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Jason Flynn #2
Epicenter
Detective Jason Flynn of the L.A.P.D. is still reeling from the world-changing events he endured at the hands of the serial killer called Abel. He is scarred by run-ins with horrific killers, and his psyche can't take much more.
However, a monotonous morning in the L.A. heat will quickly devolve into the worst day of his life.
Tobin, a 13-year-old boy, unwittingly frees a hostage who was about to be executed by a brutal cartel. Jason is in the wrong place at the very wrong time, and he finds himself filling the role of protector as he evades cartel gunmen and ensures Tobin and the hostage get to safety.
And on top of all that... the “Big One” hits. The worst earthquake in L.A. history ravages the city. Amid the chaos and ruin, Jason and his reluctant allies need to find a way to survive.
However, a monotonous morning in the L.A. heat will quickly devolve into the worst day of his life.
Tobin, a 13-year-old boy, unwittingly frees a hostage who was about to be executed by a brutal cartel. Jason is in the wrong place at the very wrong time, and he finds himself filling the role of protector as he evades cartel gunmen and ensures Tobin and the hostage get to safety.
And on top of all that... the “Big One” hits. The worst earthquake in L.A. history ravages the city. Amid the chaos and ruin, Jason and his reluctant allies need to find a way to survive.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2022
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Luke Swanson
15 books54 followersLuke was raised on a steady diet of stories. You can find him with a book constantly in his hand. He is the author of full-length fiction as well as a handful of published short stories. He lives with his wife in Oklahoma City.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 5, 2022
Well, Detective Flynn, you did it again. You drew us in and kept us enthralled throughout another mystery. This follow up to The Ten is everything that book was and more as we continue to discover who these characters are and the challenges they face. With Epicenter, Swanson brings back what we loved about The Ten and cranks it up a notch: Amusing dialogue, captivating characters, and all of the action a reader needs in a crime thriller. A modern day take on a Chandler-esque style.
What really makes this such a solid follow-up is the blend of returning cast and new characters. There is a more levity added this time in comparison to The Ten which really brings out the personalities of each person. But just because there is more levity does not mean it is all fun and games; this novel is just as dark as the first. That intense yet enjoyable dark that excels in this genre and keeps the reader coming back. These characters have troubles and backgrounds they are dealing with outside of their interactions with Jason Flynn that make their struggles feel all the more real. Characters you thought did not matter end up mattering, and characters you thought you wouldn't like you end up caring for. For me it was Tobin, and if you read this novel you will understand.
Most importantly, this book flies by. It is an easy read that keeps you hooked, which speaks to Swanson's writing style since it is the same energy as the first book. Fingers crossed for a third!
What really makes this such a solid follow-up is the blend of returning cast and new characters. There is a more levity added this time in comparison to The Ten which really brings out the personalities of each person. But just because there is more levity does not mean it is all fun and games; this novel is just as dark as the first. That intense yet enjoyable dark that excels in this genre and keeps the reader coming back. These characters have troubles and backgrounds they are dealing with outside of their interactions with Jason Flynn that make their struggles feel all the more real. Characters you thought did not matter end up mattering, and characters you thought you wouldn't like you end up caring for. For me it was Tobin, and if you read this novel you will understand.
Most importantly, this book flies by. It is an easy read that keeps you hooked, which speaks to Swanson's writing style since it is the same energy as the first book. Fingers crossed for a third!
February 17, 2022
I loved everything about this book! It was exciting, suspenseful, and the characters were superb. Then the author threw in an earthquake and it got even better! A great storyline, outstanding writing, and believable characters. It has everything readers of suspense and thrillers could want. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2022
What can I say? I'm a fan.
February 18, 2022
Overall Rating = 3.92
Storyline & Concept = 4.25
Writing & Delivery = 3.5
Editorial = 4
In this second of a series, Epicenter brings back Detective Jason Flynn of the LAPD, who suffered tragic losses that threaten to overtake his life and his moral compass. While dealing with his emotional baggage and a new case, he and a thirteen-year-old boy are unwittingly dragged into a confrontation between two rival cartels. Throw in a massive earthquake, and Flynn’s day couldn’t get any worse.
Not having had the pleasure of reading the first novel in this series, it was still easy to grasp the backstory and delve into Epicenter. If asked to describe this novel in one word, it would be ‘action-packed’. The pace rarely subsides from beginning to end. Throughout the adventures, the reader is introduced to a bevy of well-developed, flawed, and off-beat characters. The protagonist’s struggles, both physical and emotional, are realistically portrayed with plenty of surprises along the way. When I thought the plot would go in one direction, it would suddenly turn and head in another. Definitely a roller-coaster ride.
Sublime Line: “Epicenter is a non-stop action adventure that will make your head spin and keep the pages turning.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.25
Writing & Delivery = 3.5
Editorial = 4
In this second of a series, Epicenter brings back Detective Jason Flynn of the LAPD, who suffered tragic losses that threaten to overtake his life and his moral compass. While dealing with his emotional baggage and a new case, he and a thirteen-year-old boy are unwittingly dragged into a confrontation between two rival cartels. Throw in a massive earthquake, and Flynn’s day couldn’t get any worse.
Not having had the pleasure of reading the first novel in this series, it was still easy to grasp the backstory and delve into Epicenter. If asked to describe this novel in one word, it would be ‘action-packed’. The pace rarely subsides from beginning to end. Throughout the adventures, the reader is introduced to a bevy of well-developed, flawed, and off-beat characters. The protagonist’s struggles, both physical and emotional, are realistically portrayed with plenty of surprises along the way. When I thought the plot would go in one direction, it would suddenly turn and head in another. Definitely a roller-coaster ride.
Sublime Line: “Epicenter is a non-stop action adventure that will make your head spin and keep the pages turning.”
February 19, 2022
Epicenter is a suspenseful page-turner: a gritty crime drama featuring Detective Jason Flynn of the Los Angeles Police Department. Flynn has seen the worst of the worst in his years fighting crime but he somehow still manages to go above and beyond in his job duties. His efforts to keep a young boy safe from a revenge-seeking cartel are made even more challenging when the worst earthquake in the city's history wreaks destruction and and threatens the safety of all its residents.
Flynn is a well-written character, flawed and real with a deep sense of purpose and a true passion for his job. The pace is quick and the pages just kept on turning for me as I read long into the night. I highly recommend this title and its author Luke Swanson.
Flynn is a well-written character, flawed and real with a deep sense of purpose and a true passion for his job. The pace is quick and the pages just kept on turning for me as I read long into the night. I highly recommend this title and its author Luke Swanson.
February 22, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. I have to admit, I don't read much crime, but Luke Swanson has a very gripping style that hooks you straight away and keeps you interested. This story is told from three seperate viewpoints. Jason is a damaged and driven detective with strong motivations that I could really feel. Tobin is a street kid looking to better himself and Ajax is an up and coming cartel hood. The three of them cross paths in unexpected ways and find themselves in conflict - then a disaster hits and everything is turned upside down.
The pacing of this book is great and I finished it very quickly. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series I had no trouble following the characters and the author recapped the previous book very well. A great read and well worth picking up.
The pacing of this book is great and I finished it very quickly. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series I had no trouble following the characters and the author recapped the previous book very well. A great read and well worth picking up.
March 8, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect as I started reading this book. The beginning was very disturbing, and I didn’t know how the character was going to react. It was beyond me how a human being could be exposed to such rawness and despair at such a horrific crime, and yet, still have the capability to move forward and maintain his composure and his temper!
You would think a natural disaster like an earthquake would bring humanity together, but that sure didn’t happen. There was the cartel and the Yakuza giving chase to the detective and the young boy with guns blazing! I honestly felt that I was a character in the book because by the time I was done reading, I was exhausted and very tired! Great exhilarating ride! A must read!
Will there be a follow-up read? Sure seems like it!
You would think a natural disaster like an earthquake would bring humanity together, but that sure didn’t happen. There was the cartel and the Yakuza giving chase to the detective and the young boy with guns blazing! I honestly felt that I was a character in the book because by the time I was done reading, I was exhausted and very tired! Great exhilarating ride! A must read!
Will there be a follow-up read? Sure seems like it!
February 20, 2022
I really enjoyed Epicenter especially as it's been a while since I've gotten the chance to read an interesting detective story.
I love Luke Swanson’s writing and this book held my attention until I got to the end (sorry sleep) it was action-packed while still feeling realistic. I can't wait to go back and read book 1 (tho I had no trouble reading this without it).
I love Luke Swanson’s writing and this book held my attention until I got to the end (sorry sleep) it was action-packed while still feeling realistic. I can't wait to go back and read book 1 (tho I had no trouble reading this without it).
February 18, 2022
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review of this book. Our lead character Jason is an L.A detective just trying to live day to day in his life when he now has to protect two people from the cartel and the worst earthquake to hit L.A. join Jason on the ride of his life in this action packed thriller. Also check trigger warnings.
February 4, 2022
It has been a long time since I’ve read an action-packed crime novel, and I ate this one up!
This is my second read from Luke and I was very impressed! I hadn’t realized before reading this one that it was the second in a series revolving around Detective Flynn, but enough details were dropped in the story about the first book that I didn’t feel confused by reading the second one first.
This book was a heart-racer from start to finish, and I could truly picture a Bruce Willis type man getting knocked around a hundred times over but someone always getting back up again.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced novel that includes natural destruction, teens hotwiring cars, the cartel, and a grandma with a shotgun - this one is for you!!
This is my second read from Luke and I was very impressed! I hadn’t realized before reading this one that it was the second in a series revolving around Detective Flynn, but enough details were dropped in the story about the first book that I didn’t feel confused by reading the second one first.
This book was a heart-racer from start to finish, and I could truly picture a Bruce Willis type man getting knocked around a hundred times over but someone always getting back up again.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced novel that includes natural destruction, teens hotwiring cars, the cartel, and a grandma with a shotgun - this one is for you!!
February 20, 2022
3.5⭐
Are you looking for an action packed novel from start to finish? Look no further!
Detective Jason Flynn of the LAPD is back for the second book in this series written by Luke Swanson . While dealing with the emotional toll of previous events with a serial killer named Abel, he can't take much more. One morning, Jason finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. He and a thirteen year old boy, Tobin, find themselves dragged into a confrontation with two rival cartels. On top of that, a historical earthquake hits L.A....Jason's day truly could not get any worse.
The author reached out to me and asked if I would provide an honest review for his latest book, Epicenter. I will note that this is the second book in this series, however, Luke assured me that this book could be read as a standalone. I was not confused at all, being that enough information was provided from the first in the series. This book has a lot of action, and it does not let up. I had to put it down a few times because the storyline was intense at times. This book was out of my usual comfort reads, but I think Luke did a great job portraying his characters, and this book was such a quick read from start to finish.
If you're looking for an action packed novel from start to finish, a run-in with the cartel, and characters that don't give up when times get tough, pick up Epicenter.
Are you looking for an action packed novel from start to finish? Look no further!
Detective Jason Flynn of the LAPD is back for the second book in this series written by Luke Swanson . While dealing with the emotional toll of previous events with a serial killer named Abel, he can't take much more. One morning, Jason finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. He and a thirteen year old boy, Tobin, find themselves dragged into a confrontation with two rival cartels. On top of that, a historical earthquake hits L.A....Jason's day truly could not get any worse.
The author reached out to me and asked if I would provide an honest review for his latest book, Epicenter. I will note that this is the second book in this series, however, Luke assured me that this book could be read as a standalone. I was not confused at all, being that enough information was provided from the first in the series. This book has a lot of action, and it does not let up. I had to put it down a few times because the storyline was intense at times. This book was out of my usual comfort reads, but I think Luke did a great job portraying his characters, and this book was such a quick read from start to finish.
If you're looking for an action packed novel from start to finish, a run-in with the cartel, and characters that don't give up when times get tough, pick up Epicenter.
May 4, 2023
I didn’t know what to expect as I started reading this book. The beginning really disturbed me and I didn’t know how the character was going to react. It was beyond me how a human being could be exposed to such rawness and despair at such a horrific crime, and yet, still have the capability to move forward and maintain his composure and his temper!
You would think a natural disaster like an earthquake would bring humanity together, but that sure didn’t happen. There was the cartel and the Yakuza giving chase to the detective and the young boy with guns blazing! I honestly felt that I was a character in the book because by the time I was done reading, I was exhausted and very tired! Great exhilarating ride! A must read!
Will there be a follow-up read? It sure seems like it! Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with AC!
You would think a natural disaster like an earthquake would bring humanity together, but that sure didn’t happen. There was the cartel and the Yakuza giving chase to the detective and the young boy with guns blazing! I honestly felt that I was a character in the book because by the time I was done reading, I was exhausted and very tired! Great exhilarating ride! A must read!
Will there be a follow-up read? It sure seems like it! Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with AC!
February 17, 2022
I received an advance copy for review, my thoughts are my own. I thought this was an exciting story! I did enjoy how real the characters felt, emotions and flaws. There is quite a cast of characters to remember, however, ‘Epicenter’ is a great romp for readers who are looking for something different. Well done, Jason!
March 30, 2022
Very good read
This started off showing the main characters plaguing the detective’s mind, introducing more chance characters as it went along. A lot of adventure happening because of chance coincidences. Read the entire book in one afternoon. Didn’t want to put it down.
This started off showing the main characters plaguing the detective’s mind, introducing more chance characters as it went along. A lot of adventure happening because of chance coincidences. Read the entire book in one afternoon. Didn’t want to put it down.
Read
February 17, 2022Readers will find Epicenter littered with off-beat characters, morally ambiguous heroes, and surprising twists.
Timothy Sojka, Author Payback Jack and Politikill
Timothy Sojka, Author Payback Jack and Politikill
April 12, 2024
This is a nonstop, action-packed book - has a bit of a “Die Hard” feel to it. Look forward to seeing what Jason Flynn’s future has in store…
March 24, 2022
What a thriller. This story just kept getting layered and yet it never lost its way. And the ending....will this man's story continue????
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews