Synopsis/blurb…..
Adrian Hell: Origins.
See where it all
began...
The year is 1990, and
an eighteen-year-old Adrian Hughes has joined the army.
Showing a natural
talent for combat, and for disobeying senior officers, this first short story
documents Adrian's initial training, and his eventual involvement in the Gulf
War.
A thrilling
introduction to the man who would become the most feared assassin ever to pick
up a gun, packed with humour, emotion, and edge-of-the-seat action!
A 66 page novella and introduction to author James P. Sumner
and his series character Adrian Hell.
We pick up with Hughes during his basic training, where an inability
to curb his enthusiasm and smart mouth, brings unwanted attention from a brutal
staff sergeant. Out on manoeuvres, a similar questioning of authority sees him become
the “wolf-slayer” when saving a friend and colleague. He’s still up on a
disciplinary for it though.
Fast forward to the Gulf and Hughes shows his abilities when
tested in combat. His reward – a new career as an agent working for the
intelligence service.
Fast-paced writing, decent characterisation, plenty of
action and thrills, nothing too cerebral, plenty of humour. I really liked it. Ticks
in most boxes and definitely an author I’ll be reading again in the future. Probably
the kind of read that is enjoyable without being especially memorable and there’s
a lot to be said for books like that.
4.5 from 5
Author Todd Luchik –
Forgotten Boy tipped me off to Sumner and his work. I think you can get the
first book in the Adrian Hell series for free over on the author’s website.
The Complete Adrian
Hell Action Thriller Series
True Conviction
Hunter’s Games
One Last Bullet
Deadly Intent
A Necessary Kill
A Hero of War was a FREEBIE from the author to his newsletter subscribers.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Col. Wartime/military novels are not usually my thing, but I do like an interesting, well-developed character. And a short story like this can be a great way to give some backstory.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Margot. I wouldn't want to read them all the time, but as a change of pace and scenery they keep my reading fresh. Whatever the genre, the characters still need a depth and likability though - and they have them here.
DeleteSounds fun. I'll bear it in mind.
ReplyDeleteTicks in a lot of boxes for me.
DeleteHumour and assassin? Don't think I have read those. Besides, a novella is always tempting to read.
ReplyDeleteI think you would enjoy this one Prashant.
DeleteMore your thing than mine...
ReplyDeleteNot going to disagree with you Moira
DeleteMmmm, I haven't read much of this type of story, sounds interesting. I am not adding new books for 3 months, so not tempted right now, but maybe later.
ReplyDelete3 months is a good period to aim for, not too far off. Me, I'm trying the AA route with not adding books - one day at a time!
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