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Sam Callahan #2
Shadow Shepherd
As a former political tracker with a brand-new law degree, Sam Callahan has turned his life around, leaving behind a childhood ravaged by abuse and a fatally dangerous job shadowing political candidates. Now a lawyer, Sam hopes for a risk-free future, but harm’s way has a much longer reach than he could ever expect.
His very first legal client is gunned down in a Mexico City hotel, and Sam barely dodges a bullet himself. Suddenly on everyone’s most-wanted list — brutal hit men, hostile cops, relentless FBI agents, and even an infamous assassin — he doesn’t have the luxury of finding out why.
When Sam’s girlfriend is dragged into the fray by a kidnapper, Sam would do anything to save her life. The catch? He’s got only twenty-four hours to do it… but any number of ways to die.
His very first legal client is gunned down in a Mexico City hotel, and Sam barely dodges a bullet himself. Suddenly on everyone’s most-wanted list — brutal hit men, hostile cops, relentless FBI agents, and even an infamous assassin — he doesn’t have the luxury of finding out why.
When Sam’s girlfriend is dragged into the fray by a kidnapper, Sam would do anything to save her life. The catch? He’s got only twenty-four hours to do it… but any number of ways to die.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
2148 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
Chad Zunker
16 books838 followersCHAD ZUNKER is the author of the David Adams legal thriller, An Equal Justice, as well as The Tracker, Shadow Shepherd, and Hunt the Lion in his Sam Callahan series. Chad has worked for some of the country’s most powerful law firms and serves at Community First! Village, a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. He lives in Austin with his wife, Katie, and their three daughters, and is hard at work on his next novel. For more information visit www.chadzunker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
October 21, 2024
Highly entertaining, non-stop action!
Sam is working as a lawyer when his very first client is shot in Mexico City. He as soon on the run and doesn’t know who to trust. The chapters toggle back-and-forth between the current time and the past.
As with the first book, I wish there had been more discussion about Sam’s special abilities. They were much more subdued in this book than the first, although these abilities help him get out of trouble. Well, and his friend, Tommy.
Kinda hated the way the book ended and the choices made, but I’ve been reassured all will turn out just fine.
Thank you Dan for the recommendation!
Sam is working as a lawyer when his very first client is shot in Mexico City. He as soon on the run and doesn’t know who to trust. The chapters toggle back-and-forth between the current time and the past.
As with the first book, I wish there had been more discussion about Sam’s special abilities. They were much more subdued in this book than the first, although these abilities help him get out of trouble. Well, and his friend, Tommy.
Kinda hated the way the book ended and the choices made, but I’ve been reassured all will turn out just fine.
Thank you Dan for the recommendation!
July 31, 2017
Review to come..Great story!!
Sam Callahan is a lawyer,after some wild adventures over the last two years,he is ready to do his job well and to marry his girlfriend, Natalie. He gets an assignment to travel to Mexico City to meet a new client, a man with lots of money who seems to have a problem he thinks the law firm can assist with. As the two men meet and begin to talk, an assassin shoots his way into the room and murders the client, with Sam barely able to escape! Now he is making his way through Mexico, with assassins on his tail, hit men,cops, and no sooner does he stop to take a breath when he finds out his girlfriend has been kidnapped and he is given a person to find within 24 hours to save her life! Sam has been through this type of frantic life before,but he can't believe he is using his old instincts and friends again, stealing cars, breaking in to places, and calling on Tommy,a very intelligent hacker who lives on the dark web. A very addicting read,as I could not find a spot to 'stop for the night', you keep turning the pages while catching your breath,ready to run with Sam or surf through the web with Tommy,even fighting alongside Natalie as she outsmarts the person holding her! Any people who enjoy adventure thrillers,as Jack Reacher, John Milton or Adrian hell,will enjoy this smart new series! I received a copy from Netgalley, the author Chad Zunker, and publisher Thomas & Mercer,from which I am able to give my honest review and I thank them! Grab this book, give 'Sam Callahan' a listen, I believe you will be enthralled with what he is saying!
Sam Callahan is a lawyer,after some wild adventures over the last two years,he is ready to do his job well and to marry his girlfriend, Natalie. He gets an assignment to travel to Mexico City to meet a new client, a man with lots of money who seems to have a problem he thinks the law firm can assist with. As the two men meet and begin to talk, an assassin shoots his way into the room and murders the client, with Sam barely able to escape! Now he is making his way through Mexico, with assassins on his tail, hit men,cops, and no sooner does he stop to take a breath when he finds out his girlfriend has been kidnapped and he is given a person to find within 24 hours to save her life! Sam has been through this type of frantic life before,but he can't believe he is using his old instincts and friends again, stealing cars, breaking in to places, and calling on Tommy,a very intelligent hacker who lives on the dark web. A very addicting read,as I could not find a spot to 'stop for the night', you keep turning the pages while catching your breath,ready to run with Sam or surf through the web with Tommy,even fighting alongside Natalie as she outsmarts the person holding her! Any people who enjoy adventure thrillers,as Jack Reacher, John Milton or Adrian hell,will enjoy this smart new series! I received a copy from Netgalley, the author Chad Zunker, and publisher Thomas & Mercer,from which I am able to give my honest review and I thank them! Grab this book, give 'Sam Callahan' a listen, I believe you will be enthralled with what he is saying!
October 1, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC.
This book felt like "Jason Bourne Lite" to me..... or that self-healing robot in the Terminator movies. I mean really? The guy falls 40 feet, cracks a rib and a scapula and keeps on running, only to be shot in the arm, lose a lot of blood and keep on running (through a Mexican drug tunnel no less with Mexican drug cartel members chasing him) get to New Orleans (magic carpet ride maybe?) only to be shot at some more and finally escape to Washington DC where he's reunited with the love of his life all the while he's wallowing in self-pity over his rough childhood? Then he's reunited with a bunch of "bad guys" who were "testing" him to see if he would be a good fit for their CIA team..... the team leader being his Daddy. And then this fool tosses the love of his life to the side of the road and joins this super secret, off the books CIA team All of this is supposed to have happened over 3 days.
Really???
I not only found the "action" beyond implausible, but Sam Callahan (and his past) juvenile and unsympathetic as well. But then I haven't read The Tracker (1st book in this series). Maybe I should have, but I just don't have the stomach for it right now.
All that said, this was a fast read for me. But that was the non-stop action of the story. Had it started to get a little draggy, I never would have finished the book.
This book felt like "Jason Bourne Lite" to me..... or that self-healing robot in the Terminator movies. I mean really? The guy falls 40 feet, cracks a rib and a scapula and keeps on running, only to be shot in the arm, lose a lot of blood and keep on running (through a Mexican drug tunnel no less with Mexican drug cartel members chasing him) get to New Orleans (magic carpet ride maybe?) only to be shot at some more and finally escape to Washington DC where he's reunited with the love of his life all the while he's wallowing in self-pity over his rough childhood? Then he's reunited with a bunch of "bad guys" who were "testing" him to see if he would be a good fit for their CIA team..... the team leader being his Daddy. And then this fool tosses the love of his life to the side of the road and joins this super secret, off the books CIA team All of this is supposed to have happened over 3 days.
Really???
I not only found the "action" beyond implausible, but Sam Callahan (and his past) juvenile and unsympathetic as well. But then I haven't read The Tracker (1st book in this series). Maybe I should have, but I just don't have the stomach for it right now.
All that said, this was a fast read for me. But that was the non-stop action of the story. Had it started to get a little draggy, I never would have finished the book.
February 28, 2018
The first book in this series was okay but in this book there was so much retelling and backtracking to catch the reader up that it was very distracting. Oh and Sam becomes so whiny and self pitying I could hardly finish it. The ending was unbelievable and such a let down. Don’t bother.
November 30, 2019
Not well written
Too many unbelievable incidents. Main character not likable. Too many references to previous book without offer any information. Could have quit reading several times.
Too many unbelievable incidents. Main character not likable. Too many references to previous book without offer any information. Could have quit reading several times.
September 27, 2019
Oh come on...
November 17, 2020
I'm happy to say, Sam, Natalie, and Tommy/Mav are back!! I didn't like this book as much as I liked The Tracker, however. I never expect the books I read to be totally realistic but the ending of this one was too far out there for me.
I'm not ready to give up, yet, though. On to Hunt the Lion!
I'm not ready to give up, yet, though. On to Hunt the Lion!
August 24, 2019
Preposterous
The plot felt contrived immediately and the “twist” was telegraphed, tired, and completely unbelievable. The plot was too similar to the first book while being even less believable making it seem like the author is a one trick pony.
The plot felt contrived immediately and the “twist” was telegraphed, tired, and completely unbelievable. The plot was too similar to the first book while being even less believable making it seem like the author is a one trick pony.
May 13, 2020
So far I’ve enjoyed the series. I like how the author writes a clean book without foul language every few words. I like that his adventures and narrow escapes are just on the edge of believable; from the beginning he’s always had a special ability and I enjoy that about Sam.
July 4, 2020
If you enjoyed Chad Zunker's debut, The Tracker, and want to pick up the second book in his series about former foster child Sam Callahan, make certain you check the title and date before you start it -- because Shadow Shepherd is so similar to it that you might grab the wrong one.
Either way, you're going to watch Sam -- now a lawyer -- get stuck in a hazardous situation when a semi-clandestine but legal job turns into a criminal conspiracy that has him stuck at the center of it. Sam is on the run once again, pursued by people who seem to have a keen interest in him disappearing without a trace. This time he's back with his girlfriend Natalie, but that proves to be more of a minus than a plus when shadowy forces kidnap her and tell Sam to do what they say or else she will be killed.
Shepherd is in so many ways a retread of Tracker that Zunker has Chad ask himself how he keeps winding up in situations like this. Natalie, a reporter, winds up in the hands of evildoers because she has the stunningly stupid habit of meeting anonymous callers late at night without any backup, watcher, self-defense strategy or situational awareness.
Sam has a number of interesting features that could make him a great character, such as his juvenile criminal history and foster family background. The series could be interesting because it takes its characters' religious faith seriously. Zunker includes some interesting domestic touches in the life of Sam's lead FBI pursuer that show he wants to write about real people more than ciphers. But as long as the stories keep having Sam break ribs in one scene only to fistfight a few hours later, or create a super-assassin who's so well-known his nickname is on CNN but who eludes law enforcement at every turn, or similar ridiculous credibility collapses, there's no point in sifting through them for the good stuff. Shepherd's ending, which is supposed to give context to what's all happened before, only doubles down on how unnecessary it is to read both it and Tracker. And without some reason to expect improvement, there won't be much reason to read either of them or any of the ones that follow.
Original available here.
Either way, you're going to watch Sam -- now a lawyer -- get stuck in a hazardous situation when a semi-clandestine but legal job turns into a criminal conspiracy that has him stuck at the center of it. Sam is on the run once again, pursued by people who seem to have a keen interest in him disappearing without a trace. This time he's back with his girlfriend Natalie, but that proves to be more of a minus than a plus when shadowy forces kidnap her and tell Sam to do what they say or else she will be killed.
Shepherd is in so many ways a retread of Tracker that Zunker has Chad ask himself how he keeps winding up in situations like this. Natalie, a reporter, winds up in the hands of evildoers because she has the stunningly stupid habit of meeting anonymous callers late at night without any backup, watcher, self-defense strategy or situational awareness.
Sam has a number of interesting features that could make him a great character, such as his juvenile criminal history and foster family background. The series could be interesting because it takes its characters' religious faith seriously. Zunker includes some interesting domestic touches in the life of Sam's lead FBI pursuer that show he wants to write about real people more than ciphers. But as long as the stories keep having Sam break ribs in one scene only to fistfight a few hours later, or create a super-assassin who's so well-known his nickname is on CNN but who eludes law enforcement at every turn, or similar ridiculous credibility collapses, there's no point in sifting through them for the good stuff. Shepherd's ending, which is supposed to give context to what's all happened before, only doubles down on how unnecessary it is to read both it and Tracker. And without some reason to expect improvement, there won't be much reason to read either of them or any of the ones that follow.
Original available here.
August 11, 2019
Disappointing
I really liked the first book in the series but book two was disappointing. I could not finish. The book is overdone, to melodramatic, to repetitive, and unrealistic. If you like that, go for it but otherwise don't bother.
I really liked the first book in the series but book two was disappointing. I could not finish. The book is overdone, to melodramatic, to repetitive, and unrealistic. If you like that, go for it but otherwise don't bother.
May 6, 2021
Ending was a bit "meh" Will finish the series to see what happens now
February 10, 2021
Another action-packed, suspenseful book by Chad Zunker, with a huge twist at the end! Picking up almost a year after Sam's last adventure in The Tracker, Sam finds himself in another sticky situation, this time in Mexico. Like the first book in the Sam Callahan series, I was hooked from the minute I picked up Shadow Shepherd and couldn't put it down. Told in the third person, readers get to see other characters' points of view and follow them through their journey, as well as Sam on his adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to others and can't wait to see what Sam's next adventure will bring!
****
Sam, now a lawyer, is offered a last-minute trip to Mexico to meet a new client. Right as the meeting starts, it ends quickly with the shooting of the new client and Sam running for his life. On the run again, Sam is soon informed that Natalie has been taken and Sam has 24 hours to find the new client's partner and turn him over. If he doesn't Natalie will be killed. With nowhere else to turn, Sam gets in contact with a friend he can trust, Tommy. Tommy helps him get out of Mexico and back in the states, while also gathering information to help Sam find this missing partner. Soon Sam finds himself racing against time to find answers in New Orleans and DC, all while trying to not get killed in the process and save Natalie.
****
Sam, now a lawyer, is offered a last-minute trip to Mexico to meet a new client. Right as the meeting starts, it ends quickly with the shooting of the new client and Sam running for his life. On the run again, Sam is soon informed that Natalie has been taken and Sam has 24 hours to find the new client's partner and turn him over. If he doesn't Natalie will be killed. With nowhere else to turn, Sam gets in contact with a friend he can trust, Tommy. Tommy helps him get out of Mexico and back in the states, while also gathering information to help Sam find this missing partner. Soon Sam finds himself racing against time to find answers in New Orleans and DC, all while trying to not get killed in the process and save Natalie.
January 23, 2019
The Action Continues
Starting with the first page of the story, the breath taking action begins and does not let up. New characters are introduced and developed more fully than in the first book. This is the type of Action thriller that I love. Racing toward book 3.
Starting with the first page of the story, the breath taking action begins and does not let up. New characters are introduced and developed more fully than in the first book. This is the type of Action thriller that I love. Racing toward book 3.
August 16, 2022
What an ending!!!
Boy oh boy does Sam Callahan get but through the ringer in this book. As if he didn't have a neck of a time in the last book, this one is crazy! Full of adventure, action packed and entertaining! The ending was a shocker! Great narration!
Boy oh boy does Sam Callahan get but through the ringer in this book. As if he didn't have a neck of a time in the last book, this one is crazy! Full of adventure, action packed and entertaining! The ending was a shocker! Great narration!
November 13, 2018
This was a let down
The author says in a foreword that he felt it necessary for the purposes of telling the story to shift into third person mode. Unfortunately, while it expanded his ability to tell multiple story lines, it took away a great deal of what had the previous book be one that could not be put down.
While the first also had an ever changing series of crises and catastrophes, the first person had us inside the reactions of the hero. Here, it's just one improbable escape after another without the framework that the hero's reactions and point of view provided.
I put this down a number.Times and then picked it just to see it to the end. But it's as far as I'm going with the series. It's become just another stroller series; the promise shown in the first volume unkept.
The author says in a foreword that he felt it necessary for the purposes of telling the story to shift into third person mode. Unfortunately, while it expanded his ability to tell multiple story lines, it took away a great deal of what had the previous book be one that could not be put down.
While the first also had an ever changing series of crises and catastrophes, the first person had us inside the reactions of the hero. Here, it's just one improbable escape after another without the framework that the hero's reactions and point of view provided.
I put this down a number.Times and then picked it just to see it to the end. But it's as far as I'm going with the series. It's become just another stroller series; the promise shown in the first volume unkept.
July 12, 2020
In good Sam Callahan Fashion, it grips you till the very end
All I can say is I am glad I stayed committed and got through some of the more complicated twist and turns. It is a great story that leaves me wanting more so I am glad to see a third book in the series. Zunkers writing style is concise but imaginative enough to keep you connect to the characters.
All I can say is I am glad I stayed committed and got through some of the more complicated twist and turns. It is a great story that leaves me wanting more so I am glad to see a third book in the series. Zunkers writing style is concise but imaginative enough to keep you connect to the characters.
October 4, 2017
Mexico City, Mexico. Samuel Weldon Callahan, (Benoltz & Ass., lawyer, Georgetown; JD), had jumped out the Four Seasons Hotel window & luckily landed in the courtyard.
Nothing broken, nothing hurt.
The assassin was nowhere in sight.
Natalie Foster (Sam’s wife, PowerPlay reporter, DC political blog, U of Missouri, Lady Tigers SB) was out/about getting the next scoop.
Tom Hawkins (55+, lawyer, Hebbard & Hawkins, LLP., Sam Houston State BA, Texas Tech JD) had been murdered.
Rich Hebbard (Sam’s biological father, Hebbard & Hawkins, LLP., Tulane; BA, U of Mississippi; JD) had been found dead also.
Would Francisco Zapata (Chamber of Deputies, Mexico’s congress, Lázaro Cárdenas city, Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales Special Forces) know anything about the 2 killings?
Dr. Edgars did not have good news for Sam.
What does Senator Mark Liddell (AL.) about Lex Hester (US) & Francisco Zapata (Mexico)?
What will become of Alger Gerlach?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Thomas & Mercer; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Nothing broken, nothing hurt.
The assassin was nowhere in sight.
Natalie Foster (Sam’s wife, PowerPlay reporter, DC political blog, U of Missouri, Lady Tigers SB) was out/about getting the next scoop.
Tom Hawkins (55+, lawyer, Hebbard & Hawkins, LLP., Sam Houston State BA, Texas Tech JD) had been murdered.
Rich Hebbard (Sam’s biological father, Hebbard & Hawkins, LLP., Tulane; BA, U of Mississippi; JD) had been found dead also.
Would Francisco Zapata (Chamber of Deputies, Mexico’s congress, Lázaro Cárdenas city, Cuerpo de Fuerzas Especiales Special Forces) know anything about the 2 killings?
Dr. Edgars did not have good news for Sam.
What does Senator Mark Liddell (AL.) about Lex Hester (US) & Francisco Zapata (Mexico)?
What will become of Alger Gerlach?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Thomas & Mercer; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 26, 2017
Kindle Unlimited suggested The Tracker as a book I might enjoy - and I did. I thought Sam was a likeable character: he's a modern-day Horatio Alger hero who has faced hardship and poverty but was fighting for a life other than what he had. From the beginning, the plot grabs you with who, what, why? On just the aspect of the political/lawyer thriller, the plot is good and has some unseen twists and turns. On top of that, Zunker does quite a bit of character building with flashbacks to Sam's childhood and youth. While this book isn't marketed as a faith-based book there are elements of Christianity in the story that I also enjoyed; Zunker added this element in a genuine, raw, grace-filled way instead of as extra fluff or sugary sweetness. I knew that there was the potential for the book to launch a series and that I wanted to see how faith would continue to impact Sam as he grew into adulthood.
When I saw the sequel, Shadow Shepherd, appear on NetGalley, I quickly requested it and was happy to not have to wait any longer to catch up with Sam. With this book, Zunker switches from first person to third person. I tend to enjoy first person less but it didn't drive me crazy like many do. It definitely worked in the first book to show how quickly Sam was having to act and react as the story unfolded. The move to third person added more detail and depth as the story unfolded. It was a nice shift but it does give a slightly different experience as a reader: instead of knowing just a little, you have a broader view. All that to say, I enjoyed the second book as well. The mystery of this book felt a little more disconnected and then suddenly it was the end. I felt a little cheated by the resolution, although I do understand that it's not so much an ending as a pause to transition to the next book. What I really loved about Shadow Shepherd was seeing Sam working as a lawyer and how his relationships with the people in his life are growing/changing/ending. I can't wait to know what's next for Sam and how he is going to continue to grow and face the challenges that are sure to come.
When I saw the sequel, Shadow Shepherd, appear on NetGalley, I quickly requested it and was happy to not have to wait any longer to catch up with Sam. With this book, Zunker switches from first person to third person. I tend to enjoy first person less but it didn't drive me crazy like many do. It definitely worked in the first book to show how quickly Sam was having to act and react as the story unfolded. The move to third person added more detail and depth as the story unfolded. It was a nice shift but it does give a slightly different experience as a reader: instead of knowing just a little, you have a broader view. All that to say, I enjoyed the second book as well. The mystery of this book felt a little more disconnected and then suddenly it was the end. I felt a little cheated by the resolution, although I do understand that it's not so much an ending as a pause to transition to the next book. What I really loved about Shadow Shepherd was seeing Sam working as a lawyer and how his relationships with the people in his life are growing/changing/ending. I can't wait to know what's next for Sam and how he is going to continue to grow and face the challenges that are sure to come.
August 4, 2017
I received a free advance copy of this e-book from Net Galley in return for a fair and unbiased review.
I had earlier read and loved the first book about Sam Callahan (The Tracker), so I was looking forward to reading the second book in what is likely to be an ongoing series. I enjoyed this one to a degree, but not as much as I wanted to. The pace was frenetic, with Sam, and those he loves, in jeopardy through a series of non-stop threats in multiple locations over a very short span of time. Both the protagonist (Sam) and the reader are left in the dark about who or what is behind this relentless parade of threats. No amount of logic or rationale can explain how or why Sam Callahan's life is being targeted, until at about the 90% point of the book, a very neat and tidy explanation is given. Naturally, I won't give it away in this review, but I found the whole thing contrived and silly. Sam's extraordinary ability to escape danger repeatedly verged on superhero comic book status. I prefer that the protagonist has feet of clay, with weaknesses and flaws. Sam glides through every threat a little too perfectly. So, in summary, this was an entertaining and quick read, but the characters were paper-thin and the plot was preposterous. I probably won't hurry to read the next book in the series.
I had earlier read and loved the first book about Sam Callahan (The Tracker), so I was looking forward to reading the second book in what is likely to be an ongoing series. I enjoyed this one to a degree, but not as much as I wanted to. The pace was frenetic, with Sam, and those he loves, in jeopardy through a series of non-stop threats in multiple locations over a very short span of time. Both the protagonist (Sam) and the reader are left in the dark about who or what is behind this relentless parade of threats. No amount of logic or rationale can explain how or why Sam Callahan's life is being targeted, until at about the 90% point of the book, a very neat and tidy explanation is given. Naturally, I won't give it away in this review, but I found the whole thing contrived and silly. Sam's extraordinary ability to escape danger repeatedly verged on superhero comic book status. I prefer that the protagonist has feet of clay, with weaknesses and flaws. Sam glides through every threat a little too perfectly. So, in summary, this was an entertaining and quick read, but the characters were paper-thin and the plot was preposterous. I probably won't hurry to read the next book in the series.
February 4, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Bit of both...
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Sam Callahan
Natalie Foster
Tommy
Agent Spencer Lloyd
Gelrach/ The Grey Wolf
----------------------------------
What happens?
Sam is now a fully fledged lawyer working for a law firm in the states. He takes a trip to Mexico to meet with a client. During the meeting an assassin breaks into the room and shoots the client dead. Sam manages to escape but then has to run from both the assassin and the Mexican police force. He has the help of Tommy his hacker friend and is then made to comply with people that kidnap his girlfriend Natalie.
Final thoughts
More happens than the little bit above but I can't really describe it without giving it away and I like to avoid spoiler tags. (I click to read spoilers too much) This book as usual was full of twists and turns and I was kept on my toes. I will say I did take a star off because the start wasn't perfect, it felt a little slow for the first I want to say 20% maybe a little more but the actual story was good. Didn't expect the ending although I knew it wasn't as it seemed.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Bit of both...
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Sam Callahan
Natalie Foster
Tommy
Agent Spencer Lloyd
Gelrach/ The Grey Wolf
----------------------------------
What happens?
Sam is now a fully fledged lawyer working for a law firm in the states. He takes a trip to Mexico to meet with a client. During the meeting an assassin breaks into the room and shoots the client dead. Sam manages to escape but then has to run from both the assassin and the Mexican police force. He has the help of Tommy his hacker friend and is then made to comply with people that kidnap his girlfriend Natalie.
Final thoughts
More happens than the little bit above but I can't really describe it without giving it away and I like to avoid spoiler tags. (I click to read spoilers too much) This book as usual was full of twists and turns and I was kept on my toes. I will say I did take a star off because the start wasn't perfect, it felt a little slow for the first I want to say 20% maybe a little more but the actual story was good. Didn't expect the ending although I knew it wasn't as it seemed.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
February 10, 2020
Absorbing thriller.
Sam Callahan is an interesting main character. This is not the typical action thriller involving a special forces hero with all sorts of deadly skills. Sam is in many ways a more ordinary character - vulnerable, uncertain and hardly ever in control of his situation. He does though have some advanced skills and awareness arising from an early life spent on the streets. The author examines Sam's inner turmoil and insecurities in depth. He has a few real friends in whom he can rely, including his beautiful reporter girlfriend Natalie - who probably deserves a medal for sticking with him throughout! This is probably 4.5 stars - I found the overriding plot premise, which is revealed near the end somewhat unlikely! It also means that you really have to read the next novel to find out what happens next. So not 5 - but the writing is well worth the journey and I had already determined that I was going to have to read the next instalment, since I am now invested in finding out what the future holds for Sam, Natalie, Tom,..... The audiobook is well narrated and is also recommended.
Sam Callahan is an interesting main character. This is not the typical action thriller involving a special forces hero with all sorts of deadly skills. Sam is in many ways a more ordinary character - vulnerable, uncertain and hardly ever in control of his situation. He does though have some advanced skills and awareness arising from an early life spent on the streets. The author examines Sam's inner turmoil and insecurities in depth. He has a few real friends in whom he can rely, including his beautiful reporter girlfriend Natalie - who probably deserves a medal for sticking with him throughout! This is probably 4.5 stars - I found the overriding plot premise, which is revealed near the end somewhat unlikely! It also means that you really have to read the next novel to find out what happens next. So not 5 - but the writing is well worth the journey and I had already determined that I was going to have to read the next instalment, since I am now invested in finding out what the future holds for Sam, Natalie, Tom,..... The audiobook is well narrated and is also recommended.
February 14, 2021
Rating 3.5 rounded up to 4.0
So I picked this up unsure if I wanted to continue the series. This is the second in the Sam Callahan series, the first being The Tracker. The book was good but usually I avoid political thrillers and I wasn't sure if this was heavier on the politics or the thriller.
The book starts fast and continues on that pace through to the end. There were some unbelievable parts, but this is fiction. I did tire of the "skills he/I learned on the streets". This is not the same as the flashbacks that helped to frame the current story. I was a bit disappointed that I figured it out before the end. I prefer to not do that. I won't spoil it for you but I also not sure I like the ending. I get that is needed to move the story on to the third book in the series but I'm still not sure. All-in-all, a good story.
Happy Reading!
So I picked this up unsure if I wanted to continue the series. This is the second in the Sam Callahan series, the first being The Tracker. The book was good but usually I avoid political thrillers and I wasn't sure if this was heavier on the politics or the thriller.
The book starts fast and continues on that pace through to the end. There were some unbelievable parts, but this is fiction. I did tire of the "skills he/I learned on the streets". This is not the same as the flashbacks that helped to frame the current story. I was a bit disappointed that I figured it out before the end. I prefer to not do that. I won't spoil it for you but I also not sure I like the ending. I get that is needed to move the story on to the third book in the series but I'm still not sure. All-in-all, a good story.
Happy Reading!
August 14, 2022
Shadow Shepherd is reminiscent of the Bourne series. There is so much action and non-stop adventures for Sam Callahan, former political tracker and now lawyer, that it was like a roller coaster ride with a downhill track that kept going.
Sam is on a new adventure in Mexico. His life hasn’t been easy with a childhood filled with abuse and then his job of tracker that nearly killed him many times over. This time he is thrown into a whirlwind of secrets, hit men, hostile cops and FBI who are all after him. The reason for which he has no clue.
His girlfriend, Natalie, is thrown into the mix. He is forced to find her and who was responsible for kidnapping her and why.
This was a heart-stopping mystery and adventure in this series that had me turning pages and holding my breath at each turn. What was going to happen to Sam? To Natalie? Would they be able to escape and finally find out what was happening?
If you like a mystery that never lets you relax, then read this book. It will keep you on the edge of seat and asking, what’s going on here?
Sam is on a new adventure in Mexico. His life hasn’t been easy with a childhood filled with abuse and then his job of tracker that nearly killed him many times over. This time he is thrown into a whirlwind of secrets, hit men, hostile cops and FBI who are all after him. The reason for which he has no clue.
His girlfriend, Natalie, is thrown into the mix. He is forced to find her and who was responsible for kidnapping her and why.
This was a heart-stopping mystery and adventure in this series that had me turning pages and holding my breath at each turn. What was going to happen to Sam? To Natalie? Would they be able to escape and finally find out what was happening?
If you like a mystery that never lets you relax, then read this book. It will keep you on the edge of seat and asking, what’s going on here?
March 27, 2018
I will have to say that the book grabs you in the first sentence and does not let you go until the end. The action and thrills are nonstop! The characters were appealing and you found yourself hoping that they would succeed and caring about them. My main concern was that the plot was not totally believable and there were too many last second saves. If you suspend you disbelief at the start, then you will enjoy the ride (but buckle your seat bel!). The storyline of corrupt politicians, Mexican cartels and rich oil-barons was very timely and that part was believable in today's world. And you definitely feel the terror, frustration and confusion of the main characters as they are dragged into the drama. And the ending, although explaining most of the story and satisfying, was also a launching pad for the next book which promises to be even more exciting. I received a Goodreads Giveaway for the book and appreciate the opportunity to read it!
September 19, 2017
Zunker does it again. The second Sam Callahan novel is a pure adrenaline rush from start to finish. His adventures will still keep you guessing at every turn, and even leave you gasping at stunning revelations.
Callahan's wild ride takes the reader on a thrilling route through Mexico, New Orleans, and D.C., all the while evading a drug cartel, international assassin, and the FBI - or is it the CIA? And what do they want with Sam, why now?
Learn more about Sam and re-connect with familiar characters when reading Zunker's sophomore debut. This Mission Impossible-esque ride is one you won't want to put down, proving Zunker had what it takes to make Callahan a formidable franchise. The next book is inevitable, and I can't wait to see where we go.
I received a free digital ARC in exchange for a fair and unbiased book review.
Callahan's wild ride takes the reader on a thrilling route through Mexico, New Orleans, and D.C., all the while evading a drug cartel, international assassin, and the FBI - or is it the CIA? And what do they want with Sam, why now?
Learn more about Sam and re-connect with familiar characters when reading Zunker's sophomore debut. This Mission Impossible-esque ride is one you won't want to put down, proving Zunker had what it takes to make Callahan a formidable franchise. The next book is inevitable, and I can't wait to see where we go.
I received a free digital ARC in exchange for a fair and unbiased book review.
February 8, 2021
I'm not sure if the negative reviewers of this book were expecting the great American novel, but I totally disagree with their views. Sure, it is hard to comprehend how many things can happen in such a short time (48 hours) and the incidents were unique. However I can accept that because the story is fast paced and interesting. It is great to extend disbelief. If a book can captivate me and hold my interest away from the day to day issues that we all face, it is worth the time. Sam Callahan is a very interesting character and the story follows a very clear path of mass deception by those around him. The incidents in Mexico, New Orleans and Washington DC all make sense when the book is completed. Let me lose myself in a fast moving novel that is hard to put down and my time has been well spent before returning to the realities that we all face.
March 29, 2023
Sam, Natalie, and Tommy return, as fast-paced and action-packed as the previous book. I loved spending a bit more time in Tommy's head and learning his backstory. .the switch to the third-person perspective was a good idea, since it allowed tension to be created in scenes where it would otherwise not have existed.
But, while I can see why Chad Zunker ended the book the way it did, it was kind-of awful. It had to happen that way to set up future books in the series. But it was really emotionally unsatisfying, in the sense that I think Natalie should dump Sam and Tommy should cut all ties with him. I hate dishonesty, especially if you expect other people to risk dying for you, the least you can do is to be honest with them. But we'll have to see where it goes in future books in the series.
But, while I can see why Chad Zunker ended the book the way it did, it was kind-of awful. It had to happen that way to set up future books in the series. But it was really emotionally unsatisfying, in the sense that I think Natalie should dump Sam and Tommy should cut all ties with him. I hate dishonesty, especially if you expect other people to risk dying for you, the least you can do is to be honest with them. But we'll have to see where it goes in future books in the series.
September 14, 2017
Just about all of this is completely preposterous but I'll admit it's a real page turner because Sam is such an engaging character. Not a chance that a junior attorney would be sent to Mexico City to meet a client, not a chance that he'd be able to do some of the things he does (reserve comment re the porous border), not a chance that everything would converge the way it does (assassins, CIA, kidnapping of Natalie) but even as I found myself poo-pooing it, I kept reading. I enjoyed the first book for the same reason. There's an odd joyousness (given the genre) to Dunker's writing. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. You will like this if you enjoy thrillers with a lot of bad guys, some conspiracy, and an intrepid hero trying to save himself, his love, and lots of others as well.
May 8, 2018
Shadow Shepherd is the second book in the Sam Callahan series. I liked the first better. For the genre, it was right inline - fast-paced, a quick read, simple writing, but also a bit predictable. The danger Sam was in never felt real to me - he felt invincible. That's part of the appeal, I guess. But with some repetitive scenes and a relentless backstory that didn't do much to help move the plot forward (yet, I understand the purpose of it - an effort to develop a rapport with the reader, to make Sam more well-rounded), I found myself bored at times. That said, there were some scenes that were exciting and had me on the edge. Overall, Shadow Shepherd was just okay. If you're in the mood for a bullet-flying, run away from assassin, government cover up type story, give it a shot.
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