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Castling #2
Lost Time
Rule number one of working with CI: don’t get attached. That was one rule Agent Sheldon didn’t expect to be a problem, but he hadn’t expected Lever to be so human either.
With word of Lever’s betrayal spreading through the underworld, it doesn’t take long before old allies try to take him down, with the Sheldons getting caught in the crossfire.
While investigating a potential terrorist attack on a church in Boston, Lever inadvertently unearths secrets of his family’s history, long buried.
Loyalties are fickle things, and when given the choice between the life of an FBI puppet and regaining the control he once had, it’s not even a question.
But Lever isn’t the same person he once was, and going back may not be an option.
With word of Lever’s betrayal spreading through the underworld, it doesn’t take long before old allies try to take him down, with the Sheldons getting caught in the crossfire.
While investigating a potential terrorist attack on a church in Boston, Lever inadvertently unearths secrets of his family’s history, long buried.
Loyalties are fickle things, and when given the choice between the life of an FBI puppet and regaining the control he once had, it’s not even a question.
But Lever isn’t the same person he once was, and going back may not be an option.
565 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2023
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
P.D. Atkerson
63 books111 followersP.D. Atkerson is a homeschooled writer, living in Montana, who may or may not be a secret agent. She spends almost as much time in the worlds she creates as she does the real one.
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
When she’s not reporting the stories of her agents, she’s learning different languages, or traveling to different worlds through the portals of books.
She has a black belt in sarcasm and a master’s degree in useless facts.
If you're interested in reading any of her books for an honest review, just fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 3, 2024
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Okay, I know there’s theological problems involved with me here because Lever is straight up a murderer and 100% knows better. But I also know he’s 100% stolen my heart. And I have no idea how P.D. Atkerson is gonna reconcile that (although I have a suspicion thanks to “Rebel Mind”) and I am very afraid. But also very excited.
Also it’s very cool to see book characters have colds. I don’t know. I just love it because its so relatable.
Back to LT though. So, this starts off right where “Smoke Screen” leaves off and of course I was in love from page one. I mean, there’s the epic sarcasm that covers 95% of the book; there’s the super adorable scenes between Lever and Ariel that fill the first 30% or so (I melted. I absolutely melted. I ADORED those scenes); there’s Derrick’s and Meghan’s growing Parent Modes—okay, so the first half of the book had me just starry-eyed because it was so sweet and perfect. I know, I’m gushing and fangirling, etc., but that’s me for ya. I loved seeing Derrick have to minister to Lever, okay?? HE’S SUCH A TYPICAL TEENAGER SOMETIMES AND I AM SO HERE FOR IT. He’s so hurt and that just keeps showing up and it hurts me so and I just want to see him happy and loved and—
Anyways. The excitement was NOT missing and neither was the suspense and the typical introduction of new themes to upset everything, à la classique Atkerson. And I just loveddddd seeing Derrick and Meghan try to live out God’s love to Lever and convince him he’s actually wanted.
And then the ending killed me. Cliffhangers like that ought to be banned by law.
So yes. I abso-crazy-lutely loved this and I need book 3 immediately.
I know this book isn’t for everyone. I myself am so conflicted about it. How can I love the MC when he’s literally a killer?… yet I not only love him, I desperately (and unrealistically) want him to have some sort of happily ever after. Perhaps the key to this is people I know in real life. To me, Lever isn’t just a hypothetical “what would you do if you met a teenager who was raised in a cultish terrorist group and killed hundreds of people?” He represents real people I know who were raised in abuse and had a terrible past doing evil, and then met Jesus. And that’s why I desperately want him to meet Jesus and have a new start…
So yes, I am terrified for book 3 in this series.And maybe it’s time I reconsider my stance on the redeemed-villain-dies-a-sacrifical-death trope.
A Favourite Quote: “How many times are you going to do this?” Lever asked, grimacing as Agent Sheldon rubbed at the [self-hating] writing on his arm.
“I’m going to do it as many times as it takes,” he said, keeping Lever’s gaze, “until you realize this isn’t who you are.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You could always watch another Veggie Tales with her,” Derek suggested, grinning as the boy opened his eyes and half-heartedly glared at him. He could already tell that Lever was going to give into Ariel.
“Really, Agent Sheldon?” Lever huffed[.] “Manipulation? Is that really appropriate to teach your daughter?” He let out an exaggerated sigh and turned back toward Ariel. “I’m not reading that . . . ‘If You Give a Rodent Diabetes’ book again.”
“You should read the sequel about the moose,” Derek suggested as he picked up his ice cream and enjoyed the show.
“Wait, what?!” Lever squeaked, because really, there was no other word for the sound he made. “You’ve got to be kidding me! There’s a sequel to that thing?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Also it’s very cool to see book characters have colds. I don’t know. I just love it because its so relatable.
Back to LT though. So, this starts off right where “Smoke Screen” leaves off and of course I was in love from page one. I mean, there’s the epic sarcasm that covers 95% of the book; there’s the super adorable scenes between Lever and Ariel that fill the first 30% or so (I melted. I absolutely melted. I ADORED those scenes); there’s Derrick’s and Meghan’s growing Parent Modes—okay, so the first half of the book had me just starry-eyed because it was so sweet and perfect. I know, I’m gushing and fangirling, etc., but that’s me for ya. I loved seeing Derrick have to minister to Lever, okay?? HE’S SUCH A TYPICAL TEENAGER SOMETIMES AND I AM SO HERE FOR IT. He’s so hurt and that just keeps showing up and it hurts me so and I just want to see him happy and loved and—
Anyways. The excitement was NOT missing and neither was the suspense and the typical introduction of new themes to upset everything, à la classique Atkerson. And I just loveddddd seeing Derrick and Meghan try to live out God’s love to Lever and convince him he’s actually wanted.
And then the ending killed me. Cliffhangers like that ought to be banned by law.
So yes. I abso-crazy-lutely loved this and I need book 3 immediately.
I know this book isn’t for everyone. I myself am so conflicted about it. How can I love the MC when he’s literally a killer?… yet I not only love him, I desperately (and unrealistically) want him to have some sort of happily ever after. Perhaps the key to this is people I know in real life. To me, Lever isn’t just a hypothetical “what would you do if you met a teenager who was raised in a cultish terrorist group and killed hundreds of people?” He represents real people I know who were raised in abuse and had a terrible past doing evil, and then met Jesus. And that’s why I desperately want him to meet Jesus and have a new start…
So yes, I am terrified for book 3 in this series.
A Favourite Quote: “How many times are you going to do this?” Lever asked, grimacing as Agent Sheldon rubbed at the [self-hating] writing on his arm.
“I’m going to do it as many times as it takes,” he said, keeping Lever’s gaze, “until you realize this isn’t who you are.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You could always watch another Veggie Tales with her,” Derek suggested, grinning as the boy opened his eyes and half-heartedly glared at him. He could already tell that Lever was going to give into Ariel.
“Really, Agent Sheldon?” Lever huffed[.] “Manipulation? Is that really appropriate to teach your daughter?” He let out an exaggerated sigh and turned back toward Ariel. “I’m not reading that . . . ‘If You Give a Rodent Diabetes’ book again.”
“You should read the sequel about the moose,” Derek suggested as he picked up his ice cream and enjoyed the show.
“Wait, what?!” Lever squeaked, because really, there was no other word for the sound he made. “You’ve got to be kidding me! There’s a sequel to that thing?”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
May 29, 2024
DING DING DING—END OF ROUND TWO!
NOW WHERE'S BOOK THREE.
You know how the first book in a series can be amazing, and you wonder how ever the author will top it? Yeah, with P.D. Atkerson I don't have to worry about it, 'cause each book is better than the one before it.
Lever is recovered (barely 🙄) from the events of Smoke Screen when given the shock of his life. And on top of coping with this new discovery, he's thrown (quite literally) into yet another plot of mystery and deception—one surrounding his very upbringing. Only this time, it's all because of him, and people he's starting to not exactly wish death upon are getting caught up in the dangerous crosshairs that are Lever's former life.
Lever wants out. But at what cost?
Get ready to find out in the latest instalment of the greatest addition to the SLU since the Golden Boy himself.
NOW WHERE'S BOOK THREE.
You know how the first book in a series can be amazing, and you wonder how ever the author will top it? Yeah, with P.D. Atkerson I don't have to worry about it, 'cause each book is better than the one before it.
Lever is recovered (barely 🙄) from the events of Smoke Screen when given the shock of his life. And on top of coping with this new discovery, he's thrown (quite literally) into yet another plot of mystery and deception—one surrounding his very upbringing. Only this time, it's all because of him, and people he's starting to not exactly wish death upon are getting caught up in the dangerous crosshairs that are Lever's former life.
Lever wants out. But at what cost?
Get ready to find out in the latest instalment of the greatest addition to the SLU since the Golden Boy himself.
January 27, 2023
Coming out March 3rd, I can't wait!
Preorder Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Hfpt37
Preorder Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Hfpt37
July 18, 2024
Well. That was...that.
One thing that can never be said of PD's books is that they're predictable. This entire book was once shock after another. Right in the first or second chapter there was one that caught me totally off guard. And then they only carried on.
This book was very different to what I had experienced it would be, and very different to Smoke Screen. I'll be perfectly honest, there were times when I hated it enough to want to throw the book (metaphorically, since it's an ebook) out the window. Because Lever...ugh. But then when you really think about it, he is only just as bad as he ever was. (Which supports my statement that in this current point in time it is entirely unfathomable how anyone out there could like him. Yes, I am perfectly aware that most of the fans reading this review are going to scream in protest at this point. But I'm sorry, I just don't see it. Moving on.)
I realised this, but it was still very hard to read. It really just reminded me of what Lever is and that really, he hasn't changed. (And reminded me of all the reasons I protested reading this series, but that's another story.)
Lost Time was, as always with this author, extremely well written, in places hilarious (Lever can be extremely funny sometimes, and so can a lot of the others), in other places touching, in other places extremely suspenseful, and really it had all the elements I've come to love and expect. At the same time I'm afraid it was impossible to like it as much as the other SLU books, but that's Lever's fault. Derek was still wonderful as ever. So were Megan and Ariel. All the team members were likeable or awful, depending. The substory with Zander was heartbreaking. I loved Bates and felt so sad at the end. As for Boyd...*shudders* I don't know what his problem is, or his goal, but I'm holding him responsible for everything that went wrong in this book.
The ending left me...annoyed I didn't have the next book. At the same time, I'm okay with waiting a year for it in favour of other more wanted SLU books. (Sorry, all you heartbroken fans out there.) Because to be honest, there's still only so much of Lever I can take. This book did nothing to change my opinion of him. It only strengthened it.
I can't say it was as good/that I enjoyed it as much as Smoke Screen, but that is a high standard. It was still very good, and I still enjoyed it. No, it's not a favourite, but again, that's Lever's fault.
And the humour really was hilarious.
I do hope that everything turns out well for him, of course. More so for Derek. And I hope Boyd gets the punishment he deserves.
(And one thing I seriously love are all the references to Derek's... childhood friend. And everything that comes with that. I can't wait for him to find out the connection. Or for a certain person to show up in the series.)
All in all, another great SLU installment. Not one I particularly related to, because of Lever and everything that happened. And I have to say that I really don't recommend this series to anyone who isn't thoroughly familiar with and a diehard fan of AKA Simon Lee and everything connected to it... but for those that are, it's worth a read. (So far, anyway ;P) And at the end of the day, P.D. Atkerson is still a great writer, who pulls it off every time, no matter how much I may intensely dislike the characters and their actions. The SLU is made more complete by the rollercoaster books that are Smoke Screen and Lost Time.
Note: I recieved this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Final disclaimer added later: Read the next book! Don't give up! IT IS WORTH IT
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
One thing that can never be said of PD's books is that they're predictable. This entire book was once shock after another. Right in the first or second chapter there was one that caught me totally off guard. And then they only carried on.
This book was very different to what I had experienced it would be, and very different to Smoke Screen. I'll be perfectly honest, there were times when I hated it enough to want to throw the book (metaphorically, since it's an ebook) out the window. Because Lever...ugh. But then when you really think about it, he is only just as bad as he ever was. (Which supports my statement that in this current point in time it is entirely unfathomable how anyone out there could like him. Yes, I am perfectly aware that most of the fans reading this review are going to scream in protest at this point. But I'm sorry, I just don't see it. Moving on.)
I realised this, but it was still very hard to read. It really just reminded me of what Lever is and that really, he hasn't changed. (And reminded me of all the reasons I protested reading this series, but that's another story.)
