Jet, Russell Blake (4.5 stars)

About Jet
(From Author's Website)

JET is the story of a twenty-eight year old ex-Mossad operative who faked her own death to get out of the game, but whose past has caught up with her in a big, ugly way. It’s honestly the most non-stop action-and-thrills-filled books I’ve ever penned, or for that matter, read. And that’s not hyperbole. I’ll eat my bandanna if you don’t think so.

I was after an over-the-top heroine the likes of what would happen if Jack Bauer and James Bond had a love child. Think Lizbeth Salander with a double scoop of Kate Blankenship in Underworld. I wanted ass-kicking on top of ass-kicking. In other words, an unapologetic escapist romp that set a new, higher bar for what action/adventure can be.

The elevator pitch? Kill Bill meets Bourne.

That about sums it up.

Review

Fans of fast-paced action and strong female characters, think Sydney Bristow in Alias, will love Jet. As described by the author, "Jet is ... an enigma cloaked in a big helping of ass-kicking."

Jet has made plenty of enemies as a Mossad operative. When she decides it's time to get out, she fakes her own death and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, the twin brother of one of her slain targets finds her and is determined to make her pay. After taking out everyone Grigenko sends to kill her, Jet decides it's time to put an end to her nemesis.

To do so, she will need the help of the man who helped her fake her own death. David is also the only man to claim a piece of Jet's heart. Together they come up with a plan, one that puts both of their lives on the line. The odds are not even close to being in their favor.

As I was reading, the movie version played in my head. Jet is a female Bourne, and could give him a run for his money. But the story is not all action. Jet is a well-developed heroine--the reason behind her need to leave behind the operative life is compelling and unresolved at the end of this first story in the Jet series. Like Bourne, I wanted more for Jet than just to survive. I wanted her to end up with a life and find love. But it is good to know she can handle anything that gets in her way.

I highly recommend this to readers who want a roller coaster of a thrill ride with the added benefit of a female character worth investing in.

Rating: 4.5 stars
(But worthy of rounding up to 5 on Amazon & GoodReads)

About the Author
(From his website)

 

Russell is the international bestselling author of Fatal Exchange, a groundbreaking genre-blending thriller set against the counter-culture backdrop of New York’s gritty underground, The Geronimo Breach, an action/intrigue/thriller set in Panama, the bestselling Zero Sum trilogy of Wall Street thrillers, The Delphi Chronicle trilogy (The Manuscript, The Tortoise & The Hare and Phoenix Rising), the epic assassination thriller King of Swords, its prequel Night of the Assassin and sequels Revenge of the Assassin and Return of the Assassin, adventure/treasure hunt thriller The Voynich Cypher, and police procedural thriller Silver Justice.

His first satirical non-fiction work, How To Sell A Gazillion eBooks In No Time (even if drunk, high or incarcerated) was released to critical raves. An Angel With Fur, his second non-fiction book chronicling the saga of Lobo the miracle dog, hit the #1 spot in Animal Essays on the U.S. and UK charts.

“Captain” Russell lives on the Pacific coast of Mexico, where he spends his time writing, fishing, collecting & drinking tequila, playing with his dogs and battling world domination by clowns.

 

Russell is a proud member of RABMAD – Read A Book, Make A difference.

 

*****

 

This is my second Russell Blake book. Please read my review of The Voynich Cypher here (inclues an interview with the author, too). So far, he has yet to disappoint.

 

I'm excited to read the rest of the novels in the Jet series.

 

*****

 

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.