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Scorched Earth
Pax West was only four years old when he nearly killed another child.
Extensive physical and behavioral testing revealed a unique genetic anomaly that might explain his extreme responses to external threats. Specifically, his ventromedial prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain that governs emotions, morals, and ethics – was missing. Neurologists had never encountered such a condition. Most believed he wouldn't survive to adulthood. Some even suggested he should be locked up – or euthanized while there was still time.
But Dr. Alan Kepler, a leading neurologist working with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, had a different idea.
If Pax West could be tamed, he would become the perfect weapon – the very tip of the spear the CIA used to keep America safe. Could he be taught to override his impulses and develop an unwavering sense of duty to his country?
By eighteen, Pax became a Navy SEAL. By twenty-four, he was recruited by a clandestine arm of the CIA to become a Ghost – a man who didn’t exist. His honor and duty to his country were now hardwired into his very being. He lived to serve, finding purpose in his new moral doing whatever it took to protect his country.
But what happens when a mission goes wrong, and Pax discovers that the very man he's been taking orders from for years has betrayed the nation he's sworn to protect?
Pax must do what he’s always find and neutralize the threat. But what if saving this enemy’s life is the only way to prevent World War III from erupting?
If you're a fan of authors like Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor, or Lee Child, you will enjoy this thrilling new series from the bestselling author of the Sam Reilly series, Christopher Cartwright.
Extensive physical and behavioral testing revealed a unique genetic anomaly that might explain his extreme responses to external threats. Specifically, his ventromedial prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain that governs emotions, morals, and ethics – was missing. Neurologists had never encountered such a condition. Most believed he wouldn't survive to adulthood. Some even suggested he should be locked up – or euthanized while there was still time.
But Dr. Alan Kepler, a leading neurologist working with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, had a different idea.
If Pax West could be tamed, he would become the perfect weapon – the very tip of the spear the CIA used to keep America safe. Could he be taught to override his impulses and develop an unwavering sense of duty to his country?
By eighteen, Pax became a Navy SEAL. By twenty-four, he was recruited by a clandestine arm of the CIA to become a Ghost – a man who didn’t exist. His honor and duty to his country were now hardwired into his very being. He lived to serve, finding purpose in his new moral doing whatever it took to protect his country.
But what happens when a mission goes wrong, and Pax discovers that the very man he's been taking orders from for years has betrayed the nation he's sworn to protect?
Pax must do what he’s always find and neutralize the threat. But what if saving this enemy’s life is the only way to prevent World War III from erupting?
If you're a fan of authors like Brad Thor, Vince Flynn, Brad Taylor, or Lee Child, you will enjoy this thrilling new series from the bestselling author of the Sam Reilly series, Christopher Cartwright.
- GenresMystery
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
103 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
112 books255 followersChristopher Cartwright writes spellbinding mysteries and suspense novels. Often with a backdrop of ocean adventure. Born in 1983, he has a background as a paramedic, and is an avid sailor and SCUBA diver.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 25, 2026
Unexpectedly good
Wasn't sure what to expect as I know this author from his sam reily books which I thoroughly enjoyed. While waiting for the next sam reily book I thought I would give this a go . It took a couple of chapters to get into but once I had I enjoyed the story line and the character of paxton west . A good read.
Wasn't sure what to expect as I know this author from his sam reily books which I thoroughly enjoyed. While waiting for the next sam reily book I thought I would give this a go . It took a couple of chapters to get into but once I had I enjoyed the story line and the character of paxton west . A good read.
February 13, 2026
Paxton and a team of fellow Ghosts (assassins for the US that have been declared dead) are on a mission to neutralize a threat. What they don't know is it's a set up and one by one his entire team is killed. As the only one left, he vows justice for his "team/family".
Paxton, an orphan with a photographic memory, is pretty emotionless borderline psychopath was trained by Dr Kepler of DARPA to be an elite assassin from the age of four. As one gets to know Paxton besides his loyalty to the team, there are unexpected glimpses of kindness from him.
The first in the series, delves into his background as well as his hunt for justice for his team and those who betrayed them for money & power.
The first chapter was challenging to get thru but going forward, it got better.
Paxton, an orphan with a photographic memory, is pretty emotionless borderline psychopath was trained by Dr Kepler of DARPA to be an elite assassin from the age of four. As one gets to know Paxton besides his loyalty to the team, there are unexpected glimpses of kindness from him.
The first in the series, delves into his background as well as his hunt for justice for his team and those who betrayed them for money & power.
The first chapter was challenging to get thru but going forward, it got better.
December 21, 2024
Loved this new character.like the new character Pax West but since I love the Sam Reilly series I de
I really didn't expect to like the new character Pax West but since I love the Sam Reilly series I decided to give it a chance. I really enjoyed this new character he's portrayed as a bad guy that is heartless but you see hints of unexpected kindness. Lots of adventure and action and an ending that leaves you wanting more of Pax Weston adventures. I highly recommend this new series.
I really didn't expect to like the new character Pax West but since I love the Sam Reilly series I decided to give it a chance. I really enjoyed this new character he's portrayed as a bad guy that is heartless but you see hints of unexpected kindness. Lots of adventure and action and an ending that leaves you wanting more of Pax Weston adventures. I highly recommend this new series.
February 9, 2025
Old ways new ways and a score to settle
Paxton a ghosts of the USA to do their bidding no question asked until it went all wrong. Now he's seeking revenge. What a story of an orphaned boy recruited as a baby to be the best of the pack, chased suddenly he was the marked man. There are so many twists and turns suspicion everywhere fighting for his own life,a great story not to be missed I recommend this book and look forward to reading more of his adventures
Paxton a ghosts of the USA to do their bidding no question asked until it went all wrong. Now he's seeking revenge. What a story of an orphaned boy recruited as a baby to be the best of the pack, chased suddenly he was the marked man. There are so many twists and turns suspicion everywhere fighting for his own life,a great story not to be missed I recommend this book and look forward to reading more of his adventures
March 19, 2025
Scorched Earth
An absolutely fantastic book. The drama and suspense were over the top. The action wss never ending. I liked that the different words and letters were explained to the reader. Also, the different medical applications were also explained. As a retired must I understood them, but others might not. There was humor also which made the book more enjoyable.
An absolutely fantastic book. The drama and suspense were over the top. The action wss never ending. I liked that the different words and letters were explained to the reader. Also, the different medical applications were also explained. As a retired must I understood them, but others might not. There was humor also which made the book more enjoyable.
January 28, 2025
Peace? Love the meaning of the name
So it's war, on a sl8ghtly different scale with Peace at is center. But Peace is not what you are thinking of, it's deadly. Loved the way this went and looking forward to more from this series. Cartwright you've done it again!
So it's war, on a sl8ghtly different scale with Peace at is center. But Peace is not what you are thinking of, it's deadly. Loved the way this went and looking forward to more from this series. Cartwright you've done it again!
February 5, 2025
First time I’ve read this author and #1 of a new series. Wow, certainly action packed novel with no bad language but plenty of bad people. Usually don’t like spy vs. spy type stories but this was a good one. Can’t wait for next book!
December 6, 2025
Longest Journey, Single Step
This was a tough one to read due to its main character. But it's exceptionally well written, and very exciting. I have no doubt it reflects reality in part. As this begins a new series, it will be I teresting to see how thi is turn out
This was a tough one to read due to its main character. But it's exceptionally well written, and very exciting. I have no doubt it reflects reality in part. As this begins a new series, it will be I teresting to see how thi is turn out
June 2, 2025
Excellent story
After reading about Paxton in other novels, I was curious to know how he came to exist. This book answered a lot of those questions.
After reading about Paxton in other novels, I was curious to know how he came to exist. This book answered a lot of those questions.
December 22, 2025
Top Notch Thriller!
September 5, 2025
profanity
Books should be rated just like movies and tv. I don’t want to read a book with filthy language in it but it shows up after you’ve gotten interested. I have stopped reading more books than I have read because of profanity or blatant sex. Just rate the books so we can make an informed choice. I’m
Books should be rated just like movies and tv. I don’t want to read a book with filthy language in it but it shows up after you’ve gotten interested. I have stopped reading more books than I have read because of profanity or blatant sex. Just rate the books so we can make an informed choice. I’m
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews