David Rivers is used to his targets being chosen by the CIA. But this time, the target has chosen him.
When a senator’s daughter is kidnapped in Benghazi, a Filipino terrorist named Khalil Noureddin claims responsibility and demands to negotiate with only one man: the leader of a CIA team that tried and failed to kill him over a year ago.
David remembers the failure all too clearly. And while his team narrowly escaped a ruthless terrorist force, the attempt catapulted Khalil into international notoriety and caused him to vanish completely—until now.
With David surrendering himself to Khalil to facilitate hostage negotiations, and his team embarking on a harrowing infiltration across Libya to support the rescue effort, the clock is ticking with an innocent woman’s life hanging in the balance.
But capturing a high-profile hostage is just one element of Khalil’s plan.
To uncover a far more insidious plot unfolding in Libya, David’s team will have to negotiate brutal militias, Russian mercenaries, and operatives of a mysterious terrorist syndicate…before it’s too late.
Jason Kasper is a USA Today bestselling thriller author. He served in the US Army, beginning as a Ranger private and ending as a Green Beret captain. Jason is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and was an avid ultramarathon runner, skydiver, and BASE jumper, all of which inspire his fiction.
Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.
I've said this before but it bears repeating: no author has improved more over the last ~5 years than Jason Kasper. He has always been a talented storyteller but nothing like this. His latest books are more complex, crisper and more engaging than his earlier works. Kasper is firmly ensconced in my list of must read military authors.
I've had a hard time reviewing Beast Three Six due to what I believe Kasper was trying to accomplish with this book. Sure, Beast Three Six is a continuation of the series and is meant to move the story forward. To me, Beast Three Six feels like a test-bed to try new things, if you will. Kasper seemed to use the first half-ish on experimentin' by splitting the team and introducing a new character. Admittedly, this wasn't my favorite part of the story and it took me a while to get through. I don't know -- it just didn't have that pizzaz that the rest of the series has. However, the second half of the book-- wowsers. Could not put it down.
If you love military fiction and are not reading Jason Kasper you don't know what you are missing!
Many thanks to Jason Kasper, Severn River Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a galley of Beast Three Six!
The fifth novel in Jason Kasper's Shadow Strike series, Beast Three Six, shows David Rivers and the mercenaries-cum-covert Agency contractors of Project Longwing on the trail of the infamous Erik Weisz. Their hunt takes them to Libya, where a terrorist that had initially evaded Rivers asks for him by his callsign. If Rivers fails to answer, the terrorist will execute Olivia Gossweiler, the daughter of an influential senator.
This book has it all. Kasper knows how to write a kinetic thriller so immersive that you'll smell the cordite and feel the sand creeping into your boots. More importantly, Kasper continues his mastery of writing humanizing, witty banter that will endear the characters to the reader and leave them laughing in their seats.
The biggest difference between this entry and its predecessors is that the gravity of the stakes really hits home. Without going into spoilers, Kasper shows us Rivers alone and afraid, completely at the enemy's whim. It makes for some of Kasper's most harrowing writing to date.
I'm looking forward to the next entry in the series!
This series continues to be a must read for action thriller aficionados. In this one, a few disparate elements from previous books all come together, and Jason Kasper breaks from the formula these book were starting to develop. This time the team is forced to split up and also takes on a new member, who hopefully will become a permanent fixture. As usual, Kasper excels at characterization and bringing the team to life, and that's what really makes these book so enjoyable. The core team seemingly consists of jackasses who are constantly arguing with and insulting one another, but when faced with imminent danger or when innocent lives are at stake, they switch the banter off and become supremely lethal and competent operators. The missions are realistic, with the unique settings brought to life as the team travels global hot spots to take down various terrorists and criminals who, wittingly or unwittingly, are serving a mysterious facilitator with his own agenda, and the action is violent and brutal. Unlike most series of this type, the books form a longer, cohesive storyline, and Kasper knows how to bring each book to a satisfying conclusion while leaving the reader wanting more.
I received an ARC through "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with a mission right at the beginning. After completion the team has returned back to the U.S. and are relaxing. As things would happen, the team is once again called up and they don't know why. As it turned out, a Senator's daughter has been kidnapped and the one who did the kidnapping only will talk to David Rivers. David agrees and is then flown to Libya to meet the kidnapper. The rest of the team is being taken separately and would work as support. They were told by that the rescue would be done by Seall Team 6.
David's initial meeting was held at an unknown location. To make dure that David wouldn't discover where it was, he was abducted and had a hood placed over his head. He was placed in many different vehicles as well. At the conclusion of the meeting, he was returned to a location and wound up have to make a run for it.
The rest of the team arrived shortly and were staged at a safehouse. David eventually met up with them and later wound up going on a mission. Because of the mission, the kidnapper revised his instructions and reduced the ampunt of time that was given for meeting the kidnapper's demand. This meant the the hostage would be killed a lot sooner. A plan was quickly put in place where the team would prepare a location for the rescue tream to assemble. They would then remain and not be involved in the rescue.
To discover how the rescue went of the daughter and how the story ended, then you need to read this book. It is well worth your time.
I received this book from the author, Severn Publishing and Net Galley in return for an honest review.
I went into this novel without knowing or realizing that this was the latest book in a series and went into this with absolutely no expectations as to the characters or the story, and I have to admit that I really enjoyed the pacing and the story.
I found that Beast Three Six is a ceaseless thrill ride with relentless action and an incredibly high body count that will please even the most hardcore military thriller fan, what stands out from the viciousness and terrorism is an inspirational story of doing what is necessary to succeed in your mission.
Savagely violent and exceptionally inspirational with a delicious side of retribution, Beast Three Six is a tale of good vs. evil with the good guys putting it all on the line against the odds to save a hostage – and perhaps countless innocents – from gruesome and undeserving death.
That said, I think that this book is definitely worthy of a solid four stars out of five and would be a solid read by fans of nonstop action thrillers. Jason Kasper delivers another balls-to-the-wall, nonstop action covert operations thriller that gets your heart pumping and your forehead sweaty from substantial anxiety and anticipation.
It’s a killer story with emotion. Fast-paced and ferocious. Merciless and uplifting. Exhilarating and gripping from the first page to the last. Jason Kasper writes phenomenal thrillers and is a must-read anytime he publishes a new book. Don’t miss this one!
As with all my literary reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
These books just keep getting better, and I'm so glad. This one starts out as a bit of a call back to a mission that felt like a failure for the team, and sees David going in alone to negotiate for the release of a hostage in Libya while the rest of the team tries to find her location. I like that we finally get a new addition to the team, I'd love to see Haas stick around for good but first they'll have to all make it back from the mission. The team is once again in enemy territory, only able to depend on themselves, dealing with a terrorist cartel holding a massive amount of VX gas. Even if they're able to rescue the hostage the WMD could finish them before they know it. The stakes are higher than ever and the danger mounts with every twist and turn. I'm not giving away anything because the fact that there's two subsequent books already scheduled means that at least some of the team survives this meatgrinder, but what shape they'll be in you'll only find out once the smoke clears unless it's actually nerve gas and not smoke. I'm impressed with how the writing by Kasper has gotten better with this series since the very first adventure featuring David. I'm not sure how he's lasted this long but as long as this team keeps fighting I'm gonna be reading all about it. The author has even gotten me to try his other books, which I definitely recommend. If this is the first one you've tried, then you're in for a treat. Although I recommend you start at the beginning, it's worth it!
Jason Kasper is the most underrated action thriller writer out there
This book, like the previous Shadow Strike, David Rivers, and Sky Thieves books is by far the best available via Kindle Unlimited. I can rent them for free and I still buy them.
Now that Don Winslow is taking over Mitch Rapp, Kasper would be a great fit for the Jack Ryan Jr. Books.
This book starts out cleaning up some loose ends from the last one and then some loose ends from the first book in the series, or even possibly the short story come back to haunt them, and takes the team to Libya, albeit in two different directions. This book introduces a new character Haas who fits in perfectly with the team, and adds an incredibly well researched CCT dynamic to the team, that added way more suspense than you would think until you read it. But I sincerely hope he becomes a permanent character.
The only minor gripe, and I’m stretching here, is that I feel like in regards to David’s home life there is no arc. His wife and daughter make an appearance, some vague issues are established, but then he goes to work, and the book ends without any resolution or movement on that small aspect. I wanted to see that at the end.
Anyway the book is great, if you haven’t read them, I’m jealous, because you have like 14 great books available to you.
I have recently discovered Mr. Kasper and have become quite the fan of his books. This is the 5th book in a well established series and it definitely starts with a bang. This book, out of the other 4, seemed like it had more non-stop action, and that's saying something because ALL of his books are pretty much action filled.
We continue on with the task force team still on the hunt for one of their main targets and threats to the United States who "got away". If I'm honest, without going into spoilers, it never really made sense to me why everyone was willing to let David go along with the demands of a terrorist and put himself in a situation that really was a suicide mission. I mean seriously, there really wasn't even any pushback, just kind of, "you want David to go - alone, into hostile territory with a crazed terrorist?" Okay.
WHAT?
Other than that, it definitely got your blood pumping once the story got going. I liked the fact that it finally felt like their group was getting some validation, or at least some type of positive recognition, but it was not even close to being enough for what the guys have continually put on the line. Just my opinion.
I think my favorite phrase out of the entire book was when asked who they were, the response was, "we are just five expendable a**holes" and then the new guy clears his throat and says, "excuse me, make that SIX expendable a**holes."
Brilliant, just brilliant.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
Jason Kasper’s latest David Rivers Shadow Strike story – Beast Three Six is not only the best of the series to date it ties several loose ends together that have existed since the very first Shadow Strike story. The action and intrigue in this episode are unrelenting, making this story “unputdownable.” The only problem with finishing this book is not knowing how soon the next instalment will pop into my kindle. For fans of the David Rivers series this is a must read, and not to provide any spoilers, but your reading will reintroduce you to two characters who you may have thought were just ghosts from the past. If you are new to Jason’s work, this isn’t a stand-alone story – sure you could read it like that, but you really need to at least read that first Shadow Strike story before tucking in to this one. Truthfully, it would be better to grab the entire series and settle in for an enjoyable week of reading. I received an advance reader copy of Beast Three Six from the publisher and chose to provide this review.
Book Review – Beast Three Six – Jason Kasper Author Jason Kasper’s Shadow Strike series is “underrated!” “Beast Three Six,” book five in the series is another stirring and exhilarating military action thriller penned by Kasper. The plot, storyline, characters (especially the character named ‘Cancer’), and action are all well developed and well written. The action – although intense, brutal, and ruthless – is nonstop, sufficient, and justifiable. Kasper’s storytelling gives the reader the sense of being there, right in the middle of the action. The story – a hostage rescue mission of a US senator’s daughter - is a basic ‘good vs. evil’ tale and told in a rational but thrilling way. Main character David Rivers and his crew of CIA special operators are all formidable and capable operatives and bring a certain vigor to the narrative. The military action is awe inspiring and impressive and the series just keeps getting better and better with each new book. Beast Three Six is an exciting read! I can’t wait for book six!
David and his group of ‘expendable a-holes’ (as they like to refer to themselves) travel the rugged terrain of Libya as they continue trying to locate the missing VX, and to make their task more difficult, a newly kidnapped senator’s daughter. If you read Jason Kasper books, you’ve come to expect nonstop action and plot advancement, and Beast Three Six will fulfill those expectations brilliantly! My only disappointment EVER is when the book ends, because I always want more from Kasper, and that’s true in every series of his. This time it looks like the guys have taken on more than they can survive, because the bad guys are violent extremists, and the VX nerve agent itself almost instantly deadly - intense, fast moving, first person insertion into David’s unit as they risk everything and give all they have to fight the battles those of us at home are unaware exist. Very highly recommend!
Where to start after such an immense story? That it is full of the twists and turns that have made Jason Kasper’s writing one of the most compelling I’ve ever read (and I have read a huge lot over the last almost four decades), that his research is, as always, complete to perfection, and that even after so many book with him as the main character, David Rivers remains one of the best complicated characters.
As for this specific mission: WOW! That’s all I can say. That and that I seriously can’t get enough of the brotherhood camaraderie between David and his team. And I sincerely hope that Hass is there to stay because he is a terrific addition to the team and the series.
Jason Kasper has become one of my favorite anti-terrorist / thriller writers. His realistic interaction and dialogue between his main characters both in the field and at the headquarters really propels his story. In this episode, a U.S. senator’s daughter is kidnapped in Benghazi, Libya, and team-leader, David Rivers, is forced to literally turn himself over to her captors to comply with Filipino terrorist, Khalil Noureddin’s, conditions. While this is occurring, the rest of David’s team covertly attempts to rescue both the kidnapped senator’s daughter, and rescue their team leader while battling a variety of enemy militias, Russian mercs, and other Middle East “bad actors.” This is one of his best novels with constant twists and turns.
"Beast Three Six" by Jason Kasper is a gripping and expertly crafted novel that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the high-stakes world of paramilitary operations. With its intense action sequences and a meticulously woven plot, Kasper showcases his impressive knowledge and understanding of military tactics, creating a narrative that is as thrilling as it is informative. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their struggles and triumphs, making it impossible to put the book down. Kasper's vivid prose and attention to detail paint a realistic picture of the complexities faced by those in the line of duty, all while delivering an adrenaline-pumping storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a must-read for fans of military fiction and anyone looking for a page-turner filled with suspense, heart, and authenticity.
I have been intrigued by this author but have not read any of his books previously. After reading this book, that seems like a poor decision. This book had a lot of action, was fast paced, and had memorable characters. Some of it was a bit implausible but it pushed the story along and made the ending a whole lot better. The daughter of an important senator is kidnapped and a former special operator is requested by name by the kidnapper to meet with him to discuss the terms of the release. A former meeting of these two is the basis of much of the story and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Book 5 in the David Rivers Series is the best yet. It is filled with military action that keeps the readers interest throughout. The covert team is picked to aid in the rescue of a Senator’s daughter from a maniac terrorist. Complications put the team in a mission they didn’t expect with the missions success in jeopardy from the beginning to end against impossible odds. Introduction of a new team member added too the reading enjoyment. It is a excellent and exciting read!
I've read the first five books in the Shadow Strike series, including this one. And, this has been my least favorite. Namely, it seemed to have a lot more moving parts to the story, and at times it was difficult to follow. Though it all came together nicely at the end. And though the Shadow Strike series doesn't shy away from violence, I thought it got a bit gratuitous at the end of this one. Nevertheless, this is another good read by Jason Kasper and I will indeed continue with the others in the series.
Talk about a difficult book to put down. Non stop roller coaster of adventure and mayhem that’s tied up in a form of Justice most of us would like to see carried out. Even tho lines get blurred there’s always a deeper morality at play when reading a Jason Kasper thriller involving his band of misfits. Like always finished way too fast and anticipating the next one already.
Chaos in Libya invites terrorism which requires David Rivers' team
Teamwork, trust, skill, and creativity lead to hostage rescue under the worst of circumstances. The story unfolds via first person accounts by David and third person descriptions of what David cannot see. Technology of all kinds assists the good guys and bad guys. Warriors and scientists face life threatening assignments in pursuit of a better world. Political pressure adds intensity.
David Rivers is back in the fifth book of this exciting series as a super (anti)hero in this thriller filled with international good guys and bad guys. David is always operating with a target on his back, and in this story the bad guys are zeroing in on him. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
This series gets better and better. After a disturbing call from Duchess the guys are picked up in federal transport to see what their fate is. When they find out two things happen shock and awe.
Read the next adventure in this series that will have you cheering these guys on more than we already do.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was an advanced reader of this book and was given a copy for my honest review. This is a continuation of a great series. It could be read as a stand alone book but, it would be better if read in order. The action isn’t continuous but, it has a lot of action and keeps the reader wanting more. The ending was great leading to the next book in the series. I can’t wait for it.
Our low profile heroes work their style systematic magic. Our most jaded, Cancer, (surprise) hero doesn't flinch at taking big risk to make boundary conditions- he even makes Worthy uncomfortable. Way to go David, Reilly, Cancer, Worthy and Ian.
Wow he did it again. the action is non stop not sure if it can be any better than before if that's possible but you won't want to put this one down either. I absolutely loved it. You are there with them running the rescue mission i got caught up in the action and could see it all on my minds eye!!!!
If you like intense, non-stop, can't put the book down action, Jason Kasper books, especially the David Rivers series are for you. Beast Three Six definitely knocks it out of the park. Can't wait for the next book in the series, or for that matter, any book written by Jason...
I always enjoy the books in this series. A lot of action and series ass kicking. I think a movie would be great about these group of American men. Also long as it was TRUE to the story line , I’d definitely watch it. Recommend this series to anyone who likes this type of genre.
I’ve read every book by Jason Kasper and I can unequivocally say that the books get better and better. Whether the American Mercenary series, the Shadow Strike series or the Spider Heist series, the books never disappoint. He is every bit as good as Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and others. Can’t wait for the next one.
Jason Kasper ROCKS!!!!! This book was fantastic! There was so much action it was nonstop! The characters were great. The interaction between the team members is easy to get swept up in. I would recommend the David River thrillers for anyone that wants to get lost in a great read.
Will a spec ops helicopter pilot get her revenge? Once again into the fray, River's group of battle hardened mercenaries find themselves in Libya seeking the rescue of an American citizen. Everything that can go wrong, does. Find out more by buying this book.