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Holly Lin/Nova Bartkowski Thrillers #2.5
First Kill: A Holly Lin Novella
In this new novella from USA Today bestselling author Robert Swartwood, available exclusively as an eBook, a young Holly Lin comes face to face with danger for the first time.
Oahu, Hawaii. Paradise to some, but to seventeen-year-old Holly Lin it's a place she'll never forget. A place where she's kidnapped by masked men. A place where she must find the strength to survive. A place that will take her one step closer to her first kill.
Includes a thrilling preview of Robert Swartwood's highly anticipated Holly Lin novel, The Devil You Know!
Oahu, Hawaii. Paradise to some, but to seventeen-year-old Holly Lin it's a place she'll never forget. A place where she's kidnapped by masked men. A place where she must find the strength to survive. A place that will take her one step closer to her first kill.
Includes a thrilling preview of Robert Swartwood's highly anticipated Holly Lin novel, The Devil You Know!
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2016
24 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Robert Swartwood
62 books307 followersUSA Today bestselling and ITW Thriller Award–winning author of The Serial Killer's Wife, The Killing Room, Man of Wax, and several other novels. He created the term "hint fiction" and edited Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 4, 2016
In this psychological thriller you follow along with Holly Lin on her first trip to the dark side of life. This exciting novella covers this young girl’s eight-hour baptism by fire. Holly is all attitude on the way to becoming a truly stand-up woman. And the ending is a real neck snapper.
This book is currently (August-September 2016) the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers Book of the Month group read. Come on over and join in the fun. http://botm.blackdogebooks.com/
This book is currently (August-September 2016) the Goodreads Psychological Thrillers Book of the Month group read. Come on over and join in the fun. http://botm.blackdogebooks.com/
July 1, 2016
Holly Lin is a deadly assassin...in No Shelter, her first book. This isn't a Holly Lin origin story but more of a pre-origin story. An action packed look at the first time her father's "military" work has an effect on her. I like how Holly has the same personality as in No Shelter without the hardened, hollow side.
First Kill is a stand alone novella with only the last page giving any reference to No Shelter. I had fun speeding through this one. I highly recommend this as well as No Shelter which includes the true Holly Lin origin story.
P.S. First Kill is only 99 cents this first week of release. Jump on it.
First Kill is a stand alone novella with only the last page giving any reference to No Shelter. I had fun speeding through this one. I highly recommend this as well as No Shelter which includes the true Holly Lin origin story.
P.S. First Kill is only 99 cents this first week of release. Jump on it.
August 11, 2017
Excellent prequel to a series about an Iraq War veteran, now "off the books" covert assassin Holly Lin. This novella sets up her back story as a kidnapped teenager in Hawaii and her complicated relationship with her mostly absent US Army father. Exiting and entertaining!
June 27, 2016
In this new novella from USA Today bestselling author Robert Swartwood, available exclusively as an eBook, a young Holly Lin comes face to face with danger for the first time.
Oahu, Hawaii. Paradise to some, but to seventeen-year-old Holly Lin it's a place she'll never forget. A place where she's kidnapped by masked men. A place where she must find the strength to survive. A place that will take her one step closer to her first kill.
Includes a thrilling preview of Robert Swartwood's highly anticipated Holly Lin novel, The Devil You Know!
What did I like? How can anyone not like a book that has the setting of Hawaii? I have been there and I just love the island life and all of the wonderful people. This novella is so packed and is so well written that it is hard to believe that it is that short. The characters are very developed and bring the storyline to the most amazing ending that I was stunned that it was over. I definitely will be continuing to read this series. I fell in love with Holly and her tenacity. The way that she handled her kidnapping was awesome and you can just imagine what the rest of her life will be like if she continues on like she is here. Her dad was the kick ass type and you can certainly see where she gets her traits from.
What will you like? A quick read that is packed with action and suspense. Never being able to put it down and thrilling to continue reading. Developed and well researched storyline that strives to keep you actively involved from page one. You can see the research and thought put into the work and the intricately involved mystery and suspense that evolves from the first meeting of Holly and her kidnappers to the riveting ending. Never in your wildest imagination would suspect this outcome! Definitely a great start to what I believe will be a dynamite series.
“I received this for being an advanced reader for the author. Besides getting all the good books in advance of hitting the market and have the opportunity to share my remarks, I love to being part of the team that watches a young author as they develop their own style and become better and better with each book that they pen”.
Oahu, Hawaii. Paradise to some, but to seventeen-year-old Holly Lin it's a place she'll never forget. A place where she's kidnapped by masked men. A place where she must find the strength to survive. A place that will take her one step closer to her first kill.
Includes a thrilling preview of Robert Swartwood's highly anticipated Holly Lin novel, The Devil You Know!
What did I like? How can anyone not like a book that has the setting of Hawaii? I have been there and I just love the island life and all of the wonderful people. This novella is so packed and is so well written that it is hard to believe that it is that short. The characters are very developed and bring the storyline to the most amazing ending that I was stunned that it was over. I definitely will be continuing to read this series. I fell in love with Holly and her tenacity. The way that she handled her kidnapping was awesome and you can just imagine what the rest of her life will be like if she continues on like she is here. Her dad was the kick ass type and you can certainly see where she gets her traits from.
What will you like? A quick read that is packed with action and suspense. Never being able to put it down and thrilling to continue reading. Developed and well researched storyline that strives to keep you actively involved from page one. You can see the research and thought put into the work and the intricately involved mystery and suspense that evolves from the first meeting of Holly and her kidnappers to the riveting ending. Never in your wildest imagination would suspect this outcome! Definitely a great start to what I believe will be a dynamite series.
“I received this for being an advanced reader for the author. Besides getting all the good books in advance of hitting the market and have the opportunity to share my remarks, I love to being part of the team that watches a young author as they develop their own style and become better and better with each book that they pen”.
July 27, 2016
I do not usually turn to novellas/ short stories for my reading pleasure because character development is my thing, and I don't usually get this from novellas BUT.... this was an exceptional read and smartly written, and I got everything that I wanted from it !
It was a book that once started, I never put it down. It had me hooked and it was all because of the main character and kidnap victim, 17 year old Holly Lin. She is SOMETHING ELSE !! She is funny, fearless, clever, stubborn, sarcastic, smart but above all RESOURCEFUL, doing and coming up with things to escape a dire situation that for a girl her age, and against all odds, IMO, were remarkable ! And finding out the truth about her father's military background was an interesting part of her story and she even took that in stride.
Holly made this little novella sparkle and shine, and I recommend it for a light, quick but GOOD read!
It was a book that once started, I never put it down. It had me hooked and it was all because of the main character and kidnap victim, 17 year old Holly Lin. She is SOMETHING ELSE !! She is funny, fearless, clever, stubborn, sarcastic, smart but above all RESOURCEFUL, doing and coming up with things to escape a dire situation that for a girl her age, and against all odds, IMO, were remarkable ! And finding out the truth about her father's military background was an interesting part of her story and she even took that in stride.
Holly made this little novella sparkle and shine, and I recommend it for a light, quick but GOOD read!
June 29, 2016
Been a Long Time since No Shelter (A Holly Lin Novel Book 1) and What was the Original Author Name Robert used?
Think I originally read it about 4 - 5 years ago? Still remember the Truck-Chase Scene...
Well, This Novella is Short (That's the Nature of the Beast) BUT a lot is packed in just 84 pages (Don't let that hold you back from purchasing this Holly Lin Story!)... Robert Swartwood is a Master at Not Wasting Words! Each one is carefully placed for Maximum Impact!
Ready for "Devil You Know"...
Thank You for the ARC, Robert - That's MY Honest and Un-Coerced (That a Word?) Review and Opinion...AND I woulda written the exact same words had I purchased this novella!
NOTE Also, IF You Like the Holly Lin Series, There's Bullet Rain - A Nova Bartkowski Novel (Holly Lin Series) which features Holly Indirectly and is another Great Read!
Think I originally read it about 4 - 5 years ago? Still remember the Truck-Chase Scene...
Well, This Novella is Short (That's the Nature of the Beast) BUT a lot is packed in just 84 pages (Don't let that hold you back from purchasing this Holly Lin Story!)... Robert Swartwood is a Master at Not Wasting Words! Each one is carefully placed for Maximum Impact!
Ready for "Devil You Know"...
Thank You for the ARC, Robert - That's MY Honest and Un-Coerced (That a Word?) Review and Opinion...AND I woulda written the exact same words had I purchased this novella!
NOTE Also, IF You Like the Holly Lin Series, There's Bullet Rain - A Nova Bartkowski Novel (Holly Lin Series) which features Holly Indirectly and is another Great Read!
August 8, 2016
I read First Kill as part of a Goodreads book of the month club selection. I have purchased a book by Robert Swartwood before, but I have not started reading the book. So when his book, First Kill, was chosen, I was glad to purchase this book. As the title states, it is a novella, so it is a quick read. As a fan of the Taken movie series, I was overjoyed about First Kill after reading about the storyline of this book. I was impressed with the pace, characters and overall story of First Kill. Mr. Swartwood did an outstanding job of creating a fun and invigorating story. This if one of my favorite books I have read this year.
August 12, 2016
I didn't know what a novella is, so I took a chance on selecting this book for our August read, and it turned out pretty good. This is about a girl named Holly, who is around 17-18, and she seems to have met someone who she feels comfortable to hang out with. Chazz is not your average guy. Holly seems to be in a bind, and blindfolds to not know where she is headed. But as the time dwendles down, Holly has to figure out an escape, but of course Father of the year pops up in a way that only YOU can imagine. Love the scene. If you like the movie " TRUE LIES " you will love this book.
August 12, 2016
Count Down Begins...
This was August BOTM read for our psychological thriller group at Goodreads. This was a good read, short, fast and kept you looking around the corner and wondering what the count down was for which I never figured out but it has another book behind this one so maybe it will fill in some of the questions that was left unanswered...
This was August BOTM read for our psychological thriller group at Goodreads. This was a good read, short, fast and kept you looking around the corner and wondering what the count down was for which I never figured out but it has another book behind this one so maybe it will fill in some of the questions that was left unanswered...
May 10, 2024
This is the origin story of one of one of Swartwood’s highly lethal characters. Holly is a high school girl looking to sneak out and have a date with a boy she has recently met. Unfortunately, it turns out that he is working with a group of people trying to force her father to do something for them. Holly didn't know her father isn't just a sergeant in the army, and she finds that she really doesn't like being compelled to do anything.
It's a very fast-moving story in which Holly is forced to discover just what's she's willing to do to gain her freedom and stay alive. I haven't actually any of Swartwood's books where Holly appears as a character yet. I guess I will now.
It's a very fast-moving story in which Holly is forced to discover just what's she's willing to do to gain her freedom and stay alive. I haven't actually any of Swartwood's books where Holly appears as a character yet. I guess I will now.
July 12, 2017
Totally enjoyed this story. The beginning of the book starts with Holly as your typical teenager, but she did not act like the typical teenager the last half of this short story. WAY too smart beyond her years. Holly is entertaining as all get out to read though! I purchased the next book in the series. :-)
January 29, 2021
A great kickstart to a series, the Holly Lin prequel sets the tone for the forthcoming series featuring Holly Lin. Fast-paced, and full of action, the story moves along briskly fleshing out the characters just enough to keep you reading and filling in the blanks with some nefarious Russians intent on retrieving something taken from them. Quick, fun read - I'll be reading others in the series.
August 31, 2017
This novella is about Holly Lin as a teenager and her first exposure to the world she will become a part of. I loved this book, likely because I read the Holly Lin novels and love them. It is a fun look at "pre badass" Holly
January 11, 2022
Before Her First Kill
It's Holly Lin's story as a Teen before her First Kill. The author is Robert Swartwood. It's a given it's going to be an excellent read. Love this series, hope there are many more.
It's Holly Lin's story as a Teen before her First Kill. The author is Robert Swartwood. It's a given it's going to be an excellent read. Love this series, hope there are many more.
November 5, 2021
Exceptional
Great read. Great characters. Very exciting. Can't wait to read the next book! A lot of character development in such a short book, and great writing style!
Great read. Great characters. Very exciting. Can't wait to read the next book! A lot of character development in such a short book, and great writing style!
August 24, 2016
So, First Kill is August’s Book of the Month in a group I am a part of on Goodreads. Being a novella, I figured this was a good one to read to get back involved in that community.
This is my first Robert Swartwood book, and I think I am intrigued to read more. I have gathered that he usually writes full-length novels, so my next experience with his writing should be interesting.
First Kill is a bit of an unrealistic book. A 17-year-old taking on a bunch of people at once typically wouldn’t happen in real life. That said, the action kept the pace of the book fast, and Holly was an interesting enough character to keep reading.
There are more books with her as the protagonist, so maybe I will finish her series.
If you like action books or thrillers, I think you will like this book. It is packed full of action, and the suspense keeps you guessing.
It was a positive first experience with Robert Swartwood, and I look forward to the next book.
4/5 Stars
This is my first Robert Swartwood book, and I think I am intrigued to read more. I have gathered that he usually writes full-length novels, so my next experience with his writing should be interesting.
First Kill is a bit of an unrealistic book. A 17-year-old taking on a bunch of people at once typically wouldn’t happen in real life. That said, the action kept the pace of the book fast, and Holly was an interesting enough character to keep reading.
There are more books with her as the protagonist, so maybe I will finish her series.
If you like action books or thrillers, I think you will like this book. It is packed full of action, and the suspense keeps you guessing.
It was a positive first experience with Robert Swartwood, and I look forward to the next book.
4/5 Stars
January 28, 2017
This book reminded me of the movie TRUE LIES. Here you have a girl who is trying to sneak out of the house to have a hot date, and wind up getting slammed and gun holding Annie Oakley. Holly was just your average sneak out 17 year old girl just wanting to date, and ends up with a handful of drama, and not knowing whats really going on in her home, and the funny thing is she has parents who don't know whats going on with each other. The drawn out process of her running thru the ship was a bit too much drag out, which made the book stretch out too many pages of running up and down the stairs and in-between barrels...that's why the book lagged a bit for me.
June 30, 2016
If you have to get up early next morning don't start reading this at night, I did and couldn't put it down till the last page was turned - fantastic [rollercoaster] read, I was so awake I started to re-read The Serial Killer's Wife which was the first book to get me hooked on Robert Swartwood
July 28, 2016
After two selections on Kindle, the Psychological Thriller group has a short one on Nook. This is okay--one plot twist, a lot of action.
June 20, 2016
Read this as a treat from the author - LOVE IT, LOVE IT - can't wait for more !!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews