Thriller: JET by Russell Blake – 4.5 Stars

Code name: Jet

Twenty-eight-year-old Jet was once the Mossad’s most lethal operative before faking her own death and burying that identity forever.

But the past doesn’t give up on its secrets easily.

When her new life on a tranquil island is shattered by a brutal attack, Jet must return to a clandestine existence of savagery and deception to save herself and those she loves. A gritty, unflinching roller-coaster of high-stakes twists and shocking turns, JET features a new breed of protagonist that breaks the mold.

Fans of Lizbeth Salander, SALT, and the Bourne trilogy will find themselves carried along at Lamborghini speed to a conclusion as jarring and surprising as the story’s heroine is unconventional.

Ah, yes another book by Russell Blake. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because he is constantly publishing new thrillers. His book The Voynich Cypher  rated a 5 Star rating from me. You may also remember JET from Blake’s guest post on his strong female characters.

1. JET kicks ass.

One minute JET is a business woman hanging out in her internet cafe. The next she is grabbed

But what they aren’t expecting is just how lethal she can be.

JET seriously can take care of herself. And when she does team up with a partner, he better be ready to let her lead the way out of this mess. 

She may have intended to put her career as an assassin behind her, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t remember exactly how to do the job.

Many comparisons can be made between her and Liz Salanger from the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, mostly because JET can fight and she’s kinda effed up from her childhood.

2. I admit –some of the plot confused me.

A number of different actors come after JET. She has to keep her life a secret from the shady organization that trained her as an assassin. Then there is some Russian guy, and some American government guys, and a lackey..

I have to admit I got a little confused. Since Blake uses history as inspiration, I’m sure that the details were drawn from real life. I’m not that familiar with these actors, however.

Many of the chapters jump to different times or to a different character’s perspective. This is the first book and I am just introduced to everyone. I do love appendices for long character lists or secret organizations.

I did get the gist.

3. My favorite part is when JET works her way towards an enemy using her sexuality.

OK, now you may think “What’s so special about this, Wren? Aren’t women always using their sexy wiles to confuse stupid men in thrillers?”

True. But there is something quite special about this part of the book. JET gets glammed up in tight leather and spiky hair and heads to the casino. She’s a high roller with a crowd watching her as she stands aloof.

Her target is known for his BDSM sexual history, as well as his flexibility towards both roles. Rather than act like a coy bimbo, JET goes the other way and suggests that if he is found worthy he may earn the honor of submitting to her. 

And since they are headed to a private party on a boat, she’s sure they can find some rope.

I love strong ladies. This whole scene fills me with joy. Since the reader knows the trick about to be played, things are hilarious. 

And of course, since JET pretends she is a popular erotic romance author, that sure stirred up some envy for this writer.

Honestly even though I got a little confused with the plot, this scene made up for it completely.

4. International travel, I loove you.

In addition to Russia and Israel, the main action in the book takes place in the South American Continent. 

Being ultra prepared JET of course has the resources to travel anywhere in the world to escape attackers or to solve mysteries related to them.

I really enjoy books which include new places to add to my bucket list. As Russell Blake lives in Mexico, I am sure a lot of his personal experience is utilized in his descriptions.

Thanks for the tour of the word, Russell!

5. In sum:

Read this book. Just do it.