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The Spy Game #1
Target One
Jacob Snow—elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, haunted by his tortured past—is one of the CIA’s greatest assets, and is dispatched when the stakes are highest. When an ancient Egyptian relic goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Jacob knows this is no run-of-the-mill robbery: the relic holds a secret—one that could destroy everything.
Jacob seeks out a mysterious and beautiful archeologist, whose brilliance is needed on the case. Together, they must partner to decode the archeological riddles and stop the terrorists before it is too late.
Yet as they race to recover the stolen artifact, they soon find themselves in the midst of a conspiracy bigger than anything they could have imagined—and time is quickly running out.
Jacob seeks out a mysterious and beautiful archeologist, whose brilliance is needed on the case. Together, they must partner to decode the archeological riddles and stop the terrorists before it is too late.
Yet as they race to recover the stolen artifact, they soon find themselves in the midst of a conspiracy bigger than anything they could have imagined—and time is quickly running out.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2022
1082 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Jack Mars
256 books667 followersJack Mars is author of the bestselling LUKE STONE thriller series, which include the suspense thrillers ANY MEANS NECESSARY (book #1), OATH OF OFFICE (book #2) and SITUATION ROOM (book #3).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 13, 2024
*3.5 stars*
An Ancient Greek artefact goes missing, so Jacob Snow— elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, is given the mission of locating and bringing it back. Discovering that terrorists are responsible for the theft makes this mission especially difficult and dangerous, and also Snow is completely unaware of their reasons for stealing it. First though, he will need the help of Jana, a brilliant, beautiful and mysterious archaeologist.
The stolen artefact holds a huge secret, and unknown to Snow and Jana, there is a huge conspiracy, which means that if they don’t complete their mission, then it could destroy everything, because this conspiracy is bigger than anything they could imagine.
I did have to suspend disbelief in the latter part of the book, but nevertheless it was action packed and I really enjoyed it.
An Ancient Greek artefact goes missing, so Jacob Snow— elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, is given the mission of locating and bringing it back. Discovering that terrorists are responsible for the theft makes this mission especially difficult and dangerous, and also Snow is completely unaware of their reasons for stealing it. First though, he will need the help of Jana, a brilliant, beautiful and mysterious archaeologist.
The stolen artefact holds a huge secret, and unknown to Snow and Jana, there is a huge conspiracy, which means that if they don’t complete their mission, then it could destroy everything, because this conspiracy is bigger than anything they could imagine.
I did have to suspend disbelief in the latter part of the book, but nevertheless it was action packed and I really enjoyed it.
February 21, 2025
This would probably appeal to spy thriller lovers, which I’m not really. It’s pretty action packed and a quick listen.
Narration notes:
He sounded okay. I could’ve went for more enthusiasm, like he was really in the thick of things.
Narration notes:
He sounded okay. I could’ve went for more enthusiasm, like he was really in the thick of things.
August 26, 2023
Book was a middle of the road entertaining audio . I expected more from jack Mars. Usually I really enjoy his books. Maybe the next one.
December 8, 2022
A good story but a cretinous hero
We are told that Jacob "mixed himself a strong Scotch and soda. Single malt, aged fifteen years. None of that blended, mass-produced crap."
What kind of moron would pollute a fifteen year old single malt with soda?
If one is going to add soda, what difference does the quality of the whisky make?
One might as well have that blended, mass-produced crap, it's cheaper.
We are told that Jacob "mixed himself a strong Scotch and soda. Single malt, aged fifteen years. None of that blended, mass-produced crap."
What kind of moron would pollute a fifteen year old single malt with soda?
If one is going to add soda, what difference does the quality of the whisky make?
One might as well have that blended, mass-produced crap, it's cheaper.
October 29, 2024
Fast paced, great read. Will be searching out more of this series.
December 7, 2022
A quick read.
There’s lots of action, blood and guts. The author has written better books. The main lead is a little mixed up and a passive character in the beginning and a couple time later on. Then you find out he was a nut case from the Afghan war. No detail on what he went through to get straighten out. It’s not believable that the CIA would take him on after what he did in killing US soldiers. Stress of the work would be to great. Then there is his lady friend who turns into a killing machine without any training. Read to believe or believe to read?
