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Special Forces Cadets #6
Assassin
From the bestselling author of STRIKE BACK, Chris Ryan brings this action-packed series to a thrilling conclusion.
Tough enough? Smart enough? Max will require all his skills just to stay alive as a Special Forces Cadet...
Darius, son of an escaped Iranian scientist, is a pupil at an exclusive Swiss school, but his father's former bosses want him back and have no regard for the boy's LIFE or his FREEDOM.
The Special Forces Cadets are sent to PROTECT Darius. When the assassins launch a DEADLY ATTACK, their only escape is into the mountains. Pursued by their enemies, can the cadets triumph and SURVIVE the deadly natural HAZARDS of the alpine winter?
Tough enough? Smart enough? Max will require all his skills just to stay alive as a Special Forces Cadet...
Darius, son of an escaped Iranian scientist, is a pupil at an exclusive Swiss school, but his father's former bosses want him back and have no regard for the boy's LIFE or his FREEDOM.
The Special Forces Cadets are sent to PROTECT Darius. When the assassins launch a DEADLY ATTACK, their only escape is into the mountains. Pursued by their enemies, can the cadets triumph and SURVIVE the deadly natural HAZARDS of the alpine winter?
192 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2021
14 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ryan
342 books1,021 followersColin Armstrong (b. 1961), usually known by the pen-name Chris Ryan, is a British author, television presenter, security consultant and former Special Air Service sergeant.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
After the publication of fellow patrol member Andy McNab's Bravo Two Zero in 1993, Ryan published his own account of his experiences during the Bravo Two Zero mission in 1995, entitled The One That Got Away. Since retiring from the British Army Ryan has published several fiction and non-fiction books, including Strike Back, which was subsequently adapted into a television series for Sky 1, and co-created the ITV action series Ultimate Force. He has also presented or appeared in numerous television documentaries connected to the military or law enforcement.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 31, 2022
3.5 stars
For me, The Assassin was the best Special Forces Cadets instalment so far. Filled with lots of action and drama there were twists and turns all through. I also thought the setting was great the Swiss Alps on a during a snow storm. This created a very atmospheric setting and but the cadets in continual danger as they tried to stay on step ahead of their pursuers. I’ve just discovered that this novel was the conclusion to the series but it didn’t feel like it. There are definitely a lot more adventures Max, Abby, Lukas, Sami and Lili could face.
For me, The Assassin was the best Special Forces Cadets instalment so far. Filled with lots of action and drama there were twists and turns all through. I also thought the setting was great the Swiss Alps on a during a snow storm. This created a very atmospheric setting and but the cadets in continual danger as they tried to stay on step ahead of their pursuers. I’ve just discovered that this novel was the conclusion to the series but it didn’t feel like it. There are definitely a lot more adventures Max, Abby, Lukas, Sami and Lili could face.
August 31, 2023
Let me start this review by addressing my 2 biggest disappointments.
1) Alfie and his true intentions. As a fan of this genre, I have pinpointed him a suspect from his very first appearance, as well as all his succeeding moments that weren't at all directly incriminating. And yet, admittedly my own fault, I chose to hope that the trope of "a friend of lead character's deceased parent turns out to be bad" was not the case here. So yeah, the very subtle (as done masterfully by Ryan's writing) yet not so subtle (in comparison to my experience with other stories) hints about his alignment was truly aggravating to me. Especially the part where he selfishly chose money over other people's lives. I am usually a villain fan, but this is the kind of villain that I absolutely abhor. Then again, that is the purpose of his character for Max's personal story, so all that said, it's still pretty solid.
2) Another of my grievances is the lack of personal interactions between the cadets. Throughout the series, we have seen their friendships go from rocky starts to rock solid loyalties. Add that with the humor, quick wits despite their precarious situations, the cadets all had such depth of characters that mixed together incredibly. Understandably, because they were being chased by the titular "Assassin" /s through a rough snowy mountain, there was barely room for such interactions, but again, this had been a huge part of my enjoyment of the series. I also love the individual character moments to highlight the different leads' strengths and weaknesses. I didn't get much of that here other than with Max.
My nitpicks aside, I would be remiss to discard this story. It may not be my favorite, but it is still a class above so many other stories I have read. Ryan's mastery of making such vivid, tense life-threatening scenes coupled with the cadets' quick smarts is always a delight to witness. Not only do I get to join such a thrilling ride while reading, I also manage to learn a lot of survival techniques. This applies to all the books, but for this final one particularly, when it comes to subzero terrains.
I would truly love a continuation of this story with these characters, even go as far as maybe see them become Watchers themselves. It brings me such delight that they all made it out alive. Again, another kudos to Ryan for writing such compelling characters, while brilliantly crafting such perilous situations that make you wonder if the characters could all come out of it, or some may not. I'm happy that for that part, at least, my initial guess of many fatalities in the cadets' ranks were proven false, and we get them all surviving together in the end.
1) Alfie and his true intentions. As a fan of this genre, I have pinpointed him a suspect from his very first appearance, as well as all his succeeding moments that weren't at all directly incriminating. And yet, admittedly my own fault, I chose to hope that the trope of "a friend of lead character's deceased parent turns out to be bad" was not the case here. So yeah, the very subtle (as done masterfully by Ryan's writing) yet not so subtle (in comparison to my experience with other stories) hints about his alignment was truly aggravating to me. Especially the part where he selfishly chose money over other people's lives. I am usually a villain fan, but this is the kind of villain that I absolutely abhor. Then again, that is the purpose of his character for Max's personal story, so all that said, it's still pretty solid.
2) Another of my grievances is the lack of personal interactions between the cadets. Throughout the series, we have seen their friendships go from rocky starts to rock solid loyalties. Add that with the humor, quick wits despite their precarious situations, the cadets all had such depth of characters that mixed together incredibly. Understandably, because they were being chased by the titular "Assassin" /s through a rough snowy mountain, there was barely room for such interactions, but again, this had been a huge part of my enjoyment of the series. I also love the individual character moments to highlight the different leads' strengths and weaknesses. I didn't get much of that here other than with Max.
My nitpicks aside, I would be remiss to discard this story. It may not be my favorite, but it is still a class above so many other stories I have read. Ryan's mastery of making such vivid, tense life-threatening scenes coupled with the cadets' quick smarts is always a delight to witness. Not only do I get to join such a thrilling ride while reading, I also manage to learn a lot of survival techniques. This applies to all the books, but for this final one particularly, when it comes to subzero terrains.
I would truly love a continuation of this story with these characters, even go as far as maybe see them become Watchers themselves. It brings me such delight that they all made it out alive. Again, another kudos to Ryan for writing such compelling characters, while brilliantly crafting such perilous situations that make you wonder if the characters could all come out of it, or some may not. I'm happy that for that part, at least, my initial guess of many fatalities in the cadets' ranks were proven false, and we get them all surviving together in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
Procrastinated finishing this because I didn't want the series to end. I know he has other series, which I have and plan on reading but would love more of these books!
Like more missions for a while and then what happens when get too old to be the cadets. Do they go their separate ways, lead "normal lives"?, join the main SAS as a team or individually?
Anyway, really enjoyed the series, some of the books slightly more than the others, this one wasn't my favourite but still a great adventure. Max is an impressive character.
Like more missions for a while and then what happens when get too old to be the cadets. Do they go their separate ways, lead "normal lives"?, join the main SAS as a team or individually?
Anyway, really enjoyed the series, some of the books slightly more than the others, this one wasn't my favourite but still a great adventure. Max is an impressive character.
December 20, 2023
Exam coming up tomorrow but I just couldn't stop!
Another amazing story - captivating from the beginning and holding the tension if not increasing it til the end.
Unfortunately the last book in the series. Read all and enjoyed each! Once started they could only be finished within a day 🤩
Great shoutout to Chris Ryan for this captivating series! I loved it 😍
Another amazing story - captivating from the beginning and holding the tension if not increasing it til the end.
Unfortunately the last book in the series. Read all and enjoyed each! Once started they could only be finished within a day 🤩
Great shoutout to Chris Ryan for this captivating series! I loved it 😍
February 9, 2021
Another great story
Another great story in the Special Forces Cadets series with all the usual characters. A great story line set in the Swiss Alps in treacherous weather that tests the team to the limits. More please.
Another great story in the Special Forces Cadets series with all the usual characters. A great story line set in the Swiss Alps in treacherous weather that tests the team to the limits. More please.
March 13, 2021
Nice quick read
Very pacey read with a lot of action and quick developments. Twists and turns throughout to keep the pages turning.
Very pacey read with a lot of action and quick developments. Twists and turns throughout to keep the pages turning.
July 6, 2022
Gripping I didn’t want to put it down because something good was always happening. Loved the concept
February 7, 2023
Best book of the series.
June 28, 2023
This book had me stressed literally the entire time, with so many near deaths and dangers. I had guessed right at the start about how it may end, but it was really enjoyable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
This is a great series for juniors at our school library. Some of our students that enjoy the outdoors will relate to this book in particular
April 10, 2025
Probably the strongest of the series as, as well as the usual action and survival shenanigans, it had some non-romance personal drama for our heroes.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews