it is a very deadly pathogen the feds call in Dan Clifford to help or maybe to set him up.
This was a fast paced, action packed, suspenseful book that I was not able to put down. I love the puzzles and how they work out, and the history that makes you wonder if this book is entirely all fiction. The characters are wonderful and Rudi is my hero, although I wish I had half of Rachels guts. They are a awesome trio and I hope to see them again really soon. I have not read the first book and it was no issue but I did feel like there was more so now I need to read book one The Amazon Conspiracy.
This was a fast paced, action packed, suspenseful book that I was not able to put down. I love the puzzles and how they work out, and the history that makes you wonder if this book is entirely all fiction. The characters are wonderful and Rudi is my hero, although I wish I had half of Rachels guts. They are a awesome trio and I hope to see them again really soon. I have not read the first book and it was no issue but I did feel like there was more so now I need to read book one The Amazon Conspiracy.
November 23, 2022
This is a very interesting story with a lot of moving pieces and plot twists. It is told from multiple voices but the main character is Dan who is first introduced as a liaison for the FBI. The main plot of the story is centered around the conspiracy theory and the forces that are perpetuating it. There is also the minor plot that involves the romance between Dan and Rachel. I think this relationship and the ones Dan has with his friends are symbolic of the society. The story has some great characters, lots of action and is never boring.
November 9, 2022
What is real and what is science fiction? The Third Instinct, by Kent Lester, will have the reader wondering. Will "old school" technology be used by creative minds to control human beings? Will technology and farming combine to make new and innovative drugs? Will these drugs be used to help or control the human race? Can Dan and Rachel stop all of this from happening before it's too late.
With enough correct science to make this believable, The Third Instinct will take the reader on a wild experience. If you enjoy science fiction, this is a must read.
With enough correct science to make this believable, The Third Instinct will take the reader on a wild experience. If you enjoy science fiction, this is a must read.
October 16, 2022
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
Dan Clifford, having exposed the conspiracy at NeuroSys, his former employer, is infamous thanks to his release of a computer virus on national television. Working to rebuild his career and his personal life, he is on the verge of proposing to his girlfriend, microbiologist Rachel Sullivan.
The FBI unwittingly interrupts Dan’s plans when his friend, Vince Peretti, director of Cyberterrorism for the FBI’s Atlanta branch, summons him to a hastily-called meeting. Despite a presidential pardon for his hacking and the success of his fledging startup, SurMyz Consulting Group, Dan feels less than welcome in Vince’s hastily-assembled joint task force.
A clandestine group of hackers, known as the Firemen, and their leader, Chemerra, have succeeded in decrypting passwords and breaking into secure government servers. Their involvement in biohacking is the reason for the task force. The theft of a dangerous organism, nicknamed the Devil’s Paradox, from GenTropics Pharmaceuticals in Savannah was, the counterterrorism unit believed, the work of the Firemen.
Can Dan infiltrate the Firemen? Will they release the bioweapon . . . or is the threat coming from someone else? And what does big Pharma have to do with the threat?
=========
The story, compelling from the outset, is the second in the author’s Dan Clifford series. Readers who have not read the previous book that introduced the character [“The Seventh Sun”] will find sufficient backstory for this book to work as a standalone.
An undercurrent of apprehension runs throughout the telling of the tale and keeps the suspense building. With its strong sense of place, the science-filled plot, well-developed, believable characters, and the frighteningly-possible scenario all work together to keep the pages turning in this inventive and realistic thriller. Unexpected reveals ratchet up the tension; Rachel’s situation gives the narrative a sympathetic twist while Dan’s thoughtful decision-making is a strength in the telling of the tale.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books and NetGalley
#TheThirdInstinct #NetGalley
Dan Clifford, having exposed the conspiracy at NeuroSys, his former employer, is infamous thanks to his release of a computer virus on national television. Working to rebuild his career and his personal life, he is on the verge of proposing to his girlfriend, microbiologist Rachel Sullivan.
The FBI unwittingly interrupts Dan’s plans when his friend, Vince Peretti, director of Cyberterrorism for the FBI’s Atlanta branch, summons him to a hastily-called meeting. Despite a presidential pardon for his hacking and the success of his fledging startup, SurMyz Consulting Group, Dan feels less than welcome in Vince’s hastily-assembled joint task force.
