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Victor the Assassin #13
Unlucky for Some
Malmö, Sweden. What should have been a simple job - to kill the heir of an organised crime family - spirals out of control when assassin-for-hire Victor is shot and wounded.
Forced to hide out in a hostile city while he recuperates, he doesn't realise that multiple enemies are circling to take advantage of his circumstances.
Faced with a vengeful criminal organisation, corrupt officials, ruthless bounty hunters, elite mercenaries, and the most dangerous assassin he's ever faced, Victor's luck has finally run out.
Forced to hide out in a hostile city while he recuperates, he doesn't realise that multiple enemies are circling to take advantage of his circumstances.
Faced with a vengeful criminal organisation, corrupt officials, ruthless bounty hunters, elite mercenaries, and the most dangerous assassin he's ever faced, Victor's luck has finally run out.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
85 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wood
23 books1,296 followersHe is the author of the Victor series of 10 novels and 2 ebook novellas. Tom also wrote the standalone thriller A Knock at the Door under the pseudonym T W Ellis
Victor 10, TRAITOR, is out now in UK, IE, AS & NZ.
Subscribe to Tom's newsletter to stay up-to-date, and have the chance of winning signed copies and more: tomwoodbooks.com/newsletter
Victor 10, TRAITOR, is out now in UK, IE, AS & NZ.
Subscribe to Tom's newsletter to stay up-to-date, and have the chance of winning signed copies and more: tomwoodbooks.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 6, 2025
An epic, mesmerising battle for survival
The assassin only known as Victor is currently doing what he does best – planning a hit. He sets a trap for a Swedish kingpin, accounting for every detail with meticulous perfection. He just can’t fathom the ultimate twist: Victor is not the one setting the trap, he is the one who is walking straight into it…
What follows is Tom Wood’s best work to date. A story so full of intrigue, epic battles of will and unforgettable characters that the reader can barely catch a breath in between.
The author expertly weaves a complex tale of real human stakes, betrayal and bloodshed, interspersed with some of the most epic action scenes the series has to offer so far.
The unique selling point of this story is its ability to manoeuvre Victor into a position of unprecedented vulnerability. One really has to wonder if he is going to make it out alive this time around, especially considering the unmatchable foe pitted against him.
The Swedish city of Malmö is the secret gem of this superlative thriller. The pages practically breathe the scandic-noir atmosphere. The city comes to life in all its contradictory beauty and it compliments the dark, morose tone of the story perfectly.
At the end, one can only marvel at Wood’s ability to construct a mesmerising story – and severely hope that the next Victor novel will arrive sooner rather than later!
(Disclaimer: I was provided with an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review)
The assassin only known as Victor is currently doing what he does best – planning a hit. He sets a trap for a Swedish kingpin, accounting for every detail with meticulous perfection. He just can’t fathom the ultimate twist: Victor is not the one setting the trap, he is the one who is walking straight into it…
What follows is Tom Wood’s best work to date. A story so full of intrigue, epic battles of will and unforgettable characters that the reader can barely catch a breath in between.
The author expertly weaves a complex tale of real human stakes, betrayal and bloodshed, interspersed with some of the most epic action scenes the series has to offer so far.
The unique selling point of this story is its ability to manoeuvre Victor into a position of unprecedented vulnerability. One really has to wonder if he is going to make it out alive this time around, especially considering the unmatchable foe pitted against him.
The Swedish city of Malmö is the secret gem of this superlative thriller. The pages practically breathe the scandic-noir atmosphere. The city comes to life in all its contradictory beauty and it compliments the dark, morose tone of the story perfectly.
At the end, one can only marvel at Wood’s ability to construct a mesmerising story – and severely hope that the next Victor novel will arrive sooner rather than later!
(Disclaimer: I was provided with an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review)
November 11, 2025
BEST BOOK YET! 10/10! BEST IN THE GENRE!!!
There is one book series I pre-order every year, stay up after midnight on release day to read - and for good reason, THIS IS THE BEST BOOK YET!!!
The Victor series isn't like others in the genre. There are no clichés, the hero isn't great for some unexplained reason, and staying alive is the main objective - with all the paranoia, protocols and unusual sleeping habits included.
It's better compared to survival stories like The Martian and The Grey, but with all the thrills found in John Wick. Victor being the best through hard work and a relentless survival instinct.
In each book, Victor is dropped into a different situation, and the one chosen for this book is absolutely perfect, the premise had me at the edge of my seat throughout.
Unique to this story, Victor is injured, no longer able to out fight enemies, instead needing to out think them and escape. This is what makes the series great already, but now turned up to an 11!
I've noticed a huge jump in quality, the texture and description of scenes; I felt like I was being pulled in to the depths of the story with every word and chapter.
There's an altercation I can't describe without spoiling, but fans of the series are going to lose their minds!
We get a little insight into the criminal world, with incredible callbacks and new, amazing characters- I LOVE SCRAGG!
It also adresses some questions about Victors character. In the short story "Bad luck in Berlin" we met an assassin that was objectively more skillful, but at the cost of any empathy. Meanwhile, the idea of doing the right thing and even getting out of this life has been explored in recent books, raising questions about the direction Victor would take and his vulnerability. This alone offers more depth than anything else in the genre. Take that Jack Reacher.
We also get new insight into Victor's past which is so mysterious - I can't wait to learn more.
INCREDIBLE!
There is one book series I pre-order every year, stay up after midnight on release day to read - and for good reason, THIS IS THE BEST BOOK YET!!!
The Victor series isn't like others in the genre. There are no clichés, the hero isn't great for some unexplained reason, and staying alive is the main objective - with all the paranoia, protocols and unusual sleeping habits included.
It's better compared to survival stories like The Martian and The Grey, but with all the thrills found in John Wick. Victor being the best through hard work and a relentless survival instinct.
In each book, Victor is dropped into a different situation, and the one chosen for this book is absolutely perfect, the premise had me at the edge of my seat throughout.
Unique to this story, Victor is injured, no longer able to out fight enemies, instead needing to out think them and escape. This is what makes the series great already, but now turned up to an 11!
I've noticed a huge jump in quality, the texture and description of scenes; I felt like I was being pulled in to the depths of the story with every word and chapter.
There's an altercation I can't describe without spoiling, but fans of the series are going to lose their minds!
We get a little insight into the criminal world, with incredible callbacks and new, amazing characters- I LOVE SCRAGG!
It also adresses some questions about Victors character. In the short story "Bad luck in Berlin" we met an assassin that was objectively more skillful, but at the cost of any empathy. Meanwhile, the idea of doing the right thing and even getting out of this life has been explored in recent books, raising questions about the direction Victor would take and his vulnerability. This alone offers more depth than anything else in the genre. Take that Jack Reacher.
We also get new insight into Victor's past which is so mysterious - I can't wait to learn more.
INCREDIBLE!
December 20, 2025
It doesn't get better than Victor!
The best anti-hero book series you will find.
Loved this one. Probably more so than a few of the more recent ones. Loved the characters. Loved Victor as always and loved the relationships he built along the way.
Already can't wait for the next one!
The best anti-hero book series you will find.
Loved this one. Probably more so than a few of the more recent ones. Loved the characters. Loved Victor as always and loved the relationships he built along the way.
Already can't wait for the next one!
January 28, 2026
Wood delivered another intense edge-of-seat Victor thriller. This time it’s in Sweden and what starts off as an assignment leads to the trademark twists and turns. The local mafia target him and injured he goes underground. As past rivals come into play and the stakes rise by the page, you will be guessing to the very end.
October 28, 2025
As a long-time fan of Tom Wood’s books, I was really looking forward to this one, and it didn’t disappoint. From the very first chapter, it was everything I love about the Victor series. It was tightly plotted, fast-paced, and utterly compelling, with the same strong, enigmatic yet likeable Victor that we know and love!
The action scenes are superbly executed, the dialogue was to the point, and the pacing relentless. I also really enjoyed the addition of Scragg, a Scottish rogue who was surprisingly likeable, adding grit and warmth to the story. The only person who can get away with calling Victor ‘princess’!
Tom Wood continues to deliver with precision and intelligence. It’s dark, smart, and full of twists that keep you guessing to the end. Another brilliant entry in one of the most consistently strong thriller series out there.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC.
The action scenes are superbly executed, the dialogue was to the point, and the pacing relentless. I also really enjoyed the addition of Scragg, a Scottish rogue who was surprisingly likeable, adding grit and warmth to the story. The only person who can get away with calling Victor ‘princess’!
Tom Wood continues to deliver with precision and intelligence. It’s dark, smart, and full of twists that keep you guessing to the end. Another brilliant entry in one of the most consistently strong thriller series out there.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC.
October 27, 2025
With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily
My man Victor is back as the magnificent Tom Wood takes us on another exhilarating adventure. You need to buckle up for this one as the pace is relentless, the tension palpable and the plot sublime. It's the attention to detail of the setting and the authors knowledge on arms that really give this book an edge. Given this is book 13 it would be quite easy for this to be a bit 'same old same old' but this is Tom Wood and his imagination doesn't let up as he puts Victor in a unique position. An author at the very top of his game with a character I will never ever tire of, this is an absolute cracker of a read. One of my favourites in the series and this one is getting all the stars. Outstanding
November 12, 2025
Victor kills it (again)
A real roller coaster of action, intrigue, and deception.
Wood’s craftsmanship is impeccable. His ability to create such wonderful characters with so much depth and detail, along with the distinctive descriptions of locations, and such extraordinary momentum of action make this book a gritty, wild ride.
I really enjoy learning little bits about Victor’s past along with his personal journey to reluctantly accept his enduring humanity.
Clear the next day and a half because this book is impossible to put down.
A real roller coaster of action, intrigue, and deception.
Wood’s craftsmanship is impeccable. His ability to create such wonderful characters with so much depth and detail, along with the distinctive descriptions of locations, and such extraordinary momentum of action make this book a gritty, wild ride.
I really enjoy learning little bits about Victor’s past along with his personal journey to reluctantly accept his enduring humanity.
Clear the next day and a half because this book is impossible to put down.
November 11, 2025
His best yet
Excellent , predictable in some ways but lengthy in the right places getting there..thoroughly enjoyable looking forward to next one...
Excellent , predictable in some ways but lengthy in the right places getting there..thoroughly enjoyable looking forward to next one...
November 12, 2025
Brilliant story
Victor is a great character.very Simon to the orphan x books. A really good read, can't wait for the next one!
Victor is a great character.very Simon to the orphan x books. A really good read, can't wait for the next one!
November 14, 2025
excellent, back on top with this one
February 17, 2026
Victor is on a job. He is an assassin. He is effective.
A crime boss is dying. He has a son. He wants to secure the empire for his son.
His son is just a rich brat.
Victor has a side job. Scragg is acting as a middleman to buy some rare materials. He has money and hired Victor as the muscle.
Simple enough.
The job went sideways when Scragg was sold some fake stuff.
Then Victor also made some mistakes.
Now the table is turned. And Victor became the prey. There is an even more effective assassin, the Boatman.
It is a shady world, with shady persons. None of them is likeable.
It is not as good as advertised. But it is an okay read.
3.5 stars.
A crime boss is dying. He has a son. He wants to secure the empire for his son.
His son is just a rich brat.
Victor has a side job. Scragg is acting as a middleman to buy some rare materials. He has money and hired Victor as the muscle.
Simple enough.
The job went sideways when Scragg was sold some fake stuff.
Then Victor also made some mistakes.
Now the table is turned. And Victor became the prey. There is an even more effective assassin, the Boatman.
It is a shady world, with shady persons. None of them is likeable.
It is not as good as advertised. But it is an okay read.
3.5 stars.
November 21, 2025
The attention to detail is 2nd to none, all the characters are believable & incredible in their own ways, the plots & sequences are exciting, plausible, & explosive. It’s a story that’s impressive from start to end, probably my favourite Victor novel.
January 11, 2026
I love all the Victor books and thoroughly enjoyed this quite complex web
December 1, 2025
I've read all of the Victor books over the past 10+ years. It is becoming a regular tradition to order the British book here to the States in order to read the new entry before it is officially here. I keep coming back to Victor, as I know his story will be fast, a lot of fun, and filled with him just trying to survive. Plus with the British version, I can wallow in the single quotes, British spellings, and mannerisms that haven't been tweaked for the American market.
At first, the book seemed like the usual Victor. Dealing with a fixer, a contract to kill someone, lots of mayhem ensues as Victor does what he does best. Scragg is a lot of fun, someone Victor comes to respect. They work well together as characters, but their interaction doesn't rise to the level of Victor and Raven playing off of each other.
The author this time around wants to limit Victor as much as possible. He only uses his favorite FN Five-seveN once. His usual weapons and gear are gone. His usual planning and awareness are gone. Victor's deadpan one liners are also gone in much of the book. It feels stylistic different and very annoying.
After Victor is shot (in the blurb), we get a lot of Victor running and trying to play doctor on himself. Not for the squeamish. It means we get a lot of Victor suffering and a couple of kill teams wandering about. Victor has to be wounded and everything removed for the author to have us root for him. As I said, it feels off.
The "most dangerous assassin" in the blurb I figured out quickly. OK, sure, the character from a past book is now here to chase Victor. Except this assassin can quickly deduce the location of Victor and one of the kill teams with a bunch of reverse thinking. All of the work done by such people to hide, mr. assassin can follow and boom! He's there within a page or two. It felt weak. Either the teams are just bad or the good guys could go find such teams by following the same thinking.
When Victor is patched up, he's got to do another job. Once that sequence starts, the character even comments it feels good to be back. The scene at the house to get the box is pure Victor. He no problem dispatching those in his way, but does have principals of honor.
The ending is alright. It takes awhile for Victor to outthink his opponent. It felt off, as like having the computer cheat in an RTS game in order to present a challenge.
I did learn about an interesting weapon that the other assassin carries, the Laugo Alien. While the book calls it a specialist's weapon, it is orderable in the USA for the considerable sum of $6k. Its design is quite interesting and I wonder if it'll show up again in future books.
I do look forward to the next book. Maybe Raven will be back to spice up the dialogue and Victor is allowed to do what he does best.
======
Victor to Scragg: 'I'm a nice guy. But it's a choice to be one. Don't put me in a position where I no longer have that choice.' 'I never worry. Because rest assured I am always on my best behaviour.'
Scragg: 'I don't know if you noticed. But he already fecking hates you, Princess.'
Victor: 'And yet I'm so incredibly loveable.'
At first, the book seemed like the usual Victor. Dealing with a fixer, a contract to kill someone, lots of mayhem ensues as Victor does what he does best. Scragg is a lot of fun, someone Victor comes to respect. They work well together as characters, but their interaction doesn't rise to the level of Victor and Raven playing off of each other.
The author this time around wants to limit Victor as much as possible. He only uses his favorite FN Five-seveN once. His usual weapons and gear are gone. His usual planning and awareness are gone. Victor's deadpan one liners are also gone in much of the book. It feels stylistic different and very annoying.
After Victor is shot (in the blurb), we get a lot of Victor running and trying to play doctor on himself. Not for the squeamish. It means we get a lot of Victor suffering and a couple of kill teams wandering about. Victor has to be wounded and everything removed for the author to have us root for him. As I said, it feels off.
The "most dangerous assassin" in the blurb I figured out quickly. OK, sure, the character from a past book is now here to chase Victor. Except this assassin can quickly deduce the location of Victor and one of the kill teams with a bunch of reverse thinking. All of the work done by such people to hide, mr. assassin can follow and boom! He's there within a page or two. It felt weak. Either the teams are just bad or the good guys could go find such teams by following the same thinking.
When Victor is patched up, he's got to do another job. Once that sequence starts, the character even comments it feels good to be back. The scene at the house to get the box is pure Victor. He no problem dispatching those in his way, but does have principals of honor.
The ending is alright. It takes awhile for Victor to outthink his opponent. It felt off, as like having the computer cheat in an RTS game in order to present a challenge.
I did learn about an interesting weapon that the other assassin carries, the Laugo Alien. While the book calls it a specialist's weapon, it is orderable in the USA for the considerable sum of $6k. Its design is quite interesting and I wonder if it'll show up again in future books.
I do look forward to the next book. Maybe Raven will be back to spice up the dialogue and Victor is allowed to do what he does best.
======
Victor to Scragg: 'I'm a nice guy. But it's a choice to be one. Don't put me in a position where I no longer have that choice.' 'I never worry. Because rest assured I am always on my best behaviour.'
Scragg: 'I don't know if you noticed. But he already fecking hates you, Princess.'
Victor: 'And yet I'm so incredibly loveable.'
January 7, 2026
Book Review – Unlucky for Some – Tom Wood
UK based author Tom Wood returns to the thriller genre in another spectacular novel with “Unlucky for Some,” one of his most gripping, high‑stakes entries yet in the Victor the Assassin series. This thirteenth installment proves that Wood hasn’t lost his sharp writing skills—if anything, he has sharpened every edge.
Set in the impressive streets of Malmö, Sweden – the novel opens with what should have been a straightforward assassin hit. Instead, Victor is ambushed, wounded, and forced into the shadows of a hostile city. From that moment on, the tension never lets up.
Wood masterfully traps his legendary assassin in a tightening vise of vengeful crime families, corrupt government officials, relentless bounty hunters, elite mercenaries, and—most chillingly—an assassin even more dangerous than Victor himself.
What makes this book exceptional is how Wood blends relentless action with psychological precision. Victor, already one of the most compelling ‘antiheroes’ in modern thrillers, is pushed to his limits—physically, strategically, and morally. Watching him navigate injury, dwindling resources, and a city full of enemies is a masterpiece in suspense.
Wood’s prose is as sharp as ever – cinematic, tightly written, and loaded with tension. The pacing is impeccable, the stakes escalate naturally, and every confrontation feels gained. Followers of the series will appreciate how this novel deepens Victor’s lore, while newcomers will find it an electrifying entry point.
Unlucky for Some is everything an action‑espionage thriller should be—incendiary, intelligent, and impossible to put down. Tom Wood proves once again why he’s considered one of the top action writers “worldwide.”
A knockout addition to the Victor the Assassin series and I am so glad it was my last read for 2025!
UK based author Tom Wood returns to the thriller genre in another spectacular novel with “Unlucky for Some,” one of his most gripping, high‑stakes entries yet in the Victor the Assassin series. This thirteenth installment proves that Wood hasn’t lost his sharp writing skills—if anything, he has sharpened every edge.
Set in the impressive streets of Malmö, Sweden – the novel opens with what should have been a straightforward assassin hit. Instead, Victor is ambushed, wounded, and forced into the shadows of a hostile city. From that moment on, the tension never lets up.
Wood masterfully traps his legendary assassin in a tightening vise of vengeful crime families, corrupt government officials, relentless bounty hunters, elite mercenaries, and—most chillingly—an assassin even more dangerous than Victor himself.
What makes this book exceptional is how Wood blends relentless action with psychological precision. Victor, already one of the most compelling ‘antiheroes’ in modern thrillers, is pushed to his limits—physically, strategically, and morally. Watching him navigate injury, dwindling resources, and a city full of enemies is a masterpiece in suspense.
Wood’s prose is as sharp as ever – cinematic, tightly written, and loaded with tension. The pacing is impeccable, the stakes escalate naturally, and every confrontation feels gained. Followers of the series will appreciate how this novel deepens Victor’s lore, while newcomers will find it an electrifying entry point.
Unlucky for Some is everything an action‑espionage thriller should be—incendiary, intelligent, and impossible to put down. Tom Wood proves once again why he’s considered one of the top action writers “worldwide.”
A knockout addition to the Victor the Assassin series and I am so glad it was my last read for 2025!
January 30, 2026
UNLUCKY FOR SOME by TOM WOOD ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Unlucky For Some is the thirteenth (#13) book in the VICTOR THE ASSASSIN series.
Book 13 in the Victor series but certainly not unlucky for Tom Wood nor for us readers! This thirteenth book about the assassin you hate to love, continues in the superb vein that all previous books in this series have followed.
Tom Woods writing is perfect, full of delicious description that paints perfect pictures of every scene, every thought, every decision, every action. You really feel like you’re a bystander, watching on as the horror unfurls.
This book has sat on my TBR shelf for some months, I couldn’t bring myself to read it knowing that it will be an age before the next release.
For those who have read prior books by Tom, they will be aware of ‘The Boatman’, and he stars in this book alongside Victor. Two slices of delicious inhumanity for the price of one.
I read the hard copy ( I’m not patient enough to wait for the paperback), at just over 500 pages, I could have read 500 more. I can’t rave about this book enough. Who knew I had a taste for such violence!! 😂
If there is one slight fault in this book it is that there are grammatical errors, several, but that doesn’t detract from the full five stars this book utterly deserves!! I highly recommend this book!
🔪 Assassin
🔪 Violence Depicted
🔪No Spice 🥳
Unlucky For Some is the thirteenth (#13) book in the VICTOR THE ASSASSIN series.
Book 13 in the Victor series but certainly not unlucky for Tom Wood nor for us readers! This thirteenth book about the assassin you hate to love, continues in the superb vein that all previous books in this series have followed.
Tom Woods writing is perfect, full of delicious description that paints perfect pictures of every scene, every thought, every decision, every action. You really feel like you’re a bystander, watching on as the horror unfurls.
This book has sat on my TBR shelf for some months, I couldn’t bring myself to read it knowing that it will be an age before the next release.
For those who have read prior books by Tom, they will be aware of ‘The Boatman’, and he stars in this book alongside Victor. Two slices of delicious inhumanity for the price of one.
I read the hard copy ( I’m not patient enough to wait for the paperback), at just over 500 pages, I could have read 500 more. I can’t rave about this book enough. Who knew I had a taste for such violence!! 😂
If there is one slight fault in this book it is that there are grammatical errors, several, but that doesn’t detract from the full five stars this book utterly deserves!! I highly recommend this book!
🔪 Assassin
🔪 Violence Depicted
🔪No Spice 🥳
January 22, 2026
I love our hero Victor and this series and gave this 5 stars, but it wasn't perfect. What I enjoyed - the more complex set of characters after our Victor and their various motivations. What I didn't like as much - it was just too long with very drawn out action scenes; the city of Malmo was written as a huge city but is actually very small (pop. <350,000); how Victor seemed to leap off buildings and escape his safe house but still have access to cash; and the excessive descriptions of people's suits. What I missed the most - there was just less humour and a sense of "Oh wow" about Victor's behaviour.
I got to the acknowledgements at the end (skipped through the last few action pages) to see that our author is working with a new editor, and it really shows. Even an experienced author needs a firm editorial hand. This novel should have been much shorter and tighter, but it did seem very cinematic, ready for the big screen.
I'm still waiting for the novel where our hero is right out of his urban comfort zone and really has to put his skills (like understanding behaviour, observation, planning and risk assessment) to use in a different type of environment like rural Australia. Or even a whole novel where no-one is killed.
I got to the acknowledgements at the end (skipped through the last few action pages) to see that our author is working with a new editor, and it really shows. Even an experienced author needs a firm editorial hand. This novel should have been much shorter and tighter, but it did seem very cinematic, ready for the big screen.
I'm still waiting for the novel where our hero is right out of his urban comfort zone and really has to put his skills (like understanding behaviour, observation, planning and risk assessment) to use in a different type of environment like rural Australia. Or even a whole novel where no-one is killed.
October 27, 2025
Unlucky for Some is a high-stakes thriller that pulses with grit, precision, and just enough existential edge to keep you thinking long after the last shot is fired. Victor, the world’s most efficient assassin, finds himself wounded and cornered in Malmö, Sweden—his luck finally running thin in a city that offers no sanctuary.
