Predator One: A Joe Ledger Novel, Book 7

Author Jonathan Maberry does it again with his latest Joe Ledger novel, "Predator One". I'm a big fan of the entire series.Filled with over-the-top actions scenes, larger-than-life menace and page after page of jaw-droppingly great dialogue, this remains one of the most consistently great long term series I've read.Maberry turns up the peril dial in "Predator One" to the max. Absolutely NOBODY is safe from the bad guys in this one. Unlike some of the prior works, there are a lot simply grim, but well done, scenes in this book. In addition, there appears to be a bit more focus on the "internals" of character's relationships with one another and the emotional tension serves as an interesting counter-balance to the tension of the plot itself.In the thriller style of writing it is common for the protags to achieve a near success which snowballs into a total failure and the cycle perpetuates until the plot is resolved with an "all-in" paroxysm of action, vengeance and high body count, often followed by a 1:1 confrontation with the evil mastermind and finally resolution. Maberry takes that convention and tosses it out the window. From the first chapter until the epilogue, everything is desperate gamble against ridiculous odds - but the story is crafted in such a way that the resolution and triumphs are entirely believable.I'd highly recommend this series to any reader interested in the thriller genre but who has an appreciation for top-notch writing, laugh-out-loud dialogue and a good ole fashioned revenge tale.

Wow. Just...wow. Nobody turns military action into spun gold like Maberry. Another dive into the Ledger Files, and when I surface at the end, I'm breathless and exhausted. But you couldn't slap the smile off my face.The book opens with a HALO drop by Echo Team into a secret Gitmo-like facility, and things go quickly into the crapper when some of their activities are captured by a camera drone, and end up on the 'net. From there, Maberry fires the afterburners on the prose, and never eases back until the final page. We see the return of some familiar faces, some evils from Echo's past, and some welcome new faces to the Maberryverse. There's even a quick reference to the Rot & Ruin series tucked away in the story, which is a welcome shoutout to more of Jonathan's YA series. Blend in hacked and tampered military and transport software - it's a recipe for disaster. But then, disaster recovery is Ledger's bailiwick.The frenetic pace led to what sincerely has to be the most action-packed finale of any book in the series thus far, but as much as I love the protagonist, I was delighted to see the finale spread out over multiple fronts, showcasing some great combat scenes with characters who have been part of the fun but hadn't had that much spotlight prior to this. Stellar, tightly-paced action sequences are Maberry's specialty, and he deftly wove the story across the various fronts with pacing that kept you firmly on the edge of your seat. As I've come to expect though, Maberry knocked this one outta the park.

"Predator One" is the seventh Joe Ledger novel in Jonathan Maberry's signature series and it is a wild one. Many characters from Joe's past, both good and bad, make appearances,including one thought long dead. Joe and Echo Team are faced with perhaps their most devastating enemies yet and must rally to save the world from burning. The pacing is as breathtaking as usual and the suspense ratchets off the scale in one of the most tense, suspenseful, and white knuckle conclusions of the entire series.An unknown enemy has hacked into a governmental software program used in virtually all guidance and control centers of aircraft, automobiles, and electronics which allows them to over ride and control every moving vehicle from a senator's car to Air Force One. Additionally, drones with almost perfect artificial intelligence have begun attacking centers of American activity such as professional baseball games along with individual personal targets. Chaos reigns in the US as Joe and Echo team scramble to identify the mastermind behind the attacks that seem focused on destroying Mr. Church and his Department of Military Sciences (DMS) and specifically Joe Ledger.Old and new characters appear suddenly and none is more attention grabbing than "Banshee"--a defender on loan from Violin. Banshee and, of course, Ghost have significant roles in this adventure and Ghost gets extended and perilous duty that may claim his valorous life. Maberry continues to draw well fleshed characters, both good and evil, throughout a well constructed plot that moves at breakneck speed toward a conclusion that will have readers gasping in surprise as well as in tense excitement. Highly recommended novel and series.

This is the seventh return for Joe Ledger and the DMS, and it's as wild of a ride as the previous six.Joe and the team are up against a new type of computer with quantum capabilities, a computer so advanced that it even surpasses the abilities of Mindreader (the greatest tool for fighting world destroying evil in the DMS toolbox). Maberry manages to mix James Bond-type larger than life villians with good guys with the ability to kick ass like Jason Bourne in adventures straight out of the X-Files. Predator One starts with a bang (literally) and never slows down until the very end. A very satisfying read that I just ripped through.Once again Maberry takes real science and manages to stretch it just enough to make for a science fiction feel, but believable enough for even the most jaded to suspend their collective disbelief. This one delves not only into science and megalomania, but also hints at the larger personification of evil. As alsways, can't wait for the return of Joe in number 8.

Very fast moving Joe Ledger novel that I did not mean to read quite so quickly but just had to keep on going to find out what happened. Lots of pace, really really bad baddies (some of whom might just be familiar) and deep trouble for Joe, the DMS and those dear to them. If you have read the rest of the series, you will be even more concerned about the characters survival as really unfair horrible things happen to people. The bad guys have realised keeping the DMS including Mr Church on the back foot is key to their evil plans succeeding. Elements about redemption, revenge, and unexplained mysterious things add depth to the story.

All the books are fairly impressive, writing style and characters are getting better - not that it was ever bad. Fast paced, keeps you glued to the book. Some parts are predictable but there are surprises. This is the best one yet.

Maberry delivers again. Just when you think he couldn't top an action sequence, twist the knife in suspense further, or rattle your soul with scenes of utter horror, he does. Predator One is another outstanding entry in the Joe Ledger series. The only downside is that I have to wait a year for the next one.

Brilliant culmination of all seven books. Totally has you on the edge of your seat. I didn't think the bad guys could get any badder!

Another awesome Joe Ledger book. It simply does not stop this one, I was unable to put it down all the way through. Top notch stuff, nice one.

great book

Very enjoyable action story as always, with a bit of advanced weaponry thrown in. Not for the squeamish though.Continues the story with the main characters too. Worth reading the series from the first book.

Fantastic ride. If this your first Ledger buy it then go buy the others. Read them and then you will get how fantastic this ride is.

Another great entry in the Joe Ledger series. If you're a fan this won't disappoint.

Like the author and the series, this was a great read for me

Every bit as good as the other ledgers and was well worth the wait Mr Maberry never fails to deliver

I'm so sad to have finished - I raced through it despite trying initially to ration it! Brilliant, thank you Mr Maberry.

Another pleaser from Mayberry !!

Awesome read

Can't fault this series. Very good.