A clandestine group of hackers, known as the Firemen, and their leader, Chemerra, have succeeded in decrypting passwords and breaking into secure government servers. Their involvement in biohacking is the reason for the task force. The theft of a dangerous organism, nicknamed the Devil’s Paradox, from GenTropics Pharmaceuticals in Savannah was, the counterterrorism unit believed, the work of the Firemen.
Can Dan infiltrate the Firemen? Will they release the bioweapon . . . or is the threat coming from someone else? And what does big Pharma have to do with the threat?
=========
The story, compelling from the outset, is the second in the author’s Dan Clifford series. Readers who have not read the previous book that introduced the character [“The Seventh Sun”] will find sufficient backstory for this book to work as a standalone.
An undercurrent of apprehension runs throughout the telling of the tale and keeps the suspense building. With its strong sense of place, the science-filled plot, well-developed, believable characters, and the frighteningly-possible scenario all work together to keep the pages turning in this inventive and realistic thriller. Unexpected reveals ratchet up the tension; Rachel’s situation gives the narrative a sympathetic twist while Dan’s thoughtful decision-making is a strength in the telling of the tale.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Forge Books and NetGalley
#TheThirdInstinct #NetGalley
October 19, 2022
I received a free e-ARC of this book through Netgalley.
I have not read the first book in this series, but I found this one to be fine on it's own and not confusing to read if you haven't read the first book.
Dan is a likeable superhero disguised as an all around knowledgeable guy without being a know it all. He is able to Macgyver his way in and out of all kinds of situations and shows loyalty to friends and his girlfriend who has challenges of her own.
An interesting book that kept my attention throughout with a variety of adventures.
I have not read the first book in this series, but I found this one to be fine on it's own and not confusing to read if you haven't read the first book.
Dan is a likeable superhero disguised as an all around knowledgeable guy without being a know it all. He is able to Macgyver his way in and out of all kinds of situations and shows loyalty to friends and his girlfriend who has challenges of her own.
An interesting book that kept my attention throughout with a variety of adventures.
October 18, 2022
First off, I loved this book. But it touches so many bases, I am finding it hard to distill into a short review. In describing it to my wife, I finally said, look, it is kind of like a thriller version of Lord of the Rings - there is a lot of provocative, real-world truth and thought and the eternal struggle between good and evil hidden behind a tale of quest, kings, heroes unlikely and otherwise, villains, elves, dwarves, and hobbits. I have never read Kent Lester before, but I am sure going to catch up and watch for his work going forward. I enjoyed this story enough to give it 5 stars which I rarely do.
Read
July 28, 2023It is interesting how COVID changed the world in so many ways. It gave us a pandemic to try and fight off and survive, plus it has also served as inspiration and fodder for television shows and books.
THE THIRD INSTINCT uses the menace of COVID to great effect, as it has created quite the intense thriller. This is the second book in the Dan Clifford series. The first book THE SEVENTH SUN, was released in 2017. While I did not read the first book, not having done that will not affect in my opinion or your enjoyment or understanding of the sequel.
Dan is a true computer genius, who can do anything with them legal or otherwise. It is obvious that hacking is one of his greatest assets, and he is definitely a target for those who want to stop his genius, and even want his genius to succeed.
Here, Dan and his girlfriend Rachel Sullivan, make quite the formidable team. They are definitely risk-takers, and the more dangerous the assignment, the more jazzed up they seem to be, even though there are some life and death situations that could spell their demise.
There is a deadly and dangerous group known as The Firemen. They are also good at being hackers, almost superior to Dan, and they definitely mean business with their latest ploy. It could almost spell an end to civilization even their master plan accelerates to the point they want to cause mass mayhem and death.
The FBI that at times acts as if they don’t like Dan or trust him, but they now need his help in stopping The Fireman from unleashing the mother of all viruses, with optimum fatal effect. Dan is good and what he does, but is even he a match for this shadowy group that lurks in the darkness and underbelly of society?
Dan and Rachel must head to Savanna to a convention for computer nerds and the like, with the plan that maybe the head of the Firemen or others might contact him. It turns into a deadly affair as Dan and Rachel try and stay one step ahead of the organization, who cares little for human life. Serving death on a platter for millions in on their agenda.
The last quarter of the book really pulls out all the stops, with tension topping every page, leading to one powerful conclusion where life and death are separated by a very thin line. Trust your instincts and add THE THIRD INSTINCT to your reading list.
THE THIRD INSTINCT uses the menace of COVID to great effect, as it has created quite the intense thriller. This is the second book in the Dan Clifford series. The first book THE SEVENTH SUN, was released in 2017. While I did not read the first book, not having done that will not affect in my opinion or your enjoyment or understanding of the sequel.
Dan is a true computer genius, who can do anything with them legal or otherwise. It is obvious that hacking is one of his greatest assets, and he is definitely a target for those who want to stop his genius, and even want his genius to succeed.
Here, Dan and his girlfriend Rachel Sullivan, make quite the formidable team. They are definitely risk-takers, and the more dangerous the assignment, the more jazzed up they seem to be, even though there are some life and death situations that could spell their demise.
There is a deadly and dangerous group known as The Firemen. They are also good at being hackers, almost superior to Dan, and they definitely mean business with their latest ploy. It could almost spell an end to civilization even their master plan accelerates to the point they want to cause mass mayhem and death.
The FBI that at times acts as if they don’t like Dan or trust him, but they now need his help in stopping The Fireman from unleashing the mother of all viruses, with optimum fatal effect. Dan is good and what he does, but is even he a match for this shadowy group that lurks in the darkness and underbelly of society?
Dan and Rachel must head to Savanna to a convention for computer nerds and the like, with the plan that maybe the head of the Firemen or others might contact him. It turns into a deadly affair as Dan and Rachel try and stay one step ahead of the organization, who cares little for human life. Serving death on a platter for millions in on their agenda.
The last quarter of the book really pulls out all the stops, with tension topping every page, leading to one powerful conclusion where life and death are separated by a very thin line. Trust your instincts and add THE THIRD INSTINCT to your reading list.
December 12, 2022
What's it about (in a nutshell):
The Third Instinct by Kent Lester is a heart-stopping techno-thriller that pulls together biological and technological warfare into a story that feels eerily relevant.
Actual Reading Experience:
This is the second book in a series, and though I could tell this based on references in the story, it did not impact my enjoyment or understanding of the story at all. I love when books in a thriller series can act as standalone. It makes it so much easier for me as a reader. Do I want to go back and read book 1? I would love to because if it is anything like The Third Instinct, I will love it!
I loved the NerdVana event and was only disappointed because it’s not real, or at least not that I could find. I’m such a techno-geek that a convention featuring the latest technology would keep m entertained for days. I wouldn’t be able to hang with the hackers because I have no idea how to do that, but I would be happy walking around and exploring what each booth offers.
Not only is there lots of cutting-edge technology, there’s also a historical secret society which I found endlessly fascinating, and a biological component that referenced Covid and brought in a more poignant plot thread in the story. I absolutely adored this humanity within the story. It gave it a depth that other similar types of thrillers never achieve.
Of course, it has a breakneck pace with lots of unexpected twists that floored me every time. I think that probably goes without saying, but I will say it anyway.
Characters:
Dan Clifford is a solver of puzzles and a fixer of wrongs. He listens and processes then acts. But make no mistake – he will act swiftly and definitively. I liked his character. He was willing to take the brunt of things to protect others – how can you not like someone like that?
Rachel Sullivan is Dan’s significant other and specializes in all things biological. I loved her guts and determination. She didn’t always make the right choices, but I loved that she owned her decisions.
Read if you like:
• Fast-paced thrillers
• Mind-blowing twists
• A blend of history and SciFi (technology and biological aspects)
The Third Instinct by Kent Lester is a heart-stopping techno-thriller that pulls together biological and technological warfare into a story that feels eerily relevant.
Actual Reading Experience:
This is the second book in a series, and though I could tell this based on references in the story, it did not impact my enjoyment or understanding of the story at all. I love when books in a thriller series can act as standalone. It makes it so much easier for me as a reader. Do I want to go back and read book 1? I would love to because if it is anything like The Third Instinct, I will love it!
I loved the NerdVana event and was only disappointed because it’s not real, or at least not that I could find. I’m such a techno-geek that a convention featuring the latest technology would keep m entertained for days. I wouldn’t be able to hang with the hackers because I have no idea how to do that, but I would be happy walking around and exploring what each booth offers.
Not only is there lots of cutting-edge technology, there’s also a historical secret society which I found endlessly fascinating, and a biological component that referenced Covid and brought in a more poignant plot thread in the story. I absolutely adored this humanity within the story. It gave it a depth that other similar types of thrillers never achieve.
Of course, it has a breakneck pace with lots of unexpected twists that floored me every time. I think that probably goes without saying, but I will say it anyway.
Characters:
Dan Clifford is a solver of puzzles and a fixer of wrongs. He listens and processes then acts. But make no mistake – he will act swiftly and definitively. I liked his character. He was willing to take the brunt of things to protect others – how can you not like someone like that?
Rachel Sullivan is Dan’s significant other and specializes in all things biological. I loved her guts and determination. She didn’t always make the right choices, but I loved that she owned her decisions.
Read if you like:
• Fast-paced thrillers
• Mind-blowing twists
• A blend of history and SciFi (technology and biological aspects)
July 19, 2026
When I picked this up at Barnes and Noble about a year ago, I was solid on:
I feel a little lied to, since this book does not handle 80% of that little blurb. The Firemen are first investigated as a group that has an interest in the organism that was discussed in the first book. Its rapid gene-splicing abilities had pandemic potential, since it basically appropriates every cell it interacts with. But there was never any indication that the Firemen wanted to release a new version of the pathogen. In fact, most of the book is post-Covid. The "third basic human instinct" is never mentioned either. I was waiting for the name drop like in The Seventh Sun, but it never came. :/
This book is similar to the first, though, in the fact that Dan Clifford is simultaneously a massive goober and just happens to be smarter than doctoral-level professionals in the room. He's trained in "complexity science," but the decisions he makes don't support that at all. His entrance into hacker society and leadership is completely unearned, and he spends most of the time flying by the seat of his pants.
Not to mention the numerous grammar mistakes. Lester completely drops the comma before coordinating conjunctions this book, for some reason? Maybe it was a stylistic decision, but while the characters fail to learn anything from the previous book and Dan is bumbling around, I couldn't really muster up any benefit of the doubt.
A shadowy group of bio-hackers called the Firemen threaten to worsen the Covid pandemic by releasing an even more lethal version of the pathogen. But what drives the Firemen and how do their motivations relate to the wealth of the Roman Empire and to the third basic human instinct?
I feel a little lied to, since this book does not handle 80% of that little blurb. The Firemen are first investigated as a group that has an interest in the organism that was discussed in the first book. Its rapid gene-splicing abilities had pandemic potential, since it basically appropriates every cell it interacts with. But there was never any indication that the Firemen wanted to release a new version of the pathogen. In fact, most of the book is post-Covid. The "third basic human instinct" is never mentioned either. I was waiting for the name drop like in The Seventh Sun, but it never came. :/
This book is similar to the first, though, in the fact that Dan Clifford is simultaneously a massive goober and just happens to be smarter than doctoral-level professionals in the room. He's trained in "complexity science," but the decisions he makes don't support that at all. His entrance into hacker society and leadership is completely unearned, and he spends most of the time flying by the seat of his pants.
Not to mention the numerous grammar mistakes. Lester completely drops the comma before coordinating conjunctions this book, for some reason? Maybe it was a stylistic decision, but while the characters fail to learn anything from the previous book and Dan is bumbling around, I couldn't really muster up any benefit of the doubt.
December 6, 2022
It's alway difficult reviewing an ARC, because as an editor I catch stuff that may not be in the final version of the book when it's released. So, despite stumbling over what struck me as a rather large plot hole and having some issues with the two main characters' sense of self-preservation, suffice to say Mr. Lester is a master of good pacing, so if you're looking for a good thriller to while away a weekend you won't be disappointed in this second book in his Dan Clifford series.
I didn't read book one, so I can state without reservation you don't need to, either, because unlike a lot of writers Mr. Lester is also adept at providing just enough information from the previous book to keep the reader oriented. That's important with a series, because it's all too easy to not hit the right balance. That doesn't happen here.
It struck me as I neared the end of the adventure that one could describe this novel as "Brave New World with viruses". The theme isn't new, but then, neither is the never-ending urge by closet eugenicists to improve the human race one way or another, willy-nilly. And, as the author notes about midway through the adventure, "When you're entertained and well-fed, you'll ignore all kinds of atrocities".
I've always been a fan of thrillers where the work of stopping the villain(s) requires teamwork, and The Third Instinct provides that. I look forward to the next installment.
I didn't read book one, so I can state without reservation you don't need to, either, because unlike a lot of writers Mr. Lester is also adept at providing just enough information from the previous book to keep the reader oriented. That's important with a series, because it's all too easy to not hit the right balance. That doesn't happen here.
It struck me as I neared the end of the adventure that one could describe this novel as "Brave New World with viruses". The theme isn't new, but then, neither is the never-ending urge by closet eugenicists to improve the human race one way or another, willy-nilly. And, as the author notes about midway through the adventure, "When you're entertained and well-fed, you'll ignore all kinds of atrocities".
I've always been a fan of thrillers where the work of stopping the villain(s) requires teamwork, and The Third Instinct provides that. I look forward to the next installment.
December 7, 2022
Title: The Third Instinct
Author: Kent Lester
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Page Count: 361
Start Date: November 25th, 2022
Finish Date: December 7th, 2022
Review:
Story: This book was both hilarious and intense. A very unique combo to have in a story and I loved every minute of it. I found out before starting this book that it was the second book in the series. I was nervous to read it without reading the first book first. I decided to give it a chance anyway. I really didn't have any problems following along. It doesn't mean that it can be read out of order. I may regret my decision when I read the first book. We will see.
Characters: I really liked Dan. He seemed to be in over his head half of the time. Yet he still managed to pull everything off. My favorite character in the whole book was Rudy. Even if he wasn't in the book as much as I would have liked. I really empathized with Rachel. However, she made some decisions that I didn't really agree with. She actually reminded me of 13 from House.
Critiques: None
Final Thoughts: This book was so fun! Just when it seemed like things were calming down, it all blows up again. I am looking forward to other books by this author. I also really look forward to reading the first book as well. I'm hoping there are many other books in this series!
Author: Kent Lester
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Page Count: 361
Start Date: November 25th, 2022
Finish Date: December 7th, 2022
Review:
Story: This book was both hilarious and intense. A very unique combo to have in a story and I loved every minute of it. I found out before starting this book that it was the second book in the series. I was nervous to read it without reading the first book first. I decided to give it a chance anyway. I really didn't have any problems following along. It doesn't mean that it can be read out of order. I may regret my decision when I read the first book. We will see.
Characters: I really liked Dan. He seemed to be in over his head half of the time. Yet he still managed to pull everything off. My favorite character in the whole book was Rudy. Even if he wasn't in the book as much as I would have liked. I really empathized with Rachel. However, she made some decisions that I didn't really agree with. She actually reminded me of 13 from House.
Critiques: None
Final Thoughts: This book was so fun! Just when it seemed like things were calming down, it all blows up again. I am looking forward to other books by this author. I also really look forward to reading the first book as well. I'm hoping there are many other books in this series!
![Profile Image for Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1672255572i/4799500._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
January 19, 2023
The Third Instinct by Kent Lester is such a wild ride! This was my first book for the series so I can safely say that it works as a standalone, it is Book 2 in the Dan Clifford series.
When a biological weapon is stolen Dan is forced to go undercover in a secret organization. Everything he thought he knew isn’t exactly as it seems…
Fast paced and twisty, I really enjoyed connecting with the characters in The Third Instinct. Dan’s inner dialogue was easy to connect with and his loyalty to his friend and girlfriend were admirable traits. The writing was well paced and exciting makes me want to turn each page. I also appreciated how in-depth the scenes were written so I could build a picture in my head.
Overall I recommend this read!
When a biological weapon is stolen Dan is forced to go undercover in a secret organization. Everything he thought he knew isn’t exactly as it seems…
Fast paced and twisty, I really enjoyed connecting with the characters in The Third Instinct. Dan’s inner dialogue was easy to connect with and his loyalty to his friend and girlfriend were admirable traits. The writing was well paced and exciting makes me want to turn each page. I also appreciated how in-depth the scenes were written so I could build a picture in my head.
Overall I recommend this read!
August 26, 2023
I really struggled getting “into” this book. I didn’t feel a strong pull or interest toward the main character, Dan Clifford. I don’t think the character’s physical appearance was ever described in detail throughout the book. I had trouble visualizing him.
On another note, I found that the plot was all over the place, with new characters randomly being introduced without explanation. To be fair, I didn’t read the first book in the series, so perhaps that is contributing to my issue (maybe more background had been provided).
Overall, I see what the author was trying to do with this novel and it’s an interesting concept. Tying in the relevance of Covid-19 and technology is very relevant in our world today. I just had trouble connecting to the characters in this story.
On another note, I found that the plot was all over the place, with new characters randomly being introduced without explanation. To be fair, I didn’t read the first book in the series, so perhaps that is contributing to my issue (maybe more background had been provided).
Overall, I see what the author was trying to do with this novel and it’s an interesting concept. Tying in the relevance of Covid-19 and technology is very relevant in our world today. I just had trouble connecting to the characters in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
(3). I am trying to identify what this book reminds me of. There is certainly a touch of Brad Meltzer, a little bit of Ready Player One as well. I guess it is a thriller for millennials with a touch of YA, SciFi and AI as well. Dan Clifford is certainly an interesting protagonist, but an awful lot here is really out there. The romantic angle is a good news/bad news aspect but the action certainly is well paced, exciting and keeps pages turning. Lots of very cool characters and some nice twists and turns. Perfectly reasonable stuff.
March 27, 2023
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Kent Lester wrote a story so intense it had me questioning my use of technology. It had me questioning what information is being mined every time I log into my computer. It had me questioning just how secure my phone really is.
This is a techno-thriller that is so realistic and so believable as well as a hero who is willing to go toe to toe with a shadow group with roots in history. A book that is meant to be savored. Well done Mr. Lester.
Kent Lester wrote a story so intense it had me questioning my use of technology. It had me questioning what information is being mined every time I log into my computer. It had me questioning just how secure my phone really is.
This is a techno-thriller that is so realistic and so believable as well as a hero who is willing to go toe to toe with a shadow group with roots in history. A book that is meant to be savored. Well done Mr. Lester.
August 8, 2023
Finally read and completed this. If I am being honest, I skim read most of this to get to the good parts. It was a struggle reading this. The plot was ok-ish but because the story also jumped around, I found it hard to relate to the characters and their struggles. Plus, it was another pandemic-issue thriller.
Cannot recommend this. Absolutely nothing like the thrilling suspense of Dan Brown. Awful reading experience,
Thanks to Kent Lester, NetGalley, and MacMillian Tor Forge Nightlife for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..
Already available!
Cannot recommend this. Absolutely nothing like the thrilling suspense of Dan Brown. Awful reading experience,
Thanks to Kent Lester, NetGalley, and MacMillian Tor Forge Nightlife for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..
Already available!
December 5, 2022
I'm not sure if it was the slow pacing, the fact that I hadn't read the first book, or I just wasn't in the mood, but this book didn't engage me at all. I only read about a third of it and I found that I wasn't that interested in what happened next. The storyline was somewhat convoluted and the characters felt one dimensional. Not recommended
Thanks to Netgalley and Forge Books for an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Forge Books for an advanced reader copy.
December 21, 2022
Enjoyable, fast-paced novel in the vein of the DaVinci Code, with secret societies, genetic engineering and pulse-pounding action. Second in the series, I hadn't read the first but was understandable as a standalone novel. Well-written, with fully-developed characters that had a sense of humor. Good book if you like the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2022
The description of this book sounded really interesting to me, but I could not get into it at all. The characters felt very flat to me, and the pace was painfully slow. I kept reading and hoping that something exciting would happen, but it just never got there. I definitely would not call this a "high-octane thriller"--more like a meandering conspiracy theory diatribe.
December 11, 2022
Dan Clifford is an unlikely hero. He wants to propose to his girlfriend Rachel but is rightfully afraid she will say no. This story is an adventure from start to finish. I did not read the first book but that didn't affect reading this story at all. It was a wild ride and there are some out there theories proposed but while you are reading you will buy into all of them.
December 28, 2022
2.5/5. The premise for this novel caught my attention, but unfortunately the writing and action scenes were just too formulaic and predictable. Having not read the prior book on this series, I found the characters lacked depth and the action scenes just too far over the top. Good if you enjoy that kind of thing, but not if you’re looking for anything unique or memorable.
February 19, 2023
This is the first story I have read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, although some of the technical language was beyond me. I hope to see more on this series and will be checking out other works by Mr. Lester.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 21, 2022
This book was not for me. I found the characters flat, the book itself overwritten, and the choices by the author odd and uninformed.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.
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