I've never read any of the Ryan Drake series, but if they're even half as good as this one, I am so down. I raise a glass to you, Mr. Jordan/Critical Drinker, because you certainly have a storytelling gift, and I'm thrilled that you've shared it with the world. Not at all my thing, although objectively speaking this book was pretty well done for the sort of book it was. Solid on all accounts with nothing egregiously stupid or gratuitously violent getting in the way of telling a story. If action is your thing (especially, high-stakes apocalyptic-flavored action), you’ll probably love this novel. It has a very cinematic sort of style to its high-octane narrative that works well and makes it a dynamic read. The sense of place, be it snowy mountains or sandy deserts is done very well too. While some of Jordan’s basic insights about what makes for good storytelling might seem obvious, they have proven difficult for the entertainment industry to consistently apply. For instance, every scene in a movie or TV show should do three things: advance the plot, develop the characters, and world-build. Or ditch “The Message” (woke agenda) and just tell a good story. And stay consistent with the logic of the characters and setting, even in fantasy and sci-fi stories. Furthermore, Will stated that he used to work in London as a telemarketer in an interview, and during this time he had to tone down his Scottish accent for the English customers he was working with. To this day, he says that experience made his Scottish accent less pronounced.

A suspenseful, gripping read that transported me into the freezing mountains and had me guessing to the end.” Nicholas Sansbury Smith, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Divers A character who stays behind to hold zombies off, and when asked not to stoically reveals a zombie bite Luke Crywalker (the viral clip of Jessica Starr, the infamous Trump inauguration screamer), often used when making fun of the far left. Will has always been drawn to books whose characters inspire him in his own life; stories of people rising above their circumstances, refusing to be beaten down and pushing themselves to do things they shouldn’t be able to do; an element which he has tried to bring across in his own work.

Featured Reviews

Will Jordan is the bestselling, internationally published author of the Ryan Drake series. He was born in Scotland in 1983. His works to date include: Time is running out for Ryan Drake. With his enemies moving against him and his allies no longer able to support him, his world is turned upside down by a personal tragedy that forces him to return to the UK. Qué me ha parecido? Me ha gustado. Es una novela entretenida y no busca nada más que eso: entretener y atrapar. Si alguien busca alta literatura siempre tiene el “Ulises” de James Joyce. La narración tiene mucho de película de acción, con tiroteos, persecuciones, malos malísimos, y viajes a lugares exóticos. Conforme avanzamos los capítulos se van haciendo más cortos, más rápidos, para transmitir la tensión de una cuenta atrás que los protagonistas tienen que parar. I really like Will Jordan for the “alter ego” by which many of us know him. He possesses a razor sharp wit allowing him to eviscerate (and sometimes commend) modern cinema and television. His critiques often illustrate the importance of good storytelling and character development over the advancement of any of the social justice messaging found in media today.

There, he finds himself presented with an unexpected offer – travel to Libya, kidnap a high-ranking officer in Gaddafi’s much feared intelligence service, and return him to the UK. In exchange, Drake will be given everything his needs to destroy the career of the CIA’s corrupt leader, Marcus Cain.

Advance Praise

Potshots at the mainstream press, often viewed as bias, corrupt, and doing anything in a desperate attempt to shill, elevate the voices of social justice warriors, and reverse their inevitable collapse. The most common individual target by far is infamous Forbes shill Scott Mendelson. The plot is a paint by numbers, formulaic hero-saves-the-world story. The Dyatlov Pass mention is just used to mascarade a bland story we all have seen before hundres of times. As indicated above, I reviewed it highly. As a result, I will mention a few critical items before going into the strengths.

MOSTLY..." -- Often said to single out a weak link within an otherwise competent ensemble, accompanied by a picture of said weak link. That's all I've got for today... go away now!" -- The outro to almost every video. The tone of the message changes depending on the subject, from happiness, sadness, apathy, irritation or anger. But, Drinker, you [interchangeable term] I hear you say." and "Well, [interchangeable person]" -- Used as a hypothetical strawman to lead into another point. Overall, a decent, decently entertaining read. Not quite as desired or expected for this specific reader, but plenty of thrills for others, likely. Dyatlov Pass remains a mystery. Thanks Netgalley. The thing that was most important for Cain (and I suppose, any antagonist in my books) was to give him a logical goal that the reader can identify with. Cain's not out to topple governments or kill innocent civilians for the sake of being evil - he's pursuing a bigger objective that will gradually become clear as the story unfolds. It's just his methods, and how far he's willing to go, that set him apart from the more heroic characters. My intention is to give the reader something to think about when considering if he's truly a monster.Dyatlov Pass is one of those wild real-life mysteries that simply boggles the mind. There was a proper book about it, even a speculative movie adaptation about it, and now there’s this…tangentially connected bombastic thriller. I started this channel first and foremost because I'm passionate about storytelling in any form, and I appreciate the simple joy of experiencing a work of art for the first time, and that's what entertainment really is when you get right down to it. From the humble to extravagant, the derivative to the inspired, whether we love them or hate them. And when they're at their best, they're quite simply remarkable. They have the power to tell stories that uplift our spirits, captivate our imaginations, stir the sense of adventure, or test the limits of our fears. They give us glimpses of fantastical worlds beyond our own existence, presenting ideas that question our assumptions or broaden our horizons. Laughing in his distinct tone, often with his picture onscreen, in response to something ridiculous. Not a great plan." (from The Avengers), used for highlighting the idiocy of someone's plan or thinking, either of an in-universe character or a real-world creator/company. Drinker's Chasers -- Excerpts from Open Bar and VIP Lounge streams, about a particular subject that was discussed, such as subverting expectations, the death of Hollywood, superhero fatigue etc.

Dyatlov Pass here is a mere plot driver in a way that it might have been any other similar place. The concept is neat but not wildly original. Tomorrow’s War recently explored similar theme in a similarly bombastic military action style cinematic bonanza. That said, Jordan can’t resist the one-liners and various tropes that one comes to expect in an action thriller. It’s good comfort food for readers who, like Jordan, also like to play “ Resident Evil” and watch James Bond movies. Then again, lines like, “What can I say? I’m a professional pain in the ass,” may be a turnoff for more serious readers.It sounds like a simple mission. But nothing is what it seems, and within hours of arriving in the war-torn country, Drake and his team find themselves caught in a deadly conflict between a brutal terrorist warlord and the ruthless leader of a private military company. And lurking in the shadows is a woman from Drake’s past determined to take revenge for two decades of betrayal.