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Max Thorne #0.5
18 Minutes
What choice can he make with only 18 minutes?
FSB Agent Max Thorne might be shy and lack confidence, but he has never lost any of the high-value detainees he transports ... yet. Assigned a daunting new mission, Max must lead a two-man team and transfer a high-profile banker to a safehouse in Moscow. Meanwhile, overwhelming opposition is determined to free the banker at any cost.
With no safehouse, no backup, and no options, Max must make an impossible choice.
But can he do it in only 18 minutes?
FSB Agent Max Thorne might be shy and lack confidence, but he has never lost any of the high-value detainees he transports ... yet. Assigned a daunting new mission, Max must lead a two-man team and transfer a high-profile banker to a safehouse in Moscow. Meanwhile, overwhelming opposition is determined to free the banker at any cost.
With no safehouse, no backup, and no options, Max must make an impossible choice.
But can he do it in only 18 minutes?
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2019
About the author
Ethan Jones
159 books669 followersEthan Jones is an international bestselling author of over 50 assassin thriller and suspense novels. His books have sold over two hundred thousand copies in over seventy countries. Ethan has lived in four continents. He has worked for the American Embassy and does mission work around the globe. He’s a lawyer by trade.
His goal is to provide clean, clever and white-knuckled entertainment for his valued readers. Free of sex, language, or excessive violence, but full of fast-paced, action-packed suspense with unsuspecting twists and turns.
When he’s not writing or researching, you can find Ethan helping, hiking, hanging out with family/friends, or traveling the world.
Check out Ethan's website ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones
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His goal is to provide clean, clever and white-knuckled entertainment for his valued readers. Free of sex, language, or excessive violence, but full of fast-paced, action-packed suspense with unsuspecting twists and turns.
When he’s not writing or researching, you can find Ethan helping, hiking, hanging out with family/friends, or traveling the world.
Check out Ethan's website ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones
Kobo: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-Kobo
Apple Books: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-Apple
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-BN
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-GooglePlay
Add me as a Friend so you can join my Events, Giveaways, and much more...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 10, 2019
“Three people can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”
What a thrill ride...A fast-paced prequel that will keep you reading way past your bedtime. A thrilling introduction to Max Thorne, a Russian secret service agent and his everyday life as a “transporter”, a dubious boss, spy intrigue, and internal secret affairs abound. Onto Agent Rising #1!
What a thrill ride...A fast-paced prequel that will keep you reading way past your bedtime. A thrilling introduction to Max Thorne, a Russian secret service agent and his everyday life as a “transporter”, a dubious boss, spy intrigue, and internal secret affairs abound. Onto Agent Rising #1!
July 2, 2021
Quick read, much of it can be skimmed without losing any "meat" of the story. While it's okey, it's really nothing special. Biggest difference between this thriller and the usual CIA, Speical Ops, thriller is it takes place in Mosco with Russian FSB agent.
June 29, 2021
Fast start to what looks like an original thriller series. I liked the prose, pace and the characters.
May 28, 2019
Anyone who has read an Ethan Jones book before expects certain things: action, tension, conflict, great characters and a plot full of double truths and shady agendas. This short book has all that and more. It’s a new take on the action espionage thriller for me as it’s told from the point of view of a Russian FSB agent, Maximillian Thornichinovich, or Max Thorne as he believes the CIA would call him. Max is a dedicated and trustworthy agent put into a tough situation with little or no help by people with their own agendas for doing so. All of this makes for an interesting story that feels fresh and new despite all of the authors trademarks being present. Ethan Jones has proven to me many times how he understands his subject and knows just how to balance action with tension. There’s never gun fights and car chases for the sake of them, they’re there to move the story forward and they are extremely well written. I can’t wait for more about this character.
June 5, 2019
Fascinating thriller with a highly unusual twist. In “18 Minutes” the protagonist is a member of the FSB. As a fan of Ethan Jones novels, this one definitely more than meets all expectations. Very fast paced, tight and suspenseful plot, great atmosphere and as usual with Jones, sharply defined characters. I received an advanced copy of “18 Minutes” in exchange for an honest review. More Max Thorne, please.
July 16, 2019
Ethan Jones has done it again throwing a hook into the readers' minds by starting a fantastic series set in Russia.
The prequel is fast paced and flows, so much so that the reader is able to feel like they are a part of the action.
The prequel is fast paced and flows, so much so that the reader is able to feel like they are a part of the action.
May 28, 2019
This introduction of Max, an FSB agent was well written. The story begins with Max receiving a message from his boss that his current assignment has been changed and to see him immediately when he gets in the office. Max finds out that he is to transport a high level detainee to a safehouse. The assignment is different from how he normally operates and he will be working with Sasha, an agent of the SVR. Other than these two, there is no one else assisting.
When first meeting with Sasha, Max determines that he is being followed and once they leave Sasha drives and attempts to lose the followers. This is accomplished by them intercepting their vehicle. The individuals are handcuffed and Police are called in. Once this was accomplished, Max returns to FSB headquarters and gets his vehicle for the pickup. On his travel to the Airport, they are once again followed, but manage to get away.
Once they get to the airport, things get worse and a battle emerges.
The ending of the events at the airport and the inquiry that is launched keeps you wanting more.
Recommend this book highly and it meets all expectations from Ethan Jones’s other series.
When first meeting with Sasha, Max determines that he is being followed and once they leave Sasha drives and attempts to lose the followers. This is accomplished by them intercepting their vehicle. The individuals are handcuffed and Police are called in. Once this was accomplished, Max returns to FSB headquarters and gets his vehicle for the pickup. On his travel to the Airport, they are once again followed, but manage to get away.
Once they get to the airport, things get worse and a battle emerges.
The ending of the events at the airport and the inquiry that is launched keeps you wanting more.
Recommend this book highly and it meets all expectations from Ethan Jones’s other series.
June 20, 2019
Will it be over in 18 minutes or is it the beginning?
This is the prequel for the new Max Thorne series. It introduces Max, his profession and why this Russian operative has an American sounding name. He is sent on a last minute mission where everything goes wrong. Was it a set up? He takes the blame and a demotion. Well written story. Looking forward to the next book.
This is the prequel for the new Max Thorne series. It introduces Max, his profession and why this Russian operative has an American sounding name. He is sent on a last minute mission where everything goes wrong. Was it a set up? He takes the blame and a demotion. Well written story. Looking forward to the next book.
June 15, 2019
This is totally different from Ethan Jones' previous Canadian spy series of characters Javin Pierce, Justin Hall, and Carrie O’Connor. Add to that is this is a prequel to a new one.
Russian FSB (similar to U.S. FBI) agent Maxim Thornichinovich has been called into his boss's office for a new mission. While waiting in the bosses reception area, he returns a call to Sasha, his best friend and an SVR (Russia's CIA) operative. Soon they find out they are paired on Maxim's next mission.
Their mission is to pick-up a well-known banker at the airport and escort him to a safehouse in a trip that should only take..."18 Minutes".
But the attempt to escort the banker is not as easy as it first seemed to the two friends. It seems that unknown operatives want to ensure their goal doesn't happen.
So, are they able to make the trip safely in 18 Minutes? Read it and learn about their adventurous ride.
Russian FSB (similar to U.S. FBI) agent Maxim Thornichinovich has been called into his boss's office for a new mission. While waiting in the bosses reception area, he returns a call to Sasha, his best friend and an SVR (Russia's CIA) operative. Soon they find out they are paired on Maxim's next mission.
Their mission is to pick-up a well-known banker at the airport and escort him to a safehouse in a trip that should only take..."18 Minutes".
But the attempt to escort the banker is not as easy as it first seemed to the two friends. It seems that unknown operatives want to ensure their goal doesn't happen.
So, are they able to make the trip safely in 18 Minutes? Read it and learn about their adventurous ride.
June 15, 2019
don't know what I was expecting from this completely new series other than I was sure it would be in the same vein as the others. I took it as a given that it would be about a Canadian based operative.Well I was wrong about quite a lot and it took me more than a few minutes of reading to get my head round the new reality. I suppose if I had timed it maybe it was 18 minutes lol. Joking aside this first glimpse of the new series is rocking, really so good. The author has outdone himself.
Max Thorne seems to excel at his job, is plagued with incompetent untrustworthy colleagues and is a little too diffident in trusting in himself and his worth. That is my own opinion of him. Plus he is completely honest and trustworthy. I surmise in this series we will find out how such a good man survives in such a vile environment.
I really look forward to reading the authors take on this man. My take on the authors new series is superb!
Max Thorne seems to excel at his job, is plagued with incompetent untrustworthy colleagues and is a little too diffident in trusting in himself and his worth. That is my own opinion of him. Plus he is completely honest and trustworthy. I surmise in this series we will find out how such a good man survives in such a vile environment.
I really look forward to reading the authors take on this man. My take on the authors new series is superb!
June 11, 2019
18 Minutes. Ethan Jones
This is a prelude to the first book in this series. It depicts how the Russian intelligence agencies, similar to the CIA operate. Max Thorne and his partner were assigned a mission without adequate backup as well as vital intelligence. It predictably turned into utter chaos and Max, through no fault of his own has to shoulder the blame. An enjoyable read!
This is a prelude to the first book in this series. It depicts how the Russian intelligence agencies, similar to the CIA operate. Max Thorne and his partner were assigned a mission without adequate backup as well as vital intelligence. It predictably turned into utter chaos and Max, through no fault of his own has to shoulder the blame. An enjoyable read!
June 1, 2019
How much did I like it, and would I read more? I think I’m around an 8. I definitely enjoyed it and I’m very interested to read more. I really liked that Max isn’t ‘perfect’ – he can’t do everything well. I also love that he’s too shy to talk to his crush. It makes the big bad secret agent charming and endearing.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
June 16, 2019
A Great Spy Thriller
This story about a Russian member of the spy community is a different view of our enemy and their spies. It delves into the roles lower level workers take on to help protect Mother Russia. This story is fast paced with non-stop action. I enjoyed this book and will read the next In the series.
This story about a Russian member of the spy community is a different view of our enemy and their spies. It delves into the roles lower level workers take on to help protect Mother Russia. This story is fast paced with non-stop action. I enjoyed this book and will read the next In the series.
June 19, 2019
AWESOME READ!!
As a Prequel to the Max Throrne spy books, it was a very interesting read. Max Thorne, isn't very happy in his position. But, he does his job to the very best of his ability. He is sent to the airport to retrieve a very important man. Everything seems to go south, very quickly. But, he is a very determined man, to accomplish his mission.
As a Prequel to the Max Throrne spy books, it was a very interesting read. Max Thorne, isn't very happy in his position. But, he does his job to the very best of his ability. He is sent to the airport to retrieve a very important man. Everything seems to go south, very quickly. But, he is a very determined man, to accomplish his mission.
May 28, 2019
A Russian agent who transports prisoners that his government agency wants moved from one location to another, gets an assignment teamed with another agency and some surprises. An action packed 18 minutes.
June 16, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book. I thought this was a great book. Like all of Ethan Jones' books; this book was filled with action and suspense. I liked the main character, Max Thorne and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
July 8, 2019
I look forward to each book!
No matter which series I’m reading, I look forward to reading Ethan’s 📚. I’m so glad to have another wonderful author to add to my list! I’m always looking for reading material!
No matter which series I’m reading, I look forward to reading Ethan’s 📚. I’m so glad to have another wonderful author to add to my list! I’m always looking for reading material!
August 26, 2019
Lots of action
Wow! What a story! There's lots of action from the main character, Maxim. He's very good at his job. I can't wait to read "Agent Rising" where the story continues. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone.
Wow! What a story! There's lots of action from the main character, Maxim. He's very good at his job. I can't wait to read "Agent Rising" where the story continues. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone.
November 12, 2020
Wow!! Which end is up? Who are the good guys/bad guys? Ready to get whiplash from the sudden plot twists and turns? This certainly is a fast-paced preview of what promises to be an exciting series. Bring it on, Mr. Jones!!
June 6, 2019
This book is in keeping with what I have come to expect from Ethan Jones. Full of action and suspense throughout the story. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down.
June 11, 2019
A great prequel. I loved the car/plane thing. Don't want to give to much away. Haha
June 16, 2019
A great prequel novella to what is going to be a superb series. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read the next one.
June 19, 2019
Great prequel to the new Max Thorne series. Action filled and well paced for a quick one evening read.
June 30, 2019
Exciting Suspense
Thrill a minute. Always alot of action or twist and turns. This book is very hard to put down once you start it.
Thrill a minute. Always alot of action or twist and turns. This book is very hard to put down once you start it.
July 16, 2019
Really good read
August 2, 2020
Good book
Good book will keep you thinking about it all the time and it will have a chance to get it done by the best possible way it will end
Good book will keep you thinking about it all the time and it will have a chance to get it done by the best possible way it will end
September 1, 2020
Every exciting story that you can not put down till you have finished it. Max is a very interesting character. I would recommend this series to anyone who like fast moving stories and action.
November 6, 2020
Good read
This prequel fills a few gaps and add another layer of suspense. As with all of his books,Ethan has done a superb job.
This prequel fills a few gaps and add another layer of suspense. As with all of his books,Ethan has done a superb job.
November 30, 2020
A new Spy from Ethan Jones. Exciting story, full of action.Look forward to reading more of Max Thorne.
September 27, 2022
Max Thorne, also known as Maximillian Thornichinovich, is a demoted Russian FSB agent who is ambitious and wants to climb the FSB ladder of success. He has worked picking up and dropping off high-value detainees of the Russian government. He has a good history of working but finds himself in situations where his skills are not appreciated. How will he redeem himself and regain the trust and confidence of his superiors? There is a lot of action in this short book. In addition, Thorne will learn that there is a history that has affected his life that he knows little. He will discover an important man in his life and be involved in the man’s current adventures. 18 Minutes gives one a lot of background and develops the characters in the Max Thorne series. It’s an interesting action thriller that will give one an evening of good reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews