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piperkitty's review
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
seang81's review
3.0
What to say about Zero Kill? It’s a novel about a deep cover agent who gets caught up in a plot that involves the worlds soy agencies looking to end her life. Interspersed with a back story plot to flesh out the narrative. Do you like cliche? Look, this is an easy read but, with that, there’s a certain level of what I’d call male gaze applied to the main character. Some of the descriptions applied felt uncomfortable and, almost, made me want to stop reading. However, it’s fast paced, action based and had just enough redeeming features for me to persevere. Who’s this for? Y’know those limited action series shows on Netflix and Prime? This novel is that in paperback. Good to keep you interested for 8-hours but maybe not something you’ll talk about on Monday.
blurrycharlie's review against another edition
1.0
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley and it is set to be released in July 2023.
Considering that I DNFed this book perhaps this review isn’t a true reflection of the entire contents, but I truly cannot force myself to push through it.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. Clearly, I am not the target demographic for this book. This book had the potential to be amazing as it is action packed and has a very interesting and exciting premise, however, in my opinion these are let down by the misogynistic undertones in the writing, along with heavily in detail descriptions of the main character’s body which were unnecessary and inappropriate. Also, for a top agent she sure does need to be saved a lot.
Considering that I DNFed this book perhaps this review isn’t a true reflection of the entire contents, but I truly cannot force myself to push through it.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. Clearly, I am not the target demographic for this book. This book had the potential to be amazing as it is action packed and has a very interesting and exciting premise, however, in my opinion these are let down by the misogynistic undertones in the writing, along with heavily in detail descriptions of the main character’s body which were unnecessary and inappropriate. Also, for a top agent she sure does need to be saved a lot.
bookedandwatched's review against another edition
5.0
WOW! When I say I want a fast paced thriller THIS is what I mean. Zero Kill is officially my 4th 5 star read of 2023.
She is Elsa Zero, a seemingly normal mum with a past that comes back to haunt her. She’s a former deep cover agent for a private security firm called RedQueen. She is out to dinner with her partner Joel but at the stroke of midnight she skyrockets to the top of a shoot on sight list.
The first chapter explodes on to the page and you just know you are in for a wild ride throughout this book. My worry with books like this is that I fear they won’t keep up the pace throughout the book. This book? Yeah it keeps up the pace. Elsa is the kind of character I love in thrillers, she is cynical, hard as nails and acid tongued.
I have never read any MK Hill but this has me thinking that I need to explore more of his back catalogue.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the advanced copy.
She is Elsa Zero, a seemingly normal mum with a past that comes back to haunt her. She’s a former deep cover agent for a private security firm called RedQueen. She is out to dinner with her partner Joel but at the stroke of midnight she skyrockets to the top of a shoot on sight list.
The first chapter explodes on to the page and you just know you are in for a wild ride throughout this book. My worry with books like this is that I fear they won’t keep up the pace throughout the book. This book? Yeah it keeps up the pace. Elsa is the kind of character I love in thrillers, she is cynical, hard as nails and acid tongued.
I have never read any MK Hill but this has me thinking that I need to explore more of his back catalogue.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the advanced copy.
chronicallyhanreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jkellyjr's review against another edition
4.0
Hold on tight as Elsa Zero dives into a web of conspiracy, where survival is just the beginning.……
Book Information
Zero Kill, written by M.K. Hill, is a 400-page thriller to be published on July 6, 2023. M.K. (Mark) lives in London and was a journalist and an award-winning music radio producer before becoming an author. Thank you to Aria & Aries for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
Elsa Zero is a single mother and a former deep cover agent. She finds herself in a perilous situation when her uneventful evening takes a drastic turn after her boyfriend's proposal. Now on the run to protect her children and discover the truth, Elsa must evade numerous intelligence agencies desperate to eliminate her, all because she possesses a deadly secret. Surviving long enough to unravel the mystery becomes her top priority.
My Thoughts
Zero Kill by M.K. Hill is an intense and fun book that grabs you from the very first chapter and never lets go. It is a quick and exciting read, with short chapters that keep the action moving. The plot is well crafted, filled with twists and turns, making it a page-turning, pandemonium-filled, thrill-ride adventure. Hill creates a world where nothing is as it seems, and only Elsa Zero can unravel the truth.
One strength of the book lies in the complex character of Elsa Zero, who seems to me to be a mix of Ethan Hunt and Jason Bourne with a sprinkling of John Wick. I do think, however, that there is a slight disconnect between her personality in the first chapter and the rest of the book. While she was not likable at the restaurant with her fiancé initially, she is portrayed differently in subsequent chapters. This discrepancy seems more like a disconnect than character growth.
While the book is very enjoyable and a great read, it does have some formulaic elements. Additionally, there are instances where the prose and character descriptions can be seen as misogynistic, which detracts from the overall reading experience.
Despite this, the book remains entertaining and captivating. It is one of those stories where the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and only the protagonist, Elsa Zero, who seemingly has the world against her, can save it. Throughout the book, the layers of the story unfold, leaving us uncertain about the motives behind everyone wanting to kill Elsa and the identities of the good and bad guys. The involvement of Elsa's parents adds an interesting dynamic to the story which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the character Saint, despite all his flaws.
Betrayal, danger, and a heroine you won't forget - Zero Kill is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster.
Recommendation
Zero Kill is a thrilling and fast-paced book with a well-crafted plot and a strong protagonist in Elsa Zero. Despite some minor flaws, it offers an entertaining read for those who enjoy action-packed adventures. Recommended.
Rating
4 Apocalyptic Stars
Book Information
Zero Kill, written by M.K. Hill, is a 400-page thriller to be published on July 6, 2023. M.K. (Mark) lives in London and was a journalist and an award-winning music radio producer before becoming an author. Thank you to Aria & Aries for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.
Summary
Elsa Zero is a single mother and a former deep cover agent. She finds herself in a perilous situation when her uneventful evening takes a drastic turn after her boyfriend's proposal. Now on the run to protect her children and discover the truth, Elsa must evade numerous intelligence agencies desperate to eliminate her, all because she possesses a deadly secret. Surviving long enough to unravel the mystery becomes her top priority.
My Thoughts
Zero Kill by M.K. Hill is an intense and fun book that grabs you from the very first chapter and never lets go. It is a quick and exciting read, with short chapters that keep the action moving. The plot is well crafted, filled with twists and turns, making it a page-turning, pandemonium-filled, thrill-ride adventure. Hill creates a world where nothing is as it seems, and only Elsa Zero can unravel the truth.
One strength of the book lies in the complex character of Elsa Zero, who seems to me to be a mix of Ethan Hunt and Jason Bourne with a sprinkling of John Wick. I do think, however, that there is a slight disconnect between her personality in the first chapter and the rest of the book. While she was not likable at the restaurant with her fiancé initially, she is portrayed differently in subsequent chapters. This discrepancy seems more like a disconnect than character growth.
While the book is very enjoyable and a great read, it does have some formulaic elements. Additionally, there are instances where the prose and character descriptions can be seen as misogynistic, which detracts from the overall reading experience.
Despite this, the book remains entertaining and captivating. It is one of those stories where the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and only the protagonist, Elsa Zero, who seemingly has the world against her, can save it. Throughout the book, the layers of the story unfold, leaving us uncertain about the motives behind everyone wanting to kill Elsa and the identities of the good and bad guys. The involvement of Elsa's parents adds an interesting dynamic to the story which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the character Saint, despite all his flaws.
Betrayal, danger, and a heroine you won't forget - Zero Kill is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster.
Recommendation
Zero Kill is a thrilling and fast-paced book with a well-crafted plot and a strong protagonist in Elsa Zero. Despite some minor flaws, it offers an entertaining read for those who enjoy action-packed adventures. Recommended.
Rating
4 Apocalyptic Stars
cwillis1's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
stephnm26's review against another edition
3.0
I may be a little picky because I have high standards for thriller/mystery. Everything started off really well, kind of dropped right into the story, but I kept reading. I feel like I was confused about what was happening a lot of the time.. Also, I liked the DNA encoding information and just wish it was more at the beginning of the story because that may have held my interest a bit more? I am also not one to squirm but there is a certain graphic scene that is a bit much.
Thank you for NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you for NetGalley for this ARC!
crazyforbooksandcoffee's review
5.0
Zero Kill
Meet Elsa Zero: Bad neighbour. Single mother. Ex-deep cover agent.
And right now, the most dangerous person on Earth.
This book was an action-packed and intense read. I was hooked right from the start and loved this way more than I expected, too. Some great plot twists I didn't see coming. I flew through this so quickly !
Thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus and M.K Hill, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.