What begins as a clean hit spirals into chaos, and the novel becomes a tense, kinetic dance between predator and prey. But what elevates this from a standard action romp is Wood’s control of tone: the violence is sharp, the pacing relentless, yet there’s a quiet introspection beneath Victor’s calculated moves. He’s not just surviving—he’s reckoning.
The Scandinavian setting adds a cold, elegant menace to the story, and the cast of enemies—mercenaries, corrupt officials, and a rival assassin—feels both cinematic and grounded. It’s a novel that respects its genre while pushing at its edges.
Perfect for readers who crave adrenaline with a side of moral ambiguity. Think John Wick meets The Bourne Identity, but with a literary polish and a protagonist who’s as haunted as he is lethal.
With thanks to Tom Wood, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
What begins as a clean hit spirals into chaos, and the novel becomes a tense, kinetic dance between predator and prey. But what elevates this from a standard action romp is Wood’s control of tone: the violence is sharp, the pacing relentless, yet there’s a quiet introspection beneath Victor’s calculated moves. He’s not just surviving—he’s reckoning.
The Scandinavian setting adds a cold, elegant menace to the story, and the cast of enemies—mercenaries, corrupt officials, and a rival assassin—feels both cinematic and grounded. It’s a novel that respects its genre while pushing at its edges.
Perfect for readers who crave adrenaline with a side of moral ambiguity. Think John Wick meets The Bourne Identity, but with a literary polish and a protagonist who’s as haunted as he is lethal.
With thanks to Tom Wood, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 19, 2025
As Victor books go, this one is a little bit different.
The action part is intense and probably better than most of the series, but everything else feels a bit weird. Like Swedish city of Malmö sounding a lot like Rio de Janeiro in terms of multinational crime groups, level of corruption and total lack of police shown. Victor's motivations are questionable too, surely he has enough money to just buy a small country by now?
Cherry on the top is Victor being desperate to "get smuggled "out" on a ship", in Schengen area, with eight cardinal directions and thousands of kilometers radius of totally visa-free movement. And as usual, buildings in EU somehow still have retractable fire ladders (they don't!). There's way more description of surroundings than other books, thus the more important to get details right. The final fight was nail-biting, but a tad bit too dragged out.
Those things put me off quite a bit, but action and flow was too good.
The action part is intense and probably better than most of the series, but everything else feels a bit weird. Like Swedish city of Malmö sounding a lot like Rio de Janeiro in terms of multinational crime groups, level of corruption and total lack of police shown. Victor's motivations are questionable too, surely he has enough money to just buy a small country by now?
Cherry on the top is Victor being desperate to "get smuggled "out" on a ship", in Schengen area, with eight cardinal directions and thousands of kilometers radius of totally visa-free movement. And as usual, buildings in EU somehow still have retractable fire ladders (they don't!). There's way more description of surroundings than other books, thus the more important to get details right. The final fight was nail-biting, but a tad bit too dragged out.
Those things put me off quite a bit, but action and flow was too good.
November 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Victor is back!
There is one series where I eagerly await the next instalment and this is it.
Victor is unique, the assassin for whom etiquette and good manners, matter above all. He’s brutal, efficient, the master of self discipline and control. In this book Victor is injured and I loved that he had to rely on his instincts, and intellect as much as his training and self control!
I’m desperate to know Victor’s origin story and they were tantalising tit bits peppered throughout this book, that leave you wanting more!
A white knuckle game of cat and mouse which I inhaled and cannot wait for the next one.
If you haven’t picked up Victor‘s books yet start now from the very beginning and if like me, Victor is an old friend – dive in now- what are you waiting for?
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc to review
Victor is back!
There is one series where I eagerly await the next instalment and this is it.
Victor is unique, the assassin for whom etiquette and good manners, matter above all. He’s brutal, efficient, the master of self discipline and control. In this book Victor is injured and I loved that he had to rely on his instincts, and intellect as much as his training and self control!
I’m desperate to know Victor’s origin story and they were tantalising tit bits peppered throughout this book, that leave you wanting more!
A white knuckle game of cat and mouse which I inhaled and cannot wait for the next one.
If you haven’t picked up Victor‘s books yet start now from the very beginning and if like me, Victor is an old friend – dive in now- what are you waiting for?
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc to review
November 30, 2025
For me, Tom Wood is the best thriller writer since Ian Fleming and this is one of his best so far.
His lethal anti-hero, is one of the deadliest assassins on the planet, but also one of the most engaging characters you will find in fiction, and you can't help rooting for him in spite of all the blood he spills.
I found myself turning the pages frantically to discover how he escapes from vengeful Scandinavian gangsters, a German special forces team and perhaps his deadliest foe to date, the Russian killer known only as 'the Boatman' who may just be even scarier than Victor...
His lethal anti-hero, is one of the deadliest assassins on the planet, but also one of the most engaging characters you will find in fiction, and you can't help rooting for him in spite of all the blood he spills.
I found myself turning the pages frantically to discover how he escapes from vengeful Scandinavian gangsters, a German special forces team and perhaps his deadliest foe to date, the Russian killer known only as 'the Boatman' who may just be even scarier than Victor...
December 2, 2025
Story: 4.0
The Endless Descriptions: 0.0
More than 60-70% of this book is Wood just describing stuff. And he describes everything, and in detail. Thank God he didn't describe pebbles Victor walked on or the door handled he pulled or something mundane. Or maybe he did and I just skipped it.
It was really annoying after the first few chapters and my head was just screaming, 'just get on with it already.'
Had to downgrade it from 2 to a 1 star because of the endless 1-1 fight that bored the hell out of me.
The Endless Descriptions: 0.0
More than 60-70% of this book is Wood just describing stuff. And he describes everything, and in detail. Thank God he didn't describe pebbles Victor walked on or the door handled he pulled or something mundane. Or maybe he did and I just skipped it.
It was really annoying after the first few chapters and my head was just screaming, 'just get on with it already.'
Had to downgrade it from 2 to a 1 star because of the endless 1-1 fight that bored the hell out of me.
January 12, 2026
It's a mixed feeling for a novel that I loved nevertheless. This Victor book starts slowly and oddly, but improves once the action begins. Despite the change in pace and the impressive cinematic chapters, which take things in a "normal" Victor style, I still felt that something was not as good as usual, probably due to some repetition in the scene descriptions.
Nevertheless, I was more than happy with this new Victor adventure, and I'm eager for the next one.
Nevertheless, I was more than happy with this new Victor adventure, and I'm eager for the next one.
February 21, 2026
Tom always writes his book in such a way that when you read it, it plays out like a movie in your head.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I always do with Victor books. It was very action packed, had me hooked, and was an enjoyable read. I knew shit hit the fan within the last 100 pages and was actually surprised on how it ended.
Great read, would recommend it for people who love a good action book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I always do with Victor books. It was very action packed, had me hooked, and was an enjoyable read. I knew shit hit the fan within the last 100 pages and was actually surprised on how it ended.
Great read, would recommend it for people who love a good action book.
November 30, 2025
Victor is back in another great book. Tom Wood is n excellent writer. He appears to thoroughly research the subject matter before he writes. He’s very descriptive, setting scenes in great detail. The stories are great..major page turners. Looking forward to the next one!
December 14, 2025
I miss what Victor used to be. It doesn’t make sense how he seems to constantly make simple mistakes. He’s supposed to be the ultimate assassin and now he’s just decent at his job. The boat man story is weak. It comes across as he’s everything Victor used to be.
January 11, 2026
Wow...just wow! Amazing writing as always - and loved the story line 100% but loved the ending even more...this is one of the best Victor books of all 13...could not put this down...fast fast fast - action never stops. Thank you Tom Wood!
December 19, 2025
Another enjoyable entry in a great ongoing action series. Liked the premise here, and the return of another stellar character from earlier in the series.
December 24, 2025
Best Victor book yet! Complex plot that comes together brilliantly.
I LOVE VICTOR!!
I LOVE VICTOR!!
January 19, 2026
Really enjoyed this Victor journey, the tiny bits of info on his past are excellent. They just get better and better.
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