A mysterious legacy. A man on a dangerous path. A mission that might be his last. When Adam Black learns he is the sole beneficiary of a stranger's will, he begins to ask questions. Why would a man Black has never met or heard of leave him everything he owns? And as Black looks deeper, he discovers that the legacy is shrouded in mystery. To uncover the truth, Black will travel a violent and treacherous path. A path which leads to devastating consequences. This is Adam Black's biggest challenge yet. And, to endure it, he must once again resort to the skill he is an expert in. Killing for survival. But will Black make it back in one piece or will it result in his undoing?
Adam Black is a man of many talents ... mostly killing for his self survival. When his wife and daughter were murdered , he lost everything he had to live for.
When out of the blue, he receives a call from an attorney's office. Seems he's the sole beneficiary of someone he doesn't even know. Even what he's inherited is wrapped in mystery. Why would a man he's never known leave him everything he owns?
Following directions that were written out by his benefactor, he finds a box with a letter .. and a memory stick.
What he sees on the memory stick were enough to make his skin crawl and his stomach heave. What he reads in the letter is the man's research into a ring of individuals deeply involved in child abuse/trafficking ... and his young daughter is one of their victims.
This is a violent novel, lots of action, lots of bodies fall, and the subject matter is tough one ... definitely not for everyone. It is well-written with a complex plot, and the characters are solidly drawn. The ending was explosive ... and maybe, just maybe, enough of a small hint that Black's life is about to change again.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Violation is the second instalment in the SAS Captain turned lawyer Adam Black series, set in scenic Scotland a few years after Unleashed. Moving between his city legal practice in Glasgow and the stark beauty of the Highlands, this vigilante thriller works perfectly as a standalone as new readers are provided with enough backstory to get them up to speed. Having lost both his wife and daughter to a brutal gangster, Adam decides his life's mission is to avenge others who have been done wrong. When a battered wife books an appointment with him seeking his help to leave her abusive, narcissistic husband, who happens to be a prominent, affluent and well-connected judge, Adam sees red. He understands his standing as a respected legal professional will make it nigh on impossible to put a stop to it using legal means, so he decides to threaten the high court judge with no mercy, but a seemingly normal case of domestic abuse soon reveals itself to be much more disturbing and nefarious. Then he discovers someone he had never even known had left a dying wish directed at him: he wants Adam to locate his missing daughter who was kidnapped and sold into child sexual exploitation catering to the every whim of paedophiles.
Soon everything starts to heat up and Adam is being hunted by ruthless criminals and hired assassins but little do they know they have picked on the wrong guy. There is nothing more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose and he will kill if it means ridding the world of evil. Adam Black is back. This is a riveting, compulsive and hard-hitting story and from the very beginning, Hill has you by the throat hanging on his every word. It's exceptionally gritty, violent and the high body count doesn't feel half as bad when those he's offed were the pure embodiment of evil. Exploring paedophilia rings, human trafficking and murder, this isn't for the faint-hearted, but I love every second of it. Adam is a fantastic protagonist who is simultaneously hard as nails and compassionate; he has a heart, is intelligent and sticks to his objectives at all times. There is suspense on suspense on suspense and I found my pulse racing at points when the action was fierce. There are a plethora of superbly executed fight scenes throughout and in places it was heartbreaking hearing the stories of the children. A fast-paced, engrossing and well-woven thriller. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
Violation is a hard-hitting vigilante action thriller, the second in a presumed series featuring granite-hard SAS Captain turned lawyer Adam Black. You don’t need to have read the first book to follow this as you get all the relevant backstory. This one is even more violent than Unleashed, and features paedophilia, human trafficking and child murder so is definitely not for the faint of heart, but child abuse is not explicitly described and the baddies are dealt with in a myriad of very satisfying if often gruesome ways.
Set a few years after the events of Unleashed, lawyer Adam Black, who lost his wife and child to a vicious gangster, runs a solo practice in Glasgow with just his loyal secretary Tricia. When a battered wife seeks his help to leave her husband, a powerful judge, Adam knows the legal system won’t be enough to stop him, so threatens the man with extreme retribution. Then he discovers that someone he’s never heard of has left him a bequest in their will - a mission to find his young daughter, who was kidnapped by paedophiles. Soon hired assassins are trying to kill him, and his only hope of survival is to hunt down and destroy the monsters - something he happens to be very good at...
This was a fast paced, propulsive adventure - Black is like a Scottish Jack Reacher, and this kept me up late into the night to find out how it would end. The writing is terse but vivid, with brilliantly executed cinematic fight sequences. You do need to be able to cope with extended scenes from the traffickers’ POV callously describing young children as merchandise and referring to - but not describing - horrific abuse. Their chilling disregard for their victims’ feelings or fate was seriously disturbing, so Black’s righteous vengeance and sky high body count felt justified - I do enjoy vigilante plotlines. No animals are harmed in this book. The intriguing ending leaves things open for a continuing series that I’ll be keen to follow. My thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
I can’t believe I jumped into this without reading book one but I seem to do that quite a bit unfortunately. Having said that I really enjoyed this story. Adam Black is the main character. He is ex SAS and now a lawyer. I found him to be a very likeable character.
I found this to be a well written storyline. It’s gritty and I found I was gripped from start to finish. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I’ll just add I don’t think this is a story for everyone. I read this without reading book one and it reads as a stand-alone thankfully.
Adam who is now a lawyer, has found himself in trouble again and in yet another fight for his life. What initially starts off looking like a domestic abuse case turns into something much more sinister. Especially when the accused abuser is a high court judge, a man with high standing and connections in all the wrong places, for Adam that is!
It’s not long before Adam’s, senses are on heightened alert and Adam heads for his old training ground, in the unforgiving, moors of the Scottish highlands. Whoever it is that’s out to get him, means serious business. Unluckily for them, they don’t realise yet that they have picked on the wrong man to mess with, because Adam isn’t afraid to kill, and will do what ever is required.
Adam has nothing left to lose, anything that meant anything to him has already been taken. The only thing he has left that is his own, is his life, and he’s not giving that up without one hell of a fight., but he’s also not afraid to die.
I liked this from the authors book….It was Adam after watching the video footage on a USB stick, and he takes a look at himself in the mirror.
The reflection staring back was a man molded by others, their sole purpose to create a fighting machine capable of inflicting maximum damage.
This is Adam Black.
This is brutal, and if you are fainthearted, I would not recommend it. Some of the subject matter makes for quite uncomfortable reading, and I did wonder a couple of times, “can I carry on reading this”? but I am glad that I did because it’s a brilliantly written book. The subject matter is something that so very sadly goes on in our world. Adam’s mission here is to stop this.
Gut-wrenching and heart-breaking in places, it is heart-pounding through to the end. Although this is the second in the Adam Black series, this could be a standalone read, but I would highly recommend the first book which is Unleashed. This too is another gritty and Gripping book.
Should not have read this second book straight after the first… When will I ever learn. Captain Adam Black is the man!!! And there’s obviously more to come… and I will obviously read them as they are published and Karl Hill definitely knows how to spin the yarns. 🙏
There are moments in this novel that speak of the amateur. These point to no direct experience with the sort of character Adam Black portrays. A bit distracting, but survivable. A man like Adam Black is best unleashed on the men who take their pleasure with children. Destroying innocence, as perhaps theirs was. No excuse; the responsibility to stop the pain resides with them, not its infliction on children. No way one can retrieve what was taken so obscenely. But perhaps, this is over generous: to see the defenseless as things for ones personal gratification, to be discarded once they have 'outgrown' their usefulness, is beyond human understanding. The others, who have no clue, yet use their influence to protect themselves and their ilk, as though they have a right...let the Adam Blacks of the world loose on them. Morally, legally, this opinion has no defense. It is simply the way to protect...
Karl Hill's artistic aptitute has truly evolved in his latest literary installment 𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. Read on, in eager anticipation, as Hill brings back the blood pumping brilliance of 𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥, whilst, maintaining quiet confidence in the employment of a meticulously polished style. Adam Black's latest escapade is enveloped in mystery; with kidnappings, killings and cryptic clues, Black must muster up all of his military prowess in order to clamp down on the most callous of crimes. However, this road to retribution is his rockiest yet; with more fiendish foes and capricious climates, Black must overcome all of the odds in order to triumph. Regardless of the denouement, it is fair to say that Adam Black is back: Bigger and better than before! Karl Hill is truly astounding.
A superb book with excellent writing on a very difficult topic. Adam Black is struggling to to see where he fits in… hero or villain. After losing his wife and daughter in a revenge killing he has nothing to live for and therefore nothing to lose. A former SAS officer and solicitor, he only takes on special cases. In this book he is forced to find a child that has gone missing after being the sole beneficiary of a will from a man he didn’t even know. READ THIS BOOK AND DECIDE IS HE HERO OR VILLAIN?
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from him. I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller. It is full of action and fast paced on top of it. I had no problems connecting with the characters as they made me feel as if I was part of the story. This is a well written story that has characters that not only bring the story to life but also keep it engaging. I highly recommend this book.
Another pulse racing read which takes off at lightening speed and never lets up. I love the quotes at the start of some chapters. They give you an idea of what you're about to face. The short choppy one liners are just brilliant. I've pre ordered the next book to be released on 07/12/20, and cannot wait. To the author, Karl Hill I salute you for giving us Adam Black. I hope you're writing book 4.
Wow! What a fantastic read! Edgy, raw, and packing a power punch the story never slows. The twists, the turns, the action all make for an exciting read. I m still breathless. Picked right out of today’s headlines the story is enormous but with a most fulfilling ending. Blacks character is flawless and you can’t help but cheer. Read it. You will be hooked
This book gripped me from the beginning to the end and I literally couldn't put it down. I love crime thrillers but can't say I'm a great lover of action films and books, so on paper I should hate this but I bloody loved it. Non stop action and if only there was a real Adam Black to fight this sick filth we have in our society. Fabulous can't wait to read the next one.
The second Adam Black book. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I am so looking forward and crossing my fingers in the hope that a third book will be forthcoming. A well deserved 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fast paced, intense story line that keeps you turning page after page until the end. Karl Hill is a very talented writer which brings his characters to life, in a very believable way. A very talented, promising writer and I can't wait for more!
Well if your interested in an action thriller where the hero wins every time then this book satisfies . My reason for only 3 starts was I didn't like the base story line. I reads ok but because I was put off by the story line I "breezed" through those section to focus on the action.
Absolutly loved this Adam is a great soldier and his skill is amazing and treat it as everyday life a really great action thriller can't get enough of Adam brilliant read .
What a heart-pumping read! I didn't think it could supersede the first in series, but this one does just that!
Adam Black's life is bleak since the loss of his wife and child and he has completely re-organised his working life. When he receives a phone call regarding the last will and testament of a man whose name is unfamiliar, it niggles away at him. There must be a reason he's been contacted, and Adam just can't let it be . . .
This is a book which demands the reader's full attention from the beginning to the very end - so much going on! Enigmatic, exciting and so very gripping, this kept me on my toes. As I raced towards the last few pages, I was aware of my heart thudding in my chest, and then some! This is an author who knows how to write and keep the pressure on; there isn't a wasted word all the way through! I loved the little snippets of information about the SAS - the made me laugh and gasp in equal measure. A first-class, absolutely thrilling read from Karl Hill and fully worth each and every one of the five sparkling stars I'm happy to give this novel, and it should go without saying that I give it my very highest recommendation!
Adam Black is at it again with this gritty and fast-paced thrill ride!
Starting over is not something that Adam Black ever wanted to do but he must move forward and try to keep some sense of normalcy. But normalcy is not something he does well. When he gets an unexpected phone call naming him the sole beneficiary of a strangers will his interest are piqued but little does he know that this seemingly innocent call will lead him to one of the most gruesome discoveries of his life. Could this be the one challenge that he won’t be able to come out of alive? And if he does will he ever fully mentally recover?
I love these books! Adam Black is a killing machine who puts it all on the line. Not for the faint of heart but if you love reading about one man’s path of destruction do not hesitate to pick this up!
*Trigger - storyline is based somewhat around peadophile ring some readers may find hard to read
I am just loving Karl Hill’s Adam Black books, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the first book Unleashed as the main character is ex forces and thought it would be geared towards male readers but boy was I wrong. Adam Black is a vigilante with a heart and I just live his character. Fast paced and always something happening, the storyline is so well written and I just love reading the books I don’t want to put them down once I start. I can’t wait for the next Adam instalment and where his services are needed next.
This is another outstanding book by Karl Hill. If you like your books fast paced and full of action then this is the book for you. It's the second in the Adam Black series and is an exceptional read. Adam Black is a former SAS Captain who is not the type of man you would want to cross. Left with a mysterious legacy from a man he barely knew he ends up on a mission with untold amount of horrors. As a man who is not afraid of death you wonder if he finally meets his maker.
Karl Hill is a very accomplished author and knows how to tell a story and also knows how to describe the action perfectly.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily.
This is a great follow on from the author’s first book. I was drawn into the story right away and the book grabbed and held my attention from start to finish. I thought this was an action packed, fast paced thrilling read. The subject matter may not suit all, although saying this, it was dealt with sensitively and without too much graphic detail. Very likeable, believable main character who has a good background history which has shaped who he is now. I really like the authors writing style and enjoyed reading this. Looking forward to the next one.
I listened to the audio book of Unleashed . They first book of the Adam Black series, from my local library. Once I was done I got straight on to my kindle and got Violation. And read it in a single sitting. Karl Hill is one hell of a writer. Downloading the next in the series and getting straight in to it the minute I've finished this review. Mr Hill if you read this post . Please Please don't ever give up been a writer. You are simply a legend.