And so another year is over. A new year around the corner. Full of hopes and dreams…
In this, my final post of 2022, I want to pay homage to the rest reviews that have come in this year, a number of glowing 4 or 5 star reviews (the definition of a good review) received that, even for me, surprised me still.
I thought there were few new reviews, but scanning through as I have just done, I'm encouraged to find well over 20. I've added this sentence in after copying over all the reviews, and I'm greatly encouraged. There are several books reviewed, not just one. Positive feedback from total strangers reminds me that I'm doing something right. I'm on track. Perhaps you will be among my 2023 reviews highlighted next year?
So, here goes…. I'll start with perhaps the best two because of what they said, what they meant.
★★★★★ Just found me a new best author
December 10, 2022
I've been on my toes for the entire time while reading this book. Halfway through my heart was in my hand, as the saying goes. A good plot with drama that makes you feel as though you are a part of the story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
For The Prey, review by GWilosTnT on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Wonderful
November 2, 2022
That was just the best book I've read all year. The plot of the games was really great. The players in the plot kept things moving at a brisk pace. I haven't read anything by this author before but I will keep an eye out for more from him.
For The Prey, review by Steve O on Amazon.com
What I loved about these two was that, first up, I see they are reading through the series as they've reviewed book two already (not as glowing, but it'll get mentioned below). It's always an amazing feeling to become somebody's new best author. And the second one, for the reviewer to state in November that my book was the best they've read all year, really means something! They could have read dozens of books. Hundreds?
★★★★★ An exciting dystopian thriller
July 3, 2022
A good read, moves quickly.
For The 26th Protocol, review by W. Dunning on Amazon.com
The one above shows that not every review has to be wordy. Just having those stars, the rating matters. It has to be present, that's all.
The following bunch are all because of the re-release of the Hunt series by Conundrum.
★★★★★ Don't want to stop reading
June 28, 2022
Excellent story, well written
For The Pride, review by Rancher on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Fresh Perspective Plots
June 24, 2022
An interesting fresh perspective plot for the Thriller genre of books. The author has taken the rarified atmosphere of fantastically rich Russian oligarchs and turned it into a game among them for exceedingly high risks.
By following not only the two MI6 agents trying to investigate the games, but also the individual ‘contestants’ and their assigned oligarchs, a complicated but thrilling tale takes place.
In the end, the scene is set for a follow up book and the next set of games.
[This is the rereleased version by Conundrum 2022.]
For The Pride, review by ARbee on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Great plot – enjoyable read
June 16, 2022
I am thrilled to leave a review.
Wow – what a superb read. Absolutely love this type of book. Fast paced, well-detailed. Once I started this book, it was hard to not to read it all in one sitting. The writing style and quality was outstanding and made the journey into the story all the more enjoyable.
Masterful plot with Intelligent, well developed characters who each had an interesting back story, made for a great read.
For The Prey, review by Marie Markham, VINE VOICE on Amazon.com
Indications are this is the first book in a series, so eagerly looking forward to installment #2.
★★★★★ The Sequel to The Prey did not disappoint.
June 16, 2022
Author did a great job of keeping the plot lines fresh. Didn’t know what to expect, as I got deeper into the story.
Unexpected, edge of the seat thrills throughout the story made it hard to put down. Bigger and bigger ambition from the characters along with the seamless way in which they were all connected ensured I stayed invested in the story.
Looking forward to the inevitable next installment.
For The Pride, review by Marie Markham, VINE VOICE on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Action, intrigue and more.
June 15, 2022
MI16 agents, action, and lots of twists! This book will keep you guessing. It doesn't slow down and it doesn't let up. It's a third person story, but it works for this tale. Mixed in with the hunts, and chase, and the issues at hand you will also find funny places. It's a well balanced read.
For The Pride, review by Long Time AC, VINE VOICE on Amazon.com
★★★★ The stakes have gotten higher
September 18, 2022
This review is for the revised 2022 version of the book. Reading comments from the older version some people call out how the author as his comments on Trump. This version doesn't refer to the US President by name and Putin is a former Russian president, perhaps this change was made based on reader comments. As the book is fiction, I see nothing wrong with it implying that countries (even the US) try to manipulate foreign elections. Thriller books often consider what if situations even with real public figures.
For The Meltdown, review by H. J. M on Amazon.com
I found the story gets better the farther I get in the series. I am routing for the MI6 agents even though those with intentions of greed and power-lust win more often than not. Can't wait to read the next book.
★★★★ The plot deepens
December 12, 2022
The stakes are getting higher for the players and something must give. The stage is being set for the fall of some players in this dangerous game, but will it backfire? And for whom?
For The Pride, review by GWiloTnT on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Excellent book, a must read!
June 12, 2022
What an intriguing plot with awesome characters. I totally enjoyed being immersed in the cat and mouse race. You won't be disappointed, trust me! Book 2 is also amazing! Read on.
For The Prey, review by Sage on Amazon.com
★★★★ Great continuation from book 1
June 9, 2022
This book drew me back deep into the continuing story. The story is wonderfully created and you find yourself very involved. I was so intrigued as I followed each character on their “quest” for success.
For The Pride, review by Sage on Amazon.com
All in all, this is a “great series” to read.
★★★★★ What's Next?
June 9, 2022
The story begins with the two MI6 agents once again in Russia looking for more information on what is known as the games. This time the games have a different format and the number of contestants is still ten, but there are only five lottery tickets. The hunt begins with all of the contestants brought to a warehouse where they have to find a way out. When they get outside, they discover a table where folders holding information for the ticket are located. Each one is told to only take one. Each ticket would have two contestants searching, the better man winning.
As luck would have it this time the agents were provided with 5 locations where the tickets were hidden. The agents started their own hunt, but discovered that two had already been found. They then staked out the remaining places where they were able to discover the identities of the contestants hunting in that area. Eventually all of the tickets were found, but there were incidents in securing the ticket. The book also introduces the more wealthy group and presents a challenge for them that is quite different from the group looking for lottery tickets.
To learn what the results of MI6 agents obtained, what the challenge was for members 1-10, and what was also going in the background with a few of the oligarchs, then you need to read this book. The ending will provide a clue to what the next book will be about.
The book is well done and it had me reading right thru the end within the same day.
For The Prey, review by JRL on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Awesome continuation
June 7, 2022
Wow what a follow up. This book was just as exciting as the first one. Looking forward to more from Tim.
For The Pride, review by dolphin on Amazon.com
★★★★★ A fun trip with many twists and turns!
May 10, 2022
Usually I read science fiction, historical fiction, and litRPG if I have my druthers… but when I saw this story being supported by Nick Thacker at Conundrum publishing… well, I couldn’t resist! And I’m glad I didn’t!!! An interesting premise with plenty of plot shifts and solid character development…. In a book that’s an easy read. Win!! Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
For The Prey, review by Andrew Schiemel on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Interesting concept
May 3, 2022
A big gamble on all sides. Looking forward to next book.
For The Prey, review by dolphin on Amazon.com
★★★★★ Let the Games Begin!!!
April 26, 2022
When I first started the story, I didn't know what to expect. The story refers to a group of Russian oligarchs who created a game where they lured individuals to search for a special prize. Agroup were designated as host and it was their responsibility to find their own contestant. Once their game started, they then began bidding to so which oligarch's contestant would come out on top. The prize was a lottery ticket with the winner number that hadn't been collected yet, The object once they discovered the ticket was to get to the country where they could collect the prize. The oligarchs then put obsticals in place to prevent them from meeting that goal. The contestant believed that they only had a day to accomplish their task, where it was really more. Once the contestant realized that they were going to make it, individuals working for the oligarchs recovered the ticket and then went to claim the prize.
MI6 got wind of something going on and began looking into it. The last message that their informant relayed was intercepted and only by someone else advising Alex and Anissa were they informed. Alex and Anissa did not know what was going on and only put it togethe with assistance from Sasha, an FSB agent, were they able to figure out what it related to. It was discovered that in the last game someone had outside help and was able to claim the prize. The oligarch who recruited Phelan took a beating with his last bet and was looking to make an example of Phelan.
The next game was set for New Years and Alex and Anissa went to Russia to learn more. THis game was going to be different from all of the others. The conclusion will make you wait for the next book to learn what action this game took.
I must say I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.
For The Prey, review by JRL on Amazon.com
The reviews haven't all been from the USA. The UK has also produced some new ones too…
★★★★★ Plenty of action throughout
November 3, 2022
Russians billionaires in a power play, a lottery ticket game of survival and MI6 thrown into the mix creates an interesting and entertaining read. Plenty of action throughout.
For The Prey, review by Monkee on Amazon.co.uk
★★★★ Surprising twist in the storyline, superb
July 24, 2022
I didn't read previous reviews that mentioned this twist, so I won't give out any spoilers. But just as I began to wonder if there was any point to all that character detail – there it was. Then I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Only downside was a couple of rushed/unfinished questions at the end that I think could have completed the overall plot.
For Cherry Picking, review by Amazon Customer on Amazon.co.uk
★★★★ The Pride
June 17, 2022
Wish I had read the first book and now want to read the next book to see where the story goes. Enjoyed the games aspect of the book and thought that part could have been expanded upon (hence only 4 stars). Power play, back stabbing, high powered politics, all combined with the games aspect. Can’t wait to see where this goes and tie everything together.
For The Pride, review by Karen Connolly on Amazon.co.uk
★★★★★ Loved this
April 29, 2022
I really loved this book it was a good plot on one hand I wanted to see what happens on the other I didn’t want to finish
For The Prey, review by meeah on Amazon.co.uk
★★★★★ An interesting take on a dystopian future
March 29, 2022
An exciting and engaging story set in a thinly veneered world which is all too familiar, in the way it works. this leaves the reader with plenty to ponder.
For The 26th Protocol, review by John O'Regan on Amazon.co.uk