The Cain Conspiracy

Cain #1

by Mike Ryan

Shot in the head and recovering from brain surgery, Delta Force soldier Thomas Nelson wakes up in a military hospital unable to remember who he is. Faced with going through recovery alone, with no family that he's aware of, he is recruited by a top secret government agency. Project Specter is tasked with eliminating targets they deem to be a threat to the United States. Their goal is to turn Nelson into a super assassin named Matthew Cain.

Cain's first mission is supposed to be a piece of cake. Just take out an escaped fugitive in Honduras who's on the run for the rape and murder of a little girl in New York. There's only one problem...somebody beat him to it. Everything is not what it seems as Cain gets mixed up with an international arms dealer and an ex government agent who's gone rogue and supposed to be dead.

The Cain Conspiracy is the first book in the high-octane Cain Series. Also look for these books to be coming soon:

The Cain Deception
The Cain Directive
The Cain Redemption

Genres: Thriller

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2013

About the author

Mike Ryan is a writer living in Bucks County, PA. He's married, has three kids, and three dogs. He's used to a hectic and busy household. During his free time, he enjoys watching sports, movies, and music.

Mike's a huge Star Wars fan and loves just about anything with superheroes in it (both Marvel and DC). He also loves to interact with his readers via his blog, Twitter, or email. Follow him on Twitter @Mike_Ryan36 or email at mikeryan36@verizon.net.

Mike also offers a few readers on his mailing list the chance to be beta readers for all books before they're published.

Sign up for Mike's mailing list or visit his blog at www.mikeryan36.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Emilija · Rating 2 out of 5]

2019 52 Book Challenge - 39) Military Related

This was a hard listen. The narrator was fantastic, and the plot was interesting, but there were so many errors and little niggles with this book that it was really hard to stay immersed. Honestly, this book really reads like it needed another few proof and beta readers.

[Iwan · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading the first book in The Silencer series I kind of liked Mike Ryan's style. Although he's not really accurate in his details. But this book is extremely clumsy and in many cases doesn't make sense at all. The story is inconsistent.
The hero of the story suffers from memory loss, but remembers an awful lot of details.

The setting is very much like the Jack Ryan setting in the Tom Clancy books, but the author clearly lacks the talent of Tom Clancy or his associate writes, Peter Teleb and Mark Greany.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mildly entertaining book, if you like spy thrillers and military action.

A military man is shot in the head on a mission and when he wakes up after surgery, he has no memory of who he is or anything about his past. Enter the mysterious (maybe villainous?) Mr. Sanders, with his beautiful assistant Ms. Lawson. Our hero is told that he has no family, shown proof of such, and they asked to join a mysterious Agency as a killer.

Our man is given the name Matthew Cain (after the first known murderer) and the fun begins. Some of the writing is amateurish, but since this was Mr. Ryan's first book, that is understandable.

I have always found these types of books and movies to be a stretch of reality, but if you can overlook that and just enjoy the action, this isn't a bad read. The narration was good, but nothing exciting. I will probably give some of Mr. Ryan's others books a chance as this one did show potential.

I was given an Audible version of this book by the narrator/publisher/author and chose to review it.

[Jim Carroll · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many errors to finish

The plot summary was intriguing but I had to stop reading after about 15 pages due to the grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Did anyone edit or proofread this?

Plural words with apostrophes, past tense mixed with present, unreferenced pronouns, and spelling errors are just a few of the issues.

Hire someone to fix the errors and re-release the book. Based on this effort, I have to assume the rest of the series is equally poorly constructed, but I'm not willing to find out.

[DJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea was intriguing but the characters are badly written, completely unbelievable, and unbearably annoying. I found myself constantly rolling my eyes so much I started getting a headache.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times this story was a little slow and other times a steady beat. The story has good parts and some not so good. What throw me more than anything was when the character said I thought and then someone answered their thought. If someone is thinking most likely it is in their head and others to not hear it. This happens way too much for it to have been a thought that slipped out. Just as I was getting into the story “I thought” was said and just took away from all I had enjoyed which left me thinking more about why that was there I and missed what happen next. The hooker relation throws me as well, he is such a gentleman with her but with his handle he is a starved man, there was no chemistry for me to buy into this part. I feel a little more development is needed, more follow up is needed on the med Cain took, to him checking out the agency to make sure they were on the up and up. I found these things very confusing. Before I get into what worked for me let’s talk about the narrator.

Mr. Ryan has a delightful voice which really adds to the story. His character voices are great. You have no trouble knowing who is talking at any given time. I am unsure why their boss is so harsh he always sounds mad which confused me. His emotions are not bad but I thought at one point the hooker laughed or chuckled the narrator should have does so as well why talking to make it more believable. I did not feel any sparks between any of the women or men. Now when the handler got mad at her ex I felt that through Mr. Ryan’s voice. When the ex got cocky I had no trouble I heard it in his voice and chuckled a time or two. There were parts that the emotion or excitement was easy to feel others a little more work is need but it wasn’t bad at all. There are no background noises nor any place where the volume changes. There are times Mr. Ryan need to pause give brakes between what is happening or between sentences. The audio is very clean, clear and crisp. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. I thought the narrator give an enjoyable listen that added to the audio. I do believe this is some of his first works and do believe with time he will become a very talented narrator.

