I, Target

I, Target #1

by Bruce Rousseau

My name is Marko Santana and I have been killed many times.

You see, each time I am killed, my mind jumps into the killer’s body and I take over. It’s weird but simple: if someone kills me, I get their body.

So does that make me the ultimate crime-fighter? Maybe a cool body-snatcher kind of guy? Or nothing but a freakin’ brain parasite? Personally, I prefer to think of myself as the ultimate survivor—with a serious personality disorder.

I am not your father’s punch and run superhero. I am a problem in motion—and for better or worse, I am on the road to being seriously mental.

Join me on my quest for purpose and sanity as I journey through life in other people’s bodies. For these are the chronicles of one who feeds on killers—my killers. These are the chronicles of Marko Santana.

Born in Texas. Died all over.

I, Target is a 5-part series and each part must be read in order. I, Target (The Complete Series) is also available.

Genres: Fantasy

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2013

About the author

Bruce Rousseau is the author of the sci-fi novel The Art of Gravity and its sequel The Art of Carbon, the 5-part I, Target urban paranormal adventure series, the steampunk adventure series Tales of a Blond Pirate, and the unconventional mystery novel French Tango.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great escape! My afternoon disappeared into Marko’s adventures. Marko, 22 and a bit cocky, has more than a hint of swagger and attitude driving his cab through late-night city streets. A twist, some turns, and the potent realization of his quasi-immortality start him on a journey of rapid-fire experiences. As Marko travels in the bodies of his killers, he evolves fairly quickly into a wiser, more likeable version of his collective self. The tone of Rousseau’s novel is light, quirky and witty—I often found myself chuckling at the comments, the events and his engaging characters. Apart from the initial premise, the story rings true--the people are believable and the conditions and emotions they experience quite real. In spite of frequent killings, there is recognition of the finality of death but without gore or the kind of passages I would choose to skip. Part 1 sets the stage with the initial premise. No plot spoilers, but this reader has read on. The twists and turns accelerate in Parts 2, 3 and 4 with some unanticipated, but logically consistent connections and outcomes that left me thinking and still wondering how this will end. The author has created a variety of distinctive and interesting characters that I found intriguing—reactive, idealistic, conniving, strategic, cold-blooded, insightful. Some I really hated losing and you will too. Marko and his cast are swept together in a plot that grows edgier and more complex as the reader (and Marko) better appreciates the challenges faced and what lies ahead.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received a copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads*

NOT your average little book for sure! I received my book copy this morning in the mail, and simply devoured it without stopping. The writing is fast paced, twisty, quirky, and draws you into the twists and turns that Marko faces without dragging you down into mind-numbing unnecessary page filler.

The author states that this story is a little "out there", but I would describe it as deliciously demented instead. Before I received my copy, I had almost convinced myself that the book would resemble a sort of Piers Anthony "Incarnations of the Immortals" type plot, but was surprised (pleasantly)that Bruce crafted a fresh take on an old favorite theme.

Marko is a very likable lead...and even his killers mentioned in this installment have moments that you want to like them as well.

Yes....this is part of a series, and while I know that irritants some buyers, I am excited and looking forward to reading more of Marko's journey.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept about a cabbie, Marko Santana, who is killed when his fare stops to rob a store. Only Marko comes back to life, inhabiting the body of his killer. After he is killed a second time, again coming back as the killer Marko contemplates making a career out of being killed. He takes on his killers proclivities. In reality, all Marko wants is his life back with his girlfriend and his mother. He ends up with no money or friends and no way to prove he is still alive.

Short teaser to get you to buy the rest of the book. It short enough that all three parts could have been one book. Not sure I need to read the rest. The lead character needed to be written with more detail and compassion.

[Jenn Morris-duffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. I love this book. It is a short book because it it part 1 of a series but you need to read it. Talk about amazing and intense. To know the mind of your killer and to know their life and have their memories is awesome. The main character Marko is just amazing. I haven't read a book that captured me so fully and kept me reading and in awe so much that I missed my favorite show on tv. But this one sure did. Once I was past the 2nd page I was in for the full ride to the end with no interruptions. I cannot wait to find out what happens in part 2.Bruce Rousseau you did an amazing job. Thank you for this and I will be impatiently waiting for the next.

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author through Goodreads First Reads.

This book is a great, fun read. The length, pacing, and flow are excellent. I like the way the story got to the action without explaining the hows and whys of Marko's ability after death.

The weird factor, relationships among characters, and the humor make the book a page-turner.

The book ended well and left me wondering how Marko will handle the different minds and conflicts. I am also interested to see how he will accomplish his personal goals.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Good Reads. What a great read this was I could NOT put it down. Right up there with Stephen King and Dean Kootz. Loved it!!!!

[Missy Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book. Unlike any I have ever read. Was not sure it was for me but so good kept me reading until the end. Glad that I did. Very interesting book. I won this book on GoodReads.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book! It's in six parts! It gets better as you go!

My full review is on the Full series book!

But, I Highly recommend this series.

:D

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read! Will be buying the next instalment