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Talia Inger #2
Chasing the White Lion
Young CIA officer Talia Inger has reconciled with the man who assassinated her father, but that doesn't mean she wants him hovering over her every move and unearthing the painful past she's trying to put behind her. Still, she'll need him--and the help of his star grifter, Valkyrie--if she hopes to infiltrate the Jungle, the first ever crowdsourced crime syndicate, to rescue a group of kidnapped refugee children.
But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she'll run right up against the ragged edge of her family's dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it's win . . . or die. And in times like that, it's always good to have someone watching your back.
Former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James Hannibal takes you deep undercover into the criminal underworld where everyone has an angle and no one escapes unscathed.
But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she'll run right up against the ragged edge of her family's dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it's win . . . or die. And in times like that, it's always good to have someone watching your back.
Former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James Hannibal takes you deep undercover into the criminal underworld where everyone has an angle and no one escapes unscathed.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
James R. Hannibal
15 books583 followersJames R. Hannibal an award-winning author of kids fiction, spy and military thrillers, and young adult fantasy. As a former stealth bomber pilot and drone pilot James is no stranger to action or secrets. He has been shot at, locked up by a surface to air missile system, and aided the capture of High Value Targets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 27, 2021
As with
The Gryphon Heist
, I loved the characters and their interplay—quite the motley crew, and a blast to read about! I like how little romance there is in this duology. I like my romance, too, but sometimes it’s nice to have it take a backseat for a change. I enjoyed seeing the softer sides of Talia’s, um, associates. Watching some of them soften to the things of the Lord was beautiful. I really appreciate Hannibal’s straightforwardness with Christian themes. And the awkward church scene cracked me up!
I found the plot a bit easier to follow than Gryphon, though still with plenty of believability-stretching moments. Overall, though, the overtones of this story felt darker and more disturbing to me. Apparently I don’t enjoy reading about violent underworld “games” and trafficking bosses who run death mazes in skyscrapers and threaten to incinerate people. I definitely do not recommend this for sensitive readers, but people who like suspenseful suspense and don’t mind violence will probably be in their element and can feel free to add a star to my rating. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did, but seeing the “merry band of thieves” back in action still made it an engaging read.
A final note: Do not, under any circumstances, read this book (or even its cover description) before reading The Gryphon Heist, unless you don’t object to massive spoilers.
I found the plot a bit easier to follow than Gryphon, though still with plenty of believability-stretching moments. Overall, though, the overtones of this story felt darker and more disturbing to me. Apparently I don’t enjoy reading about violent underworld “games” and trafficking bosses who run death mazes in skyscrapers and threaten to incinerate people. I definitely do not recommend this for sensitive readers, but people who like suspenseful suspense and don’t mind violence will probably be in their element and can feel free to add a star to my rating. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did, but seeing the “merry band of thieves” back in action still made it an engaging read.
A final note: Do not, under any circumstances, read this book (or even its cover description) before reading The Gryphon Heist, unless you don’t object to massive spoilers.
March 17, 2020
Reading Chasing the White Lion is more fun than watching an action movie — and I do LOVE action movies! If the crew of Ocean’s 11 were working with Mission: Impossible and the CIA, it might look something like what the globe-trotting Talia Inger and her team accomplish.
More than the high-tech, cybercrime-stopping fun, though, these characters share nerdy humor and a deeper story of purpose. While Talia learns to depend and trust those God has placed in her life as a ragtag “family”, ties between these team members grow stronger and more secrets are revealed. I highly recommend reading the first book, The Gryphon Heist, to appreciate the full background of this story and the personalities of each character.
Veteran James R. Hannibal has penned an extraordinarily fun story that simultaneously draws attention to the global opportunities of giving and caring for the “least of these” around us. Chasing the White Lion incorporates the organization Compassion International deftly into its plot and shines such a light on children and human trafficking concerns. For more info, go check out James’ website post about how each book purchased is supporting Compassion.
I highly recommend this book to any fans of action, suspense, or ensemble-cast heist stories with a thread of faith. I hope many more adventures are in story for Talia and company!
Thank you to Revell Reads for the review copy. This is my honest review.
More than the high-tech, cybercrime-stopping fun, though, these characters share nerdy humor and a deeper story of purpose. While Talia learns to depend and trust those God has placed in her life as a ragtag “family”, ties between these team members grow stronger and more secrets are revealed. I highly recommend reading the first book, The Gryphon Heist, to appreciate the full background of this story and the personalities of each character.
Veteran James R. Hannibal has penned an extraordinarily fun story that simultaneously draws attention to the global opportunities of giving and caring for the “least of these” around us. Chasing the White Lion incorporates the organization Compassion International deftly into its plot and shines such a light on children and human trafficking concerns. For more info, go check out James’ website post about how each book purchased is supporting Compassion.
I highly recommend this book to any fans of action, suspense, or ensemble-cast heist stories with a thread of faith. I hope many more adventures are in story for Talia and company!
Thank you to Revell Reads for the review copy. This is my honest review.
June 18, 2021
I didn't know this was a sequel until well after I started it...but I enjoyed it!
March 19, 2020
Book two was just as engaging and intriguing as book one--actually, I think I can honestly say that I enjoyed it more than book one. I’m loving these characters! They are all so diverse and yes, entertaining.
Like I said for book one (which you MUST read before this one!), this is an adventure-driven book that takes you all around the world. The situations are surreal, but so cool that I loved each and every point of the plot. I have never read "Hunger Games," but from what little I know about it, this book definitely had some "Hunger Games" hints toward the end.
The faith message was stronger and more prevalent in this book, which I appreciated. I found the salvation message presented was very... unique. It dealt with repentance and trust, but it was totally in a conversation that related to a criminal. That was very interesting.
There is a little progress in the romance field. Nothing super conclusive yet, but leading there. And I’ll admit, I kind of like where it’s hinting at!
*I received this book from the publishers and happily gave my honest review*
Like I said for book one (which you MUST read before this one!), this is an adventure-driven book that takes you all around the world. The situations are surreal, but so cool that I loved each and every point of the plot. I have never read "Hunger Games," but from what little I know about it, this book definitely had some "Hunger Games" hints toward the end.
The faith message was stronger and more prevalent in this book, which I appreciated. I found the salvation message presented was very... unique. It dealt with repentance and trust, but it was totally in a conversation that related to a criminal. That was very interesting.
There is a little progress in the romance field. Nothing super conclusive yet, but leading there. And I’ll admit, I kind of like where it’s hinting at!
*I received this book from the publishers and happily gave my honest review*
March 3, 2020
This book was sooo good! I was glued to it as Mr. Hannibal took us on a journey from Russia, DC, and other locations. I had to know how it would all turn out.
Not to mention his cast of secondary characters (aka the merry band of reformed criminals) are a hoot! Their snark and back-and-forth engagement left me chuckling. But Mr. Hannibal also gets real and shares the importance of Christ and why people accept the gift He so richly offers. I tell you one scene in here relating to this was absolutely golden. Pure genius!
If you haven’t read Mr. Hannibal, don’t miss out. This series is a must read and Chasing the White Lion was better than book 1!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
**Full review at: https://tonishiloh.com/2020/03/03/boo...
Not to mention his cast of secondary characters (aka the merry band of reformed criminals) are a hoot! Their snark and back-and-forth engagement left me chuckling. But Mr. Hannibal also gets real and shares the importance of Christ and why people accept the gift He so richly offers. I tell you one scene in here relating to this was absolutely golden. Pure genius!
If you haven’t read Mr. Hannibal, don’t miss out. This series is a must read and Chasing the White Lion was better than book 1!
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
**Full review at: https://tonishiloh.com/2020/03/03/boo...
March 9, 2020
This is the second book in the Clandestine Service series. The adventure of international intrigue and high tech devices continues.
I liked this novel much better than the first one. I sensed an increased emphasis on the spiritual nature of the action. CIA agent Talia Inger becomes aware of child trafficking in Thailand and that drives part of the action. There is also many more references to spiritual life and Christianity in this book, something nearly absent in the first book. I also appreciated the developing loyalty among the unusual group of people with whom Inger works.
The main plot focus of the book is attacking the head of a huge crowd sourced crime syndicate. As was the case with the first book, the technology used to infiltrate the syndicate is over the top, as is the action. There were times when I was quite lost trying to imagine the action and all going on.
A unique aspect of the book is the mention of Compassion International. A fictional person from that ministry is a character in the book and we get a good sense of their work. Hannibal notes that money from the sale of this title will go to support Compassion International.
This is a good novel for readers who like the latest technological gadgets being used in intense action taking place around the world. You will also find a clear message of salvation and faith. It will be interesting to see if future books in the series will see spiritual change in more characters.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I liked this novel much better than the first one. I sensed an increased emphasis on the spiritual nature of the action. CIA agent Talia Inger becomes aware of child trafficking in Thailand and that drives part of the action. There is also many more references to spiritual life and Christianity in this book, something nearly absent in the first book. I also appreciated the developing loyalty among the unusual group of people with whom Inger works.
The main plot focus of the book is attacking the head of a huge crowd sourced crime syndicate. As was the case with the first book, the technology used to infiltrate the syndicate is over the top, as is the action. There were times when I was quite lost trying to imagine the action and all going on.
A unique aspect of the book is the mention of Compassion International. A fictional person from that ministry is a character in the book and we get a good sense of their work. Hannibal notes that money from the sale of this title will go to support Compassion International.
This is a good novel for readers who like the latest technological gadgets being used in intense action taking place around the world. You will also find a clear message of salvation and faith. It will be interesting to see if future books in the series will see spiritual change in more characters.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
June 20, 2021
Characters: The characters were one of my favorite things about this book. They all had their own unique personalities, and that led to some entertaining conflict between them. I also liked seeing them learn how to work together. I would love to see more books about them!
Language: Clean.
Moral: This book’s main theme was trusting God. There was also the theme of trusting others to help you when you need it, but this book didn’t put those people in the place of God (as in some books I’ve read).
Plot: The plot was my other favorite thing about this book. Chasing the White Lion had adventure, suspense, creative plot scenarios, powerful villains, and even a tiny hint of romance.
Romance: Clean. I enjoyed that the romance was just a hint and didn’t take over the whole plot.
Writing: James Hannibal’s writing fit this story well. His style is clear, descriptive enough to allow the reader to see what’s going on without getting bogged down in details, and fast-paced.
Overall: Chasing the White Lion was a great read, and I’m hoping there will be a third book in the series. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction, suspense, and action/adventure.
Language: Clean.
Moral: This book’s main theme was trusting God. There was also the theme of trusting others to help you when you need it, but this book didn’t put those people in the place of God (as in some books I’ve read).
Plot: The plot was my other favorite thing about this book. Chasing the White Lion had adventure, suspense, creative plot scenarios, powerful villains, and even a tiny hint of romance.
Romance: Clean. I enjoyed that the romance was just a hint and didn’t take over the whole plot.
Writing: James Hannibal’s writing fit this story well. His style is clear, descriptive enough to allow the reader to see what’s going on without getting bogged down in details, and fast-paced.
Overall: Chasing the White Lion was a great read, and I’m hoping there will be a third book in the series. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction, suspense, and action/adventure.
October 1, 2021
9/10 This book is a high action, high stakes, entertaining novel. It follows Talia, a CIA officer who has joined forces with some ex-criminals and cons, to chase down some dangerous criminals.
I enjoyed reading about the different team members and seeing how different they all were. Yet, they were still able to work together. I liked seeing the further character development in this second book. I also enjoyed the progression of the main character’s relationship with God.
The plot was full of action with plenty of twists, and I found it hard to work out who to trust. There was so much going on at times that I got a bit confused.
Overall a fun, exciting read with a deeper message.
I enjoyed reading about the different team members and seeing how different they all were. Yet, they were still able to work together. I liked seeing the further character development in this second book. I also enjoyed the progression of the main character’s relationship with God.
The plot was full of action with plenty of twists, and I found it hard to work out who to trust. There was so much going on at times that I got a bit confused.
Overall a fun, exciting read with a deeper message.
March 2, 2020
This book was a fast paced thrill from start to finish! James R. Hannibal has delivered another swift moving Oceans Eleven meets Mission Impossible type novel. I absolutely love the dynamic of this team! The dialogue is witty and smart and the heist was layered and complex. Edge of your seat situations and and surprising twists seemed to frequent the pages, which really keeps the plot racing along. This band of misfits always seems to have the upper hand and I absolutely love that! There were very obvious faith elements sprinkled throughout the story, but they didn’t seem out of place or added in haphazardly. There was a definite theme of trusting God and reliance on his power not our own that really spoke to the situations that Talia found herself in. I really enjoyed this one and would happily follow this crew through any future books!
April 4, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review.
Chasing The White Lion
By: James R. Hannibal
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
I loved The Gryphon Heist, so I was thrilled to receive a second book by James R. Hannibal. Talia and company are back in Chasing The White Lion, and they don't disappoint. This ensemble cast are excellent together with their witty dialogue and positive group dynamic. There is an underlying theme of family and faith, the kind of family you find along the way. It's really great to see! The story is not exactly character driven, though, because the action is quick and amazing, and the situations are tense and dramatic. Basically, this book has everything, and it's possibly better than Gryphon. I can't decide, but either way, Chasing The White Lion is a winner!
Chasing The White Lion
By: James R. Hannibal
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
I loved The Gryphon Heist, so I was thrilled to receive a second book by James R. Hannibal. Talia and company are back in Chasing The White Lion, and they don't disappoint. This ensemble cast are excellent together with their witty dialogue and positive group dynamic. There is an underlying theme of family and faith, the kind of family you find along the way. It's really great to see! The story is not exactly character driven, though, because the action is quick and amazing, and the situations are tense and dramatic. Basically, this book has everything, and it's possibly better than Gryphon. I can't decide, but either way, Chasing The White Lion is a winner!
April 16, 2020
This book built from an initial boom to a sustained and then page flipping pace. It has an Oceans 11 feel — and a main character that grows on me with each chapter. The faith elements are expertly woven in and the action is intense. The interactions between the team have deepened and I’m interested to see where the series is going. Great ending.
March 19, 2020
A thrilling hunt that'll have you on the edge of your seats with every turn of the page!
Author James Hannibal delivers an exciting sequel that will delight suspense/thriller fans. CIA officer Talia Inger returns with the dynamic team as they hunt an evil enigma going by the name of White Lion. The action begins on page one and doesn't let up bringing one of the coolest casts of characters into the throes of good versus evil. I enjoyed how Mr. Hannibal weaved moral implications throughout and found it satisfying the way he developed each character. The child trafficking element was well-done and I appreciated the author's note at the end encouraging readers to take action.
I highly recommend this story to readers who love adventure, thrills, action, and memorable characters. I'm definitely looking forward to more by Mr. Hannibal!
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.***
Author James Hannibal delivers an exciting sequel that will delight suspense/thriller fans. CIA officer Talia Inger returns with the dynamic team as they hunt an evil enigma going by the name of White Lion. The action begins on page one and doesn't let up bringing one of the coolest casts of characters into the throes of good versus evil. I enjoyed how Mr. Hannibal weaved moral implications throughout and found it satisfying the way he developed each character. The child trafficking element was well-done and I appreciated the author's note at the end encouraging readers to take action.
I highly recommend this story to readers who love adventure, thrills, action, and memorable characters. I'm definitely looking forward to more by Mr. Hannibal!
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.***
March 6, 2020
"Just 'cause someone tries to kill you ain't no reason to go mopin' around, drinking high-calorie death coffee."
Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal is the second in the Talia Inger series, with The Gryphon Heist as book one. Both books can feasibly stand alone, but they are connected by characters and events, so reading them in sequence is advisable.
Hannibal has done it again! Chasing the White Lion is a fast-paced thriller that warrants a high-octane rating for its non-stop action and delicious entertainment. This book has an explosive plot, is full of witty characters with plenty of snappy dialogue, and will reel you all the way in. Clear your schedule because Chasing the White Lion will happily steal your free time and demand your complete attention. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
CIA agent Talia Inger is back, but her new-found Christianity is steering her in new directions, with new objectives and with a new family. That doesn't mean she can't pack a mean punch when called for, including a well-placed elbow to the ribs or nose. There is a nefarious new game in town that involves the trafficking of children in Thailand, and Talia just won't stand for it. Her crew has several familiar faces from The Gryphon Heist, and they are all back with a vengeance and ready to chase the White Lion. Who is this White Lion, you ask? Finding that out is all part of the fun, and I won't be responsible for spoiling it for you. You're in for a real treat!
The stage is meticulously set, and all the players are jockeying for position as each chapter unfolds, all building up to a wicked game called Frenzy. Talia and her band of thieves, grifts, and hackers are sharpening their skills and quickly getting into place to take down that shameful king of the jungle and wrap up a few other endgame shenanigans. The actual game called Frenzy doesn't start until later in the book, but getting to the starting line is a blast. Once the game begins, the level of suspense and action, which is already supersonic high, quickly reaches even greater heights. Frenzy is a vicious, complicated, and money-grabbing playground for unscrupulous and greedy evildoers and business moguls, but there is more at stake than simply points on a leader board. With a Ready Player One/Hunger Games vibe, the ultimate game in Chasing the White Lion is a race against the clock for Talia and her complex yet lovable crew to save the lives of some very scared children and bring down all the bad actors, including the White Lion. This savvy crew has quite a few high-tech and highly explosive tricks up its collective sleeve, continuing that Ocean's Eleven aspect that splashes across book one, The Gryphon Heist.
James R. Hannibal's writing is unbelievably fantastic, but believe it anyway. Seriously, Hannibal can fabricate a story and then deliver it with style, talent, and panache. The characters have well-rounded personalities, and their interactions are dynamic and often quite amusing. The Christianity aspect is much stronger in book two, and the relevant references are well placed and smoothly incorporated into the appropriate characters' development. This spirituality is realistic and fits in nicely with the overall story line, without being too preachy or falling into the pit of Christian stereotypes.
As the main protagonist, Talia Inger is a walking contradiction. She often comes across as completely capable and fully armed with some exceptional skills one minute and then a bit clueless and left out of the loop the next. I'm not sure if that is by design on the author's part, but that development keeps her at a high enigmatic level, making me continually wonder what is going on with this girl. While all the main characters are likable and engaging, Eddie and Conrad continue to be favorites; however, my elite circle of favorites has widened to include Finn. Something is shifting between Talia and Finn, piquing my interest for more of this relationship and hopefully another book of flashy, thrilling, and meteoric action. Unlike the high-stakes game in Chasing the White Lion, this series certainly can't be "Game over."
Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal is the second in the Talia Inger series, with The Gryphon Heist as book one. Both books can feasibly stand alone, but they are connected by characters and events, so reading them in sequence is advisable.
Hannibal has done it again! Chasing the White Lion is a fast-paced thriller that warrants a high-octane rating for its non-stop action and delicious entertainment. This book has an explosive plot, is full of witty characters with plenty of snappy dialogue, and will reel you all the way in. Clear your schedule because Chasing the White Lion will happily steal your free time and demand your complete attention. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
CIA agent Talia Inger is back, but her new-found Christianity is steering her in new directions, with new objectives and with a new family. That doesn't mean she can't pack a mean punch when called for, including a well-placed elbow to the ribs or nose. There is a nefarious new game in town that involves the trafficking of children in Thailand, and Talia just won't stand for it. Her crew has several familiar faces from The Gryphon Heist, and they are all back with a vengeance and ready to chase the White Lion. Who is this White Lion, you ask? Finding that out is all part of the fun, and I won't be responsible for spoiling it for you. You're in for a real treat!
The stage is meticulously set, and all the players are jockeying for position as each chapter unfolds, all building up to a wicked game called Frenzy. Talia and her band of thieves, grifts, and hackers are sharpening their skills and quickly getting into place to take down that shameful king of the jungle and wrap up a few other endgame shenanigans. The actual game called Frenzy doesn't start until later in the book, but getting to the starting line is a blast. Once the game begins, the level of suspense and action, which is already supersonic high, quickly reaches even greater heights. Frenzy is a vicious, complicated, and money-grabbing playground for unscrupulous and greedy evildoers and business moguls, but there is more at stake than simply points on a leader board. With a Ready Player One/Hunger Games vibe, the ultimate game in Chasing the White Lion is a race against the clock for Talia and her complex yet lovable crew to save the lives of some very scared children and bring down all the bad actors, including the White Lion. This savvy crew has quite a few high-tech and highly explosive tricks up its collective sleeve, continuing that Ocean's Eleven aspect that splashes across book one, The Gryphon Heist.
James R. Hannibal's writing is unbelievably fantastic, but believe it anyway. Seriously, Hannibal can fabricate a story and then deliver it with style, talent, and panache. The characters have well-rounded personalities, and their interactions are dynamic and often quite amusing. The Christianity aspect is much stronger in book two, and the relevant references are well placed and smoothly incorporated into the appropriate characters' development. This spirituality is realistic and fits in nicely with the overall story line, without being too preachy or falling into the pit of Christian stereotypes.
As the main protagonist, Talia Inger is a walking contradiction. She often comes across as completely capable and fully armed with some exceptional skills one minute and then a bit clueless and left out of the loop the next. I'm not sure if that is by design on the author's part, but that development keeps her at a high enigmatic level, making me continually wonder what is going on with this girl. While all the main characters are likable and engaging, Eddie and Conrad continue to be favorites; however, my elite circle of favorites has widened to include Finn. Something is shifting between Talia and Finn, piquing my interest for more of this relationship and hopefully another book of flashy, thrilling, and meteoric action. Unlike the high-stakes game in Chasing the White Lion, this series certainly can't be "Game over."
March 4, 2020
Chasing the White Lion is a page turning adventure with the heart of gold.
Family is an underlying theme in this novel. But here, it’s the family that you make that dominates.
“That’s what families do. They catch each other, and they keep going no matter what.”
Talia, Tyler, and the rest of the team are forming deeper bonds with each other. Tyler sends in the team, off-book, to protect Talia on her C.I.A. missions. After the events of the first novel in the series, The Gryphon Heist, Talia is still working on her trust issues, but by the end of this novel, she is fully embracing that she can depend on her team members. It’s great to see the characters connecting with each other on a deeper level forming life-long bonds.
The characters in Chasing the White Lion show considerable growth from The Gryphon Heist. The secondary team members who shine this time around are Finn and Val. I was happy to read that Mr. Hannibal provides more back-story and motivation for these two characters. Finn grows from the playboy thrill-seeker to one of my favorite characters. He’s still going to jump off that ledge, but he’ll hold your hand if you need help to jump along with him. Val now sees that all of her actions (past and present) have consequences. And realizing that her actions impact others is a great step forward for her character.
This novel is just as action packed as the first. I was turning the pages as fast as I could. There are enough car explosions, assassination attempts, titular lion dodging, and jumping out of planes to keep me thoroughly entertained. And there is an amazing motorcycle sequence at the end that I am still thinking about days later!
On the romance front, we thankfully have very little romance. This completely works for me in an action book. But we do have some very cute flirting between Finn and Talia. Maybe this will develop into something in a future novel?
If you read The Gryphon Heist and were wondering, yes, there is still some funny Eddie geek humor, especially with his insistence on buying only the best drones and his new call sign of Red Leader.
On a personal side note, it was SUPER STRESSFUL reading the scene where the plane our characters are flying in begins losing cabin pressure WHILE ON A PLANE. Super. Fun. Times. Luckily, no such issues on my own flight!
Whereas you could, technically, read Chasing the White Lion without having read The Gryphon Heist, you would be doing yourself a disservice. Read both. They are amazing action\adventure books!
Family is an underlying theme in this novel. But here, it’s the family that you make that dominates.
“That’s what families do. They catch each other, and they keep going no matter what.”
Talia, Tyler, and the rest of the team are forming deeper bonds with each other. Tyler sends in the team, off-book, to protect Talia on her C.I.A. missions. After the events of the first novel in the series, The Gryphon Heist, Talia is still working on her trust issues, but by the end of this novel, she is fully embracing that she can depend on her team members. It’s great to see the characters connecting with each other on a deeper level forming life-long bonds.
The characters in Chasing the White Lion show considerable growth from The Gryphon Heist. The secondary team members who shine this time around are Finn and Val. I was happy to read that Mr. Hannibal provides more back-story and motivation for these two characters. Finn grows from the playboy thrill-seeker to one of my favorite characters. He’s still going to jump off that ledge, but he’ll hold your hand if you need help to jump along with him. Val now sees that all of her actions (past and present) have consequences. And realizing that her actions impact others is a great step forward for her character.
This novel is just as action packed as the first. I was turning the pages as fast as I could. There are enough car explosions, assassination attempts, titular lion dodging, and jumping out of planes to keep me thoroughly entertained. And there is an amazing motorcycle sequence at the end that I am still thinking about days later!
On the romance front, we thankfully have very little romance. This completely works for me in an action book. But we do have some very cute flirting between Finn and Talia. Maybe this will develop into something in a future novel?
If you read The Gryphon Heist and were wondering, yes, there is still some funny Eddie geek humor, especially with his insistence on buying only the best drones and his new call sign of Red Leader.
On a personal side note, it was SUPER STRESSFUL reading the scene where the plane our characters are flying in begins losing cabin pressure WHILE ON A PLANE. Super. Fun. Times. Luckily, no such issues on my own flight!
Whereas you could, technically, read Chasing the White Lion without having read The Gryphon Heist, you would be doing yourself a disservice. Read both. They are amazing action\adventure books!
March 6, 2020
Title: Chasing the White Lion (Talia Inger #2)
Author: James R. Hannibal
Pages: 384
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Talia is a CIA agent who is undercover in Russia. She is supposed to meet a contact with valuable information and talents. But what Talia isn’t aware of is that her cover is blown, and she’ll be lucky to make it out in one piece! Some of the characters readers meet in book one, The Gryphon Heist, might be seen in this second installment. When you read it, let me know what you found out!
Be prepared for a fast-moving tale that crosses the globe and meeting new players along the way, both good folks and not good. The author did a good job of reminding folks a little of what came before for Talia and what she learned from her experiences then. Talia is a believer who wants others to know God too so there is part of that in the tale.
The author did a fantastic job of having a plethora of threads in the plot. It was fun to see how the author was going to bring the various threads together, and what a masterpiece revealed! Some of the book reminded me of James Bond type adventures, so readers of suspense will absolutely become engrossed in the book.
Talia is plagued by past memories and must either learn to quiet them or face them. Like an onion, the excitement peals back layers of twists and turns in the plot that I didn’t see until it happened. Here is a great series with solid characters and an element of faith that adds to the tale not overwhelm it. But the book is not all suspense; there are moments of humor that let a reader breathe before the whirlwind stirs up again as soon as a person turns the page!
Don’t miss Chasing the White Lion or the Gryphon Heist, which started the action off!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: James R. Hannibal
Pages: 384
Year: 2020
Publisher: Revell
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Talia is a CIA agent who is undercover in Russia. She is supposed to meet a contact with valuable information and talents. But what Talia isn’t aware of is that her cover is blown, and she’ll be lucky to make it out in one piece! Some of the characters readers meet in book one, The Gryphon Heist, might be seen in this second installment. When you read it, let me know what you found out!
Be prepared for a fast-moving tale that crosses the globe and meeting new players along the way, both good folks and not good. The author did a good job of reminding folks a little of what came before for Talia and what she learned from her experiences then. Talia is a believer who wants others to know God too so there is part of that in the tale.
The author did a fantastic job of having a plethora of threads in the plot. It was fun to see how the author was going to bring the various threads together, and what a masterpiece revealed! Some of the book reminded me of James Bond type adventures, so readers of suspense will absolutely become engrossed in the book.
Talia is plagued by past memories and must either learn to quiet them or face them. Like an onion, the excitement peals back layers of twists and turns in the plot that I didn’t see until it happened. Here is a great series with solid characters and an element of faith that adds to the tale not overwhelm it. But the book is not all suspense; there are moments of humor that let a reader breathe before the whirlwind stirs up again as soon as a person turns the page!
Don’t miss Chasing the White Lion or the Gryphon Heist, which started the action off!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
May 14, 2020
Ah what to say. I loved this one almost as much as The Gryphon Heist. It was well written, a lot of fun to read, and the moral threads that were woven in to question yourself quietly were perfect.
I liked that this one focused a bit more on Finn and Val as main-side characters. I grew to like Val more than I had in the first book, which I think was the point.
Finn was... still a mystery. I felt like you were meant to get to know him better through this book, but he was still such a puzzle. You get to hear some of his backstory, and that's awesome, but you still can't really get inside HIM. Not that it was a bad thing, I just would have enjoyed that aspect too.
I didn't love Tyler quiet as much in this one, simply because he was not a main character like he was in the last. But thankfully my love for him from that first book was still strong and he didn't disappoint bringing it into this one.
I always struggle when (fiction) books bring up the topic of human trafficking, especially children, so this one was on the verge of upsetting me. But it was well handled and executed, and I feel the author honored that topic well. Also, using Compassion International was a huge plus for me because I have participated in their Christmas shoebox program for several years and I've been looking into adopting a sponsor child. So that was a plus.
I rolled my eyes really hard once, but I can't remember what it was about because.
I didn't put this book down until I finished it, which was at 2:54 am last night. I can't wait to have it on my shelf next to The Gryphon Heist. Unfortunately, I didn't get accepted on the review team this time and had to wait for my library to get it in, but I wasn't disappointed.
I liked that this one focused a bit more on Finn and Val as main-side characters. I grew to like Val more than I had in the first book, which I think was the point.
Finn was... still a mystery. I felt like you were meant to get to know him better through this book, but he was still such a puzzle. You get to hear some of his backstory, and that's awesome, but you still can't really get inside HIM. Not that it was a bad thing, I just would have enjoyed that aspect too.
I didn't love Tyler quiet as much in this one, simply because he was not a main character like he was in the last. But thankfully my love for him from that first book was still strong and he didn't disappoint bringing it into this one.
I always struggle when (fiction) books bring up the topic of human trafficking, especially children, so this one was on the verge of upsetting me. But it was well handled and executed, and I feel the author honored that topic well. Also, using Compassion International was a huge plus for me because I have participated in their Christmas shoebox program for several years and I've been looking into adopting a sponsor child. So that was a plus.
I rolled my eyes really hard once, but I can't remember what it was about because.
I didn't put this book down until I finished it, which was at 2:54 am last night. I can't wait to have it on my shelf next to The Gryphon Heist. Unfortunately, I didn't get accepted on the review team this time and had to wait for my library to get it in, but I wasn't disappointed.
March 26, 2020
Dear reader,
Upon reading this book, there are a few things I have come to realize. 1.) I love, love, love a con/heist story. I don’t know what that says about me as a person, but they’re seriously a favorite. 2.) I love, love, love Hannibal’s writing and books and I think everyone needs to read them. The reason for this opinion? First off, his characters. From the beginning of the story, I fell in love with ALL the characters (Finn in particular) and at the end of the book, I really didn’t want to leave them. Second, the story itself. Like I said, I am not a complete sucker for heist/con stories and I have Hannibal to thank for that. The whole story and premise of this book was so engaging, there wasn’t a moment of boredom for me as a reader and it was just a really fun ride. And thirdly, the lessons. At the beginning of this book, I was very annoyed with Talia, the protagonist. I thought she was acting to entitled and I just didn’t like her. But then as the story progressed, she slowly changed. I loved seeing her struggle and the lessons she learned and how she gradually changed throughout the whole book. That, I think, was my favorite part.
So if you, dear reader, are a fan of suspense or heist/con stories, or if you’re just looking to pick a fast-paced, fun read, please consider this one!
*Please note, too, that this book is the second in a series. If considering this book, you may not understand it very well without reading the first, The Gryphon Heist, first.*
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was in no way required to leave a positive review. All opinions in this review are my own.**
Upon reading this book, there are a few things I have come to realize. 1.) I love, love, love a con/heist story. I don’t know what that says about me as a person, but they’re seriously a favorite. 2.) I love, love, love Hannibal’s writing and books and I think everyone needs to read them. The reason for this opinion? First off, his characters. From the beginning of the story, I fell in love with ALL the characters (Finn in particular) and at the end of the book, I really didn’t want to leave them. Second, the story itself. Like I said, I am not a complete sucker for heist/con stories and I have Hannibal to thank for that. The whole story and premise of this book was so engaging, there wasn’t a moment of boredom for me as a reader and it was just a really fun ride. And thirdly, the lessons. At the beginning of this book, I was very annoyed with Talia, the protagonist. I thought she was acting to entitled and I just didn’t like her. But then as the story progressed, she slowly changed. I loved seeing her struggle and the lessons she learned and how she gradually changed throughout the whole book. That, I think, was my favorite part.
So if you, dear reader, are a fan of suspense or heist/con stories, or if you’re just looking to pick a fast-paced, fun read, please consider this one!
*Please note, too, that this book is the second in a series. If considering this book, you may not understand it very well without reading the first, The Gryphon Heist, first.*
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was in no way required to leave a positive review. All opinions in this review are my own.**
March 9, 2020
I don't like to read the synopsis or blurb before I review a book because I don't want them to color my opinions at all. So when I picked up this copy of Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal I immediately thought, "Ah, a thriller." What tipped me off? The first thing was the font choice with distress on the stark white letters. The second thing was the city backdrop with glowing red lights that takes up the bottom third of the cover. And lastly, the lion emblem that is sort of cloaked in a smoky black and red backdrop across the top. It is a gorgeous cover that doesn't even begin to hint at the exciting story that it contains.
Within the first few paragraphs, I already knew that Talia Inger was someone that I wanted to be like when I grow up. She's cool, collected, and brilliant for starters; a certified badass when the bullets start flying. But it's her interactions with her ragtag Oceans 11-esque team that really did something for me. It takes a heck of a person to not only forgive the man who killed your father, and quite another to be friends with said person and trust them with your life. While Talia is the central character and thus fleshed out more completely than the others, the reader is still able to explore the depths of the book's secondary characters; specifically Tyler, Finn, and Valkyrie.
With the book starting off in Russia, I was surprised when the story jumped over to Thailand in chapter three. Following two small children as they chase a butterfly through the foliage is the calm before the storm - men in military garb are not usually a good sign when you're in the third world. Particularly, if these men are militias not soldiers. As their storyline progressed via alternating chapters of Talia's journey, it dawned on me that this book was heading into human trafficking territory and it made my stomach hurt.
Hannibal does a wonderful job of storytelling without gratuitous details. To be honest, I thought I needed it when it came to the action sequences. But as I read on, I realized that I got more from the planning sessions and the need for improvisation when a plan goes awry than my need to know how far the blood sprayed across the room. Perhaps the lack of gore had more to do with the Contemporary Christian label than anything else. At any rate, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the technical aspect of a good thriller book.
Buy this book so that you can help Compassion International. (I love that they are real and doing amazing work!) Read this book because you want to immerse yourself in an exciting and complex story. Share this book with people who love movies like the Oceans and Mission Impossible series, or TV shows like Burn Notice.
Within the first few paragraphs, I already knew that Talia Inger was someone that I wanted to be like when I grow up. She's cool, collected, and brilliant for starters; a certified badass when the bullets start flying. But it's her interactions with her ragtag Oceans 11-esque team that really did something for me. It takes a heck of a person to not only forgive the man who killed your father, and quite another to be friends with said person and trust them with your life. While Talia is the central character and thus fleshed out more completely than the others, the reader is still able to explore the depths of the book's secondary characters; specifically Tyler, Finn, and Valkyrie.
With the book starting off in Russia, I was surprised when the story jumped over to Thailand in chapter three. Following two small children as they chase a butterfly through the foliage is the calm before the storm - men in military garb are not usually a good sign when you're in the third world. Particularly, if these men are militias not soldiers. As their storyline progressed via alternating chapters of Talia's journey, it dawned on me that this book was heading into human trafficking territory and it made my stomach hurt.
Hannibal does a wonderful job of storytelling without gratuitous details. To be honest, I thought I needed it when it came to the action sequences. But as I read on, I realized that I got more from the planning sessions and the need for improvisation when a plan goes awry than my need to know how far the blood sprayed across the room. Perhaps the lack of gore had more to do with the Contemporary Christian label than anything else. At any rate, it gave me a deeper appreciation for the technical aspect of a good thriller book.
Buy this book so that you can help Compassion International. (I love that they are real and doing amazing work!) Read this book because you want to immerse yourself in an exciting and complex story. Share this book with people who love movies like the Oceans and Mission Impossible series, or TV shows like Burn Notice.
March 10, 2020
This is an unforgettable journey with Talia and her gang along with the many twists and turns that Hannibal has taken us through. Just fantastic!
This is my first book by him and I was not disappointed! I was captivated from beginning to end and I was imagining myself in Talia's place! I think I will need to go back and reread the first book in the series though just so I can get caught up on who is who. I'm pretty sure that you can read this as a stand a lone but for me, I'm going to read the first one Gryphon Heist.
Hannibal pulls off just the right amount of everything to make a wonderful plot that will take readers into the story as Talia and her group of people try and save trafficked children and bust the boss man who is behind it all. Let me tell you, it takes real talent to pull something like this off and come out better for it.
Hannibal also does a wonderful job of adding in just the right amount of religion in and this I can appreciate very much. I think that the main theme is about trust. Learning about whom you can trust. Which isn't very many people at all except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is true freedom folks!
If you've ever seen Mission Impossible this is as close as it gets! Get in, get the job done, get out!
There are some really cool scenes in this book that will have your heart thumping, mouth hanging down and even holding your breath to see if Talia and her bunch will make it through ok.
I think this book would make an excellent movie! Maybe someday? It would be interesting to see who gets the part of Talia.
I learned one thing. When you read a good book and try to go to bed, it can't be done. You'll keep picking up the book to see what the characters and doing and wanting to get to know them more. I
am telling ya'll this is an exciting novel! Before you know it, it will be morning and time to get up. At least it was that way with me.
I can't tell you when I"ve enjoyed a book like this one.
I loved it and I highly recommend it.
The cover is beautiful. It was what made me want to read it and I love trying new authors. I am hoping that I will see more from this author. He just does an excellent job all the way around.
My thanks goes to Baker Books/Revell.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
This is my first book by him and I was not disappointed! I was captivated from beginning to end and I was imagining myself in Talia's place! I think I will need to go back and reread the first book in the series though just so I can get caught up on who is who. I'm pretty sure that you can read this as a stand a lone but for me, I'm going to read the first one Gryphon Heist.
Hannibal pulls off just the right amount of everything to make a wonderful plot that will take readers into the story as Talia and her group of people try and save trafficked children and bust the boss man who is behind it all. Let me tell you, it takes real talent to pull something like this off and come out better for it.
Hannibal also does a wonderful job of adding in just the right amount of religion in and this I can appreciate very much. I think that the main theme is about trust. Learning about whom you can trust. Which isn't very many people at all except our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is true freedom folks!
If you've ever seen Mission Impossible this is as close as it gets! Get in, get the job done, get out!
There are some really cool scenes in this book that will have your heart thumping, mouth hanging down and even holding your breath to see if Talia and her bunch will make it through ok.
I think this book would make an excellent movie! Maybe someday? It would be interesting to see who gets the part of Talia.
I learned one thing. When you read a good book and try to go to bed, it can't be done. You'll keep picking up the book to see what the characters and doing and wanting to get to know them more. I
am telling ya'll this is an exciting novel! Before you know it, it will be morning and time to get up. At least it was that way with me.
I can't tell you when I"ve enjoyed a book like this one.
I loved it and I highly recommend it.
The cover is beautiful. It was what made me want to read it and I love trying new authors. I am hoping that I will see more from this author. He just does an excellent job all the way around.
My thanks goes to Baker Books/Revell.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
March 7, 2020
As I was reading Chasing the White Lion, I kept hearing the theme from the movie Mission Impossible playing in my head. That should give you a clue as to what you’ll find between the covers of this exciting book!
The author wastes no time in getting the reader hooked. There’s a double-agent in a position of power in the CIA who heads a global crime syndicate, but to make matters worse, now the payload consists of innocent children.
This is a powerful storyline! The use of children immediately invokes emotion in the reader. The emotion is nicely balanced with action and suspense to yield an exciting reading experience.
The Team in Chasing the White Lion
What really makes this story so fun to read - in my opinion - is the team composition. Trying to penetrate the global crime syndicate takes a lot of teamwork and imagination. The composition of the team really sets this story apart from others.
Technically, each team member brings a needed skill set to the table. Emotionally, each team member has his - or her - fair share of challenges. There’s a techy, a person that loves to blow things up, a thief, a con artist, a CIA agent, etc. This team is definitely well rounded, to say the least.
In addition to the borderline miraculous things they can accomplish together, the way they work together is very entertaining. The author injected humor into the team interactions to break up some of the action and suspense so the reader could breathe. Thank you, James Hannibal!
This being the second Talia Inger book, I do wish I would have read the first one before I read this one. I know it would have made this one more enjoyable since the team now has a history together.
Technically Speaking
The version I read was not the final text, so I will not make any comments on SPAG.
I’m not sure which I enjoyed more - the pacing, the climax, the big reveal near the end, or the character arcs. They were all done very well.
Speaking of character arcs, this being Christian fiction and all, I will say that I thought the inclusion of religion was very appropriate and not done in a way that would take anything away from the story. Again, well done!
I will likely go back and read the first book, and then maybe I’ll read this one again. (It’s quite good!)
The author wastes no time in getting the reader hooked. There’s a double-agent in a position of power in the CIA who heads a global crime syndicate, but to make matters worse, now the payload consists of innocent children.
This is a powerful storyline! The use of children immediately invokes emotion in the reader. The emotion is nicely balanced with action and suspense to yield an exciting reading experience.
The Team in Chasing the White Lion
What really makes this story so fun to read - in my opinion - is the team composition. Trying to penetrate the global crime syndicate takes a lot of teamwork and imagination. The composition of the team really sets this story apart from others.
Technically, each team member brings a needed skill set to the table. Emotionally, each team member has his - or her - fair share of challenges. There’s a techy, a person that loves to blow things up, a thief, a con artist, a CIA agent, etc. This team is definitely well rounded, to say the least.
In addition to the borderline miraculous things they can accomplish together, the way they work together is very entertaining. The author injected humor into the team interactions to break up some of the action and suspense so the reader could breathe. Thank you, James Hannibal!
This being the second Talia Inger book, I do wish I would have read the first one before I read this one. I know it would have made this one more enjoyable since the team now has a history together.
Technically Speaking
The version I read was not the final text, so I will not make any comments on SPAG.
I’m not sure which I enjoyed more - the pacing, the climax, the big reveal near the end, or the character arcs. They were all done very well.
Speaking of character arcs, this being Christian fiction and all, I will say that I thought the inclusion of religion was very appropriate and not done in a way that would take anything away from the story. Again, well done!
I will likely go back and read the first book, and then maybe I’ll read this one again. (It’s quite good!)
February 15, 2020
3.5 stars
"Think of it this way. The desire to protect you has brought a band of thieves into a church to meet Jesus. God is at work."
Really? . . but of course, CIA case officer Talia Inger is determined to meet one very important deadline with a semblance of normalcy; her baptism, a public profession of her newfound faith. How unfortunate that someone, possibly a fellow agent, is trying to kill her; a hard piece of evidence to ignore, . . . thus Talia's own team of "bodyguards" have reassembled to expose the killer, while keeping her relatively safe. However, this unlikely grouping of "commandos" have a much more difficult task ahead of them than merely attending a church service, they are about to penetrate the lair of one very "white lion", an elusive international figure who prowls atop a "crowdsourced crime syndicate"; always anticipating his next meal.
"Chasing the White Lion" is complicated within its simplicity, of sorts. Even though the missions span the globe, the relationships among characters remain tight and develop nicely within a mass of continual spirals. The technical language is often difficult to imagine, much less understand, but the author manages to pull the reader through to what counts; learning to lean, "this life you've found is not solitary. The children of God have each other, and most of all we have him. "
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
"Think of it this way. The desire to protect you has brought a band of thieves into a church to meet Jesus. God is at work."
Really? . . but of course, CIA case officer Talia Inger is determined to meet one very important deadline with a semblance of normalcy; her baptism, a public profession of her newfound faith. How unfortunate that someone, possibly a fellow agent, is trying to kill her; a hard piece of evidence to ignore, . . . thus Talia's own team of "bodyguards" have reassembled to expose the killer, while keeping her relatively safe. However, this unlikely grouping of "commandos" have a much more difficult task ahead of them than merely attending a church service, they are about to penetrate the lair of one very "white lion", an elusive international figure who prowls atop a "crowdsourced crime syndicate"; always anticipating his next meal.
"Chasing the White Lion" is complicated within its simplicity, of sorts. Even though the missions span the globe, the relationships among characters remain tight and develop nicely within a mass of continual spirals. The technical language is often difficult to imagine, much less understand, but the author manages to pull the reader through to what counts; learning to lean, "this life you've found is not solitary. The children of God have each other, and most of all we have him. "
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
March 24, 2020
I can’t put into words the level of excitement I had when I saw that the second installment in the Talia Inger series was up for review. I enjoyed reading the first novel, The Gryphon Heist, and was eager to read more about Talia and the team. There were so many questions left unanswered in The Gryphon Heist (at least for me), and I hoped that Chasing The White Lion would answer them.
In many ways, it did answer those questions (Archangel, for one). In some ways, I’m still confused! 😉
Thriller. Suspense. Drama. Those three words pretty much sums up everything about Chasing The White Lion. I liked it – the author did a good job keeping the story well balanced. One thing I noticed right from the beginning was that the storyline was slightly darker than the previous novel. Which made reading this both unsettling and interesting. But mostly interesting. Readers also get more of a personal look into the lives of some of the team members, and I think readers will be surprised by them. I certainly was!
This was a good book, and I hope the story of Talia Inger and the team doesn’t end with Chasing The White Lion. I hope there’s more, and I look forward to it!
*Thanks to Revell for providing a free copy for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.*
In many ways, it did answer those questions (Archangel, for one). In some ways, I’m still confused! 😉
Thriller. Suspense. Drama. Those three words pretty much sums up everything about Chasing The White Lion. I liked it – the author did a good job keeping the story well balanced. One thing I noticed right from the beginning was that the storyline was slightly darker than the previous novel. Which made reading this both unsettling and interesting. But mostly interesting. Readers also get more of a personal look into the lives of some of the team members, and I think readers will be surprised by them. I certainly was!
This was a good book, and I hope the story of Talia Inger and the team doesn’t end with Chasing The White Lion. I hope there’s more, and I look forward to it!
*Thanks to Revell for providing a free copy for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.*
March 25, 2020
The second book in the intriguing series about Talia.
I found this one to be just as good if not better than the first.
I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but I just love suspense, mystery, intrigue, all of that...and therefore, stories involving CIA are right up my alley.
Talia is a fun CIA agent. I like how the author incorporates humor into the story. (sometimes maybe a bit too much, but that's just my personal opinion...)
Part of the storyline, the part where Talia is trying to figure out what happened to her dad, is a continuation from the first book, The Gryphon Heist. So, if you haven't read that one, you'll definitely want to go read it first. I enjoyed seeing the continuation of this mystery thread.
I also really liked the new mission, the setting, the characters.
Lots of action. Suspense. Twists, turns, unexpected events, and more.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I found this one to be just as good if not better than the first.
I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but I just love suspense, mystery, intrigue, all of that...and therefore, stories involving CIA are right up my alley.
Talia is a fun CIA agent. I like how the author incorporates humor into the story. (sometimes maybe a bit too much, but that's just my personal opinion...)
Part of the storyline, the part where Talia is trying to figure out what happened to her dad, is a continuation from the first book, The Gryphon Heist. So, if you haven't read that one, you'll definitely want to go read it first. I enjoyed seeing the continuation of this mystery thread.
I also really liked the new mission, the setting, the characters.
Lots of action. Suspense. Twists, turns, unexpected events, and more.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
September 3, 2021
The opening scene is of a lone woman entering a less than desirable Russian bar to meet and transact a deal to convert a Russian become a CIA agent. The tables turn (literally) quickly and become a "scene." Former friends and acquaintances are there (unknown to said female) and aid in exiting scene.
Soon the action turns to the jungles of Thailand and the brutal treatment of villagers, and especially children, as they are kidnapped.
The story hop skips across the globe with lightening speed as, Thaila (said woman CIA officer) and her cohorts chase various thugs, thieves, murderers, and kidnappers. The team is composed of thieves, hackers, militants, con-men (or con-women) and other beneficial persons to save-the-day.
Tense, active, fast-paced, and humorous in parts the story has you deep-diving mentally to track the machinations of the international criminal world.
I enjoyed the book and yet found it one that took me a while to read. My mind had difficulty following the maze of convoluted episodes these characters got themselves into.
In the end, though, the good guys won. And the author had some God honoring scenes and conversations that were much appreciated. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around having thieves, murderers, con-men doing the work of policing the criminal world. But still, it made for some interesting reading.
I loved the funny bits, too.
I won my early-reviewers-copy from Librarything.com. A review is nice but not required. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given.
Soon the action turns to the jungles of Thailand and the brutal treatment of villagers, and especially children, as they are kidnapped.
The story hop skips across the globe with lightening speed as, Thaila (said woman CIA officer) and her cohorts chase various thugs, thieves, murderers, and kidnappers. The team is composed of thieves, hackers, militants, con-men (or con-women) and other beneficial persons to save-the-day.
Tense, active, fast-paced, and humorous in parts the story has you deep-diving mentally to track the machinations of the international criminal world.
I enjoyed the book and yet found it one that took me a while to read. My mind had difficulty following the maze of convoluted episodes these characters got themselves into.
In the end, though, the good guys won. And the author had some God honoring scenes and conversations that were much appreciated. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around having thieves, murderers, con-men doing the work of policing the criminal world. But still, it made for some interesting reading.
I loved the funny bits, too.
I won my early-reviewers-copy from Librarything.com. A review is nice but not required. Opinions are mine, alone and freely given.
March 11, 2020
Suspense is a great way to spend a couple of hours. With James R. Hannibal's second novel in the Talia Inger's series, Chasing the White Lion, Hannibal definitely delivers. With fast chasing across the globe to hunt for missing children, Talia and her troop of misfits sweep up the mischief and mayhem. With the first novel, The Gryphon Heist, I really loved how he crafted together the least likely bunch of criminals to create a family who seeks for justice. Hannibal throws in a little bit of spiritual lesson too for the fans of redemptive stories, but nothing to preachy. Only one litte scene. But boy, does it make an impact. The final climactic moment in the last twenty percent of the novel has a Hunger Games feel to it. A chase through mazes against some of the worst criminals in the market. Overall, Chasing the White Lion is a memorizing addition to the series, and I honestly can't wait to see what tasks Hannibal allows Talia to venture into next.
I received a complimentary copy of Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Chasing the White Lion by James R. Hannibal from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
March 3, 2020
“Remember Peter on the water, how Christ lifted him out of the waves. Trust. Faith. We weren’t created to go it alone in this world.”
Chasing the White Lion is book #2 in the Talia Inger series. I didn’t know that when I started to read this. Even though it works well as a standalone, looking back, I would have loved to read the first one before I started this.
If you like action stories, this book has one exciting scene after another. The settings were described so well I could visualize them in mind, and details were very carefully given as the story unfolded. This definitely kept me glued to the pages, rooting for the interesting group of characters the author, James R. Hannibal, fleshed out so well they actually seemed real to me. (I know I’m gushing! It was that good.) The main character, Talia, does have some issues with trust, and she overcomes them to a large degree as the book goes on.
While this isn’t a book that is filled with religious references, it does come out with some great ones throughout. Without a doubt, this is a five star book.
Chasing the White Lion is book #2 in the Talia Inger series. I didn’t know that when I started to read this. Even though it works well as a standalone, looking back, I would have loved to read the first one before I started this.
If you like action stories, this book has one exciting scene after another. The settings were described so well I could visualize them in mind, and details were very carefully given as the story unfolded. This definitely kept me glued to the pages, rooting for the interesting group of characters the author, James R. Hannibal, fleshed out so well they actually seemed real to me. (I know I’m gushing! It was that good.) The main character, Talia, does have some issues with trust, and she overcomes them to a large degree as the book goes on.
While this isn’t a book that is filled with religious references, it does come out with some great ones throughout. Without a doubt, this is a five star book.
Shelved as 'reviewed'
March 24, 2020It’s more action-packed, thrilling fun with Talia Inger and her team in Chasing the White Lion, and I loved it.
Evil is at work, and Talia has a responsibility to stop it. Of course, that is so much easier said than done. as this mission takes her in dangerous directions. She must rely on truth and trust, even as pain from her past makes it all the harder.
James R. Hannibal crafts an enticing story in this second Talia Inger book. I enjoyed catching up with his recurring characters, seeing new depth in their personalities and relationships. As the story progresses, the humor and hope they share helps to keep the more nefarious elements in perspective, and everything blends together for a hard-to-put-down read. I recommend it.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Evil is at work, and Talia has a responsibility to stop it. Of course, that is so much easier said than done. as this mission takes her in dangerous directions. She must rely on truth and trust, even as pain from her past makes it all the harder.
James R. Hannibal crafts an enticing story in this second Talia Inger book. I enjoyed catching up with his recurring characters, seeing new depth in their personalities and relationships. As the story progresses, the humor and hope they share helps to keep the more nefarious elements in perspective, and everything blends together for a hard-to-put-down read. I recommend it.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 17, 2020
Wow! Love how the mind of this author works, you sure will never see coming all that unfolds in this read. It all seems so real like you’re watching the news or reading on the internet. Maybe this has played out and we are now hearing about it, that is how real this feels.
Now, this is the second book in this series, and yes, I have read the first, but I think this could be read alone, there are several references to the first, but you will be hooked and desire to see what you have missed!
I really love this book, and found this band of characters endearing, and thus I wanted more, and this read will keep you on your toes and holding your breath, will they survive to the end? Will the Archangel finally be found and brought to justice, or is the evil that permeates here that will win.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
Now, this is the second book in this series, and yes, I have read the first, but I think this could be read alone, there are several references to the first, but you will be hooked and desire to see what you have missed!
I really love this book, and found this band of characters endearing, and thus I wanted more, and this read will keep you on your toes and holding your breath, will they survive to the end? Will the Archangel finally be found and brought to justice, or is the evil that permeates here that will win.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 22, 2020
This may be the second book in this series but my first time reading a book from Mr. Hannibal. I had no issues jumping right into this series. This book can be read as a stand alone novel.
If you are a fan of action packed thrillers or espionage books like Chris Pavone then you are in for a treat. From the first page to the last page, there was none stop action. If I was to compare this book to a movie, it would be like Mission Impossible or Jason Bourne.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book featured a strong kick ass woman in Talia. She is someone to be afraid of if you are the bad guy. Yet, she did have some strong men watching her back as well. Overall, this is a thrilling read. I plan to go back and check out the first book in this series.
If you are a fan of action packed thrillers or espionage books like Chris Pavone then you are in for a treat. From the first page to the last page, there was none stop action. If I was to compare this book to a movie, it would be like Mission Impossible or Jason Bourne.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book featured a strong kick ass woman in Talia. She is someone to be afraid of if you are the bad guy. Yet, she did have some strong men watching her back as well. Overall, this is a thrilling read. I plan to go back and check out the first book in this series.
May 20, 2020
A spy thriller with a dose of humor and Compassion
I enjoyed this second installment in the Talia Inger series even more than the first one. I like the unusual mix of eccentric characters that make up Tyler's team of team of thieves-turned-to-good-deeds. Their differences and backstories keep things interesting.
The plot has all the twists, danger, and clever ploys you'd expect in a thriller but the overall tone is not as gritty or depressing as some thrillers. Even when dealing with a heavy subject like human trafficking, the novel manages to instill hope rather than disillusionment.
An enjoyable page-turner that left me feeling happy rather than bewildered or depressed.
I enjoyed this second installment in the Talia Inger series even more than the first one. I like the unusual mix of eccentric characters that make up Tyler's team of team of thieves-turned-to-good-deeds. Their differences and backstories keep things interesting.
The plot has all the twists, danger, and clever ploys you'd expect in a thriller but the overall tone is not as gritty or depressing as some thrillers. Even when dealing with a heavy subject like human trafficking, the novel manages to instill hope rather than disillusionment.
An enjoyable page-turner that left me feeling happy rather than bewildered or depressed.
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