Severance Kill (Martin Calvary #1) in SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group

Nov 28, 2013 Martyn Halm rated it it was ok · review of another edition

This almost turned into another 'stopped reading' review, except that I wanted to know what happened to Martin Calvary, the protagonist. So I ignored my many reasons to delete this book from my Kindle and struggled through the formatting errors that cropped up in the last quarter of the book.

Should I have? Perhaps not, but I was curious to see if Stevens had a twist at the end that would be worth it. There was something that should've been a twist, except that it didn't surprise me in the sligh ...more

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Aug 23, 2013 Samuel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Severance kill is a good solid spy thriller which touches on that well worn theme, "taking the one last job". But as we all know, taking that job can lead to more trouble than it's worth.
The novel begins brutally with the protagonist Martin Calvary engaging in an incredibly destructive fistfight with a former Egyptian Unit 777 soldier turned terrorist. Calvary is an assassin for "The Chapel" a deniable branch of the SIS who's job is to kill threats to Britain's security. Calvary prevails, and d Severance kill is a good solid spy thriller which touches on that well worn theme, "taking the one last job". But as we all know, taking that job can lead to more trouble than it's worth.
The novel begins brutally with the protagonist Martin Calvary engaging in an incredibly destructive fistfight with a former Egyptian Unit 777 soldier turned terrorist. Calvary is an assassin for "The Chapel" a deniable branch of the SIS who's job is to kill threats to Britain's security. Calvary prevails, and decides its time to retire. However, his handler has other plans and obliquely blackmails him into taking a final job, the titular "Severance Kill". He's tasked with punishing a former British diplomat Sir Ivory Gaines who seemingly burned one of the Service's best sources in Czechoslovakia and is now unacceptably close to the Russian Federation. Travelling to Prague, Calvary makes his preparations, and tracks down the diplomat. Unfortunately, he discovers the SVR have been tailing his target and a third faction sends a team of masked gunmen to abduct Gaines before he can get into killing range. With time running out, Calvary blazes a trail of destruction through the beautiful streets of Prague in order to find his target and the actual reason behind his mission before his handler burns him and leaves him with no place to hide.

Plot wise, Severance Kill is good. With many unexpected complications confronting Calvary, and the true reasons behind what seemed to be a straightforward killing becoming murky, the paranoia levels runs high in the book and fans of LeCarre will taste a stench of betrayal as events come to a destructive climax. The action in the story is one of the many areas where the book shines. From hand to hand combat more destructive than the Daniel Craig Bond films to car chases which would make Jason Bourne green with envy, Severance Kill is a very cinematic book, but one which portrays the action with surprising plausibility. The research in the book also gains top marks. The equipment and weapons are accurate and it seems the author had been talking to the right people with his description of surveillance tactics and trade-craft. But the fire power takes a back seat. The author, a doctor with the NHS uses his medical knowledge to make the action even more vivid and lifelike including the damage Calvary endures in the story and a uniquely horrifying execution done by one of the antagonists (face removal).

Characters are very good and here are some stand outs. Firstly, Martin Calvary is someone you can easily cheer for. Images of Daniel Craig's James Bond portrayal come to mind. He's not perfect, the opposition against him sometimes getting the better of him and near the end of the novel he's on his last legs, literally. But his impressive knowledge of trade-craft allows him to bring down the factions which out-gun him. Next, there's the SVR "illegals" rezident Krupina. Unlike the typical stereotype of a female Russian spy in the genre, she's middle aged and dying of cancer. However, she's a proper professional at her job, highly intelligent, even having Calvary at her mercy at one point and unlike the fictional Russian spymasters who came before her cares about her subordinates and tries to look out for them. Finally, there's Bartos, the most powerful criminal in Prague and someone you'll love to hate. However, he's completely out of his depth when several extremely dangerous intelligence officers roll into town and becomes increasingly deranged as the hunt for the British diplomat reaches its conclusion.

However, serious, major quibble that may put some of you off. While mostly well edited, near the end, several lines are crossed out, words aren't completed and it can be jarring for people who have high standards when it comes to editing. as a result, one star has been removed from the initial five.

Overall, Severance Kill is a solid spy novel. While touching on well used themes, its surprisingly good research, destructive action set pieces and great characters mean you will get your money's worth when reading. Very Recommended. ...more

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Jun 26, 2014 Richard rated it really liked it

Lots of moving parts

This book is definitely not for the rookie reader. there is an awful lot going on and an awful lot of complex characters. I did enjoy the read, but found many other productive ways the novel could have went. I hope the author continues this series as it is good from time to time to read fiction that makes you think. I am a huge fan of the Purkiss series Rat Catcher. a solid four stars just be careful when you read and be ready to think and compartmentalize. keep up the good w ...more

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