Savage Son

I have read many books through the years, by Greene, Uris, Meade, Berenson, Steinhauer, Flynn, Ignatius, Ludlum, Clancy, and my 2 favorite writers, LeCarre and Forsyth. Plus great historicals by Ambrose, Hastings, among others. But I have never been so moved, intrigued and emotionally invested in Savage Son. I read Terminal List, was outstanding, then True Believer, which was a great sequel. Savage Son is not for the faint of heart, it is deep, realistic, thought provoking and so well written. I just hope a second and third TV series are done that closely follow the second and third books. The Terminal List Series did not do justice to the book. Highly recommend all three books to those who understand the need of being protective in today's society and when revenge is a necessary option.

Jack Carr has quickly become one of my favorite authors. So when I received an advanced copy of Savage Son, I felt extremely privileged and lucky. Both The Terminal List and True Believer were in my Top 5 books from 2018 and 2019 respectively, so Savage Son had a lot to live up to. And I'm happy to report it not only lived up to Jack's prior books, but it blew them away! It's magnificent!As always, I don't talk about too many specifics in this review in order to avoid giving anything away. But here are several reasons why I love this book:1. The continued development of James Reece. The Terminal List is a balls to the wall thriller from start to end. We get to meet Reece under the darkest of circumstances and cheer him on as he gets revenge. In True Believer, we learn more about what makes Reece tick as he strives for redemption and I believe this book is his true origin story. Then we get to Savage Son. Reece is trying to figure out his life and all kind of hell breaks loose...again. He's still a kick-ass former SEAL who knows his way around weapons and tactics. But you also get to see his evolving feelings towards those around him as he tries to determine what he wants to do next. He's been through great trauma in the past, so to see his emotional healing take place, even as it gets interrupted, is really great character development.2. The bad guys. There are 2 main bad guys - Oliver Grey and Aleksandr Zharkov - who play important but different roles in the book. They're both solid bad guys for different reasons. Oliver is the cerebral one who plays a big role in Reece's past and knows he's in Reece's cross hairs so he wants to direct a preemptive strike. Aleksandr is a sick mofo SVR director/son of a mob boss who feels Reece will finally provide a worthy opponent to his "game." Why do I call him a sick mofo? You have to read to find out but you won't be disappointed. Don't think I've ever read a book with a bad guy who does what Aleksandr does for fun.3. The action. There's plenty of action in Savage Son, but there are two main "battle" scenes - one in Montana and one on a Russian island in the Bering Sea - that are just fantastic. They're intense and memorable for different reasons. I'll leave it at that so I don't give anything away.4. The Hastings family. We already knew that Raife is a bad ass and a good dude. But his family is equally as impressive and I love them! Not just for what they continue to do for Reece, but because they're awesome people who can handle themselves in a crisis and are always there for the ones they care about. I want to be friends with them.5. Reece's diversity of kills. I love how Reece can kill his enemies in different ways. And the ways he eliminates his targets in Savage Son are amazing. I definitely cheered out loud and fist pumped a few times as the unsavory characters met their demise.6. Reece's journey at the end. I won't go into details, but when you think Reece has done what needs to be done on Medny Island, there's more. He goes on an epic 6-month journey through harsh terrain to finish the job and get info that hopefully sets up the next book. It's balls-y and insane and awesome.I can go on and on extolling the virtues of this book, but I'll sum it up with this. Jack Carr has the goods. I said it after The Terminal List. I said it again after True Believer. But it's never been more evident than after reading Savage Son. It's his best book to date and I expect we'll continue to be seeing amazing things from Jack going forward. He's the next big thing in the thriller genre and everyone needs to get on board ASAP. It's like being able to say you were there from the beginning with Tom Clancy.Lastly, I've heard Jack mention on several occasions that this is a book he's wanted to write since the 6th grade. To have this story in your mind for all that time, get it published, and absolutely nail it within an inch of perfection must be an amazing feeling. Which is awesome because as good as this books is, Jack Carr is an even better human. It's awesome to see great things happen to great people.Bravo Jack!

First, the story is interesting, if overdone. When I write "overdone," I mean the fact that the "Most Dangerous Game" story has been done a million times. That said, it's still interesting. It's a page turner. And the combat scenes continue to be a highlight, whether in Montana or in Russia. In fact, the whole end of the book in Russia on Medny Island might be the best sequence Carr has written........Except for the ridiculous part about James Reece living off the land like some otherworldly wraith stalking his prey. The descriptions of this (mercifully) brief part of the book were so over-the-top that I just started laughing. It was embarrassing.Now, about that product placement. To say that it is intrusive doesn't do justice to the crimes being inflicted on the reader by Jack Carr. There are pages upon pages that can only be described as shilling for his (presumed) friends' products. Characters can't just drink wine. No. They have to drink Tuck Beckstoffer's wine or Sea Smoke wine, complete with accompanying story of how it was acquired or the vineyard where it was grown. Characters can't just carry knives. No. They have to carry Half Face Blades. (I looked them up; the company is owned by a former Navy SEAL - obvious product shilling.) And, the worst offender, characters can't just drink coffee. No. EVERY SINGLE TIME they have to drink Black Rifle Coffee out of their Black Rifle Coffee mugs. And these examples are merely a fraction of the product placement incidents in the book. To say it detracts from the story in places is a massive understatement.Carr's product placement - whether it is wine, knives, coffee, beer, whiskey, etc. - is getting worse each book. Overwhelmingly so. He needs an editor to reign him in. Or his publisher to tell him "Stop." I understand this is pulp fiction. But c'mon.And, of course, you will get the usual weapon descriptions that read like a manual from the manufacturer. Some people might be into that. For me, it's a waste of space and rarely adds much to the story. I don't need to know the specific brand of radio (L3Harris such and such). Just tell me it's a damn radio.Finally, why is it that every single character is the BEST at what they do. You never meet any protagonists who are just normal people. James Reece is freaking Superman. He lives off the land for two months in the Aleutian Islands with nothing but his bare hands (referenced when referring to a time in the past) and then does the same thing in Siberia for SIX MONTHS! Raife Hastings is the greatest hunter and tracker alive. Jonathan Hastings is the best father/hunter/bushman/rancher ever. Caroline Hastings is the greatest matron the world has ever seen. Katie Buranek is the most wonderful reporter and hottest woman alive. Annika Hastings nee Thornton is beautiful, smart and athletic. Senator Thornton is a billionaire. And a former Senator. I mean, it's ridiculous. James Reece's friends and acquaintances are all THE BEST at EVERYTHING. Talk about unrealistic.Anyway, somehow I am able to put most of that aside because most of the action is gripping. The prologue was spectacular and set up the rest of the book. Some loose ends are tied up and others are probably opened. It is great nighttime reading despite all of its many flaws. If Jack Carr would tone down the incessant product placement and temper his characters' good qualities, he could really have something here.

Great read. Goes very fast. I usually listen via audible on the treadmill and there were times I was right there in the action running with the characters. Really good story and heart pounding suspense. My favorite book so far. Powerful emotions.

Very suspenseful and realistic.

Really good writer. Can tell did and lot of research. I know guys like the details about the guns and ammunition more than probably mostly females but to me a bit over the top. Really liked his trek across Siberia so reminiscent of The Last of the Breed by Louie L'amour, one of my all-time favorites! Am very fond of dedicated protagonists and James Reece is right up there. Jack Carr reads all my favorite authors! Adding him in my list.Bit gory in some places but I'm good at closing my eyes while reading those parts. FYI. Am 95 YO Grandma with nothing left to do but read books all day and night. Liked first three in series and recommend to readers who like good writing and lots of action.

Jack Carr fan!Great novel, better cancel your plans…. You won’t put it down!

To think that a modern rendition of an American Black Operation in the Russian Pacific would be this detailed and exhilarating, blows my mind. One of the best Political Thrillers I've ever read. Alexandsr Zharkov and James Reece are the kind of men who still have the primal urge of man running strong in their veins. Albeit fictitious, this book throws light on the darkness that engulfsthe planet because of men like them. Very humane indeed.

Having just completed the first three Jack Carr books, I can only identify one single problem. I have to wait a few more days to read his next book. All aspects of these books by the author are cunning, witty, funny, detail-rich, and have held me at the edge of my chair. Jack Carr has created with James Reece the ultimate Warrior Savant. Thank you sir for your service, and for fulfilling your dream of writing.

I had read some poor reviews and was confused as the first two books had been excellent. I bought this at full price which was unusual as I prefer the Kindle Book Deals to buy my fix. I was worried that this was the start of s decline but it was anything but. It is so easy to read but not condescending. There is no obvious twist, no stupid plot mistake, no taking ages to develop anything. It is a great, rip roaring read. It is more accessible than Mitch Rapp, more empathetic than Jack Reacher. Anyone is open to dying other than the protagonist. Sometimes, there is a slight repetition of individuals and events from the other books but that at least keeps you upto date. If you like the other two books, then don't hesitate or listen to the naysayers. But. Enjoy. Wait until the next one.

Fantastisch gedetailleerd. De serie is al in de maak