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scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Even when the members of the Covert Eyes group are on vacation, they can't seem to avoid trouble. Nicholas and Mike are supposed to be enjoying some time off and the beautiful Mediterranean area - but they hear about a downed yacht and spring into action. It is understandable that they would rush to the assistance of the yacht when one of their friends was known to be on board. But things are not as simple as a sinking ship, and would readers really expect anything so uncomplicated from these agents?
As usual in the cases that the team takes on, there are multiple lines to follow and complicated plots to unravel. This time there are ancient shipwrecks, legends of the Holy Grail, satellite launches, stolen nuclear material, an EMP bomb, telescopes, the International Space Station, and aliens. So ... just an average day for the Covert Eyes. The search for answers has Adam hacking into networks best left unnamed, while Nicholas and Mike travel from Italy to Malaysia, Lyon, and Sri Lanka. Along the way there are shootouts, crashes, ambushes, and even an encounter with Al Qaeda and the CIA. Between Nicholas and his skills on the computer and Mike's weapons and hand-to-hand proficiency, they make a great field team even when the rest of their group is halfway around the globe. The continuous countdown shown at the beginning of each chapter heading increases the tension as readers wonder if it truly will take until the last second to find those responsible and stop them.
This series continues to deliver fast-paced action, humor to break the tension, intricate plots, and the sizzling attraction between the team's leaders. The relationship highlights the mutual respect for their abilities and the story line takes advantage of their faith in each other as well as their desire to keep each other safe. Highly recommended for fans of suspense thrillers.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
As usual in the cases that the team takes on, there are multiple lines to follow and complicated plots to unravel. This time there are ancient shipwrecks, legends of the Holy Grail, satellite launches, stolen nuclear material, an EMP bomb, telescopes, the International Space Station, and aliens. So ... just an average day for the Covert Eyes. The search for answers has Adam hacking into networks best left unnamed, while Nicholas and Mike travel from Italy to Malaysia, Lyon, and Sri Lanka. Along the way there are shootouts, crashes, ambushes, and even an encounter with Al Qaeda and the CIA. Between Nicholas and his skills on the computer and Mike's weapons and hand-to-hand proficiency, they make a great field team even when the rest of their group is halfway around the globe. The continuous countdown shown at the beginning of each chapter heading increases the tension as readers wonder if it truly will take until the last second to find those responsible and stop them.
This series continues to deliver fast-paced action, humor to break the tension, intricate plots, and the sizzling attraction between the team's leaders. The relationship highlights the mutual respect for their abilities and the story line takes advantage of their faith in each other as well as their desire to keep each other safe. Highly recommended for fans of suspense thrillers.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
nicolepeck's review against another edition
3.0
Probably 3.5-3.75 stars but just not quite 4 stars for me.
I struggled some with the premise, though it's obvious from the very beginning what is going on with Neveah (the "bad guy") and the aliens. The continuity and connections between some things were also hard for me to follow at times and didn't always feel like they worked. However, I did enjoy the story line, the main characters, and the action. I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, though I have read books in Ms. Coulter's other FBI series. I think that was one thing that I struggled with, not feeling quite as connected to the characters without knowing more of their backstories and connections to each other, though I was able to pick up the basics.
There's a fast pace to the story that keeps it moving, which I liked, but I did struggle some with the back-and-forth and trying to keep track of who's who and the action, so I had to re-read things, which slowed it down some for me (having read the previous books before probably would've helped me with the who's who). It was a bit predictable and "of course something bad has to happen now" moments, though there were some interesting twists that I didn't expect and building of suspense that kept the interest up for me.
Also, the other FBI series I've read by this author is more of a romance thriller, where this book appears to just focus on the thriller aspect, with the only romance mentioned just the relationships between the two main, recurring couples in the book. There's not a lot of strong language either.
Overall, an interesting and entertaining read with a lot of technology, even if the premise is a bit far-fetched, though I have heard a lot of talk about EMPs and what could happen, so it was more the aliens/Holy Grail/extremely fast action/resolution that are just outside of the range of plausible. I would like to read the previous books in this series and then re-read this one again to see how it fits in with the timeline of the previous books and the main characters.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.***
I struggled some with the premise, though it's obvious from the very beginning what is going on with Neveah (the "bad guy") and the aliens. The continuity and connections between some things were also hard for me to follow at times and didn't always feel like they worked. However, I did enjoy the story line, the main characters, and the action. I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, though I have read books in Ms. Coulter's other FBI series. I think that was one thing that I struggled with, not feeling quite as connected to the characters without knowing more of their backstories and connections to each other, though I was able to pick up the basics.
There's a fast pace to the story that keeps it moving, which I liked, but I did struggle some with the back-and-forth and trying to keep track of who's who and the action, so I had to re-read things, which slowed it down some for me (having read the previous books before probably would've helped me with the who's who). It was a bit predictable and "of course something bad has to happen now" moments, though there were some interesting twists that I didn't expect and building of suspense that kept the interest up for me.
Also, the other FBI series I've read by this author is more of a romance thriller, where this book appears to just focus on the thriller aspect, with the only romance mentioned just the relationships between the two main, recurring couples in the book. There's not a lot of strong language either.
Overall, an interesting and entertaining read with a lot of technology, even if the premise is a bit far-fetched, though I have heard a lot of talk about EMPs and what could happen, so it was more the aliens/Holy Grail/extremely fast action/resolution that are just outside of the range of plausible. I would like to read the previous books in this series and then re-read this one again to see how it fits in with the timeline of the previous books and the main characters.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.***
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
After she came back from space, Dr. Nevaeh Patel was changed. She had made contact. But no one believed her. Grounded by NASA, she's now working for a private firm helmed by Jean-Pierre Broussard and they're about to launch a satellite. But this satellite has a hidden time bomb on it, one that could take out large swathes of communications.
Jean-Pierre is distracted. He is more concerned with unearthing the shipwreck thought to contain the Holy Grail than tracking what his staff is doing. Too bad Nevaeh wants the Grail for her own purposes.
Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine are dragged back into the thick of things in the hopes that they can stop this mad scientist before she starts WWIII.
This was generally better than the last few Brit in the FBI stories. I think the action was fine but wish we had gotten a bit more growth in our characters.
Jean-Pierre is distracted. He is more concerned with unearthing the shipwreck thought to contain the Holy Grail than tracking what his staff is doing. Too bad Nevaeh wants the Grail for her own purposes.
Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine are dragged back into the thick of things in the hopes that they can stop this mad scientist before she starts WWIII.
This was generally better than the last few Brit in the FBI stories. I think the action was fine but wish we had gotten a bit more growth in our characters.
lisastein's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own, in exchange for the chance to read this book.
I have been a fan of this series, and am a huge fan of Catherine Coulter in general. I felt like this particular book was a bit more out there in terms of things that were happening. While, sure, we can use a far fetched plot, which might not actually be that far fetched. However, the timeline and means necessary to get where they needed to be, I felt like we may as well have thrown in time travel.
I like the writing style, the fact that it's not boring, and that I do want to keep reading, but again, for me, this particular novel was a bit "come on, already".
Do I recommend this series? Absolutely. I might take a break from it, though. Just so my frustration with the fantastic adventures settles down.
I have been a fan of this series, and am a huge fan of Catherine Coulter in general. I felt like this particular book was a bit more out there in terms of things that were happening. While, sure, we can use a far fetched plot, which might not actually be that far fetched. However, the timeline and means necessary to get where they needed to be, I felt like we may as well have thrown in time travel.
I like the writing style, the fact that it's not boring, and that I do want to keep reading, but again, for me, this particular novel was a bit "come on, already".
Do I recommend this series? Absolutely. I might take a break from it, though. Just so my frustration with the fantastic adventures settles down.
lisastein's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own, in exchange for the chance to read this book.
I have been a fan of this series, and am a huge fan of Catherine Coulter in general. I felt like this particular book was a bit more out there in terms of things that were happening. While, sure, we can use a far fetched plot, which might not actually be that far fetched. However, the timeline and means necessary to get where they needed to be, I felt like we may as well have thrown in time travel.
I like the writing style, the fact that it's not boring, and that I do want to keep reading, but again, for me, this particular novel was a bit "come on, already".
Do I recommend this series? Absolutely. I might take a break from it, though. Just so my frustration with the fantastic adventures settles down.
I have been a fan of this series, and am a huge fan of Catherine Coulter in general. I felt like this particular book was a bit more out there in terms of things that were happening. While, sure, we can use a far fetched plot, which might not actually be that far fetched. However, the timeline and means necessary to get where they needed to be, I felt like we may as well have thrown in time travel.
I like the writing style, the fact that it's not boring, and that I do want to keep reading, but again, for me, this particular novel was a bit "come on, already".
Do I recommend this series? Absolutely. I might take a break from it, though. Just so my frustration with the fantastic adventures settles down.
3no7's review against another edition
4.0
“The Last Second” by Catherine Coulter and J T Ellison is book six in the “Brit in the FBI” series. Regular readers will enjoy this intricate plot as the future and the past intertwine, and new readers will be able to follow along because most needed information from the previous books is included as part of the narrative. The familiar cast of likeable characters is back including Michaela, Nicholas, Grant, and Kitsune. All continue with their amusing banter and at times, somewhat unusual behavior.
This book features an interesting plot twist that combines the “new” (pure science, advanced satellite technology, and innovative space weaponry) with “old” (The Holy Grail). There are plenty of exploits, deceit, treachery, and even a nuclear threat. All this makes for a book that is multifaceted, compelling, and hard to put down. The pace is intense, all happening over four action-packed days.
“The Last Second” is a well-written thriller with components of the past, the present, and the future. The complex, although somewhat improbable, plot grabs readers right from the start. I received a review copy of “The Last Second” from Catherine Coulter, J T Ellison, Gallery Books, and NetGalley. It is a compelling thriller that familiar readers will love, and one that will inspire new readers to look for the previous books. Of course, a few loose ends encourage readers to tune in when the next book is published.
This book features an interesting plot twist that combines the “new” (pure science, advanced satellite technology, and innovative space weaponry) with “old” (The Holy Grail). There are plenty of exploits, deceit, treachery, and even a nuclear threat. All this makes for a book that is multifaceted, compelling, and hard to put down. The pace is intense, all happening over four action-packed days.
“The Last Second” is a well-written thriller with components of the past, the present, and the future. The complex, although somewhat improbable, plot grabs readers right from the start. I received a review copy of “The Last Second” from Catherine Coulter, J T Ellison, Gallery Books, and NetGalley. It is a compelling thriller that familiar readers will love, and one that will inspire new readers to look for the previous books. Of course, a few loose ends encourage readers to tune in when the next book is published.
clak5686's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy the books in this series. I love the banter between the characters. Nicholas and Mike are so funny. I love that Nicholas is attracted to Mike's ability to take care of herself and that Mike is a big part of the resolution of the story, in other words, the guy does always save the day. This book was like the others in the series in that there is some unknown left after Nicholas and Mike save the day.
wc4's review against another edition
3.0
2.75 to 3*. I enjoy the Brit in the FBI series. This might not be the best in the series, but still fairly enjoyable, though.
This time, it's Michaela and Nicholas on vacation, but forced to cut it off to help rescue their friend Grant. He's in the security team for this French Billionaire who owns a Space-X type company and also is an avid treasure-hunter. This billionaire's yacht just vanished off the radar. Coincidentally, the same space company is helmed by Dr Nevaeh Patel, who is determined to detonate a nuclear EMP in space and usher in a new age with the Numen (aliens she believed saved her life while spacewalking outside the ISS). They found out that the treasure hunt and the EMP are interconnected. So, our dynamic duo jets all over the world in a race against time. .
One thing in this book did give me pause though. Nevaeh is in a same-sex relationship with her bodyguard, Kiera, who helps her in her evil schemes. It has echoes of that "gays are evil or psycho" trope. To be fair, though, their sexuality and relationship is mentioned but does not really define their characters. And, also, there are gay people who are criminals in real-life. So, I'm not saying writers cannot portray LGBTQIA+ folks as bad or mentally unstable. It's a fine-line though. It's also probably not something straight readers really notice. But, just being honest here, reading it did make me a bit uncomfortable.
Having said all that, I know the point of this story is the action, adventure, and the continuing relationship between the 2 MC's. Yes, it delved into the progression of Nevaeh's mental state with her back story. It's interesting to give the readers a sense of her motives. But, in the end, it's not written to be a psychological treatise.
This time, it's Michaela and Nicholas on vacation, but forced to cut it off to help rescue their friend Grant. He's in the security team for this French Billionaire who owns a Space-X type company and also is an avid treasure-hunter. This billionaire's yacht just vanished off the radar. Coincidentally, the same space company is helmed by Dr Nevaeh Patel, who is determined to detonate a nuclear EMP in space and usher in a new age with the Numen (aliens she believed saved her life while spacewalking outside the ISS). They found out that the treasure hunt and the EMP are interconnected. So, our dynamic duo jets all over the world in a race against time. .
One thing in this book did give me pause though. Nevaeh is in a same-sex relationship with her bodyguard, Kiera, who helps her in her evil schemes. It has echoes of that "gays are evil or psycho" trope. To be fair, though, their sexuality and relationship is mentioned but does not really define their characters. And, also, there are gay people who are criminals in real-life. So, I'm not saying writers cannot portray LGBTQIA+ folks as bad or mentally unstable. It's a fine-line though. It's also probably not something straight readers really notice. But, just being honest here, reading it did make me a bit uncomfortable.
Having said all that, I know the point of this story is the action, adventure, and the continuing relationship between the 2 MC's. Yes, it delved into the progression of Nevaeh's mental state with her back story. It's interesting to give the readers a sense of her motives. But, in the end, it's not written to be a psychological treatise.
bract4813mypacksnet's review against another edition
3.0
The Last Second was a quick read. Sci-Fi blends, deep sea treasure hunts, space technology, electromagnetic pulses, and near-nuclear war blend here, sometimes plausibly, sometimes not. This is not an exceptional book in terms of character development; however, suspense, tension, and danger are omnipresent. The characters are near-superhuman. Nicely, though, the women are as tough as the men.