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Isabella Rose #5
The Avenger
She didn’t live in a normal world. She was hunted. The code written in her genetics was worth an incalculable amount of money, and there were men and women who would do anything to lay their hands on her.
Living under new identities in rural France, trained killer Isabella Rose and her former handler Michael Pope are trying to lay low. Tired of hiding, all Isabella wants is the chance to live an ordinary life.
But Isabella is an extraordinary young woman and the people pursuing her will never, ever, give up. Her unique abilities have attracted the attention of the Academy of Military Science in Beijing. And it’s not only Isabella who needs to stay in the shadows. Ex-head of top-secret Group Fifteen, Pope has his fair share of enemies and a family that he's desperate to protect.
Isabella and Pope can’t stay off the grid forever. Someone isn't going to let them. From the hills of Montpellier to the cliffs of Malta, they find themselves caught in a violent game of cat and mouse.
Living under new identities in rural France, trained killer Isabella Rose and her former handler Michael Pope are trying to lay low. Tired of hiding, all Isabella wants is the chance to live an ordinary life.
But Isabella is an extraordinary young woman and the people pursuing her will never, ever, give up. Her unique abilities have attracted the attention of the Academy of Military Science in Beijing. And it’s not only Isabella who needs to stay in the shadows. Ex-head of top-secret Group Fifteen, Pope has his fair share of enemies and a family that he's desperate to protect.
Isabella and Pope can’t stay off the grid forever. Someone isn't going to let them. From the hills of Montpellier to the cliffs of Malta, they find themselves caught in a violent game of cat and mouse.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2022
793 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dawson
114 books1,858 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 4, 2022
This was a fast action and relatable book in the sense that things seemed plausible. Loved the bantering and the characters. Thanks for an excellent experience.
May 18, 2022
I have a love/hate relationship with Mark Dawson.
I love his books, having read all of Milton, Beatrix, Isabella, Group 15, and Atticus Priest. I always look forward to the next one and read it as soon as its released.
I hate the waiting period between books with cliffhangers! I burn through the stories and am always left wanting more. Mark is a wonderful and prolific writer and I can just never seem to get enough.
Love the crossovers in this book and seeing the progression of Pope and Isabella. Having just visited Malta on vacation i loved the settings in Valletta.
Highly recommend the series. Please write faster Mr Dawson! 😍
I love his books, having read all of Milton, Beatrix, Isabella, Group 15, and Atticus Priest. I always look forward to the next one and read it as soon as its released.
I hate the waiting period between books with cliffhangers! I burn through the stories and am always left wanting more. Mark is a wonderful and prolific writer and I can just never seem to get enough.
Love the crossovers in this book and seeing the progression of Pope and Isabella. Having just visited Malta on vacation i loved the settings in Valletta.
Highly recommend the series. Please write faster Mr Dawson! 😍
May 31, 2022
Mark Dawson has kept us waiting to see Isabella and Pope return thoroughly enjoyed
the Avenger
the Avenger
April 18, 2022
This series gets more interesting as it goes on, and it already started off incredibly well. Pope and Isabella are living in the south of France and Isabella has found a dear friend in a girl her age by the name of Chloe. The two young women are making plans to live together since they are now of age, the only problem is that Isabella is still being pursued by agents of the Chinese government wanting the secrets she carries in her genes. Pope gets drawn away by a subterfuge engineered by the man known as Atari and the sinister protégé of Bloom, and Isabella is left to fend off her pursuers by herself. Dawson manages to surprise us at every turn, this series has not unfolded the way I had anticipated it would and that is a very pleasant surprise. I will definitely be looking forward to the next installment of this series as the ending of this novel has left me with more questions than answers, but sadly Dawson has 4 or 5 other books to be released before the next Isabella story. I feel fortunate that I lucked out finding such a talented and prolific author. I'm a huge fan of his Milton books and the Beatrix prequel novels. I really like that the characters occupy the same universe and I enjoy seeing different people from the other books cross over.
June 7, 2024
Another rollercoaster of a ride. An edge of your seat thriller where we find Isabella Rose and Michael Pope lying low in France but their security and safety about to be threatened.
Cleverly written as is the trademark of this author who does action, government secret service, political intrigue, individual power and greed better than most. Mark Dawson continues this story of a genetically different young woman, this is the fifth book in the series. Isabella is now 18 years old and wants to have a normal life, do the things young girls do, make friends and express herself.
Pope urges her against doing anything rash; he needs to be sure no-one is ‘out there’ still hunting them down.
Wonderfully international, with agencies in China and Britain involved, including an old enemy who fears them and is able to sell information to compromise their location and threaten their freedom.
I just loved the realistic pushing for more freedom from Isabella that pressures Pope into a hurried response. How their relationship may have has levelled off by routine but still underpinned by commitment. Alongside Pope’s ‘lost family’ which is referenced but is in complete contrast to his own sacrifices. This is a tangible reality to all parents struggle with teenage kids, wanting to leave home and grasp independence. For Isabella this will have serious repercussions that Pope and increasingly we readers can see unfolding.
As with other episodes in this series the pace never slackens. The duplicitous of espionage, its agencies and individuals able to exploit information is Dawson’s craft. They are the strands he is able to weave into incredible and all consuming stories. He presents greed, lust for power and self preservation in its ugliest, yet believable forms which stand in stark contrast to his main protagonists who favour loyalty, commitment and a degree of integrity to each other, family and friends.
A daunting prospect if you count the pages; but they don’t count as they whizz by like a bullet train. You reach your destination before you know it and feel invigorated by a story that will take a little longer to forget. In remembering the authors name however you will be exposed to many other examples of his writing and well-honed craft.
Cleverly written as is the trademark of this author who does action, government secret service, political intrigue, individual power and greed better than most. Mark Dawson continues this story of a genetically different young woman, this is the fifth book in the series. Isabella is now 18 years old and wants to have a normal life, do the things young girls do, make friends and express herself.
Pope urges her against doing anything rash; he needs to be sure no-one is ‘out there’ still hunting them down.
Wonderfully international, with agencies in China and Britain involved, including an old enemy who fears them and is able to sell information to compromise their location and threaten their freedom.
I just loved the realistic pushing for more freedom from Isabella that pressures Pope into a hurried response. How their relationship may have has levelled off by routine but still underpinned by commitment. Alongside Pope’s ‘lost family’ which is referenced but is in complete contrast to his own sacrifices. This is a tangible reality to all parents struggle with teenage kids, wanting to leave home and grasp independence. For Isabella this will have serious repercussions that Pope and increasingly we readers can see unfolding.
As with other episodes in this series the pace never slackens. The duplicitous of espionage, its agencies and individuals able to exploit information is Dawson’s craft. They are the strands he is able to weave into incredible and all consuming stories. He presents greed, lust for power and self preservation in its ugliest, yet believable forms which stand in stark contrast to his main protagonists who favour loyalty, commitment and a degree of integrity to each other, family and friends.
A daunting prospect if you count the pages; but they don’t count as they whizz by like a bullet train. You reach your destination before you know it and feel invigorated by a story that will take a little longer to forget. In remembering the authors name however you will be exposed to many other examples of his writing and well-honed craft.
July 3, 2022
the next instalment in the Isabella Rose story, still in hiding with Michael Pope
May 28, 2023
Lots of fun, for the reader, I shall miss Isabella.
Mark Dawson has a talent equal.to Fleming and even Le Carre.
His website contains many gems.
Mark Dawson has a talent equal.to Fleming and even Le Carre.
His website contains many gems.
October 13, 2023
Another good book in the series. Ties up a lot of the loose ends. Can't quite tell if it is going to be the last book in the series. Something tells me it might not be.
May 15, 2022
Fantastic and nerve wracking
Isabella and Pope have another series of hair raising events in this next chapter in the story. Her abilities have improved significantly. With China now on her tail also, this whirlwind becomes an all out hurricane of a story!! Time for you to read ir!!
Isabella and Pope have another series of hair raising events in this next chapter in the story. Her abilities have improved significantly. With China now on her tail also, this whirlwind becomes an all out hurricane of a story!! Time for you to read ir!!
May 16, 2022
An Excellent Sequel Deserving of its Title with Suspense and Drama at every turn of the Page
This is book five of the series that began with her mother, Beatrix Rose. Isabella, doesn't remember her father, having been murdered when she was so small. She remembers her mother though as she strategically took every step to kill the person who had ordered her mother's death and had ordered her father's murder. Beatrix took her revenge before cancer took her and Isabella finished the job. Now 18 and physically and mentally enhanced, she has the fighting ability of someone twice her size and experience. Hidden deeply in the French farmlands with her only ally, Captain Michael Pope, her mentor, trainer, guardian and surrogate father, Isabella finds an age appropriate friend, Chloe. At 18, she'd never had a friend. Chloe was the first. When Chloe made plans with her to get an apartment in the nearest city, she'd come to odds with Pope. Finally, Pope relent saying he had to go to England and turn himself in as they had his family in custody. When Pope was arrested and asked about his family, he earned it was a ruse to separate he and Isabella. Now the two had to find their way back to one another before Isabella was turned into a lab rat experiment!
This is book five of the series that began with her mother, Beatrix Rose. Isabella, doesn't remember her father, having been murdered when she was so small. She remembers her mother though as she strategically took every step to kill the person who had ordered her mother's death and had ordered her father's murder. Beatrix took her revenge before cancer took her and Isabella finished the job. Now 18 and physically and mentally enhanced, she has the fighting ability of someone twice her size and experience. Hidden deeply in the French farmlands with her only ally, Captain Michael Pope, her mentor, trainer, guardian and surrogate father, Isabella finds an age appropriate friend, Chloe. At 18, she'd never had a friend. Chloe was the first. When Chloe made plans with her to get an apartment in the nearest city, she'd come to odds with Pope. Finally, Pope relent saying he had to go to England and turn himself in as they had his family in custody. When Pope was arrested and asked about his family, he earned it was a ruse to separate he and Isabella. Now the two had to find their way back to one another before Isabella was turned into a lab rat experiment!
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April 18, 2022It’s been a long time since we were fortunate to read The Assassin, Book 4 in this series. Isabella and now 18 and wants to live her life, not hide any more. Pope is trying to be the best he can as her substitute “dad” and her protector. It’s been 18 months or thereabouts since they have been aware of any searchers for them. Are they now safe and forgotten by their enemies? They both want to live their lives. Pope has a wonderful family he wants to reconnect with, Isabella has a real friend, her very first, and her friend is moving out into her own apartment and wants Isabella to come with her. Both girls are ready for fun and life. Of course, this is a Mark Dawson novel, do you really think the searchers are done? Not a chance.... Can’t say any more than this. You have got to read this one. The ending, as before, is incredible. I kept trying to turn the page but the story was done. I certainly hope there is not a long wait before we get to the next story. Thoroughly enjoyed this next installment in Isabella’s life. Can’t wait until the next!! Be sure to read them all.
August 9, 2023
While Mark Dawson has the ability to write an action packed adventure, you need to be aware that his books have become like a soap opera. They never have a conclusion and you’re left waiting months before the next show is released. I’m ok with an occasional continuation, but he has resorted to this practice with all the series he writes. In addition, since he started this practice, the story lines ramble and have the characters acting like idiots. There are much better writers out there, like Lee Child, that do a better job of researching the facts, and know how to write an exciting series with a conclusion at the end of each book.
May 13, 2022
At Long Last…
I dint think I would ever see Isabella Rose again. I missed Beatrix too. But, what surprise when I received notification that she was back with Captain Pope whom I’ve always admired. And then to see John !
Milton rescue Pope!!! What a thrill. And then Ziggy is added to the mix. I was enthralled with this story. Sad to see Captain Pope disappear but I have hope he will turn up some how.
And, I can’t wait to Ed Isabella Rose as the Avenger in the next installment of a tremendous story!
I dint think I would ever see Isabella Rose again. I missed Beatrix too. But, what surprise when I received notification that she was back with Captain Pope whom I’ve always admired. And then to see John !
Milton rescue Pope!!! What a thrill. And then Ziggy is added to the mix. I was enthralled with this story. Sad to see Captain Pope disappear but I have hope he will turn up some how.
And, I can’t wait to Ed Isabella Rose as the Avenger in the next installment of a tremendous story!
October 11, 2023
Pope and Isobella
In hiding as Step Dad and daughter. Isobella was no ordinary teenager, Pope protected her but longed to see his own two daughters. When Isobella became close friends with another teen her age, Chloe, a possibility arose for both of them to look to the future, Pope with his family and Isobella to find freedom to be a normal teenager. The rest of the novel takes us on a rollercoaster ride when their plans do not work out. The pursuit of Isobella is endless, her capture priceless in the wrong hands.. The twists and turns are endless with an unexpected ending.
In hiding as Step Dad and daughter. Isobella was no ordinary teenager, Pope protected her but longed to see his own two daughters. When Isobella became close friends with another teen her age, Chloe, a possibility arose for both of them to look to the future, Pope with his family and Isobella to find freedom to be a normal teenager. The rest of the novel takes us on a rollercoaster ride when their plans do not work out. The pursuit of Isobella is endless, her capture priceless in the wrong hands.. The twists and turns are endless with an unexpected ending.
May 5, 2022
Isabella Rose and Michael Pope are trying to stay one step ahead of their pursuers She has enhanced physical abilities. The only success of a series of experiments on many others in a laboratory in China. Pope is her mentor, protector and a father figure. What ensues is a tale of non stop action, suspense, betrayal and quite possibly the death of Pope.An excellent read!! My highest recommendation!!
May 9, 2022
The Assassin, Book 4 in this series. Isabella and now 18 and wants to live her life, not hide any more. Pope is trying to be the best he can as her substitute “dad” and her protector. From the people that would like to find out what they need to know for their own experimental assassin. Along the way there life's get turned upside down with old adversaries and old friends. Another excellent story hopefully there's more books in this series on the way sometime soon
May 14, 2022
The wait was well worth it
Having eagerly awaited this book for some time, to discover the next phase in Isabella's life - I was certainly not disappointed. Fast moving plot, lots of relevant detail and suspense, I thoroughly enjoyed thIs book. It was extra delightful that Mark Dawson cleverly managed to weave in some of my well loved characters from his other books. Roll on the next in the series.
Having eagerly awaited this book for some time, to discover the next phase in Isabella's life - I was certainly not disappointed. Fast moving plot, lots of relevant detail and suspense, I thoroughly enjoyed thIs book. It was extra delightful that Mark Dawson cleverly managed to weave in some of my well loved characters from his other books. Roll on the next in the series.
May 20, 2022
Great addition to a long awaited book!
Love where the book picked up at and it flowed so smoothly from start to finish. Got giddy when we had a brief cameo by the gentleman that got me hooked on the series made an appearance! Also, very much worth noting the great transition the author made with Milton mentioning where he was heading next and that tying into his next book.
Can’t wait for more from Dawson.
Love where the book picked up at and it flowed so smoothly from start to finish. Got giddy when we had a brief cameo by the gentleman that got me hooked on the series made an appearance! Also, very much worth noting the great transition the author made with Milton mentioning where he was heading next and that tying into his next book.
Can’t wait for more from Dawson.
May 29, 2022
Isabella is an experiment in building strong bodies that are trainable to be secret weapons in the spy world. She is trying to lead a normal life, even though her “guardian” is trying to protect her from being found. The Chinese, the Russians and an unknown group is after her. A subplot has a British MI6 senior official betraying his position to move up the ladder. Many twists, well written. ENJOY!
August 7, 2022
Fantastic read
The set has lived up to my expectations. Have thoroughly enjoyed following the hero/ heroines exploits. Now going to follow the John Milton series and Beatrix Rose. Can all be read as " stand alone" but I love following through and bingeing series once I find a great author and he really is. Descriptive, fast paced, had difficulty putting them down. Sorry to finish but really looking forward to the next set of adventures. Thank you Mark Dawson.
The set has lived up to my expectations. Have thoroughly enjoyed following the hero/ heroines exploits. Now going to follow the John Milton series and Beatrix Rose. Can all be read as " stand alone" but I love following through and bingeing series once I find a great author and he really is. Descriptive, fast paced, had difficulty putting them down. Sorry to finish but really looking forward to the next set of adventures. Thank you Mark Dawson.
May 4, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, it hooked me in from the first paragraph. Michael Pope is a good man to have at your back and Chloe had to do some quick growing up.
Enough danger, bad men and fighting to keep everyone happy and interested. Loved meeting old friends and learning new secrets.
Can't wait for the next book, thanks Mark Dawson for the chance of reading this book.
Enough danger, bad men and fighting to keep everyone happy and interested. Loved meeting old friends and learning new secrets.
Can't wait for the next book, thanks Mark Dawson for the chance of reading this book.
May 8, 2022
Bella !!!
Mark Dawson , you have captivated readers everywhere with all your novels but Beatrix Rose and Isabella rose are the best series of novels I’ve ever read. The intriguing episodes,the highs and lows, the intricacies in the development of each character are amazingly written. I highly recommend both series and can’t wait for Isabella to return.
Dr. C. 🎉🎊🍷🍷🍷💞💞💞💞💞💞💞
Mark Dawson , you have captivated readers everywhere with all your novels but Beatrix Rose and Isabella rose are the best series of novels I’ve ever read. The intriguing episodes,the highs and lows, the intricacies in the development of each character are amazingly written. I highly recommend both series and can’t wait for Isabella to return.
Dr. C. 🎉🎊🍷🍷🍷💞💞💞💞💞💞💞
May 11, 2022
I'm a sucker for Mark Dawson's books (at least the ones dealing with Group Fifteen!) I love the non-stop action and the interesting character portrayals. The plots are sometimes simplistic and yet I can't put the books down! This one mainly involves Isabella Rose, but includes smaller roles for several other characters from the other books. Keep writing, Mark... I love these books!
May 11, 2022
Are the spy services really this inbred with each other?
Of course the Chinese are the main corporate force, having all the money and the "toys" available for use. Plus they never hesitate to use them ruthlessly and the with the ruthlessness associated with the "bad guy" of this genre.
Still the plot was as convoluted we could have hoped for, thank goodness!!!
Of course the Chinese are the main corporate force, having all the money and the "toys" available for use. Plus they never hesitate to use them ruthlessly and the with the ruthlessness associated with the "bad guy" of this genre.
Still the plot was as convoluted we could have hoped for, thank goodness!!!
May 13, 2022
Nemesis
Just when Isabella is starting to think she can live some sort of normality, events suddenly start to spiral out of control, thanks to an old nemesis. Is this one fight too many for Isabella and Pope or will they survive to fight another day, there’s only one way to find out and that’s by reading this action packed, high octane thriller from Mark Dawson.
Just when Isabella is starting to think she can live some sort of normality, events suddenly start to spiral out of control, thanks to an old nemesis. Is this one fight too many for Isabella and Pope or will they survive to fight another day, there’s only one way to find out and that’s by reading this action packed, high octane thriller from Mark Dawson.
May 16, 2022
A really great read.
I loved seeing some favorite characters from previous series. BB BB
Isabella and pope are once again on the on. This was one of my favorites, but if you like this novel start from the beginning. It will give you perspective. I have read a number of these series. They are fantastic
I loved seeing some favorite characters from previous series. BB BB
Isabella and pope are once again on the on. This was one of my favorites, but if you like this novel start from the beginning. It will give you perspective. I have read a number of these series. They are fantastic
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May 17, 2022A Rose by any other name...
Mark has done it again. A thrilling story, continuing the Avenging Angel story arc. A surprise guest appearance, trials and tribulations of Pope and Bella's story arc, an enjoyable read all around. Would I recommend this to friends and family? Yes I would.
Mark has done it again. A thrilling story, continuing the Avenging Angel story arc. A surprise guest appearance, trials and tribulations of Pope and Bella's story arc, an enjoyable read all around. Would I recommend this to friends and family? Yes I would.
May 20, 2022
Once again I am holding my breath. Having just finished Mark Dawson's latest book, The avenger
It is so fast. So exciting. How Mark Dawson can write so many wonderful books, amazes me. But I am so glad he does. His stories leave a person begging for more. Keep up your wonderful record Mark. I cannot wait for the next one., whoever it is about. I love them all.
It is so fast. So exciting. How Mark Dawson can write so many wonderful books, amazes me. But I am so glad he does. His stories leave a person begging for more. Keep up your wonderful record Mark. I cannot wait for the next one., whoever it is about. I love them all.
May 25, 2022
Isabella gets her man...
Fast-paced, engaging and intriguing. Isabella Rose is coming of age - and getting truculent with Pope, her erstwhile foster parent. She is starting to do things normal teenagers do but she isn't normal, and most teenagers don't have Chinese super soldiers on their tail.
A great conclusion to the Isabella quintet. I hope there will be more.
Fast-paced, engaging and intriguing. Isabella Rose is coming of age - and getting truculent with Pope, her erstwhile foster parent. She is starting to do things normal teenagers do but she isn't normal, and most teenagers don't have Chinese super soldiers on their tail.
A great conclusion to the Isabella quintet. I hope there will be more.
June 5, 2022
CC1
What a fantastic chapter on Isabella and Pope. This was the best yet. It had Milton, Control and the rest of the by group. This was an incredible follow-up. I hope and can't wait for another chapter. Mark you make it easy to love reading your series of different characters. Their really isn't a good enough rating to give. 10 stars plus !!! Thanks, Carl Clause
What a fantastic chapter on Isabella and Pope. This was the best yet. It had Milton, Control and the rest of the by group. This was an incredible follow-up. I hope and can't wait for another chapter. Mark you make it easy to love reading your series of different characters. Their really isn't a good enough rating to give. 10 stars plus !!! Thanks, Carl Clause
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews