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Nadia Laksheva Spy Thriller #1
66 Metres
The only thing worth killing for is family.
Everyone said she had her father’s eyes. A killer’s eyes. Nadia knew that on the bitterly cold streets of Moscow, she could never escape her past – but in just a few days, she would finally be free.
Bound to work for Kadinsky for five years, she has just one last mission to complete. Yet when she is instructed to capture The Rose, a military weapon shrouded in secrecy, Nadia finds herself trapped in a deadly game of global espionage.
And the only man she can trust is the one sent to spy on her…
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2016
61 people are currently reading
6983 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Kirwan
5 books368 followersJ. F. Kirwan is the author of the Nadia Laksheva thriller series for HarperCollins. Having worked in accident investigation and prevention in nuclear, offshore oil and gas and aviation sectors, he uses his experience of how accidents initially build slowly, then race towards a climax, to plot his novels.
An instructor in both scuba diving and martial arts, he travels extensively all over the world, and loves to set his novels in exotic locations. He is also an insomniac who writes in the dead of night. His favourite authors include Lee Child, David Baldacci and Andy McNab.
An instructor in both scuba diving and martial arts, he travels extensively all over the world, and loves to set his novels in exotic locations. He is also an insomniac who writes in the dead of night. His favourite authors include Lee Child, David Baldacci and Andy McNab.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 4, 2018
5☆ Jam Packed Full of Action, Thrills & Suspense! Prepared to be left breathless!
66 Metres is the first book in the Nadia Laksheva spy thriller series.
It was action packed, thrilling, a race against time, good vs bad, it was real adrenaline rush.
There was a fair amount of deep sea diving, which actually took my breath away. I felt as though it was me going underwater.
It was a lil claustrophobic but in a good way as it felt so real.
When Nadia and her sister get caught up in the underground world that belonged to Russian Mobster Kadinsky.
He sees potential in Nadia. She had lots of potential. He would train her for 10 missions over 5years then he would let her go and her sister.
Katya is Nadia's Sister. She is Kadinsky play thing. She is his 'whore'.
So Nadia agrees in the hope that Kadinsky is a man of his word. After all he certainly isn't a man to be messed with he oozes danger and power!
Nadia is very strong, level headed, kick ass spy, extremely good at her job, she is great at shooting targets and her love for deep sea diving simply shines through. However she does have this vulnerable side that makes the reader really warm to her.
So when Nadia' s final mission is played out.
Things don't quiet go to plan.
There is double crossing, murder, and then there is 'The Rose' which is what Nadia is sent to recover.
When she finds out Exactly what the Rose is she is petrified of it getting into the wrong hands.
But she also knows Katya & her freedom depends on it.
From the minute the Rose enters Nadia' s hands things just keep getting more and more dangerous!
When Nadia dumps the Rose at the bottom of the ocean with a tracker device she realises it's gone down 66Metres.
Although she is a fantastic diver.... 66 Metres is extremely dangerous.
She needs help but who can she trust.
With no one to turn too she has to use her gut instinct as time is running out!
There are several characters within the story, Jake is an Ex agent of M16, however he is never really free of them.
Jake is one of the best divers but he takes risks, very scary risks. So when an agent approaches Jake for one last mission... uncover the Rose... he can't say no!!
Jake is haunted by his past so he is a little bit of a live wire.
I have to admit I wasn't sure about this book to start with and nearly stopped reading.
But I am soooo glad I continued as it was an action packed adventure that held my attention, had me on the edge of my seat, championing Nadia to succeed and be free.
It had the perfect blend of action, thrills, delightful twists, and pulse racing moments.
The deep diving literally had me breathless. It made me feel like it was me in the diving suit!
Kirwan intricately detailed every little detail making it feel so real!
For that I applaud him! 👏 I've never read a book where I've felt so involved.
Nadia is one hell of a main character who grew from strength to strength.
I just can't wait to see what's next in store!
If you are looking for a book that is jam packed full of Thrills, Suspense & Action that has a spy feel and a Kick Ass Women Main Character... Then you should definitely give this book a read!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
66 Metres is the first book in the Nadia Laksheva spy thriller series.
It was action packed, thrilling, a race against time, good vs bad, it was real adrenaline rush.
There was a fair amount of deep sea diving, which actually took my breath away. I felt as though it was me going underwater.
It was a lil claustrophobic but in a good way as it felt so real.
When Nadia and her sister get caught up in the underground world that belonged to Russian Mobster Kadinsky.
He sees potential in Nadia. She had lots of potential. He would train her for 10 missions over 5years then he would let her go and her sister.
Katya is Nadia's Sister. She is Kadinsky play thing. She is his 'whore'.
So Nadia agrees in the hope that Kadinsky is a man of his word. After all he certainly isn't a man to be messed with he oozes danger and power!
Nadia is very strong, level headed, kick ass spy, extremely good at her job, she is great at shooting targets and her love for deep sea diving simply shines through. However she does have this vulnerable side that makes the reader really warm to her.
So when Nadia' s final mission is played out.
Things don't quiet go to plan.
There is double crossing, murder, and then there is 'The Rose' which is what Nadia is sent to recover.
When she finds out Exactly what the Rose is she is petrified of it getting into the wrong hands.
But she also knows Katya & her freedom depends on it.
From the minute the Rose enters Nadia' s hands things just keep getting more and more dangerous!
When Nadia dumps the Rose at the bottom of the ocean with a tracker device she realises it's gone down 66Metres.
Although she is a fantastic diver.... 66 Metres is extremely dangerous.
She needs help but who can she trust.
With no one to turn too she has to use her gut instinct as time is running out!
There are several characters within the story, Jake is an Ex agent of M16, however he is never really free of them.
Jake is one of the best divers but he takes risks, very scary risks. So when an agent approaches Jake for one last mission... uncover the Rose... he can't say no!!
Jake is haunted by his past so he is a little bit of a live wire.
I have to admit I wasn't sure about this book to start with and nearly stopped reading.
But I am soooo glad I continued as it was an action packed adventure that held my attention, had me on the edge of my seat, championing Nadia to succeed and be free.
It had the perfect blend of action, thrills, delightful twists, and pulse racing moments.
The deep diving literally had me breathless. It made me feel like it was me in the diving suit!
Kirwan intricately detailed every little detail making it feel so real!
For that I applaud him! 👏 I've never read a book where I've felt so involved.
Nadia is one hell of a main character who grew from strength to strength.
I just can't wait to see what's next in store!
If you are looking for a book that is jam packed full of Thrills, Suspense & Action that has a spy feel and a Kick Ass Women Main Character... Then you should definitely give this book a read!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
February 5, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
As daft as it might seem, I actually read book two, 37 Hours, and book three, 88° North, before I got around to reading this book, so it was nice to be able to see exactly where Nadia’s story began.
When she was just a little girl Nadia Laksheva watched as men burst into her home and dragged her father out, he was never seen again. She spent years feeling guilty, believing that she could of helped him. Her relationship with her mother was fraught, and so on the day she turned 18 Nadia packed up her belongings and headed to where her older sister Katya lived, much to the disapproval of her mother who warned her she would become a killer like her father, or a prostitute like her sister.
A lapse in judgement was her downfall, and the beginning of a life she never wanted to lead. She was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Luckily, or unluckily for her, Katya managed to pull some strings and get her released.
Unfortunately, it would seem that Katya had made a bargain with Russian mobster Kadinsky, who realised how big an asset Nadia could be for him. She was to work for him for five years, complete 10 dangerous missions, and then the pair of them would be free to live their own lives.
After the prologue, chapter one opens up five years later and Nadia is on her final job in London, but this one if far tougher than the rest. She knows that Katya and her life depends on completing this task, but there are people out to double cross Kadinsky, and that means double crossing her too.
The mission was to get the ‘Rose’, but when it ends up 66 metres under the ocean, Nadia needs to work out fast how she is going to retrieve it, and who she can trust to help her. Fail this mission and her sister will be killed.
66 Metres is a fast paced, edgy novel set in the criminal underworld of the Russia Mafia. The book has great characters on both sides of good and evil, including the protagonist of the trilogy, Nadia, who is one kick arse female.
Having read the other two books in the series I kind of knew where this book was heading, but even I was surprised at some of the directions it took. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. There is so much happening all the time and the plot is certainly intense.
The book is totally addictive, and if you love thrillers, then this is a series not to miss.
As daft as it might seem, I actually read book two, 37 Hours, and book three, 88° North, before I got around to reading this book, so it was nice to be able to see exactly where Nadia’s story began.
When she was just a little girl Nadia Laksheva watched as men burst into her home and dragged her father out, he was never seen again. She spent years feeling guilty, believing that she could of helped him. Her relationship with her mother was fraught, and so on the day she turned 18 Nadia packed up her belongings and headed to where her older sister Katya lived, much to the disapproval of her mother who warned her she would become a killer like her father, or a prostitute like her sister.
A lapse in judgement was her downfall, and the beginning of a life she never wanted to lead. She was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Luckily, or unluckily for her, Katya managed to pull some strings and get her released.
Unfortunately, it would seem that Katya had made a bargain with Russian mobster Kadinsky, who realised how big an asset Nadia could be for him. She was to work for him for five years, complete 10 dangerous missions, and then the pair of them would be free to live their own lives.
After the prologue, chapter one opens up five years later and Nadia is on her final job in London, but this one if far tougher than the rest. She knows that Katya and her life depends on completing this task, but there are people out to double cross Kadinsky, and that means double crossing her too.
The mission was to get the ‘Rose’, but when it ends up 66 metres under the ocean, Nadia needs to work out fast how she is going to retrieve it, and who she can trust to help her. Fail this mission and her sister will be killed.
66 Metres is a fast paced, edgy novel set in the criminal underworld of the Russia Mafia. The book has great characters on both sides of good and evil, including the protagonist of the trilogy, Nadia, who is one kick arse female.
Having read the other two books in the series I kind of knew where this book was heading, but even I was surprised at some of the directions it took. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. There is so much happening all the time and the plot is certainly intense.
The book is totally addictive, and if you love thrillers, then this is a series not to miss.
February 6, 2018
3.5* --> 4*
66 Metres introduces us to Nadia Luksheva, who has been forced to undertake missions to keep her sister safe from harm. For the past five years, Nadia has been working for Kadinsky, who’s been holding her sister prisoner as an incentive. But now Nadia has just one last mission to complete and she and her sister will be allowed to go free.
Nadia is instructed to retrieve a device, a military weapon called The Rose. But as is always the case with things like these, there are of course a whole bunch of other people who’d love to get their hands on a weapon like The Rose. It seems Nadia will have little choice but to trust just one man and as it happens, he’s been sent to spy on her.
66 Metres is a well-paced spy thriller. There are a lot of players in this story, most of them with bad intentions. Stating the obvious. 😄. Yet Nadia’s character manages to stand out from the crowd effortlessly. Her background alone makes for a fascinating story. She’s determined not to turn out like her father, who was a killer. So far, despite all the circumstances she’s found herself in, she’s been able to stay true to herself. Even after everything she’s been through, she still firmly knows the difference between right and wrong. But when pushed, how far will she go to protect her sister?
Like I mentioned, The Rose is the perfect weapon for any terrorist or government and thus a hot commodity. We get most of the usual suspects chasing it down, from a rogue CIA operator to MI6 to a bunch of mean and cruel Russians. There’s also quite a lot of diving going on. For someone who knows nothing about any of that (eek, water!), I thought I might either get bored or freaked out. But that didn’t happen. I’ve actually learned quite a lot and the underwater scenes really added to the atmosphere.
All in all, 66 Metres is a highly entertaining and complex tale full of deceit, backstabbing and the games powerful people play that takes us from London to Frankfurt to the Scilly Islands to Russia. Fabulous locations and a well-crafted story that would make for a super spy thriller movie. This is the first instalment in the Luksheva series and I very much look forward to reading the follow-up, 38 Hours.
66 Metres introduces us to Nadia Luksheva, who has been forced to undertake missions to keep her sister safe from harm. For the past five years, Nadia has been working for Kadinsky, who’s been holding her sister prisoner as an incentive. But now Nadia has just one last mission to complete and she and her sister will be allowed to go free.
Nadia is instructed to retrieve a device, a military weapon called The Rose. But as is always the case with things like these, there are of course a whole bunch of other people who’d love to get their hands on a weapon like The Rose. It seems Nadia will have little choice but to trust just one man and as it happens, he’s been sent to spy on her.
66 Metres is a well-paced spy thriller. There are a lot of players in this story, most of them with bad intentions. Stating the obvious. 😄. Yet Nadia’s character manages to stand out from the crowd effortlessly. Her background alone makes for a fascinating story. She’s determined not to turn out like her father, who was a killer. So far, despite all the circumstances she’s found herself in, she’s been able to stay true to herself. Even after everything she’s been through, she still firmly knows the difference between right and wrong. But when pushed, how far will she go to protect her sister?
Like I mentioned, The Rose is the perfect weapon for any terrorist or government and thus a hot commodity. We get most of the usual suspects chasing it down, from a rogue CIA operator to MI6 to a bunch of mean and cruel Russians. There’s also quite a lot of diving going on. For someone who knows nothing about any of that (eek, water!), I thought I might either get bored or freaked out. But that didn’t happen. I’ve actually learned quite a lot and the underwater scenes really added to the atmosphere.
All in all, 66 Metres is a highly entertaining and complex tale full of deceit, backstabbing and the games powerful people play that takes us from London to Frankfurt to the Scilly Islands to Russia. Fabulous locations and a well-crafted story that would make for a super spy thriller movie. This is the first instalment in the Luksheva series and I very much look forward to reading the follow-up, 38 Hours.
July 31, 2017
I wouldn’t say a spy thriller would be top of my list of choices to read but I’m gradually coming round to this sub-genre, having read Rob Sinclair’s Enemy and James Ryker series. So when I was asked to read 66 Metres, I was interested to explore another spy story.
The characters in 66 Metres are larger than life but it’s not at the detriment of the book. I think that this adds to the complex tale that the author has woven across a number of locations, the main of which is the Scilly Islands which I must admit I don’t know too much about.
I really liked Nadia even though she’s kind of the baddie in all of this. She’s a strong woman, not to be messed with but she’s a woman of principle. She’s made a promise to her mother and she’s sticking to it, no matter what. And that sisterly bond she has with Katya; Nadia will do anything for her little sister!
Oh and Jake !! I got this hunky surfer dude type image in my head, a bit weathered from his time in the deep depths but in a rugged kind of way!!
The author’s writing is fast paced – you hit the ground running, or should I say the Thames diving?! When you read the book you’ll see what I mean! I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next, who would get the Rose!? Would Nadia and Katya be released from Kadinsky’s hold?
I thought I would enjoy this book when I started it but I was surprised by how much as I read through to the end. The climax at the end seemed to just keep giving. I’ll definitely be reading 37 Hours and the forthcoming 88˚ North.
Many thanks to J F Kirwan and Thick As Thieves Publicity & Promo Services for my e-copy of 66 Metres. I look forward to seeing what’s ahead for Nadia!
The characters in 66 Metres are larger than life but it’s not at the detriment of the book. I think that this adds to the complex tale that the author has woven across a number of locations, the main of which is the Scilly Islands which I must admit I don’t know too much about.
I really liked Nadia even though she’s kind of the baddie in all of this. She’s a strong woman, not to be messed with but she’s a woman of principle. She’s made a promise to her mother and she’s sticking to it, no matter what. And that sisterly bond she has with Katya; Nadia will do anything for her little sister!
Oh and Jake !! I got this hunky surfer dude type image in my head, a bit weathered from his time in the deep depths but in a rugged kind of way!!
The author’s writing is fast paced – you hit the ground running, or should I say the Thames diving?! When you read the book you’ll see what I mean! I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next, who would get the Rose!? Would Nadia and Katya be released from Kadinsky’s hold?
I thought I would enjoy this book when I started it but I was surprised by how much as I read through to the end. The climax at the end seemed to just keep giving. I’ll definitely be reading 37 Hours and the forthcoming 88˚ North.
Many thanks to J F Kirwan and Thick As Thieves Publicity & Promo Services for my e-copy of 66 Metres. I look forward to seeing what’s ahead for Nadia!
January 2, 2018
66 Metres is a fantastic thriller. The whole diving thing was so interesting and the atmosphere created so perfectly, I felt completely in the setting.
The characters are cool- Russian characters always are, even the mean ones- and the plot, even though the usual 'terrorist' kind of thing, was actually really well beefed out- the main plot and the subplots, equally.
I will definitely be continuing with the series!
The characters are cool- Russian characters always are, even the mean ones- and the plot, even though the usual 'terrorist' kind of thing, was actually really well beefed out- the main plot and the subplots, equally.
I will definitely be continuing with the series!
February 4, 2018
66 METRES by J.F. Kirwan is a spy thriller with a difference and a must-read for fans of the genre.
Nadia's life in Russia has never been normal with a killer for a father and a cold, distant mother. Her love for her sister is what keeps her going and when their lives are threatened, Nadia signs away her life for five years to gain freedom for her and her sibling.
Five years of training and missions for a Russian criminal thug has certainly taken its toll but as Nadia finds herself diving into the Thames to retrieve a package known as The Rose, this will be her final operation and she can live a happy, quiet life with her sister. But Nadia should know that nothing is ever straight-forward and so begins a dangerous, action-packed race against time ...
66 METRES by J.F. Kirwan was such an interesting and different read, especially with the added detail of diving and all that entails. Nadia has had such a harsh life and even though she has become hardened and tough from what her life has become, there is still a sense of vulnerability and she has retained the element of knowing right from wrong which is often missing from main characters in this genre.
The plot is well-paced, and while it did take me a little while to get into the story, I soon couldn't put it down.
66 METRES by J.F. Kirwan is a masterly story of hardship, danger, lies, and power and is definitely worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the blog tour organiser
Nadia's life in Russia has never been normal with a killer for a father and a cold, distant mother. Her love for her sister is what keeps her going and when their lives are threatened, Nadia signs away her life for five years to gain freedom for her and her sibling.
Five years of training and missions for a Russian criminal thug has certainly taken its toll but as Nadia finds herself diving into the Thames to retrieve a package known as The Rose, this will be her final operation and she can live a happy, quiet life with her sister. But Nadia should know that nothing is ever straight-forward and so begins a dangerous, action-packed race against time ...
66 METRES by J.F. Kirwan was such an interesting and different read, especially with the added detail of diving and all that entails. Nadia has had such a harsh life and even though she has become hardened and tough from what her life has become, there is still a sense of vulnerability and she has retained the element of knowing right from wrong which is often missing from main characters in this genre.
The plot is well-paced, and while it did take me a little while to get into the story, I soon couldn't put it down.
66 METRES by J.F. Kirwan is a masterly story of hardship, danger, lies, and power and is definitely worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the blog tour organiser
April 14, 2017
The first novel in J. F. Kirwan’s Nadia Laksheva series introduces a heroine that readers are bound to fall hard for. “The only thing worth killing for is family,” reads the book’s telling dedication, and as readers meet Nadia and her family, they’re led down a seedy storyline involving government corruption, a labyrinth of dead ends and lost leads.
66 Metres brings readers along for a rollicking and fast-paced ride that includes undersea interludes (66 meters is the depth at which air begins to become toxic to deep-water divers), as well as to Russia, London, and other exotic locales. Those looking for a cinematic and action-packed read will find it here, especially when Nadia’s swimming away from a downed helicopter in the Thames, or dodging spears fired from Navy SEALS.
Check out the rest of my review at my link text
66 Metres brings readers along for a rollicking and fast-paced ride that includes undersea interludes (66 meters is the depth at which air begins to become toxic to deep-water divers), as well as to Russia, London, and other exotic locales. Those looking for a cinematic and action-packed read will find it here, especially when Nadia’s swimming away from a downed helicopter in the Thames, or dodging spears fired from Navy SEALS.
Check out the rest of my review at my link text
June 29, 2017
review to be posted on tour date
May 8, 2017
*I received a free e-copy of this book in return for an honest review as part of a review competition by Books and the Bear.*
I normally avoid thriller novels, especially if they have the word ‘spy’ anywhere in the blurb, but I confess that this book had me hooked from the Prologue. It provided just the right amount of characterisation, background and plot set-up to be intriguing without giving away what the actual plot would be or falling into lengthy descriptive prose.
I found myself immediately invested in the welfare of the protagonist, Nadia, and her gangster-trapped sister, Katya, and her 5 year arrangement with said gangster, Kadinsky, in exchange for their lives makes it clear what the stakes are, so when the story begins 5 years later, we know with instant narrative tension that she is on the last hurdle. The job involves a massive international threat, but for the participating characters it is definitely a personal affair.
From reading the information about the author, I am aware that he is a diver, and combined with the title of the novel, I was concerned that things were going to get overly technical, but I needn’t have worried on that count. The information provided is clear, in context and not too overwhelming…a tricky balance well-achieved. I actually found myself fascinated by the dive sequences and the potential for watery disaster was a clever addition to the human threats for ratcheting up the reader anxiety.
In terms of supporting characters, the author has kept it relatively simple and therefore easy to follow in the heat of the action: the tragic hero ally, the rogue CIA agent, the sadistic torturer and the regretful assassin are Nadia’s main competition for narrative point of view. Other disposable friends, divers and skippers are named but not overly dwelt upon, keeping the focus tight on the plotline. The switching of narrative viewpoint is effective as it shows even the most ‘evil’ character can have some sympathetic traits once you see their motives through their own eyes.
Having said I’m not a thriller fan, I could not stop reading. I just had to see where this book went, and unusually for me (I’m a good guesser with so many previous books in my memory banks to draw on) I had no idea how the characters would resolve the challenges they faced, who would survive, or how it would all end.
I’m happy to say that it ended with some big questions unresolved…setting things up nicely for the next instalment in what I hope is a long series!
Reviewed by Steph, Bookshine and Readbows
I normally avoid thriller novels, especially if they have the word ‘spy’ anywhere in the blurb, but I confess that this book had me hooked from the Prologue. It provided just the right amount of characterisation, background and plot set-up to be intriguing without giving away what the actual plot would be or falling into lengthy descriptive prose.
I found myself immediately invested in the welfare of the protagonist, Nadia, and her gangster-trapped sister, Katya, and her 5 year arrangement with said gangster, Kadinsky, in exchange for their lives makes it clear what the stakes are, so when the story begins 5 years later, we know with instant narrative tension that she is on the last hurdle. The job involves a massive international threat, but for the participating characters it is definitely a personal affair.
From reading the information about the author, I am aware that he is a diver, and combined with the title of the novel, I was concerned that things were going to get overly technical, but I needn’t have worried on that count. The information provided is clear, in context and not too overwhelming…a tricky balance well-achieved. I actually found myself fascinated by the dive sequences and the potential for watery disaster was a clever addition to the human threats for ratcheting up the reader anxiety.
In terms of supporting characters, the author has kept it relatively simple and therefore easy to follow in the heat of the action: the tragic hero ally, the rogue CIA agent, the sadistic torturer and the regretful assassin are Nadia’s main competition for narrative point of view. Other disposable friends, divers and skippers are named but not overly dwelt upon, keeping the focus tight on the plotline. The switching of narrative viewpoint is effective as it shows even the most ‘evil’ character can have some sympathetic traits once you see their motives through their own eyes.
Having said I’m not a thriller fan, I could not stop reading. I just had to see where this book went, and unusually for me (I’m a good guesser with so many previous books in my memory banks to draw on) I had no idea how the characters would resolve the challenges they faced, who would survive, or how it would all end.
I’m happy to say that it ended with some big questions unresolved…setting things up nicely for the next instalment in what I hope is a long series!
Reviewed by Steph, Bookshine and Readbows
February 2, 2018
I am often a bit reluctant about starting a new series because often they start good and go downhill or they just mean that I'm committed to reading too many books in order to keep up. There aren't that many series that I read and follow but something about the blurb for 66 Metres appealed to me.
I have dived before, quite a few times before I unfortunately got the bends (long story but it was because I was dehydrated from being seasick rather than anything I did) but that scared me enough to put me off diving again. But I loved doing it and so I have to admit that I really enjoyed the diving scenes in this book, of which there are many, they felt realistic and the author clearly knows what he is talking about. My dives were more about looking at pretty fish so not really similar to the dives in the book, although I did do a shipwreck dive, but because I'm not a spy there was none of the excitement as there was in the book.
Nadia was a character that I wasn't completely sure about. Although she was forced into the situation that she was in in order to protect someone that she loves she has a constant battle with herself over whether she was a good person or if she could be a killer. She's clearly smart and desperate to be out of the situation that she is in but will that desperation cause her to break her own ethics and will she drag totally innocent people into her dangerous world in order to complete her mission?
The book is well paced, there is plenty of action to keep the reader hooked but there are also slower sections where we learn more about the main characters. I really enjoyed reading 66 metres and I'm really looking forward to finding out what comes next for Nadia in book two.
I have dived before, quite a few times before I unfortunately got the bends (long story but it was because I was dehydrated from being seasick rather than anything I did) but that scared me enough to put me off diving again. But I loved doing it and so I have to admit that I really enjoyed the diving scenes in this book, of which there are many, they felt realistic and the author clearly knows what he is talking about. My dives were more about looking at pretty fish so not really similar to the dives in the book, although I did do a shipwreck dive, but because I'm not a spy there was none of the excitement as there was in the book.
Nadia was a character that I wasn't completely sure about. Although she was forced into the situation that she was in in order to protect someone that she loves she has a constant battle with herself over whether she was a good person or if she could be a killer. She's clearly smart and desperate to be out of the situation that she is in but will that desperation cause her to break her own ethics and will she drag totally innocent people into her dangerous world in order to complete her mission?
The book is well paced, there is plenty of action to keep the reader hooked but there are also slower sections where we learn more about the main characters. I really enjoyed reading 66 metres and I'm really looking forward to finding out what comes next for Nadia in book two.
July 10, 2017
This is the first of the Nadia Laksheva spy thriller series. We initially meet Nadia when she leaves home on her 18th birthday and heads to Moscow, to meet up with her sister, Katya. Within the first few months, Nadia ends up in trouble, and Katya's gangster boyfriend, Kadinsky, saves her with the agreement that she will work for him for 5 years and then he will free both Nadia and Katya.
The main story starts at the end of the 5 years, when Nadia is taking part in what will be her last mission for Kadinsky. She is to collect a package in the Thames, but it all goes wrong. She hides the package at sea on a shipwreck off the coast of the Scilly Isles, and the story takes us on a thrilling adventure seeing Nadia trying to retrieve the package and stop enemy agents from getting their hands on it at all costs.
It was really good to see a strong female protagonist. Nadia is a fantastic character, she's a spy with morals and doesn't like to kill - which is difficult in her position. I sympathised with her being given a choice between a spy and a whore, and the whole working to save her sister line.
It also felt really odd to be rooting for the Russians over MI5 - traditionally other nations are seen as the bad guys - but you couldn't help but be moved by Nadia's position, and hope she would win in the end.
I stayed up well past my bedtime I was so hooked by this. A fast paced page turner, and you never knew who could be trusted as people double crossed one another.
Overall I gave it 4 stars.
*My thanks to Kate Moloney and the team at Thick As Thieves for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
The main story starts at the end of the 5 years, when Nadia is taking part in what will be her last mission for Kadinsky. She is to collect a package in the Thames, but it all goes wrong. She hides the package at sea on a shipwreck off the coast of the Scilly Isles, and the story takes us on a thrilling adventure seeing Nadia trying to retrieve the package and stop enemy agents from getting their hands on it at all costs.
It was really good to see a strong female protagonist. Nadia is a fantastic character, she's a spy with morals and doesn't like to kill - which is difficult in her position. I sympathised with her being given a choice between a spy and a whore, and the whole working to save her sister line.
It also felt really odd to be rooting for the Russians over MI5 - traditionally other nations are seen as the bad guys - but you couldn't help but be moved by Nadia's position, and hope she would win in the end.
I stayed up well past my bedtime I was so hooked by this. A fast paced page turner, and you never knew who could be trusted as people double crossed one another.
Overall I gave it 4 stars.
*My thanks to Kate Moloney and the team at Thick As Thieves for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
January 19, 2019
This was really, really good. Nadia Laksheva is a female operative of the highest order. Her father was an assassin and she has been trained as such after her father was taken away - presumably to be shot. Her sister, Katya, is a favourite girl of some heavy dude called Kadinsky and she agrees to work for him for five years after which he will give Katya her freedom.
She is doing her last job for Kadinsky to recover an object called the Rose which is some sort of weapon (bear with me guys, its month since I've read it). When Nadia realised what it is she knows it can't fall into the wrong hands so she ditches it into the sea with a GPS tracker in 66 metres of water. But that is a dangerous depth for diving on oxygen only. At this point everything goes wrong and it gets real hairy real fast.
This is a great action packed spy story with a kick ass female lead that will appeal to all action/spy afficiandos.
She is doing her last job for Kadinsky to recover an object called the Rose which is some sort of weapon (bear with me guys, its month since I've read it). When Nadia realised what it is she knows it can't fall into the wrong hands so she ditches it into the sea with a GPS tracker in 66 metres of water. But that is a dangerous depth for diving on oxygen only. At this point everything goes wrong and it gets real hairy real fast.
This is a great action packed spy story with a kick ass female lead that will appeal to all action/spy afficiandos.
July 9, 2017
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I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and I was gripped from the first few pages. The characters were great and I really thought that Nadia was an excellent lead character – I do love a good strong female lead in this kind of book and the author certainly did not disappoint! I gave this book a high four stars, its definitely a book and author I would recommend, so much so that I have the next book in the series lined up to read already!
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and I was gripped from the first few pages. The characters were great and I really thought that Nadia was an excellent lead character – I do love a good strong female lead in this kind of book and the author certainly did not disappoint! I gave this book a high four stars, its definitely a book and author I would recommend, so much so that I have the next book in the series lined up to read already!
July 3, 2017
Nadia's life is cold. Not just because it starts in Moscow. Not just because her father is a killer. Not because her mother is hard to understand and her sister stuck with a terrible crowd. Nadia's life is cold because there is no way out. At least until an opportunity gives her the choice of sacrificing five years working for a bad guy for a better life for her and her sister, away from the Russian's affairs, away from her father's legacy.
Nadia is not your usual character. I felt she barely had a choice in everything that happened to her. You don't choose your family, but you choose to protect them, and the things you agree to can lead you... oh so far. This story is very cold. Freezing even. This family was dysfunctional from the start and Nadia has no choice but to live with the knowledge her father wasn't a saint, a sister is a prostitute, and her mother not a very good help. There was a sad and chilling feeling that grabbed me from the start, coming both from the characterization and the writing, transporting me into the ruthless world of survival. Because this is what this story is about, at its core.
To save her sister, and herself, Nadia ends up on dangerous missions and we catch up with her on her very last, the threshold of freedom, five years later. I could actually see the heavy chains on her ankles start to disappear until I realized this mission was special. Dangerous. Crazy! We know that Nadia has spent months in a training camp so she could face whatever challenge her Russian master would throw at her, but I wasn't expecting her in the Thames!
Trouble, lies, deception – it all belonged to the surface world.
It took me a little while to warm to Nadia's story and the action itself. First of all, I knew nothing about diving, and that's what we found our main character doing when we meet her again, and there were so much information thrown at me it was hard to catch my breath! I felt I was pushed in the middle of a James Bond movie, with lives at stake, a heist, the thrill you get when you don't know if you're gonna make it.
But the originality lies in the fact that, although she has been trained (and we can imagine a Russian training not being a spa vacation), Nadia hold principles, she wasn't born for this, she hasn't chosen this path of career, and her thoughts, while very professional, remains the ones of a young woman who doesn't really belong here, whose internal dilemma puts her at risk, and whose choices are harder to make. Nadia is the opposite of cold. She is a fire ready to do what it takes to reach her goal, but not by leaving a trail of corpses behind her.
No mission is a piece of cake, but gosh this one is pure hell! Relying on people you only barely know, having to watch your back, never losing sight of what's to do. I did wonder at times whether the Russian cliché was used here, but it all felt so real and tangible that I had to stop doubting and just accept the dark and greedy people, the harshness of Nadia's world, the drops of blood on ice. The author skillfully balances action and characterization, introducing us to people I instantly liked, disliked, hated, distrusted. Well, I distrusted almost everyone at all times! I would make a great spy.
The pressure of private life intertwined with the mission only intensifies the feeling of urgency and riskiness of the situation. Some people don't shy away from using whatever leverage they can get to obtain what they want, and my blood ran cold thinking about the millions Katyas, Nadias, and other thugs victims, caught in the middle of a war that isn't theirs. Family is at the heart of this spy game of loose ends, red herrings, and lies.
Humanity should be more like the animal kingdom; when you're too old to fight, you get taken out of the game.
This was not my first spy thriller, and 66 Metres has everything you need to make your heart beat faster, your brain ask for more oxygen, and keep your senses on alert at all times. I won't explain the title, which I found to be extremely well chosen and perfect. The reason behind it scared me at first as I had little to, let's face it, no knowledge of the subject, but it was clear and explained in ways that did not feel like reading a textbook. The author injects tension with every chapter, every new piece of information, every drop of water. The more time I spent with Nadia, the more scared I became, proving that the story had found a way to hook me and keep my head under water, unable to do anything else but keep fighting with Nadia.
You'll find an expected but cleverly crafted array of characters along the way, with their flaws, motivations, and that little something that adds to the waters of mistrust. Your usual suspects will surprise you, your monsters will be monsters, and more people than should be will be involved in a global chase for what could bring a very realistic and awfully terrifying world war! The author uses a very current threat and puts it at the heart of a story led by a young woman who gets tangled up in something that overwhelms her, sealing her fate with those around her, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, and the hardest decisions to make.
Life wasn't a novel for most people, especially in his line of work. It was a few pages that ended abruptly, usually mid-sentence.
66 Metres is a skillfully written spy thriller with a pace that doesn't let you time to grab your tea cup but keeps you on your toes and holding your breath until the very end!
I would like to thank Thick as Thieves for providing me with a copy of this book and for letting me be a part of this blog tour!
February 11, 2018
I would like to start by saying that I don't have much experience of reading spy thrillers, this however certainly didn't put me off of reading 66 Metres as I found the blurb to be so intriguing.
Nadia is devoted to her sister Katya and she has one last mission to do at the hands of Kadinsky to free them both from his evil clutches forever. However the mission proposed is the deadliest one yet, a mission to retrieve The Rose, a weapon capable of great destruction when in the wrong hands.
I found 66 Metres to be fast paced from the offset, the constant cat and mouse chases were exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure. There is a great many characters and they all added to the storyline. J.F Kirwan has a great skill for creating a 'baddie' and an unlikeable character or two as well.
Nadia is on the wrong side, I guess we could say she is a baddie but some of that is down to circumstance and I really liked her character and warmed to her as every page of the book turned.
There is a lot about diving in the book, and as someone who doesn't even particularly like swimming I wondered if this would put me off this book. The opposite is true, I think when an author writes about a subject with such great passion that rubs off on the reader. These scenes were some of the best in the book. I could just imagine being down under the sea, perhaps better to not be followed by trained assassins but still....
This book has a hurtling pace with little let up. I found it absorbing and exhilarating and I can't wait to read the next one.
Nadia is devoted to her sister Katya and she has one last mission to do at the hands of Kadinsky to free them both from his evil clutches forever. However the mission proposed is the deadliest one yet, a mission to retrieve The Rose, a weapon capable of great destruction when in the wrong hands.
I found 66 Metres to be fast paced from the offset, the constant cat and mouse chases were exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure. There is a great many characters and they all added to the storyline. J.F Kirwan has a great skill for creating a 'baddie' and an unlikeable character or two as well.
Nadia is on the wrong side, I guess we could say she is a baddie but some of that is down to circumstance and I really liked her character and warmed to her as every page of the book turned.
There is a lot about diving in the book, and as someone who doesn't even particularly like swimming I wondered if this would put me off this book. The opposite is true, I think when an author writes about a subject with such great passion that rubs off on the reader. These scenes were some of the best in the book. I could just imagine being down under the sea, perhaps better to not be followed by trained assassins but still....
This book has a hurtling pace with little let up. I found it absorbing and exhilarating and I can't wait to read the next one.
October 15, 2023
JF Kirwan has created an amazing thriller that keeps you in suspense all the way through. This book is masterfully written and it’s easy to get lost in the pages. The characters are created with care, for example, Nadia is a character with a lot of depth. She isn’t inherently good, not always working to do the right thing but still manages the human aspect that makes her likable. The sense that these are real people carries a lot of the story.
The book itself is fast-paced. The opening line really says it all and it holds true throughout the book. This is a great setup for a solid series, the tone perfect for the genre. What I find interesting in this book is that it doesn’t read like a regular thriller, it reads like the starting journey of the character, which is exactly what it is. I’m really excited to read the next book in the series and see where Nadia ends up next.
The book itself is fast-paced. The opening line really says it all and it holds true throughout the book. This is a great setup for a solid series, the tone perfect for the genre. What I find interesting in this book is that it doesn’t read like a regular thriller, it reads like the starting journey of the character, which is exactly what it is. I’m really excited to read the next book in the series and see where Nadia ends up next.
May 14, 2017
*I recieved a free copy of this book in return for an honest book review for the review competition by Books and the Bear*
66 Metres is a great read and Nadia is a great character. J. F Kirwin has done a brilliant job in writing about a women’s history of abuse and her emotional turmoil, which is rare to find in a story revolving about a lady. Nadia’s journey feels like the reader walking up to their own liberation. The author does not shy away from deeply engraved social issues like racism and sexism. Combined with action as flawless as real life and as mesmerizing as slow motion scenes of top ranked movies, this book is the perfect read for fans of works like the James Bond series!
66 Metres is a great read and Nadia is a great character. J. F Kirwin has done a brilliant job in writing about a women’s history of abuse and her emotional turmoil, which is rare to find in a story revolving about a lady. Nadia’s journey feels like the reader walking up to their own liberation. The author does not shy away from deeply engraved social issues like racism and sexism. Combined with action as flawless as real life and as mesmerizing as slow motion scenes of top ranked movies, this book is the perfect read for fans of works like the James Bond series!
April 3, 2017
A very fast pacing book that cannot be put down from the very first chapter. The multi-character story telling humanises characters that are indeed gangsters and/or terrorists, with an undefined line between ethics and personal interest. Towards the end, as the plot and characters are fully drawn, the book becomes more predictable in a comical British style that only adds to the texture of the book.
Overall a smart and interesting plot that is easy to read and keeps you engrossed in the story until the very end.
Overall a smart and interesting plot that is easy to read and keeps you engrossed in the story until the very end.
July 21, 2017
I received a free copy of 66 Metres in exchange for an honest review.
66 Metres begins with gripping intrigue. Right from the first page, I knew this novel's plot promised an intense and exciting experience. I followed well developed characters into a world that was foreign to me and, thus, full of surprises. Some of the characters were on the edge of morally bankrupt, callous beyond comprehension, and I hated them. One or two I managed to feel twinges of sympathy. That's the gift of an accomplished author like J. F. Kirwan.
Readers who enjoy deep sea scuba diving will not be able to put this book down. It is that intense. I found it almost too much having narrowly escaped drowning years ago. The memories of shear terror resurfaced. Kirwan takes the reader down into the dark and cruel territory of a sunken wreck where there are no second chances to survive a misstep - other than clever ingenuity and professional skills.
All the while, the reader is sorting out which character can be trusted. One woman's survival depends upon her sister's courage and tenacity. Too many men want what she has, and most of all, they want her to permanently disappear. 66 Metres is a suspense/thriller at its highest heart pounding rating.
I have one complaint. When the plot appeared to be resolved, the story continued for another chapter. It felt unnecessary and left me feeling confused. However I did enjoy 66 Metres and highly recommend it to suspense/thriller readers.
66 Metres begins with gripping intrigue. Right from the first page, I knew this novel's plot promised an intense and exciting experience. I followed well developed characters into a world that was foreign to me and, thus, full of surprises. Some of the characters were on the edge of morally bankrupt, callous beyond comprehension, and I hated them. One or two I managed to feel twinges of sympathy. That's the gift of an accomplished author like J. F. Kirwan.
Readers who enjoy deep sea scuba diving will not be able to put this book down. It is that intense. I found it almost too much having narrowly escaped drowning years ago. The memories of shear terror resurfaced. Kirwan takes the reader down into the dark and cruel territory of a sunken wreck where there are no second chances to survive a misstep - other than clever ingenuity and professional skills.
All the while, the reader is sorting out which character can be trusted. One woman's survival depends upon her sister's courage and tenacity. Too many men want what she has, and most of all, they want her to permanently disappear. 66 Metres is a suspense/thriller at its highest heart pounding rating.
I have one complaint. When the plot appeared to be resolved, the story continued for another chapter. It felt unnecessary and left me feeling confused. However I did enjoy 66 Metres and highly recommend it to suspense/thriller readers.
July 24, 2017
This story was Brilliant! I don't throw that word around very often when describing a book, but in this case it absolutely fits. It was very exciting, lots of action! I loved reading about the deep sea diving which I know nothing about. And, it is something I would never do! It seems way too scary for me. But it was very interesting to read about. You can definitely tell the author is an experienced diver.
There is a lot going on in this book, seriously never a dull moment. There are a lot of players to keep track of and I did get confused once (so once isn't that bad! LOL). but as I read on I did figure it out.
Great character development. I loved Nadia and I can't wait to follow her to 37 Hours. There are a lot of "bad guys" and shady characters in here. You are never sure who to trust. But for some reason, I loved Jake - he won my heart right away, there was just something about him.
And to top it all off - the ending was FANTASTIC! It certainly left you wanting to read the next book! Which I will be doing :-)
Great writing, great characters, great edge of your seat action - this book is a no-brainer!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!
There is a lot going on in this book, seriously never a dull moment. There are a lot of players to keep track of and I did get confused once (so once isn't that bad! LOL). but as I read on I did figure it out.
Great character development. I loved Nadia and I can't wait to follow her to 37 Hours. There are a lot of "bad guys" and shady characters in here. You are never sure who to trust. But for some reason, I loved Jake - he won my heart right away, there was just something about him.
And to top it all off - the ending was FANTASTIC! It certainly left you wanting to read the next book! Which I will be doing :-)
Great writing, great characters, great edge of your seat action - this book is a no-brainer!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!
July 27, 2017
66 Metres is an excellent debut novel for J.F. Kirwan. I don’t recall ever reading a novel where so much of the story takes places underwater (without being set on a submarine), but Kirwan’s diving experience combined with his descriptive style made it easy to imagine how these scenes played out. I learned a lot about the ocean, currents and diving, and would love to see a shipwreck one day!
In this first outing, Nadia is a fledgling spy. After 3 years of intensive training and 2 years on operations, I expected her to be more advanced in her trade. Basics like situational awareness, spotting a tail and maintaining focus on the job should be second nature to her. To be fair, she is operating against her will, but for such a smart character, she is easily distracted.
Nadia is an extremely likable character though and showed tremendous development throughout the book. Her adaptability and quick learning style offers hope that she will evolve into a true professional agent during the next book in this series. I, for one, look forward to her next adventure!
*This review was first published at LazyDayBooks dot com.
In this first outing, Nadia is a fledgling spy. After 3 years of intensive training and 2 years on operations, I expected her to be more advanced in her trade. Basics like situational awareness, spotting a tail and maintaining focus on the job should be second nature to her. To be fair, she is operating against her will, but for such a smart character, she is easily distracted.
Nadia is an extremely likable character though and showed tremendous development throughout the book. Her adaptability and quick learning style offers hope that she will evolve into a true professional agent during the next book in this series. I, for one, look forward to her next adventure!
*This review was first published at LazyDayBooks dot com.
October 11, 2019
The only thing worth killing for is family.
Everyone said she had her father’s eyes. A killer’s eyes. Nadia knew that on the bitterly cold streets of Moscow, she could never escape her past – but in just a few days, she would finally be free.
Bound to work for Kadinsky for five years, she has just one last mission to complete. Yet when she is instructed to capture The Rose, a military weapon shrouded in secrecy, Nadia finds herself trapped in a deadly game of global espionage.
And the only man she can trust is the one sent to spy on her…
I love it when things don’t always go to plan! What seems simple turns out not to be so simple. I enjoyed reading this book. 4*
Everyone said she had her father’s eyes. A killer’s eyes. Nadia knew that on the bitterly cold streets of Moscow, she could never escape her past – but in just a few days, she would finally be free.
Bound to work for Kadinsky for five years, she has just one last mission to complete. Yet when she is instructed to capture The Rose, a military weapon shrouded in secrecy, Nadia finds herself trapped in a deadly game of global espionage.
And the only man she can trust is the one sent to spy on her…
I love it when things don’t always go to plan! What seems simple turns out not to be so simple. I enjoyed reading this book. 4*
October 9, 2016
Espionage, thriller, mystery… 66 Metres has it all. It’s exciting, full speed but in it’s espionage genre a bit predictable. First half is well written and fun to read but towards the ending things are getting cluttered and maybe some choices in the storytelling should have been different (if there’s a 2nd book in this series (?) planned).
66 Metres is J.F. Kirwan’s first book and it is a good one, there’s some room for improvement still looking forward to his/hers (?) next one.
66 Metres is J.F. Kirwan’s first book and it is a good one, there’s some room for improvement still looking forward to his/hers (?) next one.
March 5, 2018
A spy novel where none of the protagonists, good or bad, are superheros or undeclared sons/daughters of James Bond… Nice plot, good fights and realistic diving conditions & settings.
I was worried about Nadia as at some point she seemed more or less surrounded but the author managed to keep it real and believable. Will go to the second one without hesitation! Well done.
I was worried about Nadia as at some point she seemed more or less surrounded but the author managed to keep it real and believable. Will go to the second one without hesitation! Well done.
June 10, 2017
The next best thing to diving. I am a scuba diver and was amazed at how the diving scenes were portrayed, very lifelike. Highly recommended, whether you dive or not.
Read
July 15, 201766 metres is my very first spy thriller novel. This is a genre I have never read before so I wasn't quite sure what I was going to make of it. Well I can honestly say I will definitely be reading more of this genre, its so exciting!!
66 Metres for me was intense, the more I read the more I didn't want to put it down. I found myself thinking about the main characters Nadia and Jake at every given moment, I constantely wanted to know what was going to happen next. J.F. Kirwan really gets you hooked into the story, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. When reading I could feel myself quickening up the pace the more excited I got. Nadia is a great character she is complicated and damaged but very strong, which makes you want to witness her journey even more. It is so refreshing the main character being a female, other books I have read in similar genres always seem to be played by Men. She is just a superb main character, and I can't wait to follow her throughout the Nadia Laksheva series. Now lets move onto Jake, he is just lovely. He is everything you would want in a knight in shining armour to be, he saves Nadia in so many ways throughout the book, physically and mentally. They are two very strong characters that work really well together and are written beautifully.
As a whole I loved 66 metres, I read it with a completely open mind and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
To read more reviews like this head over to my blog jessicalovestoread.com
66 Metres for me was intense, the more I read the more I didn't want to put it down. I found myself thinking about the main characters Nadia and Jake at every given moment, I constantely wanted to know what was going to happen next. J.F. Kirwan really gets you hooked into the story, I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. When reading I could feel myself quickening up the pace the more excited I got. Nadia is a great character she is complicated and damaged but very strong, which makes you want to witness her journey even more. It is so refreshing the main character being a female, other books I have read in similar genres always seem to be played by Men. She is just a superb main character, and I can't wait to follow her throughout the Nadia Laksheva series. Now lets move onto Jake, he is just lovely. He is everything you would want in a knight in shining armour to be, he saves Nadia in so many ways throughout the book, physically and mentally. They are two very strong characters that work really well together and are written beautifully.
As a whole I loved 66 metres, I read it with a completely open mind and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
To read more reviews like this head over to my blog jessicalovestoread.com
July 18, 2017
This gritty novel captured me after the initial set up of the many characters. Set in the realm of the world's power thugs, it has believable characters and a plot that could be out of today's newspapers.
I liked Nadia. She is a tough woman, pitting loyalty to her sister against the vow she made her mother to never kill. I felt for her, getting caught up in the world of ruthless power mongers. She has to overcome deep pain to succeed in her task.
The plot is fascinating, with several groups wanting the technological device that could change the power balance of the world's nations. I really liked the emphasis on diving and the under water suspense.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a gritty story of international intrigue. The power mongers are ruthless so there is plenty of violence and this novel is not for the cozy mystery reader. It contains a good balance of character development and plot movement. And the ending, please tell me the sequel is coming soon. I'll be looking for it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I liked Nadia. She is a tough woman, pitting loyalty to her sister against the vow she made her mother to never kill. I felt for her, getting caught up in the world of ruthless power mongers. She has to overcome deep pain to succeed in her task.
The plot is fascinating, with several groups wanting the technological device that could change the power balance of the world's nations. I really liked the emphasis on diving and the under water suspense.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a gritty story of international intrigue. The power mongers are ruthless so there is plenty of violence and this novel is not for the cozy mystery reader. It contains a good balance of character development and plot movement. And the ending, please tell me the sequel is coming soon. I'll be looking for it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 7, 2018
Gritty. 66 Metres is gritty.
Exactly what is expected in the shadowy world of crime families, covert operatives, and terrorists looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and those who crave only power.
There are no good guys. Only those with agendas—be they escaping past demons or seeking to possess future riches.
There are no friendships… only alliances.
And they are temporary.
Nadia Laksheva is our protagonist, trapped into service for five years in this dangerous world to pay off a debt, and free older sister, Katya, one of several concubines [sex slaves] kept by Russian crime boss, Kadinsky.
I respect Nadia. She never gives up or gives in. Despite her tenth and last op going horribly wrong through no fault of her own, Nadia knows to not deliver “the package” to Kadinsky is a death sentence for her sister…and for her when she is eventually found. She’s knows trusting Kadinsky at all is a leap of faith… and a lot of hope
That being said, I’m still not sure if I like Nadia. Don’t misunderstand me, she’s not a bad person. But she’s in her own head a bit too much… dwelling… on past events and past conversations. She’s searching for wisdom, at the age of twenty-three (initially eighteen), she does not possess, and it leads to hasty/bad decisions—which is how she ended up in debt to Kadinsky. To be fair, I’m not sure if Nadia ever had a clear path to a different life. Between finding out the truth about her father only after he was killed, and the prickly relationship she had with her mother, she didn’t have much guidance. But, I don’t have to like her to be in her corner. She is no wimp, and somehow needs a break from the death and madness.
Former MI6 operative, Jake Saunders, is coerced back into service to recover ‘the package’ Nadia is hiding. Jake has issues of his own he needs resolved and goes on the hunt for Nadia. However, he becomes conflicted—how can he complete his assignment AND save Nadia?
Sound simple enough? It isn’t. The devil’s in the details…and there are lots of details.
66 Metres has a large cast of thugs, henchmen, hit-men, terrorists, corrupt officials, and rubes who pass through, some only lasting for a scene or two. However, the author has done a masterful job of making these brief appearances memorable. It’s even possible to see ‘human’ sides to some of the baddies and better understand their motives.
Well, except for pond scum Slick and Pox, who had no redeeming social value. And Kadinsky.
One of the best parts of this read is the significance of the title. It doesn’t only have meaning for the protagonist, but all the divers in the book understand… and respect the depth of 66 metres. The author gives readers a great visual when Nadia sits outside the ice cream parlor and imagines herself at the base of a twenty-story building with the roof being the water’s surface. The thought made Nadia shiver…and me too!
Fans of international crime and intrigue will enjoy this read, but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written story with a complex plot, and twists and turns on ever page. I’m looking forward to reading book 2, 37 Hours.
Enjoy!
Exactly what is expected in the shadowy world of crime families, covert operatives, and terrorists looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and those who crave only power.
There are no good guys. Only those with agendas—be they escaping past demons or seeking to possess future riches.
There are no friendships… only alliances.
And they are temporary.
Nadia Laksheva is our protagonist, trapped into service for five years in this dangerous world to pay off a debt, and free older sister, Katya, one of several concubines [sex slaves] kept by Russian crime boss, Kadinsky.
I respect Nadia. She never gives up or gives in. Despite her tenth and last op going horribly wrong through no fault of her own, Nadia knows to not deliver “the package” to Kadinsky is a death sentence for her sister…and for her when she is eventually found. She’s knows trusting Kadinsky at all is a leap of faith… and a lot of hope
That being said, I’m still not sure if I like Nadia. Don’t misunderstand me, she’s not a bad person. But she’s in her own head a bit too much… dwelling… on past events and past conversations. She’s searching for wisdom, at the age of twenty-three (initially eighteen), she does not possess, and it leads to hasty/bad decisions—which is how she ended up in debt to Kadinsky. To be fair, I’m not sure if Nadia ever had a clear path to a different life. Between finding out the truth about her father only after he was killed, and the prickly relationship she had with her mother, she didn’t have much guidance. But, I don’t have to like her to be in her corner. She is no wimp, and somehow needs a break from the death and madness.
Former MI6 operative, Jake Saunders, is coerced back into service to recover ‘the package’ Nadia is hiding. Jake has issues of his own he needs resolved and goes on the hunt for Nadia. However, he becomes conflicted—how can he complete his assignment AND save Nadia?
Sound simple enough? It isn’t. The devil’s in the details…and there are lots of details.
66 Metres has a large cast of thugs, henchmen, hit-men, terrorists, corrupt officials, and rubes who pass through, some only lasting for a scene or two. However, the author has done a masterful job of making these brief appearances memorable. It’s even possible to see ‘human’ sides to some of the baddies and better understand their motives.
Well, except for pond scum Slick and Pox, who had no redeeming social value. And Kadinsky.
One of the best parts of this read is the significance of the title. It doesn’t only have meaning for the protagonist, but all the divers in the book understand… and respect the depth of 66 metres. The author gives readers a great visual when Nadia sits outside the ice cream parlor and imagines herself at the base of a twenty-story building with the roof being the water’s surface. The thought made Nadia shiver…and me too!
Fans of international crime and intrigue will enjoy this read, but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written story with a complex plot, and twists and turns on ever page. I’m looking forward to reading book 2, 37 Hours.
Enjoy!
September 8, 2021
‘She’d heard on the grapevine that he was a gangster, not a businessman…’
British author J.F. Kirwan, now living outside of Paris, has written academic articles about preventing disasters in nuclear power plants, oil rigs, and aircraft (his work experience has been in air traffic and nuclear power safety), four text books on human error, and nine novels – including his NADIA LAKSHEVA SPY THRILLER SERIES, of 66 METRES is Book 1. He also writes under the nom de plume Brian Kirwan, publishing two series - The CHILDREN OF THE EYE series of two books, and the four book series EDEN PARADOX. He is trained in psychology and is a scuba diver and traveler as well as a productive author. Of note, ’66 metres is the depth at which air starts to become toxic to divers.’
One of Kirwan’s many skills is his ability to magnetize the readers attention with the opening lines of his books, and that most assuredly is the case in 66 METRES – ‘The only thing worth killing for is family. Her father’s words to her, the day they’d come for him. She’d been fourteen when two men in combat fatigues and balaclavas burst into the kitchen where she and her father were enjoying breakfast. The armed commandos hadn’t seen his pistol lying beneath a folded newspaper. While her father struggled with the men, his eyes flicked between her and the weapon. She could have darted for it, threatened them, helped him. But she hesitated. The moment slipped past. They threw a black hood over his head, cuffed him, and dragged him away…to be interrogated, tortured, executed and buried in the woods. A single thought haunted her ever since. Had he known they would come?’ And so we meet the title character, Nadia, and the saga opens.
The provided synopsis of the book’s tale serves the novel well: ‘Everyone said she had her father’s eyes. A killer’s eyes. Nadia knew that on the bitterly cold streets of Moscow, she could never escape her past – but in just a few days, she would finally be free. Bound to work for Kadinsky for five years, she has just one last mission to complete. Yet when she is instructed to capture The Rose, a military weapon shrouded in secrecy, Nadia finds herself trapped in a deadly game of global espionage. And the only man she can trust is the one sent to spy on her…’
Kirwan stands tall among thriller authors, clearly one of the gifted ones, and this opening novel seduces the reader into following this exceptional series through to the end. First class novel – and a highly recommended one!
British author J.F. Kirwan, now living outside of Paris, has written academic articles about preventing disasters in nuclear power plants, oil rigs, and aircraft (his work experience has been in air traffic and nuclear power safety), four text books on human error, and nine novels – including his NADIA LAKSHEVA SPY THRILLER SERIES, of 66 METRES is Book 1. He also writes under the nom de plume Brian Kirwan, publishing two series - The CHILDREN OF THE EYE series of two books, and the four book series EDEN PARADOX. He is trained in psychology and is a scuba diver and traveler as well as a productive author. Of note, ’66 metres is the depth at which air starts to become toxic to divers.’
One of Kirwan’s many skills is his ability to magnetize the readers attention with the opening lines of his books, and that most assuredly is the case in 66 METRES – ‘The only thing worth killing for is family. Her father’s words to her, the day they’d come for him. She’d been fourteen when two men in combat fatigues and balaclavas burst into the kitchen where she and her father were enjoying breakfast. The armed commandos hadn’t seen his pistol lying beneath a folded newspaper. While her father struggled with the men, his eyes flicked between her and the weapon. She could have darted for it, threatened them, helped him. But she hesitated. The moment slipped past. They threw a black hood over his head, cuffed him, and dragged him away…to be interrogated, tortured, executed and buried in the woods. A single thought haunted her ever since. Had he known they would come?’ And so we meet the title character, Nadia, and the saga opens.
The provided synopsis of the book’s tale serves the novel well: ‘Everyone said she had her father’s eyes. A killer’s eyes. Nadia knew that on the bitterly cold streets of Moscow, she could never escape her past – but in just a few days, she would finally be free. Bound to work for Kadinsky for five years, she has just one last mission to complete. Yet when she is instructed to capture The Rose, a military weapon shrouded in secrecy, Nadia finds herself trapped in a deadly game of global espionage. And the only man she can trust is the one sent to spy on her…’
Kirwan stands tall among thriller authors, clearly one of the gifted ones, and this opening novel seduces the reader into following this exceptional series through to the end. First class novel – and a highly recommended one!
February 6, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I am a HUGE fan of J.F.Kirwan and this series. Now, usually I would suggest reading book serial's in order and, whilst you can get away with reading the second book in this series BEFORE the first one (just like I did), I found that I was unable to enjoy the first book as much as I would have liked because I knew what was going to happen later on down the line. Make sense? Let me just clarify though, that it totally my error and in no way a critique of the author.
My stupidity aside, let's just focus on the storyline itself - intense!! Never in a million years did I think I would adore a spy series, but I do! Yes, because my own stupidity with the book order left a bad taste in my mouth, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was great to see how Nadia was in the beginning of the series, and she happened to be on the path that was going to haunt her for the rest of her life. I'll say it again - INTENSE!!
The psychological element to this storyline was exceptionally clever. I never expected a lot of the things that happened as my mind was in such a head funk, I wouldn't have even been able to tell you where I lived, never mind trying to work out where the storyline was going. I mean c'mon!!
J.F.Kirwan is a fantastic author, he really knows how to pull his readers in with his fast paced, chilling and devastatingly inviting storylines - you know you probably shouldn't be head over heels in lust with this book, but you just cannot help it. In my eyes, that is an example of an author who knows his craft and knows how to use it to his advantage.
'66 Metres' isn't my most favourite of the three books, but it is still an enlightening teaser for what's to come later on. If you find yourself enjoying this book, you'll absolutely love the next book in the series.
Brilliant
If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I am a HUGE fan of J.F.Kirwan and this series. Now, usually I would suggest reading book serial's in order and, whilst you can get away with reading the second book in this series BEFORE the first one (just like I did), I found that I was unable to enjoy the first book as much as I would have liked because I knew what was going to happen later on down the line. Make sense? Let me just clarify though, that it totally my error and in no way a critique of the author.
My stupidity aside, let's just focus on the storyline itself - intense!! Never in a million years did I think I would adore a spy series, but I do! Yes, because my own stupidity with the book order left a bad taste in my mouth, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was great to see how Nadia was in the beginning of the series, and she happened to be on the path that was going to haunt her for the rest of her life. I'll say it again - INTENSE!!
The psychological element to this storyline was exceptionally clever. I never expected a lot of the things that happened as my mind was in such a head funk, I wouldn't have even been able to tell you where I lived, never mind trying to work out where the storyline was going. I mean c'mon!!
J.F.Kirwan is a fantastic author, he really knows how to pull his readers in with his fast paced, chilling and devastatingly inviting storylines - you know you probably shouldn't be head over heels in lust with this book, but you just cannot help it. In my eyes, that is an example of an author who knows his craft and knows how to use it to his advantage.
'66 Metres' isn't my most favourite of the three books, but it is still an enlightening teaser for what's to come later on. If you find yourself enjoying this book, you'll absolutely love the next book in the series.
Brilliant
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