There’s lots of action, blood and guts. The author has written better books. The main lead is a little mixed up and a passive character in the beginning and a couple time later on. Then you find out he was a nut case from the Afghan war. No detail on what he went through to get straighten out. It’s not believable that the CIA would take him on after what he did in killing US soldiers. Stress of the work would be to great. Then there is his lady friend who turns into a killing machine without any training. Read to believe or believe to read?
August 22, 2024
I didn’t finish this one. Not sure why I picked it up in the first place, I’m not a fan of action movies and this felt like an action movie in book form. So if you are into that maybe you’ll like it but I just couldn’t get in to it and I didn’t care about the characters.
November 18, 2023
Enthralling spy story that gets, and keeps, attention. Clean. No ‘woke-ness.’ Narrator is clear and very talented. I’d have listened just to hear him.
June 24, 2024
Target One is a good spy thriller that is suspenseful, fast moving and a quick read. The main character is Jacob Snow—elite soldier-turned-CIA agent who is put on a mission that involves reuniting with the daughter of his CIA mentor for which they have a history. I am familiar with author Jack Mars work with Troy Stark so I wanted to see his take on other characters and like Michael Donnelly, he has a good handle on making the characters unique and gives us just enough character development to keep the readers intrigued and care about the character. I liked how the story got stronger as it went along with action, a build up of danger and no guarantees that Snow was going to survive this mission. That's what I like and come to expect out of my spy thrillers and Target One delivered. I recommend this book and I am off to the next book.
January 3, 2024
The book doesn’t feel finished. I guess that’s to get you to keep reading but the plot and characters weren’t developed enough for a complete book in my opinion. I had to Google how many chapters were in the print edition to make sure Apple Books app didn’t give me only half of a book.
February 1, 2025
A great thiller.
August 27, 2022
WOW I couldn't put this book down, action from start to finish. An edge of the seat page turner.
January 12, 2023
I have discovered that I am a fan of Mr. Mars and think that I've read each of the books in all of his various series'. This is apparently a new series and I waited until the audio was out to jump in.
This series has us meeting Jacob Snow who is a CIA agent investigating a terrorist group in the Middle East. We also get to meet a young archeologist that has ties that she isn't fully aware of with Jacob (having to do with a father that she had cut off contact with) that is the catalyst for getting her involved in Jacob's latest case.
This series - at least to me - is the weakest series so far that I have read from Mr. Mars. I still enjoyed it, but he has written better books. Now, I'm aware that this is only the first book, and I am definitely going to continue onwards, but it felt extremely superficial and it REALLY pushed the boundaries of believability. Yes, I know that most of his books are action packed and full of drama. I am totally willing to suspend a certain amount of believability to immerse myself into a drama filled story line and do so willingly and eagerly. This one however, seemed to push that line too far.
Without going into spoilers, let me just say that learning Jacob's back story makes it REALLY difficult to believe that he is now a senior agent able to have the freedom and authority to lead a case. Also, the addition of his female partner and her actions are a bit hard to fathom - especially if this agent is as good as he's supposed to be (sneaking on a plane?) She is definitely a fast learner (Sharp shooting from a helicopter?)
But, this IS book one and I did like the characters for the most part. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
Hopefully the audio for book 2 will be out soon.
This series has us meeting Jacob Snow who is a CIA agent investigating a terrorist group in the Middle East. We also get to meet a young archeologist that has ties that she isn't fully aware of with Jacob (having to do with a father that she had cut off contact with) that is the catalyst for getting her involved in Jacob's latest case.
This series - at least to me - is the weakest series so far that I have read from Mr. Mars. I still enjoyed it, but he has written better books. Now, I'm aware that this is only the first book, and I am definitely going to continue onwards, but it felt extremely superficial and it REALLY pushed the boundaries of believability. Yes, I know that most of his books are action packed and full of drama. I am totally willing to suspend a certain amount of believability to immerse myself into a drama filled story line and do so willingly and eagerly. This one however, seemed to push that line too far.
Without going into spoilers, let me just say that learning Jacob's back story makes it REALLY difficult to believe that he is now a senior agent able to have the freedom and authority to lead a case. Also, the addition of his female partner and her actions are a bit hard to fathom - especially if this agent is as good as he's supposed to be (sneaking on a plane?) She is definitely a fast learner (Sharp shooting from a helicopter?)
But, this IS book one and I did like the characters for the most part. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
Hopefully the audio for book 2 will be out soon.
January 29, 2023
Compelling read... if you're a teenage boy.
Unfortunately, I am not the proper demographic. Yes, it was action packed but the plotline held no suspense- the author telegraphed his intentions only a few chapters in and there were zero twists in the story, making it a bit on the boring side despite the flurry of gunplay.
The characters were a bit hollow. Snow was not nearly as impressive as he thought he was, and had the audacity to taint a 15y.o. single malt with soda. Also, he is an ex-Army Ranger who went off-center and awol, then after a stint in mental lockup, declared justified killing of his unit members (no mention of punishment for going awol or continuing off-mission killings while feral), turned CIA operative, now miraculously knows how to fly a helicopter? Sure, that's all super likely.
Jana was a more realistic character, but whined too much about her deadbeat dad, who she admits spent all his off duty time making her happy. Fine attitude if she was 11 years old, but not for an adult woman who knew what he did, albeit posthumously. That said, she fought well for a home-trained civilian, and her quips definitely stole the dialogue show.
Overall, not an impressive read, but a quick and easy one.
PG13 for a lot of close combat violence, some graphic but much is glossed over. Some language. No sex.
Themes include warfare, mutiny and acute combat stress reaction, terrorism, kidnapping, torture, murder, nuclear armament of terrorists, and references to sex trafficking.
Unfortunately, I am not the proper demographic. Yes, it was action packed but the plotline held no suspense- the author telegraphed his intentions only a few chapters in and there were zero twists in the story, making it a bit on the boring side despite the flurry of gunplay.
The characters were a bit hollow. Snow was not nearly as impressive as he thought he was, and had the audacity to taint a 15y.o. single malt with soda. Also, he is an ex-Army Ranger who went off-center and awol, then after a stint in mental lockup, declared justified killing of his unit members (no mention of punishment for going awol or continuing off-mission killings while feral), turned CIA operative, now miraculously knows how to fly a helicopter? Sure, that's all super likely.
Jana was a more realistic character, but whined too much about her deadbeat dad, who she admits spent all his off duty time making her happy. Fine attitude if she was 11 years old, but not for an adult woman who knew what he did, albeit posthumously. That said, she fought well for a home-trained civilian, and her quips definitely stole the dialogue show.
Overall, not an impressive read, but a quick and easy one.
PG13 for a lot of close combat violence, some graphic but much is glossed over. Some language. No sex.
Themes include warfare, mutiny and acute combat stress reaction, terrorism, kidnapping, torture, murder, nuclear armament of terrorists, and references to sex trafficking.
January 9, 2025
I picked this up on a whim at my library - saw it in a display and did a quick Goodreads search and it had good reviews, so grabbed it. Seemed like reading a CIA thriller would be fun.
Unfortunately, it was just not my cup of tea. I may have found it entertaining if it was a movie, but reading about all the action (the play-by-play of a bar fight, other confrontations with terrorists, etc.). Not terribly well-developed, original or likable characters from my perspective.
I am obviously in the minority, however!
Unfortunately, it was just not my cup of tea. I may have found it entertaining if it was a movie, but reading about all the action (the play-by-play of a bar fight, other confrontations with terrorists, etc.). Not terribly well-developed, original or likable characters from my perspective.
I am obviously in the minority, however!
January 24, 2023
Target One
This is an action packed yet stupid book. Illogical and unrealistic scenarios throughout. Young men in the 16-21 age group will love it. I've read some very good books by this author. This book isn't one of them.
This is an action packed yet stupid book. Illogical and unrealistic scenarios throughout. Young men in the 16-21 age group will love it. I've read some very good books by this author. This book isn't one of them.
April 23, 2023
My first book amongst the many written by Jack Mars was an action-packed text and an edge-of-the-seat page-turner. While the protagonist Jacob Snow’s character does not seem to have properly evolved, the overall plot made it an entertaining read. Jacob Snow is an elite soldier who is now a CIA agent but has been constantly haunted by his past. As an ex-Army ranger, he goes berserk and kills his unit members, because of which he is reprimanded and sent to a mental asylum. However, he is later recruited by the CIA when the stakes are high.
In this ruse, Jacob Snow is assigned to investigate an Islamic terrorist group that has stolen an ancient Egyptian relic jar from the Boston Museum. The world has no clue as to why would a terrorist group want an ancient relic. As Jacob begins to investigate the historical importance of the relic, he is alarmed to discover the contents of the relic jar, the nefarious plan of the terrorist group, and the grave consequences that it can pose to the world if they are not stopped. He seeks the assistance of an archeologist, Jana with whom he had a history in the past. She was ready to help him as she knew that he could be trusted, but she needed answers about the past. This leads to some awkward moments between the two during the hunt for the relic.
Meanwhile, the enemy is moving at a frantic pace toward their final destination in the Suez Canal, where a showdown is planned that would bring the whole world to its knees and create huge unrest in the Middle East and North African region, with the US bearing the burden of the action. Jacob and Jana are in a cat-and-mouse chase to catch up with the terrorist and in a race against time before they unleash their final act. Will Jacob and Jana succeed in bringing down their adversaries and saving the world? What was the secret in the ancient relic that the terrorist had stolen?
The last few chapters of the book are a recount of the detailed execution by Jacob Snow in his last attempt to thwart the terrorist's plan which truly makes this plot an edge-of-the-seat cliffhanger. Being a renowned archeologist, Jana’s skills and talents of fighting and ballistics were a bit difficult to digest. Overall a good beginning to a new series and I am looking forward to reading book two in the series.
In this ruse, Jacob Snow is assigned to investigate an Islamic terrorist group that has stolen an ancient Egyptian relic jar from the Boston Museum. The world has no clue as to why would a terrorist group want an ancient relic. As Jacob begins to investigate the historical importance of the relic, he is alarmed to discover the contents of the relic jar, the nefarious plan of the terrorist group, and the grave consequences that it can pose to the world if they are not stopped. He seeks the assistance of an archeologist, Jana with whom he had a history in the past. She was ready to help him as she knew that he could be trusted, but she needed answers about the past. This leads to some awkward moments between the two during the hunt for the relic.
Meanwhile, the enemy is moving at a frantic pace toward their final destination in the Suez Canal, where a showdown is planned that would bring the whole world to its knees and create huge unrest in the Middle East and North African region, with the US bearing the burden of the action. Jacob and Jana are in a cat-and-mouse chase to catch up with the terrorist and in a race against time before they unleash their final act. Will Jacob and Jana succeed in bringing down their adversaries and saving the world? What was the secret in the ancient relic that the terrorist had stolen?
The last few chapters of the book are a recount of the detailed execution by Jacob Snow in his last attempt to thwart the terrorist's plan which truly makes this plot an edge-of-the-seat cliffhanger. Being a renowned archeologist, Jana’s skills and talents of fighting and ballistics were a bit difficult to digest. Overall a good beginning to a new series and I am looking forward to reading book two in the series.
January 29, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5-4 Stars. TARGET ONE, bk1 in a new-to-me Spy Thriller series. I discovered this wasn’t particularly my normal fare but it was very fast moving, I enjoyed the archeologist angle and it was short (5hr audio). Plus the inserted odd sense of humor - grim? fox-hole? adrenaline? - helped lighten the book considerably for me - and the decent resolution of the book’s plot, as well.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I LIKED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Morocco & Alexandria, Egypt and the Suez Canal area ~
Rumors of a nuclear target in the Middle East gets Agent Snow pulled from the end of one job immediately into the next. An archaeologist, Dr Janna Peters, excavating an ancient civilization in Morocco gets pulled into Snow’s mission when one of the more unusual artifacts she discovered in a previous dig is stolen from it’s museum. An unstable terrorist group seems responsible which, considering a nuclear physicist was kidnapped just months before, agent Snow believes spells certain disaster.
Comments ~
TARGET ONE is the first bk in a Spy Thriller series featuring former Army Ranger, experienced and well-trained CIA Agent Snow. While the last paragraph of TARGET ONE obviously is leading into the next bk, TARGET ONE can be read as a standalone bk - with a decent resolution (cuz bad guys never all die). This is a fast moving novel containing considerable spy-type action, strong language, graphic violence and, surprisingly, humor. It was the latter that kept me engaged until the end.
2) In TARGET ONE, Snow is teamed with a civilian female archeologist, Dr Janna Peters, the adult daughter of his now deceased CIA mentor, trainer and rescuer. She has issues with Snow and her dad - her dad being gone Most of her childhood, due to “the Job”.
3) I listened to the audiobook version excellently performed by Logan Harper.
4) Recommended to readers who enjoy Military, Spy Thrillers with a dollop of grim humor.
READER CAUTIONS ~ Not recommended to YAs or those who would be offended by the above.
PROFANITY - Yes. Frequent use of strong language.
VIOLENCE - Yes. Graphic violence occurs in CIA & civilian vs suicidal terrorist situation.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I LIKED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved this; it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Morocco & Alexandria, Egypt and the Suez Canal area ~
Rumors of a nuclear target in the Middle East gets Agent Snow pulled from the end of one job immediately into the next. An archaeologist, Dr Janna Peters, excavating an ancient civilization in Morocco gets pulled into Snow’s mission when one of the more unusual artifacts she discovered in a previous dig is stolen from it’s museum. An unstable terrorist group seems responsible which, considering a nuclear physicist was kidnapped just months before, agent Snow believes spells certain disaster.
Comments ~
TARGET ONE is the first bk in a Spy Thriller series featuring former Army Ranger, experienced and well-trained CIA Agent Snow. While the last paragraph of TARGET ONE obviously is leading into the next bk, TARGET ONE can be read as a standalone bk - with a decent resolution (cuz bad guys never all die). This is a fast moving novel containing considerable spy-type action, strong language, graphic violence and, surprisingly, humor. It was the latter that kept me engaged until the end.
2) In TARGET ONE, Snow is teamed with a civilian female archeologist, Dr Janna Peters, the adult daughter of his now deceased CIA mentor, trainer and rescuer. She has issues with Snow and her dad - her dad being gone Most of her childhood, due to “the Job”.
3) I listened to the audiobook version excellently performed by Logan Harper.
4) Recommended to readers who enjoy Military, Spy Thrillers with a dollop of grim humor.
READER CAUTIONS ~ Not recommended to YAs or those who would be offended by the above.
PROFANITY - Yes. Frequent use of strong language.
VIOLENCE - Yes. Graphic violence occurs in CIA & civilian vs suicidal terrorist situation.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
November 19, 2024
Brief synopsis from the book cover
Jacob Snow—elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, haunted by his tortured past—is one of the CIA’s greatest assets, and is dispatched when the stakes are highest. When an ancient Egyptian relic goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Jacob knows this is no run-of-the-mill robbery: the relic holds a secret—one that could destroy everything. Jacob seeks out a mysterious and beautiful archeologist, whose brilliance is needed on the case. Together, they must partner to decode the archeological riddles and stop the terrorists before it is too late.
Yet as they race to recover the stolen artifact, they soon find themselves in the midst of a conspiracy bigger than anything they could have imagined—and time is quickly running out.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Mystery and Suspense
Action and Adventure
Review:
This is a great story full of mystery and suspense mixed in with a good dose of action. The plot is fast paced, there is an interesting historical mystery to solve, it’s a race against time and the stakes are high. The main characters are brave and their actions are full of energy without being unrealistic. This gives it all the ingredients for an entertaining read.
Overall this is a captivating and enjoyable read with realistic characters. The book has an interesting plot with the right mixture of mystery and suspense.
Jacob Snow—elite soldier-turned-CIA agent, haunted by his tortured past—is one of the CIA’s greatest assets, and is dispatched when the stakes are highest. When an ancient Egyptian relic goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Jacob knows this is no run-of-the-mill robbery: the relic holds a secret—one that could destroy everything. Jacob seeks out a mysterious and beautiful archeologist, whose brilliance is needed on the case. Together, they must partner to decode the archeological riddles and stop the terrorists before it is too late.
Yet as they race to recover the stolen artifact, they soon find themselves in the midst of a conspiracy bigger than anything they could have imagined—and time is quickly running out.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Mystery and Suspense
Action and Adventure
Review:
This is a great story full of mystery and suspense mixed in with a good dose of action. The plot is fast paced, there is an interesting historical mystery to solve, it’s a race against time and the stakes are high. The main characters are brave and their actions are full of energy without being unrealistic. This gives it all the ingredients for an entertaining read.
Overall this is a captivating and enjoyable read with realistic characters. The book has an interesting plot with the right mixture of mystery and suspense.
September 18, 2025
What if we aren't the only population to discover and refine uranium, weaponising it? What would happen if Ancient Egyptians had somehow figured the potential dangers of it as well and locked it away in a Coptic jar to be hidden away from those with nefarious ideology?
Jacob Snow a trained, but complex CIA agent is on the trail of this newly discovered, but recently stolen jar. He can't do it alone and must enlist someone with skills and knowledge of Ancient Egypt. Why oh why does it have to be a civilian connected to his complex past? On the trail to retrieve the jar before it can be used by terrorists to wreak havoc on the world, Jacob has to not only complete his mission but do so in a way that doesn't get his civilian partner (daughter of his CIA mentor) killed in the process.
I am a fan of Jack Mars, working my way through his Luke Stone series and thought I might like this one as well. I have to say I wasn't disappointed. This book is action packed and whilst it took me a while to enjoy characters in this book, but once I was hooked, I was all in. The action in this story moves at a perfect pace and the narration of the audio version is excellent. The narrator perfects a range of accents without them being cheesy or distracting the listener from the story.
If you enjoy any action packed thrillers, especially any of Jack Mars' other novels you won't be disappointed with this book. I highly recommend this book.
Jacob Snow a trained, but complex CIA agent is on the trail of this newly discovered, but recently stolen jar. He can't do it alone and must enlist someone with skills and knowledge of Ancient Egypt. Why oh why does it have to be a civilian connected to his complex past? On the trail to retrieve the jar before it can be used by terrorists to wreak havoc on the world, Jacob has to not only complete his mission but do so in a way that doesn't get his civilian partner (daughter of his CIA mentor) killed in the process.
I am a fan of Jack Mars, working my way through his Luke Stone series and thought I might like this one as well. I have to say I wasn't disappointed. This book is action packed and whilst it took me a while to enjoy characters in this book, but once I was hooked, I was all in. The action in this story moves at a perfect pace and the narration of the audio version is excellent. The narrator perfects a range of accents without them being cheesy or distracting the listener from the story.
If you enjoy any action packed thrillers, especially any of Jack Mars' other novels you won't be disappointed with this book. I highly recommend this book.
August 15, 2025
I was curious when I saw that an AI voice was reading this on Libby, I had a long drive and I needed something to listen to, and this was available. I decided to give it a chance in spite of the AI generated voice. Then I realize that the whole thing is AI. Maybe Jack Mars is a real person, but if he is, he is leaning hard into every single stereotype and bad dialogue moment of every stupid suspense novel of the past 45 years. The reader actually stopped at one point and then went back because it was supposed to be an Australian accent, so it corrected itself, and then read in a ridiculous and stupid Australian accent. Holy moly, I've seen the future and it kind of sucks. To be fair, I'm listening on the audiobook so I cannot give quotes, but the dialogue is so vapid and ridiculous, the character development is completely linear and stupid, and there is zero trauma in this novel. People get beat up beyond recognition and somehow just come on back in the next five minutes. This is horrible, not literature, and probably not written by a human being, certainly not read by a human being. All that said it did provide a tiny bit of entertainment on a 10 hour drive.
January 30, 2023
The game is on
Jacob Snow is many things and he knows that he can't allow others to get to close. So when he is given another assignment but this one hits closer to home and he isn't looking forward to it. Jana can't believe that Jacob needs her help but she knows that she will do what she can to help. But she is wary of him as she needs answers about the past but can she trust Jacob to tell her the truth? Their assignment is about too become for urgent and they are in a race against an enemy that wants to bring the world to its knees. Will they be able to stop the enemy but at what cost! A good interesting read. Jacob Snow has many secrets but he is loyal and he always does what is right. But can he ever find the peace that he seeks? Jana just wanted her father home and as she could never understand why he always had to leave her. She knows that Jacob has the answers that she wants but does she really want go know the truth? Great characters.
Jacob Snow is many things and he knows that he can't allow others to get to close. So when he is given another assignment but this one hits closer to home and he isn't looking forward to it. Jana can't believe that Jacob needs her help but she knows that she will do what she can to help. But she is wary of him as she needs answers about the past but can she trust Jacob to tell her the truth? Their assignment is about too become for urgent and they are in a race against an enemy that wants to bring the world to its knees. Will they be able to stop the enemy but at what cost! A good interesting read. Jacob Snow has many secrets but he is loyal and he always does what is right. But can he ever find the peace that he seeks? Jana just wanted her father home and as she could never understand why he always had to leave her. She knows that Jacob has the answers that she wants but does she really want go know the truth? Great characters.
May 17, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"The world was about to change forever."
It was the series title, The Spy Game, which lured me in, but I don't think I'm the right demographic. The story was all right, with a touch of archaeological magic and, for those who like that sort of thing, plenty of fast action hand to hand fighting, gunshots, torture and terrorist posturing about chopping off heads. Sadly (or not), I prefer my stories to be a bit more subtle. Throw in an insufferable main character and a brave, tough but whinging female support, forever resentful because her dad did his job instead of being with her on her birthday, and a narrator, Logan Harper, with a fast, almost detached, delivery, and the book further became one hard to enjoy.
Not for me, but probably would appeal more to younger readers
"The world was about to change forever."
It was the series title, The Spy Game, which lured me in, but I don't think I'm the right demographic. The story was all right, with a touch of archaeological magic and, for those who like that sort of thing, plenty of fast action hand to hand fighting, gunshots, torture and terrorist posturing about chopping off heads. Sadly (or not), I prefer my stories to be a bit more subtle. Throw in an insufferable main character and a brave, tough but whinging female support, forever resentful because her dad did his job instead of being with her on her birthday, and a narrator, Logan Harper, with a fast, almost detached, delivery, and the book further became one hard to enjoy.
Not for me, but probably would appeal more to younger readers
January 22, 2024
Read Completed 1/21/24 | I was in need of a quick read and a thriller change of pace and this sounded interesting! I liked the including of Egyptology but was hoping for a little more historical / museum connection. It looks like maybe the female lead may be here the rest of the books so that could be something to look forward to if I continue.
I don't know why I thought this would be different than most quick stories, but yep, it was -- it just didn't have enough depth due to its length. It is possible, and I've read them, but this one just didn't quite do it. I liked the bones but it was a little too bare.
It was good for something fast and maybe if I read another book in the series, they'll start to build on each other and get me that depth I'm looking for! I'll keep this series tucked away in case I need more quick reads later on.
I don't know why I thought this would be different than most quick stories, but yep, it was -- it just didn't have enough depth due to its length. It is possible, and I've read them, but this one just didn't quite do it. I liked the bones but it was a little too bare.
It was good for something fast and maybe if I read another book in the series, they'll start to build on each other and get me that depth I'm looking for! I'll keep this series tucked away in case I need more quick reads later on.
February 9, 2024
Another phenomenal book by Jack Mars!
An edge of your seat thriller featuring Jacob Snow, a former US Army Special Operator, now a CIA agent, sent to find the target(s) of terrorists threatening interests in the Middle East.
Snow is forced to work (unknown to the CIA) with a young female archeologist who blames him for her poor relationship with her now-deceased father, Jacob's CIA mentor, yet insists on being involved in the mission. Their goals intertwine when her colleagues and mentor are taken by the terrorists for use of their knowledge. Knowing the lives of her colleagues are at stake, her knowledge and tactical abilities show her to be an invaluable asset.
Jack Mars' books will surely become popular limited series tv shows, and I'll watch every one of them multiple times!
An edge of your seat thriller featuring Jacob Snow, a former US Army Special Operator, now a CIA agent, sent to find the target(s) of terrorists threatening interests in the Middle East.
Snow is forced to work (unknown to the CIA) with a young female archeologist who blames him for her poor relationship with her now-deceased father, Jacob's CIA mentor, yet insists on being involved in the mission. Their goals intertwine when her colleagues and mentor are taken by the terrorists for use of their knowledge. Knowing the lives of her colleagues are at stake, her knowledge and tactical abilities show her to be an invaluable asset.
Jack Mars' books will surely become popular limited series tv shows, and I'll watch every one of them multiple times!
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed the audiobook. I thought the narrator did a good job. I would've liked a bit more info/background on the Egyptian background/archaeology.
Sometimes the FMC came across a little juvenile in her behavior, but it usually worked in her favor in the book (You can't tell me what to do! I'm going to do it anyway!) (Me: rolling my eyes at this like a teen myself.). The MMC was a little sexist at times, but at least he usually acknowledged it in the novel.
Sometimes I ended up rolling my eyes at certain scenes like when the MMC decided to leave characters alive who would've killed him, but he knocked them unconscious so, no, he's not going to kill them. Really? Kind of came across a little TSTL since that's not going to bite you in the rear later.
Not really sure I'll be reading the series.
Sometimes the FMC came across a little juvenile in her behavior, but it usually worked in her favor in the book (You can't tell me what to do! I'm going to do it anyway!) (Me: rolling my eyes at this like a teen myself.). The MMC was a little sexist at times, but at least he usually acknowledged it in the novel.
Sometimes I ended up rolling my eyes at certain scenes like when the MMC decided to leave characters alive who would've killed him, but he knocked them unconscious so, no, he's not going to kill them. Really? Kind of came across a little TSTL since that's not going to bite you in the rear later.
Not really sure I'll be reading the series.
May 30, 2024
It started off promising with the theft of a priceless egyptian canopian jar in a museum. The theft was very good storytelling but it failed to hold on to my interest after that first chapter.
Jacob Snow, an agent for the CIA, is tasked to find this priceless jar and he enlists the help of an old friend's daughter Dr Jana Peters, not only to help him find this rare canopic jar but also to deal with The Sword of Righteousness group who are planning something very big soon, and the jar is at the centre of this. I don't think I ever really engaged with the two main characters nor with the rest of the storyline, which seemed to be just one fight after another, and I got a bit bored. I don't think I will be following the series.
Jacob Snow, an agent for the CIA, is tasked to find this priceless jar and he enlists the help of an old friend's daughter Dr Jana Peters, not only to help him find this rare canopic jar but also to deal with The Sword of Righteousness group who are planning something very big soon, and the jar is at the centre of this. I don't think I ever really engaged with the two main characters nor with the rest of the storyline, which seemed to be just one fight after another, and I got a bit bored. I don't think I will be following the series.
November 5, 2023
Action packed drama
A full on action packed drama with our hero taking on a dedicated group of terrorists who were aiming to cause mass terrorism and death by exploding a bomb filled with deadly radio active material. Can this one CIA operative stop these desperate terrorists from succeeding in their deadly quest. Will the game turn on the inclusion of the daughter of his former mentor who unwittingly is dragged in to this cat and mouse war. She is a highly renowned archeologist currently on a dig who unfortunately is dragged into this scenario because of her knowledge of Egyptian burials and what is buried with the mummys of these highly thought of Egyptian notaries.
A full on action packed drama with our hero taking on a dedicated group of terrorists who were aiming to cause mass terrorism and death by exploding a bomb filled with deadly radio active material. Can this one CIA operative stop these desperate terrorists from succeeding in their deadly quest. Will the game turn on the inclusion of the daughter of his former mentor who unwittingly is dragged in to this cat and mouse war. She is a highly renowned archeologist currently on a dig who unfortunately is dragged into this scenario because of her knowledge of Egyptian burials and what is buried with the mummys of these highly thought of Egyptian notaries.
September 5, 2024
A pretty good ending but for me this main character didn't gel with me, I feel this book was written by a menopausal woman, I'm convinced Jack Mars is actually a woman writer, because the character didn't quite come across as the convincing action man you expect from these sort of books and believe me I have read hundreds of books like this. The story was good and the ending was almost believable but I expect that from a novel. I still have 2 more books by Jack Mars to read, not sure if they are from the same series but I probably wouldn't read anymore by this particular author if I didn't already have the books.
September 9, 2022
A new series by Jack Mars. And another page-turner it was. Jacob Snow is a CIA asset who is usually dispatched when the stakes are highest. When an Egyptian relic gets stolen from a Boston museum and this seems to be related to an Islamist terror group, he needs the help of an archeologist. It turns out he has a history with her and this will lead to some fun and awkward moments in the behaviour towards one another. Lots of action and fun culminating in the end game in the Suez Canal. I'm looking forward to more books from this series.
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