Lost Time was, as always with this author, extremely well written, in places hilarious (Lever can be extremely funny sometimes, and so can a lot of the others), in other places touching, in other places extremely suspenseful, and really it had all the elements I've come to love and expect. At the same time I'm afraid it was impossible to like it as much as the other SLU books, but that's Lever's fault. Derek was still wonderful as ever. So were Megan and Ariel. All the team members were likeable or awful, depending. The substory with Zander was heartbreaking. I loved Bates and felt so sad at the end. As for Boyd...*shudders* I don't know what his problem is, or his goal, but I'm holding him responsible for everything that went wrong in this book.
The ending left me...annoyed I didn't have the next book. At the same time, I'm okay with waiting a year for it in favour of other more wanted SLU books. (Sorry, all you heartbroken fans out there.) Because to be honest, there's still only so much of Lever I can take. This book did nothing to change my opinion of him. It only strengthened it.
I can't say it was as good/that I enjoyed it as much as Smoke Screen, but that is a high standard. It was still very good, and I still enjoyed it. No, it's not a favourite, but again, that's Lever's fault.
And the humour really was hilarious.
I do hope that everything turns out well for him, of course. More so for Derek. And I hope Boyd gets the punishment he deserves.
(And one thing I seriously love are all the references to Derek's... childhood friend. And everything that comes with that. I can't wait for him to find out the connection. Or for a certain person to show up in the series.)
All in all, another great SLU installment. Not one I particularly related to, because of Lever and everything that happened. And I have to say that I really don't recommend this series to anyone who isn't thoroughly familiar with and a diehard fan of AKA Simon Lee and everything connected to it... but for those that are, it's worth a read. (So far, anyway ;P) And at the end of the day, P.D. Atkerson is still a great writer, who pulls it off every time, no matter how much I may intensely dislike the characters and their actions. The SLU is made more complete by the rollercoaster books that are Smoke Screen and Lost Time.
Note: I recieved this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Final disclaimer added later: Read the next book! Don't give up! IT IS WORTH IT
Recommended Reading Order for the Simon Lee Universe books (SLU):
Note: This is the order I've put together after reading and rereading almost all of these books, sometimes at once. While there are different opinions on which series should be read first, this is the order I personally feel is best for a first-time reader. It is NOT the chronological order - and I strongly recommend that a first-time reader does NOT read these books in chronological order. That's great for rereads, but the most will be got out of the SLU books by reading them loosely in the following order
Phantom Thief
Nicholas Bishop
Gregory's Epilogue (blog short)
Christmas Hostage
Guardian Eagle
Murphy Lawson
Ghost Hunter
Most Wanted
Winnie Winfield
Not Enough
Rebel Mind
Talking Turkey (blog short)
Killian Young
Domestic Conflict (Seize the Fight)
They Call Her Ella
Deadlock
First Christmas (blog short)
Exploit
Choices
License
Training
Guilt
My Name is Anastasia
Night Crier (blog short)
Only For a Moment (blog short)
Christmas Bear (blog short)
Everything
Sick Leave (blog short)
Water Boy (Classified Files)
Школьник (blog short)
Bank Robber (Classified Files)
Blinded (blog short)
Room Escapee (Classified Files)
Dare (blog short)
Wrong Number (blog short)
Minor Detail
Unwanted Services
Off the Rails
Smoke Screen
Lost Time
Web of Lies
October 17, 2023
Shoulda reviewed this one while it was fresh...but it's been months and it's still oof. I have to admit...I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. I hated it, too. But it was good. It almost had me doubting for a bit whether I really wanted to keep reading the series...and I'm sure the next one is gonna hurt, but I know I've gotta read it and I'll love it in spite of myself, even if it hurts.
I think P.D. Atkerson's ability to make you care and hook you into a book you seriously can't put down really shines in this series and in this book.
I think P.D. Atkerson's ability to make you care and hook you into a book you seriously can't put down really shines in this series and in this book.
July 19, 2024
I stand with another reviewer who said cliffhangers like this ought to be banned by law. I'm pretty sure that's my heart over there, divorced from my chest and with a stake driven through it. I really don't think I have anything else to say here, as my opinion of this book hinges entirely on what comes of its events in the next book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews