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Jim Chapel #3
The Cyclops Initiative
To save an innocent friend, soldier and spy Jim Chapel will risk his own life and reputation to stop a deadly conspiracy from threatening the country in this relentless, non-stop action adventure from the author of the acclaimed thrillers Chimera and The Hydra Protocol.
Jim Chapel pledged his life to protect his country from its enemies. But now, the one-armed Special Forces soldier turned spy is on the wrong side of the law. The person he trusts most in the world, the brilliant hacker known only as Angel, is suspected of terrorism. When his boss calls for Angel’s arrest, Chapel—certain it’s a frame job—has only one option: to go rogue.
To protect Angel—a woman he’s never actually met—Chapel must clear her name. But first he has to find her, before a deadly Marine sniper, a drone aircraft gone feral, and the entire intelligence community closes in. With the aid of old friends and his ex-lover Julia, the search to find who framed Angel leads Chapel deep into the dark and lethal underbelly of the covert intelligence world . . . to a conspiracy with deep roots that shocks even this hardened veteran—and a plan that will destroy the United States as we know it if it succeeds.
Jim Chapel pledged his life to protect his country from its enemies. But now, the one-armed Special Forces soldier turned spy is on the wrong side of the law. The person he trusts most in the world, the brilliant hacker known only as Angel, is suspected of terrorism. When his boss calls for Angel’s arrest, Chapel—certain it’s a frame job—has only one option: to go rogue.
To protect Angel—a woman he’s never actually met—Chapel must clear her name. But first he has to find her, before a deadly Marine sniper, a drone aircraft gone feral, and the entire intelligence community closes in. With the aid of old friends and his ex-lover Julia, the search to find who framed Angel leads Chapel deep into the dark and lethal underbelly of the covert intelligence world . . . to a conspiracy with deep roots that shocks even this hardened veteran—and a plan that will destroy the United States as we know it if it succeeds.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
12 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
David Wellington
73 books1,162 followersDavid Wellington is a contemporary American horror author, best known for his Zombie trilogy as well as his Vampire series and Werewolf series. His books have been translated into eleven languages and are a global phenomenon.
His career began in 2004 when he started serializing his horror fiction online, posting short chapters of a novel three times a week on a friend’s blog. Response to the project was so great that in 2004 Thunder’s Mouth Press approached David Wellington about publishing Monster Island as a print book. His novels have been featured in Rue Morgue, Fangoria, and the New York Times.
He also made his debut as a comic book writer in 2009 with Marvel Zombies Return:Iron Man.
Wellington attended Syracuse University and received an MFA in creative writing from Penn State. He also holds a masters degree in Library Science from Pratt Institute.
He now lives in New York City with his dog Mary Shelley and wife Elisabeth who, in her wedding vows, promised to “kick serious zombie ass” for him.
His career began in 2004 when he started serializing his horror fiction online, posting short chapters of a novel three times a week on a friend’s blog. Response to the project was so great that in 2004 Thunder’s Mouth Press approached David Wellington about publishing Monster Island as a print book. His novels have been featured in Rue Morgue, Fangoria, and the New York Times.
He also made his debut as a comic book writer in 2009 with Marvel Zombies Return:Iron Man.
Wellington attended Syracuse University and received an MFA in creative writing from Penn State. He also holds a masters degree in Library Science from Pratt Institute.
He now lives in New York City with his dog Mary Shelley and wife Elisabeth who, in her wedding vows, promised to “kick serious zombie ass” for him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 13, 2016
From The Book:
To save an innocent friend, soldier and spy Jim Chapel will risk his own life and reputation to stop a deadly conspiracy from threatening the country. Jim Chapel pledged his life to protect his country from its enemies. But now, the one-armed Special Forces soldier turned spy is on the wrong side of the law. The person he trusts most in the world, the brilliant hacker known only as Angel, is suspected of terrorism. When his boss calls for Angel’s arrest, Chapel—certain it’s a frame job—has only one option: to go rogue. To protect Angel—a woman he’s never actually met—Chapel must clear her name. But first he has to find her, before a deadly Marine sniper, a drone aircraft gone feral, and the entire intelligence community closes in. With the aid of old friends and his ex-lover Julia, the search to find who framed Angel leads Chapel deep into the dark and lethal underbelly of the covert intelligence world . . . to a conspiracy with deep roots that shocks even this hardened veteran—and a plan that will destroy the United States as we know it if it succeeds.
My Thoughts:
The Cyclops Imitative has many sub plots going at the same time and characters that constantly overlap between good and bad. Introduced into this story is the character of Brent Wilkes ...a Marine sniper that works on the theory of "find, fix, finish", and will kill on command without a second thought. Jim Chapel is a one-armed Army vet working for the same people as Brent Wilkes but his philosophy is to use his wits and his sniper training and kill as a last resort. It becomes obvious that the two are going to have to combine their skills if they are going to survive, save their comrades and protect the nation they would both die for. Also combined into the story is an interesting contract between present and past generations and how America honored her returning soldiers. Author, David Wellington summed it up well in his quote about the book...“I wanted to write about how those veterans who lost limbs still have a meaningful life. I hoped I showed how they cope differently, that their life will never be easy, and now it is much more complicated. For me, the struggle they are going through is just as heroic as anything they did on the battlefield. We as Americans should understand that war is so complicated, dangerous, and serious. It is not as depicted in the video games that turn it into a cartoon.”
To save an innocent friend, soldier and spy Jim Chapel will risk his own life and reputation to stop a deadly conspiracy from threatening the country. Jim Chapel pledged his life to protect his country from its enemies. But now, the one-armed Special Forces soldier turned spy is on the wrong side of the law. The person he trusts most in the world, the brilliant hacker known only as Angel, is suspected of terrorism. When his boss calls for Angel’s arrest, Chapel—certain it’s a frame job—has only one option: to go rogue. To protect Angel—a woman he’s never actually met—Chapel must clear her name. But first he has to find her, before a deadly Marine sniper, a drone aircraft gone feral, and the entire intelligence community closes in. With the aid of old friends and his ex-lover Julia, the search to find who framed Angel leads Chapel deep into the dark and lethal underbelly of the covert intelligence world . . . to a conspiracy with deep roots that shocks even this hardened veteran—and a plan that will destroy the United States as we know it if it succeeds.
My Thoughts:
The Cyclops Imitative has many sub plots going at the same time and characters that constantly overlap between good and bad. Introduced into this story is the character of Brent Wilkes ...a Marine sniper that works on the theory of "find, fix, finish", and will kill on command without a second thought. Jim Chapel is a one-armed Army vet working for the same people as Brent Wilkes but his philosophy is to use his wits and his sniper training and kill as a last resort. It becomes obvious that the two are going to have to combine their skills if they are going to survive, save their comrades and protect the nation they would both die for. Also combined into the story is an interesting contract between present and past generations and how America honored her returning soldiers. Author, David Wellington summed it up well in his quote about the book...“I wanted to write about how those veterans who lost limbs still have a meaningful life. I hoped I showed how they cope differently, that their life will never be easy, and now it is much more complicated. For me, the struggle they are going through is just as heroic as anything they did on the battlefield. We as Americans should understand that war is so complicated, dangerous, and serious. It is not as depicted in the video games that turn it into a cartoon.”
March 16, 2016
The Chapel missions are great fun! The characters have flaws and move the story arc in many ways.A fast read - A guilty pleasure for the eyes...
October 16, 2017
This is the third and probably final novel about Jim Chapel, US army Captain working for clandestine military intelligence agency. In this book he finally goes rogue and faces not some Russians or Chinese but own US army and police.
Just like the previous books, it is good written page-turner. At the same time an attempt to knit up all previously loose ends sometimes leads to unnatural to the point of ridiculousness drama. It is, in my opinion made worse by attempts to make it more cinematic with worn-out clichés like stopping a bomb at the very last second. It is astonishing how the author is able to mix such blinders and some quite serious massages like the problems of army veterans with PTSD and the like.
Overall a nice grande finale for the trilogy, albeit a bit US-centric.
Just like the previous books, it is good written page-turner. At the same time an attempt to knit up all previously loose ends sometimes leads to unnatural to the point of ridiculousness drama. It is, in my opinion made worse by attempts to make it more cinematic with worn-out clichés like stopping a bomb at the very last second. It is astonishing how the author is able to mix such blinders and some quite serious massages like the problems of army veterans with PTSD and the like.
Overall a nice grande finale for the trilogy, albeit a bit US-centric.
October 29, 2023
Unfortunately this appears to be the last novel of the Jim Chapel series. It's a good finale for Chapel, Angel and Hollingshead. The author has given us plenty of action and suspense, while juggling multiple plot lines that he fits together seamlessly. However, there are multiple slow spots that seem awkward and didn't add to the plot just the page total, at least for me. Still I'd recommend it for those looking for a quick, action-packed read.
September 6, 2019
Non-stop action! Enjoyable conspiracy novel! I wonder if hijacking drones is possible......not that I would have a hope of that kind of technical knowledge, just wondering in general. Hope no government agency looks at my book reviews.
December 22, 2019
One of those authors I knew nothing about but was given the book. Turned out to be the type I really enjoy. A techno-thriller that keeps you guessing, has twists and is fast-paced. So I pretty much raced through it since I enjoyed it so much.
January 12, 2022
Good developing thriller plot.
Good developing thriller plot. Hard to put the story down. So finished in three night readings. Terrorists, treason, IT, being hunted, a little romance, and blood, and saves the day.
Good developing thriller plot. Hard to put the story down. So finished in three night readings. Terrorists, treason, IT, being hunted, a little romance, and blood, and saves the day.
June 25, 2025
Another spy-thriller, in the vein of James Rollins. Nothing earth-shattering, but fun. I skipped over #2 in the series as it wasn't available at the library, and I don't feel like I missed anything critical.
May 26, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway. I really enjoyed the characters of the story and the unique plot of hijacking drones to change the government.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
I loved the book; cleanly brings a close to a series. Well done
December 26, 2019
Great book
January 6, 2020
Fun read. Likable characters. Enjoyed this series.
September 8, 2020
Wellington is a master spy-storyteller. I hope he writes more in this series - serious page-turners
September 23, 2020
Really engaging, fast-paced spy novel.
January 4, 2021
Excellent page turner! Loved the format. Surprises clear to the end.
June 23, 2023
I have read 3 books in the series and they get better as you go along
This is the best, now if he continued for another 5 books maybe he would have learned to write
This is the best, now if he continued for another 5 books maybe he would have learned to write
May 8, 2025
I didn’t know this was the 3rd on a series. I have to start at book 1.
May 20, 2016
I just finished up David Wellington’s latest chapter in the Jim Chapel series and I must say I liked it. Once again I must reiterate that I’m a big David Wellington fan so I was very excited to read this latest installment in a series that is a departure from David Wellington’s typical supernatural monster/thriller genre.
As with most of Wellington’s books The Cyclops Initiative for me was a rather quick read. Once I get into anything of Wellington’s I have a hard time putting it down. I read through the majority of the book in one sitting in one day. I think it really goes to show how well Wellington does at capturing your attention and holding onto it.
One thing that was disappointing about this entry to the Jim Chapel series, as well as the one before it, was the moving away of the series from the science fiction/monster element. When I think David Wellington I think science fiction and monsters. That element is what really drew me to Chimera. I read The Hydra Protocol hoping that would remain. While it was there it wasn’t nearly as key to the plot as in Chimera. Now that we’re at The Cyclops Initiative the science fiction/monster element is completely gone. I commend Wellington for looking to expand into other genres, I mean there are only so many ways to spin vampires, werewolves, and zombies, and I’ll continue to read everything his publishes, but to start this series with such a strong science fiction element and to slowly remove it entirely is a letdown. If you’re hoping to read this novel and experience science fiction woven into a spy thriller I think you may be disappointed.
On the other hand as a spy thriller and action novel, The Cyclops Initiative is solid at providing plenty of espionage while keeping you guessing at who is really pulling the strings of the US intelligence networks. The book is fast paced and while providing a constant pace of action. The plot twists and turns will keep you guessing throughout, one thing that Wellington has been very good at throughout the entire Jim Chapel series. The existing characters continue to be solid as well as the new ones. Overall the plot is intriguing while keeping you guessing until the end.
*****Possible spoilers below*****
As with most of Wellington’s books The Cyclops Initiative for me was a rather quick read. Once I get into anything of Wellington’s I have a hard time putting it down. I read through the majority of the book in one sitting in one day. I think it really goes to show how well Wellington does at capturing your attention and holding onto it.
One thing that was disappointing about this entry to the Jim Chapel series, as well as the one before it, was the moving away of the series from the science fiction/monster element. When I think David Wellington I think science fiction and monsters. That element is what really drew me to Chimera. I read The Hydra Protocol hoping that would remain. While it was there it wasn’t nearly as key to the plot as in Chimera. Now that we’re at The Cyclops Initiative the science fiction/monster element is completely gone. I commend Wellington for looking to expand into other genres, I mean there are only so many ways to spin vampires, werewolves, and zombies, and I’ll continue to read everything his publishes, but to start this series with such a strong science fiction element and to slowly remove it entirely is a letdown. If you’re hoping to read this novel and experience science fiction woven into a spy thriller I think you may be disappointed.
On the other hand as a spy thriller and action novel, The Cyclops Initiative is solid at providing plenty of espionage while keeping you guessing at who is really pulling the strings of the US intelligence networks. The book is fast paced and while providing a constant pace of action. The plot twists and turns will keep you guessing throughout, one thing that Wellington has been very good at throughout the entire Jim Chapel series. The existing characters continue to be solid as well as the new ones. Overall the plot is intriguing while keeping you guessing until the end.
*****Possible spoilers below*****
February 5, 2017
The United States is under attack by TERRORISTS. Who better to identify and retire the terrorists than super spy Jim Chapel? Although Chapel is a good spy on his own, what makes him super great is the voice whispering in his ear: the super-hacker Angel, his confidant and partner in super-spying. But then disaster: the terrorist is Angel?? That doesn't make any sense, so Chapel heads to Brooklyn to meet her for the very first time. The cops show up with guns, so Chapel and Angel wind up on the run from the government they work for! Off they go, along with Chapel's ex-girlfriend, who dumped him at the end of the second book for reasons. Stalking them is Wilkes, a marine who may well be a match for Chapel.
Breakneck pacing is this author's hallmark, so it was weird to find this book had moments where the characters could rest, if not relax. But that's just another way for Wellington to hit the reader with the unexpected. Seriously unexpected, like robot dogs and shit.
A few notes:
* "We've been cracking codes since World War I." Was that supposed to read 'WW2'? That would've been the Army Security Agency (which would become the NSA). It was the American Black Chamber cracking codes during WW1.
* "I am not a hacker" Ripped from the headlines!? This unfortunately American attitude is explored in Elliot Williams' essay A Tale of Two Countries.
* "But if the power doesn't come back soon ... this place is going to explode." Reminds me of how disciplined everyone was during the 2003 blackout and during Superstorm Sandy. Nowhere near as much rioting or panic as feared or claimed. Maybe New Jersey & New York are much more civilized than the rest of the country?
* "We're testing these robots for battlefield use" Fortunately for us bipeds, they are not quite there yet...
As is always the case, I had a blast, and David Wellington remains one of my favorite authors. Will we ever see Chapel, et al again? If not, that'd be a shame, because I love it when a protagonist would rather think through a problem then shoot it out, but it was fun while it lasted. I would say this was sooo much better than that Jason Bourne crap, but all I know about Bourne is the execrable 2016 movie, so I'll just say if you enjoy thrillers, you'll love this.
Breakneck pacing is this author's hallmark, so it was weird to find this book had moments where the characters could rest, if not relax. But that's just another way for Wellington to hit the reader with the unexpected. Seriously unexpected, like robot dogs and shit.
A few notes:
* "We've been cracking codes since World War I." Was that supposed to read 'WW2'? That would've been the Army Security Agency (which would become the NSA). It was the American Black Chamber cracking codes during WW1.
* "I am not a hacker" Ripped from the headlines!? This unfortunately American attitude is explored in Elliot Williams' essay A Tale of Two Countries.
* "But if the power doesn't come back soon ... this place is going to explode." Reminds me of how disciplined everyone was during the 2003 blackout and during Superstorm Sandy. Nowhere near as much rioting or panic as feared or claimed. Maybe New Jersey & New York are much more civilized than the rest of the country?
* "We're testing these robots for battlefield use" Fortunately for us bipeds, they are not quite there yet...
As is always the case, I had a blast, and David Wellington remains one of my favorite authors. Will we ever see Chapel, et al again? If not, that'd be a shame, because I love it when a protagonist would rather think through a problem then shoot it out, but it was fun while it lasted. I would say this was sooo much better than that Jason Bourne crap, but all I know about Bourne is the execrable 2016 movie, so I'll just say if you enjoy thrillers, you'll love this.
April 12, 2016
Disclaimer: I won this hard cover on a Goodreads giveaway. Reviews are encouraged, but not a must.
It had been many years since I had read a thriller so I didn't know exactly what to expect. First, let me say that while this one isn't a first in a series, it reads well and at no time was I lost because I hadn’t read the previous two.
In this book, we follow Chapel as he tries to unravel a conspiracy that could very well destroy the US. Angel, an agent (or is it a computer?) proficient in hacking, has disappeared from the map and has been accused of being behind the forces that are attacking the country with drones. I won't say more.
To be honest, I've seen a lot of movies/tv shows about hackers, and my hubby works for a server group so the jargon is not totally baffling to me; however, I'm guessing it could be overwhelming to some. Now, I can't say if all that was said is reliable, but it was plausible enough not to have me question the story. I had fun reading it, and we're not left with a cliffhanger. All's well wrapped up.
For people looking for action, conspiracy, and technology that blends all together well, this book is for you.
It had been many years since I had read a thriller so I didn't know exactly what to expect. First, let me say that while this one isn't a first in a series, it reads well and at no time was I lost because I hadn’t read the previous two.
In this book, we follow Chapel as he tries to unravel a conspiracy that could very well destroy the US. Angel, an agent (or is it a computer?) proficient in hacking, has disappeared from the map and has been accused of being behind the forces that are attacking the country with drones. I won't say more.
To be honest, I've seen a lot of movies/tv shows about hackers, and my hubby works for a server group so the jargon is not totally baffling to me; however, I'm guessing it could be overwhelming to some. Now, I can't say if all that was said is reliable, but it was plausible enough not to have me question the story. I had fun reading it, and we're not left with a cliffhanger. All's well wrapped up.
For people looking for action, conspiracy, and technology that blends all together well, this book is for you.
April 11, 2016
An action packed thriller with government intrigue and conspiracy. The characters are fleshed out and deliver realistic dialogue and behavior. Early on, you learn who some of the conspirators are which just means there is much more to be revealed later.
I feel as though I have read something similar and had to double check to make sure I hadn't already read this before I began keeping track of my literary adventures on Goodreads. Despite this letdown, I enjoyed the main character, flaws and all. The lucky breaks weren't overplayed, but the confessions of the traitors did seem too easily drawn out.
Overall, I'm giving this 3.5 stars and rounding down for the more graphic than necessary sex scenes which could have delivered the same message without the detail. Language was what one would expect from a story with people trying to kill each other.
* I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway *
I feel as though I have read something similar and had to double check to make sure I hadn't already read this before I began keeping track of my literary adventures on Goodreads. Despite this letdown, I enjoyed the main character, flaws and all. The lucky breaks weren't overplayed, but the confessions of the traitors did seem too easily drawn out.
Overall, I'm giving this 3.5 stars and rounding down for the more graphic than necessary sex scenes which could have delivered the same message without the detail. Language was what one would expect from a story with people trying to kill each other.
* I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway *
April 27, 2016
The United States infrastructure is under attack by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It's up to the Directorate for Defense Counter Intelligence agent, Jim Chapel to investigate and find out who is responsible. Further complicating his mission is the suspicion swirling around the Directorate that has led to the house arrest of Chapel's boss, the inactivation of Chapel's credit cards and the impending arrest of his handler, Angel. This is a fast paced read which should open the eyes of the reader to the dangers inherent in the US's current war operations employing UAVs and the security of their control. Add in a dose of electronic surveillance and you've got a recipe for disaster unless agent Chapel can discover and overcome the plotters. Another great goodreads giveaway award of a free book for this lucky reader!
April 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book via Goodreads FirstReads, in exchange for an honest review.
Not bad for your typical action/thriller novel. I did miss the sci-fi elements that the first two novels had. This one was more a straight up thriller. We finally get to know more about the mysterious Angel, but I wished her character had been developed a bit more. The book includes all the action you'd expect, including the obligatory sex scenes. Not an instant classic, but certainly entertaining when you want a little action in your summer reading list.
Not bad for your typical action/thriller novel. I did miss the sci-fi elements that the first two novels had. This one was more a straight up thriller. We finally get to know more about the mysterious Angel, but I wished her character had been developed a bit more. The book includes all the action you'd expect, including the obligatory sex scenes. Not an instant classic, but certainly entertaining when you want a little action in your summer reading list.
April 11, 2016
The Cyclops Initiative has government intrigue, action, a bit of romance, spies and more. The book is a thrill ride and almost impossible to put down once you pick it up (but unfortunately I have to work, so can't spend all my time reading). The book takes the reader all over the United States via drone attacks, flights for life and into the heart of the nation's capitol. Get your hands on a copy, you won't regret it.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
June 13, 2016
A great finish
I enjoyed this series very much. Like many of David Wellingtons novel series, I am sad that they are over with, but glad to have had the experience of reading them. This was the best book of the series. The characters grew to their fullest in this novel. I hope there will be more stories like these in the future.
I enjoyed this series very much. Like many of David Wellingtons novel series, I am sad that they are over with, but glad to have had the experience of reading them. This was the best book of the series. The characters grew to their fullest in this novel. I hope there will be more stories like these in the future.
October 26, 2016
Fast paced with a lot of action. Felt like I have read this before, but I hadn't. By the end of the book I am not sure where Wellington can take the characters. I felt let down with Angel and Chapel finally meeting. The dynamic between them has completely changed. This did not make it as enjoyable as other Chapel Novels. I get the feeling this is the last Jim Chapel mission.
April 6, 2017
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways on Jan 05, 2016 and received the book on Mar 03, 2016.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
April 26, 2016
I won this hard cover on a Goodreads giveaway. This is a thriller that I enjoyed.I have not read #1 or # 2 in this Jim Chapel series but I don't think it was needed to understand the characters.So don't be afraid.
April 26, 2016
Another excellent Jim Chapel mission. Some great new characters and excellent further development of old characters. It kept me guessing most of the time while still being reasonably believable.
Read
January 5, 2016A great thriller about Drones! Jim Chapel saves saves the US from a terrorist attack. Can't wait till the next entry in the Jim Chapel series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews