#ATBR2019 – The Break Line by James Brabazon

The #allthebookreviews list just keeps on growing!

Thanks to Berkley Pub for the free copies in exchange for our honest reviews.

THE BREAK LINE – James Brabazon (out now!)

Check out our thoughts to book one in a new thriller series!

Chandra’s Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars

The first in a series, Brabazon brings a LOT to the table.  Action packed from beginning to end, each new decisions McLean makes throws him into a different trajectory.  The first decision he made, when he went against orders, was not like him but even as a hardened assassin, he finds it difficult to kill those that are innocent. This may not end well for him😉

A lot of characters are introduced and he finds betrayals amongst them and within himself.  We also get a tangle of a medical thriller with speak of cholera, etc.  What else can Brabazon include?!  It’s not overly done, which is nice.  He does a fine job in building McLean’s character and as with all first in a series, lays the groundwork for the next.  McLean is reminiscent of other characters like him – highly intelligent, master of his trade, and whether you like his actions or not, you get a soft spot for him.

While this type of thriller is not my favorite kind in the subgenres of thrillers, I did find the story interesting while with so much going on, there were some lulls within the pages… but very little – small set ups for the next bullet to dodge. (see what I did there?)

A great start to the beginning of a series I can only see getting crazier.

My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars

If you’ve followed my blog or reviews at all you’ll know that I’m a fan of the espionage thrillers. Throw in the assassins, secret government agencies, or international intrigue any day! THE BREAK LINE by James Brabazon is the first in a new and exciting series. We’re introduced to Max McLean – the kind of assassin that has some morals. Of course, these morals get him into some hot water.

I think that Brabazon packed a ton into this first book for us. Not necessarily a bad thing though. I think a lot is being set up now for future installments and I’ll be curious to see where those lead. McLean is a character I really enjoyed getting to know and can’t wait to see how his story progresses and grows.

If you’re also a fan of the assassin thrillers and the cat-and-mouse games against the government or other entities, then this is perfect for you! Like I mentioned, this is the beginning of a new series and I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where Brabazon is going to take things.