Snappy and action-filled, it reads like Jason Borne.

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this book but I love a good thriller where the MC has a past and special skills to rely on.

Yes, some parts were a little too easy, a little too convenient, and the Nazi aspect felt a little tedious (like, Nazis again?), but in all I enjoyed this read and look forward to the next installment.

My rating: 3.2*
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Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.

I requested this book as it came across in the description that it sounded like a modern day Jack Higgins, which 20 years ago I loved.

That is pretty much what it was. This is the first book in a series that follows hostage negotiator Ethan Munroe. Ethan is summoned to the scene of where a known serial killer (Icarus) is holding a young girl hostage. This is the start of something he could not have ever predicted, let alone know why he was selected.

What follows you can not quite comprehend, an attack in the Palace of Westminster, silent helicopters, Nazi references and non stop action.

I really enjoyed this action packed starter and will definitely look out for the Disavowed series. I gave this 5/5.

A serial killer takes a young girl hostage and asks for Ethan Monroe thus thrusts Ethan in a completely different world full of secret organisations in this all action thriller. Well realised characters and plenty of plot twist. Highly recommended. Russell Bentley' remarkable narration only adds to this book. Thanks to Saga Egmont audio for this audiobook copy for a review.

A literary feast of heart-pounding action and nail-biting suspense

Book Information

“Project Icarus” authored by R. D. Shah, is a 322-page thriller published on November 18, 2021. The audio version is Narrated by Russell Bentley and was released on September 7, 2023. Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for providing me an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

Summoned urgently to a crime scene, hostage negotiator Ethan Munroe faces a grim scenario: a serial killer has abducted a young girl and insists on his presence. From this seemingly unremarkable event, Ethan is thrust into a dangerous world of political shadows, deception, and espionage, where he will unearth startling truths about himself, confront a terrifying adversary, and uncover the unthinkable reality of Project Icarus, a revelation that could alter not only his future but the fate of the world.

My Thoughts

"Project Icarus" by R. D. Shah, the first installment in the 'Disavowed' series, delivers an exhilarating, darkly captivating thriller. Shah's writing is both suspenseful and well-crafted, providing readers with a relentless, unpredictable narrative that never loses its entertainment value.

The depth of the characters, particularly the no-nonsense hero Ethan, is a crucial driver of this story. While the action in the book is virtually nonstop, Shah manages to provide quite a bit of back story for Ethan which allows the reader to make a connection with him. You will want him to succeed and share in his joy or pain of self-discovery. All the while, whether it be heart-pounding fights, car chases, intense gun battles, attack helicopters, or espionage, the book is a rollercoaster of action that will keep you engaged throughout.

While some elements may require a suspension of disbelief, this is consistent with the genre's conventions and doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. The plot is ingeniously crafted with multiple unexpected twists, ensuring the story remains riveting. The book's plot twists are like hidden landmines, exploding with unexpected revelations that will leave you breathless.

Russell Bentley's narration elevates the audiobook version experience, embodying the character of Ethan and giving each personality a distinct voice. His performance brings the narrative to life, making it even more engaging. I eagerly anticipate the next two books in the series, hoping for Bentley's continued involvement.

Recommendation

"Project Icarus" is a nerve-racking, jaw-dropping thriller that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Disavowed series. Those who enjoy nonstop tension and action will enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

Rating

4 Secret Organization Stars

Wasn’t sure quite what to expect from this title, but it got off to the most gripping start. Totally unexpected and I was gripped. The timeline then changes and the listener or reader is thrown into events around a hostage situation. But it’s one with a difference and our hero, Ethan, is personally involved. But why?

I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller. It stretches belief a couple of times, but it’s really great escapist fiction. Ethan is a plausible character, filled with action and angst. It’s almost literally non stop as the story unfolds and I’ve polished this off in a couple of sittings. I’d like more from RD Shah and thoroughly recommend this title if you want a well constructed thriller. Narration throughout is superb.

The narration
Quite a distinctive narration strong and surprisingly mature sounding, covering a wide range of voices and accents. Ethan Munroe coming from Liverpool naturally has a scouse accent that comes over more a cheeky scally than one might expect for an ex special forces man but it adds to the overall enjoyment.

My thoughts
With action fiction good advice is to start dramatic and keep it going if you can. Well, our author has managed that. The novel commences with the new British Ambassador to Germany going berserk at a function with the German Chancellor and that is merely an amuse bouche. From that point the action is pretty much non-stop until a final confrontation, but even then, the epilogue manages to squeeze in a final hook to book 2 in the series.

The plot is joyously ludicrous, which pretty much goes with the territory of the genre, but then nobody reads James Bond and Jason Bourne novels and all the others that have followed for the realism. Naturally there needs to be some grounding in real life, but it is escapist reading and the more outlandish the story the better. Terrorist threats are regularly thwarted by governments but battles for world domination are decidedly fewer thankfully. What matters most of all is whether the story is entertaining and is the writer fully committed, because if the author is not fully behind and engaged with the story then why should the reader be. Well Project Icarus is certainly entertaining, oh boy there’s a lot going on, and certainly the author has put his heart and soul into it.

There are ingredients that the reader comes to expect in these action thrillers. Firstly, we need a central ‘hero’ character to follow and get behind, usually quite dashing and well able to take care of himself. Nathan Munroe is ex-army, being first in the SBS and then more latterly the SAS before a honourable discharge and joining the police where he is now a Superintendent specialising in hostage negotiations. So just the qualities needed, but there is also depth and a bit of mystery too as he is an orphan, being in a children’s home since the age of four, and his wife and daughter are dead. So, some emotional depth to go with all the kick ass.

We need action, and there is almost too much to handle. There are fights, chases, gun battles the threat of torture, and it all comes thick and fast. Those familiar with the case of HH Holmes might appreciate a slight nod to his ‘home’. Fans of hardware can expect Humvees, C130 Hercules and a stealth helicopter, all manner of guns, military fighting knives and trackers.

Of course, we need opposing sides, there is nothing like the good old battle between good and evil. On the black side is a clandestine organisation which has reached out with tentacles and penetrated society. The good side is a small organisation set up by the British, French and American governments 60 plus years ago, CSV. Small but highly skilled, motivated and fiercely loyal.

Exotic locations help and here there is a visit to a remote spot in Brazil and a trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras together with London and the French countryside.

The story is told at a rapid pace, especially considering that being the first of a series there is some back story to be built up. The reader barely has time to get their breath back from one action scene then the next one is thrust upon them. A bit of the procedure and tracking narrative has been filleted out to accomplish this, which seems to be well judged as the result is entertaining and never boring. The action scenes are confidently dealt with and well written, there’s a bit of gore but nothing excessive.

I would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for allowing access in exchange for a fair review.

First let me say the narrator Russell Bentley did a phenomenal job! He kept me engaged in the book where I might have given up.

Can we talk about that prologue?! What a perfect way to set up the rest of the story. I had to listen to it twice to make sure I heard it correctly. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to see what would unfold. I can’t remember the last time a prologue/first chapter had me so invested.

My biggest issue with the book was the villains’ motivation. When it was revealed I had to roll my eyes. Not because it isn’t relative in 2023, but because it has been done so many times. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was very reminiscent of the plot of a Marvel movie. I almost stopped listening but Russell Bentley’s narration kept me interested.

Even with my gripe about the villains, the story was well told and will probably read the next book in the series.

I would give the book 3.5 stars but am rounding it up to 4 because of the prologue.


Thank you Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, and RD Shah for the advanced audio.

A great start to this new series! Shah’s characters continually provide surprises as the story unfolds as each one deals with their strengths and weaknesses. The author’s wonderfully developed characters that you will love or otherwise love to hate make this a riveting read. This is a well-written, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will leave you breathless at times in anticipation of the next twist in the plot. Don’t start reading this book if you are not prepared to stay up all night. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Project Icarus by R. D. Shah
Narrated by Russell Bentley
Published: Saga Egmont Audio
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: September 7, 2023

Project Icarus is the first book in The Disavowed series by R. D. Shah. This is a fast paced thrill-ride with tons of twists and turns. Once I thought I knew what was going on, there would be a new twist! I thought this was fascinating and I'm looking forward to the next book(s)!

The narration by Russell Bentley was incredible!!! I loved how he gave each character their own voice and brought the story to life!

I definitely recommend reading Project Icarus! It's got the feel of a Dan Brown novel!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Audiobooks, I love them. They allow me to get lost in other worlds whilst I am mindlessly playing games on my phone or cleaning the house. Thriller books are usually great as audiobooks as they keep your attention due to the fast pace of them.

When I saw Project Icarus available as an audiobook on Netgalley I just had to request it as it sounded right up my street. I mean who wouldn’t when you read this: Hostage negotiator Ethan Munroe is called urgently to a developing crime scene. A serial killer is holding a young girl hostage, and, inexplicably, demands his attendance.

Sounds great right? And it is a really good book with some interesting themes throughout. The story flowed well throughout. I have found that how much you like the narrator is often a key indicator of how much you will like the book. In fact they can often make or break a book at times. The narrator for this one is Russell Bentley and whilst I got used to his voice and his style I found it wasn’t one that drew me in or one that ‘become’ the character for me. Some of the dialogue felt forced or fake and I couldn’t tell if that was the writing or the narration and it pulled me out of the world of the book slightly.

So whilst this is a good book with lots of twists and turns it left me wanting.. something. What that something is I couldn’t tell you but I wanted something more. Interestingly the Netgalley page states that fans of Adam Hamdy might love this and I can see that. I had a similar feeling with his writing so if you like Adam Hamdy then grab this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for an advanced audio book in exchange for an honest review.

3.8 stars

Ethan Munroe is ex-military and currently a hostage negotiator. He is called to the scene of a kidnapping at the request of the hostage taker. Lots goes on as Ethan flies all over the world to solve the case.

Excellent narration by Russell Bentley.

Project Icarus by R. D. Shah
(Narrated by Russell Bentley)

Ethan Munroe is a hostage negotiator. He was called to a crime scene while the hostage was a young girl.. The situation was soon uncontrollable and it involved political power. The truth behind may affect the himself and the world.

I enjoyed the story flow. It was dark, twisty and gripping. I have never read any topic like this before, it kept me guessing the ending. No dragging of the storyplot. Well-developed of all the characters. The narrator presented the story in a tensed and dark theme, which matched with the whole story.