What worked for me in this story was Cain when he wakes up I could feel his confusion. I had so much respect for him with the hooker from helping her start over to how he was a true gentleman. I am a little confused over what this agency is and why all the secrets between so many also the ex leave hints as to what it truly is but I am unsure as to why he wanted out but I feel as we go along we will understand more. The hooker I have to say my heart went out to her, the first time she finds a man that treats her as a person and she falls for him…so sad. I do have respect for her for trying to better herself. The handler has an emotional story to tell. The boss has me a little confused but again I feel that will come out as they story goes on. For the most part the action is wonderful I loved the car scene that really got my mind going. The excitement from the driver had me chuckling. To many fillers for me is a big problem which I have to give to the author he doesn’t use any. More or less every word written is needed to tell the story. For that alone it was worth the listen. Even with the confusing and the “I thought” part I thought this was an enjoyable listen. I most likely would listen to it again at some point.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this novel/series on a random whim. I read the description, and instantly found it interesting. Surprisingly, it's just first book in the series... it's not the usual thick and very detailed oriented novel with the male lead involved in espionage with JUST an ending. It was a simple read, that kept me interested from beginning to end.
The main character, Things Nelson was in the military, got shot in the head, and literally lost EVERYTHING (memories, past life, identity), you name ANY kind of description, and it's gone. In all honesty, he should've been dead ten times over. He survives the operation (I believed it because... think about it... there's those severe stroke, cancer, gun shot survivors).
His former life COMPLETELY erased, and next to NO CHANCE of regaining those memories back ever again.
He gets recruited from a deep Black Ops agency to work for them, on a crystal clear slate, a completely new identity with ZERO ties, connections or recollections of his past to hold him back. He accepts with minimal hesitations.
The author makes it work because he doesn't dwell on the issue. "Your past no longer exists, move on." -- was the general theme.
A newly invented Matthew Cain is now a Black Ops agent assigned to kill targets outside of the law and gather information in the shadows.
The first novel was plot basic (not overly winded), straightforward, simply paced, and very much worth the read. The main character (Thomas/Matthew) was humble mannered, but also a no nonsense type at the same time. I actually wanted to get to know more of him, and hoping that the second book would go a little more deeper into who "Thomas" was and who "Matthew" is, just as much, if not more.
The only spoiler... The book is open-ended.
Why only 4/5 stars? It's only the first book of the series, I very much enjoyed it. The overall read wasn't too complex, but at the same time, I wanted a little more.

[Darryle B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know some who might initially read The Cain Conspiracy and think that it's like a "warmed over Jason Bourne" when in fact, the ONLY the two characters have in common is the loss of memory.

Everything else is unique to Mike Ryan's character who is Delta Force soldier Thomas Nelson who was shot in the head during a rescue mission of American hostages in the Middle East and was recovering from brain surgery. He wakes up in a military hospital unable to remember who he is. During recovery in the hospital, he is recruited by a top secret government agency known as "Project Specter" that is tasked with eliminating targets they deem to be a threat to the United States. Their goal is to turn Nelson into a super assassin named Matthew Cain.

What I enjoyed about this first installment of the Cain saga is that it has the suspense, mystery, action and character development I come to expect with Ryan's books and that it's a fast read. While writing this review, I am already on the second book as I like the character as he goes on this journey of self discovery in remembering the person he was. However, Project Specter does NOT want him to remember his past of who he used to be so they can simply use him as their weapon and is willing to go through great lengths ensure it does not happen.

I enjoy the care that Ryan takes to introduce other characters that are different from the Silencer, the Eliminator, the Extractor and others. I have been following his work for many years and he never fails to deliver quality writing for his readers and fans to enjoy regardless of character. This book is highly recommended. Off to the next book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the audio book free for review. This is not my typical genre, but I was intrigued by the synopsis. I would equate it to a cozy mystery - but its a cozy spy novel. Its a fun, entertaining, quick and light read.

I liked the concept - they take what is essentially a blank slate - having a traumatic brain injury from being shot in the head "Cain" has no memories of his past - and the agency contracts him as a new spy/employee. He's thrown into his job and sent on a mission that should be simple - find a target and eliminate it. Then it turns that an ex agent that is supposed to be dead turns up and gets the job done first and later has warnings and secrets for Cain ... now there's mystery and intrigue!

I am interested to continue on with the series based on reading this first book. I liked the main character. There's not a ton of character development in this novel, but its short and very fast paced.

The narration is a little halting at times, but not poor enough that it detracts from the story - I was still able to listen and enjoy the story itself. It got better as the book went on. There was one character that stuck out to me as ending every sentence with an exclamation point!!! But perhaps not having the print version or missing something, this particular character was supposed to be read that way.

All in all I enjoyed it very much!

[Ralph Phares · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Do You Do When You've Lost Everything?

This story, while not the most original, is a very compelling read! The characters and the script would be a great mystery thriller movie. Lots of twists, intriguing subplots and surprises await the reader.

An op in the middle east and just as you're about to reach safety you get shot in the head. You survive but have no memory whatsoever. While in hospital you're approached by a couple of people who offer you a new life with a very secure future. What do you do? Oh, did I mention this new job involves killing people? But Matthew Cain, his new name, finds himself having recurring dreams, fugues, and seizures that make Cain suspect the backstory he's been given isn't entirely true. But whom can he believe? As Cain goes about his duties, he finds himself wondering if everything he "knows" is really the truth.

[Geoff. Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of The Cain Conspiracy is good. An elite US soldier is severely injured, loses his memory and is recruited into a super-secret hit squad. With the loss of memory and his combat skills, Cain effectively becomes an assassin. The story from that point is spotty. Ditto the book editing, and some of the writing. Still, overall I can recommend TCC. If it is not on the level of the John Rain series, it nevertheless has merit. Cain #2 and Cain #3 have less to recommend either.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cain series begins with this book written by Mike Ryan. The main character is Matthew Cain, not his real name, a man with no memory due to a gunshot to the head. He was a trained Delta force soldier, so he's perfect for the Specter project, assassins working for the federal government, who eliminate bad guys the government doesn't want to bring to nonlethal justice.
The plot is good, characters mostly believable, the writing less so. Could have used a good editor.

[Walt Mccluskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cain conspiracy

The Bourne series in general idea and concept but minus much of the Hollywood chase regimen. Unbelievable in its relationship interplay between hero and women with a lot of doubt on the relationship between hero and ex-agent. Worth looking further to expand the tale as this book ending was too abrupt.

[Donna Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book. Fast pace.

Quickly read and easy to follow. Our hero has two different woman in his working life. Seems to be able to make that work. Really enjoyed this fist book but it ends abruptly. Book two picks up the narrative seamlessly. Looking forward to reading this series. Author, Ryan is good at telling a compelling story.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew Cain loses his memory after being shot in the head, doing his job with a Special Forces outfit. A mystery man comes to the hospital to offer him a job. Right away, I'm suspicious of the way they went about this. But hence the title of the book. It's a good story, limited action and a little too much romance problems.

[Bruce Nieminski · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10
156 pages

First in series. Concept very similar to Jason Bourne.

Ryan has a very choppy style of writing. Clearly not a very good writer, the story still finds a way to mildly entertain. The first four books in the series were cheap so I’m not complaining too much.

[Stanley Braverman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average read

Mostly a Jason Borne like main character, but not as well written. Actions and plot very predictable. ending was very disappointing.

[michael guthart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoenix Gal

Lots of action. Liked the double entendte. And the twist setting you up for the nest book. Also liked the open ended romantic interaction.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is the origin story of Matthew Cain.
It contains how he was recruited and his first mission.
There was plenty of action all the way through.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book and a great series!

[Julie Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clandestine black ops operative wakes up without any memory and must rely on the information he is fed by his "employer". Is the information he is being given the truth?

[Thomas D. WHite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Well this scenario seems a bit much the characters in the action come alive. It was worth the time to read and I look forward to future books

[Baking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Mike Ryan and have read many of his books. I finally finished reading the Cain series and highly recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good premise, but reads like a rough draft. Writing is dry and characters are two dimensional.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cain series

This was a pretty good story. It's my first try with this author and I really enjoyed the book. The narration was good as well

[Anthony Sellitto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced

This is a good book with a solid plot line. Character development is not there yet, but seems like there could be more to come later. I will be reading the next book.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the audiobook free in exchange for an honest review

I'm sitting here listening to this, thinking to myself that hopefully we will end up finding that this is a double agent sort of story.  

Guy gets recruited into a top secret government agency, which seems very amateurish to me,  He's recruited due to an injury that wipes his memory.  He's out of the hospital in days (after being shot in the head and having surgery), then immediately hit in the head, and beaten in order to assure his new bosses that he 'has what it takes' to be an agent.  Then sent home where someone is waiting for him.  As soon as Cain sees its a woman, he relaxes ..... hmm .... his new supervisor is a woman, so after what he's been through he doesn't automatically think there is something wrong?  He lowers his gun?  His military instincts seem to have been working fine a week ago when he got kidnapped and beaten up by his new boss testing him out, but nothing here?!!  I thought soldiers were taught better than that.

He's immediately sent on a mission - alone - untested.  I would not be telling someone that he'd been hired to become an assassin and just go off alone.  As well, Cain's supervisor seems very untrained.  You would think that all supervisors were once field agents so would be comfortable in the field.

The plot was simple enough, and gave readers an introduction to the series and agency, it just seemed over simplified in a day when everyone reads or watches Jason Bourne and James Bond movies.  I felt the women were one-dimensional, and the big boss, Sanders a bit overbearing, but that could have been intentional.

The narration was fine, I had no real problems there

[Peter Audette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple plot too transparent and took too many predictable turns. Not enough character development .