Deadly Intent, the fourth installment in the Adrian Hell series by James P. Sumner and narrated by Gary Bennett, delivers an exhilarating and action-packed experience that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This book is an intense addition to the series, and it keeps the adrenaline pumping as we follow the intriguing life of Adrian Hell.
The most surprising aspect of Deadly Intent is the ironic beginning, with Adrian in retirement and running his own bar with a girlfriend and a stray dog that’s taken to Adrian. This humanized Adrian to a certain extent in this installment, which adds depth to his character without diminishing his deadly prowess. It makes him even more relatable and intriguing as a lead character and reminds me that he is a person behind those deadly hands. This unexpected setup adds depth to the character and offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s a stark contrast to the high-octane action that follows, making it all the more exciting.
Spoiler Alert: The book evokes a John Wick vibe, with its relentless action sequences and relentless pursuit of justice, making it a must-read for fans of that franchise. However, it’s worth noting that there is a scene that could be triggering for dog lovers, so be prepared for some emotional moments.
The plot takes readers on a global adventure, with Adrian traveling to various locations, providing a thrilling change of scenery and keeping the story fresh. The story also delves into the shadowy world of the U.S. government and its covert operations, creating an atmosphere of secrecy and intrigue that keeps you guessing throughout.
James P. Sumner excels at crafting action-packed narratives, and Deadly Intent is no exception. His storytelling keeps you engaged, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. As a reader, you can’t help but be captivated by the intricate web of government operatives and top-secret projects that unfold.
Deadly Intent leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, as it promises an even more riveting adventure. Sumner has masterfully created a world of action and intrigue, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where Adrian Hell’s journey takes us next. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and found myself staying up way too late to listen and eagerly starting it as soon as I woke up. If you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers and compelling characters, this series is a must-read.
The narration by Bennett shines through. He is able to become Hell and it takes an already great storyline and makes it even more realistic. I love getting to dive into his stories because Gary brings so much heart and soul to the storytelling aspect. You can really feel his love for the characters, and stories, and his respect for the authors.