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Jericho Black Thriller #2.5
Danger Close: Featuring Will Hessler and Jacob Mitzak
It's 1979 and Will Hessler has found himself in the desert outside of Negev, Israel, training for operations with a secret division within Israeli intelligence. When a soldier is kidnapped at the Israeli/ Palestine border Will follows Jacob Mitzak on a mission to get him back. Is Will ready for the realities of this new world and his place in it?
This short novella serves as an introduction to the Jericho Black Universe. Fans of The Hammer of Israel will love Danger Close!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2018
70 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Vezina
48 books44 followersJordan Vezina is a writer of historical fiction living in Palo Alto California. In a past life Jordan was an infantry Marine serving in an anti/ counter-terror unit, a bodyguard, and a personal trainer. And a website designer. And a combatives teacher. And a corporate manager. And a singer and guitar player in a blues-metal band. And then an IT guy. And then blah blah blah I'm so cool. That's right. It's me writing this.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 16, 2020
This review is for the recently expanded edition of Danger Close:
This was another thrilling episode of the Will Hessler story. This book is set in Israel, so a little different from the previous two which are based in the USA. It is incredibly realistic and holds your attention throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another thrilling episode of the Will Hessler story. This book is set in Israel, so a little different from the previous two which are based in the USA. It is incredibly realistic and holds your attention throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2019
The Jericho Black Universe: The following well written books are all part of this universe and take place in a timeline from 1910 until 1980, as of January, 2019. The third book Retribution starts in 1980. All the storylines are carried throughout this series of books. The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and so mesmerizing it's hard for the reader to put down the book(s). I chain read all but Among Wolves, which I had already read and made me interested in reading the rest of the story. There are plenty of twists, kinks and surprises in all the additions. The pace is steady and fast, no bogging down with trivial fillers. The emotions range across the scale and even the harden reader goes "Oh my gosh." occasionally. Nothing graphic, you just forget how depraved the human race is, especially in the pack (or herd) formation.
The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.
Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*
The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*
Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.
Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*
Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*
The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.
Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*
The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*
Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.
Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*
Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*
The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
February 20, 2019
This book continues the saga of Will Hessler, aka Jericho Black, as he becomes ingrained into his new life as an Israeli citizen and is forged into an effective operative for The Box. Will is forced to make some very tough decisions in a very short time, including one that involves a woman he has developed an interest in.
One aspect I liked here was the conflict among the operatives between old school blind retribution believers and more modern political reality advocates. Retribution still happens but it happens in such a way as to not fuel the flames of yet another war. This is a definite five-star series and I anticipate more of the same from this author.
One aspect I liked here was the conflict among the operatives between old school blind retribution believers and more modern political reality advocates. Retribution still happens but it happens in such a way as to not fuel the flames of yet another war. This is a definite five-star series and I anticipate more of the same from this author.
November 7, 2018
Danger Close by Jordan Vezina is another piece of the mosaic story of Will Hessler and Jacob Mitzak, which means the overall story is out of sequence. Is that a problem? Not really. The themes are so compelling that the mosaic fits seamlessly together and the adventures of Jerico Black and the Hammar of Israel gain more depth and meaning with each installment. I have enjoyed Jordan Vezina's books, and as each one is released it rises to the top of my reading list and becomes the next one I will read.
August 15, 2019
Danger Close. Jordan Vezina
Will Hessler is now code named Jericho Black. A covert operative in an adjoining or clandestine part of Mossad. He is a tool. An assassin, but trained as an operative who works with other Israeli operatives on different missions. He has earned their respect. But there is always a price to pay. Mentally. But that is to be expected. This is a tremendous read. Enjoyed immensely!
Will Hessler is now code named Jericho Black. A covert operative in an adjoining or clandestine part of Mossad. He is a tool. An assassin, but trained as an operative who works with other Israeli operatives on different missions. He has earned their respect. But there is always a price to pay. Mentally. But that is to be expected. This is a tremendous read. Enjoyed immensely!
October 17, 2020
Absolutely Brilliant!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I have no hesitation in recommending it!
Brilliant,fast paced thriller, that had my attention straight off the bat.This book follows straight on from Kill chain (Jericho Black book 2) so I urge you to read these excellent books in order.
I don't like to give spoilers for books,but,if you love espionage thrillers and action books,along the lines of Tom Clancy,Robert Ludlum etc,then I will definitely recommend giving this a try.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I have no hesitation in recommending it!
Brilliant,fast paced thriller, that had my attention straight off the bat.This book follows straight on from Kill chain (Jericho Black book 2) so I urge you to read these excellent books in order.
I don't like to give spoilers for books,but,if you love espionage thrillers and action books,along the lines of Tom Clancy,Robert Ludlum etc,then I will definitely recommend giving this a try.
February 23, 2019
I love this series because this is historical fiction with so much truth in it. I love the characters and the story. This has become one of my favorite series and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2018
"Mossad manual"
Terrific amount of research into the subject. Well-written. Perfect gift to accompany the series I imagine. I've never read any of the other books. Too macho for my taste, but I understand their appeal.
Terrific amount of research into the subject. Well-written. Perfect gift to accompany the series I imagine. I've never read any of the other books. Too macho for my taste, but I understand their appeal.
January 4, 2019
Another good story
Finished the story a short time ago. As usual Jordan Vezina has produced another good one. It has a good story line and keeps you engrossed to the end. Well written.
Finished the story a short time ago. As usual Jordan Vezina has produced another good one. It has a good story line and keeps you engrossed to the end. Well written.
October 30, 2021
Another great read as Will continues his training in Israel and continues to learn soo much to earn a place in the Box .Love the way the books continue where the last one finished can't stop once i start !soo glad i came across this series .
November 8, 2018
I am lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this short novella from the author. Plenty of Action and suspense packed in this quick read.
January 30, 2019
Good background information.
October 20, 2020
Great story telling. Character development is outstanding.
April 27, 2022
Good story, lousy editing
25 typos is minus one star. Other than that, this story was super engaging and I'm glad to see a development in Will's psyche.
25 typos is minus one star. Other than that, this story was super engaging and I'm glad to see a development in Will's psyche.
April 8, 2025
Can’t wait to read the next in series.
February 16, 2019
This review is for the expanded edition.
I originally read the novella version of this book, but just sat down to read the fully expanded tome. The overall theme of the novella (showing how Will is growing into his Jericho Black persona) remains the same, but with more depth and understanding. Highly recommend reading this if you are into the Jericho Black series as the now-full length novel bridges the gap between Education and Retribution nicely.
ARC copy given for free in exchange for my thoughts.
I originally read the novella version of this book, but just sat down to read the fully expanded tome. The overall theme of the novella (showing how Will is growing into his Jericho Black persona) remains the same, but with more depth and understanding. Highly recommend reading this if you are into the Jericho Black series as the now-full length novel bridges the gap between Education and Retribution nicely.
ARC copy given for free in exchange for my thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews