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kaisersozee's review against another edition
5.0
If Lisa Gardiner, Peter James and Lee Child recommend you there is a good reason to believe you are going to be awesome!! She is!!
rellimreads's review
4.0
I spied K.J. Howe on Twitter when Andrews & Wilson tagged me about my review of Collateral. I was so intrigued by the idea of a female K&R specialist that I rearranged my (insanely long) TBR and jumped right in to The Freedom Broker.
Like all my favorite thrillers, Howe opens this book with action and doesn't let go. Thea Paris is a fantastic lead character - strong, intelligent, capable, and yet with believable human flaws. By making Thea a Type 1 diabetic, Howe introduced an interesting facet to both Thea's personal and professional life. (As someone living with a T1, it's obvious Howe did her research.)
Personally, I'm not a big fan of flashback scenes - and there were quite a few both with internal musings and mysterious letters - but Howe artfully used them to create fantastic pacing and unique suspense aspects.
This is a HUGE cast of characters, geopolitical intrigue, action, suspense, and mystery that I didn't want to put down. I wish that Gabrielle would have been a bit more dynamic and found her "one-night rule" comments overly repetitive. That said, I found all the other characters well developed - even if hated - and was impressed with how the various events were brought together. Thea's complicated relationships with her brother, her father, and Rif added realistic depth.
While satisfying, the ending left me wanting to continue reading about this world. I've already grabbed a copy of Skyjack and am looking forward to more adventures with Thea, Rif, and the rest of Quantum International Security.
Like all my favorite thrillers, Howe opens this book with action and doesn't let go. Thea Paris is a fantastic lead character - strong, intelligent, capable, and yet with believable human flaws. By making Thea a Type 1 diabetic, Howe introduced an interesting facet to both Thea's personal and professional life. (As someone living with a T1, it's obvious Howe did her research.)
Personally, I'm not a big fan of flashback scenes - and there were quite a few both with internal musings and mysterious letters - but Howe artfully used them to create fantastic pacing and unique suspense aspects.
This is a HUGE cast of characters, geopolitical intrigue, action, suspense, and mystery that I didn't want to put down. I wish that Gabrielle would have been a bit more dynamic and found her "one-night rule" comments overly repetitive. That said, I found all the other characters well developed - even if hated - and was impressed with how the various events were brought together. Thea's complicated relationships with her brother, her father, and Rif added realistic depth.
While satisfying, the ending left me wanting to continue reading about this world. I've already grabbed a copy of Skyjack and am looking forward to more adventures with Thea, Rif, and the rest of Quantum International Security.
zare_i's review
3.0
To be honest this one is 3.5 stars [for me] but it is not possible to mark it as such so i will leave it as 3.
I wont go into details of the plot - to say anything on the plot is to give away spoilers and I don't want to ruin anyone's experience with the book.
Book has all the markings of the good thriller, plenty of action, interesting locations and twists and turns all over the place. Chapters are brusque, short and to the point, author does not drag out the story by creating story fillers that lead nowhere.
What did not click with me are few things [note I say did not click with me, other people might not have problem with it] -
- Mentioning equipment pieces by name and type ID .... I don't know why but I don't like when suddenly equipment gets listed out in the novel because novel suddenly starts to look like an ad. I read thrillers all the time and I truly enjoy [a:Frederick Forsyth|36714|Frederick Forsyth|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1224097067p2/36714.jpg], [a:Robert Ludlum|5293|Robert Ludlum|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1208465267p2/5293.jpg], [a:Gayle Lynds|17526|Gayle Lynds|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1422827292p2/17526.jpg], [a:Tom Clancy|3892|Tom Clancy|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1407672935p2/3892.jpg] and [a:Lee Child|5091|Lee Child|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1377708686p2/5091.jpg] to name the few. These authors tend to show off various hardware (and sometimes software) used in their novels but they don't say it is model AAX 650+ with such and such detail. They mention weapons and equipment but not as part of product advertisement. I mean even [a:Larry Bond|19636|Larry Bond|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1341181593p2/19636.jpg]'s novels don't do this and this guy is heavy on providing every possible technical detail on every piece of technology out there. From the beginning it is clear protagonists are rich - if you show that by listing the yacht and it's specs do I truly need to know what watch, suit, shoes and socks they war? I don't. If they own 50 feet yacht I don't expect them to wear I don't know ... wacky juvenile watch.
- Some parts read like what you might call "chick-novel". Again this is not my cup of tea in general. I am not purist by any degree and don't shy from the sex scenes in novels but it should follow the story and be part of it (e.g. Jackal's infiltration of duchess's home while hiding from the police or that Cuban spy from [b:Clear and Present Danger|32669|Clear and Present Danger (Jack Ryan Universe, #6)|Tom Clancy|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1291440438s/32669.jpg|5054704] that is courting personal assistant of the US AG). Here, some parts are pretty steamy but they feel like one-time sex fantasies - you have a woman and a man, they love each other and they do some very interesting stuff together ... but in the end it does not play any part in furthering the story line.
- Protagonists are presented as a little bit omnipotent. Although I was looking ahead to whodunit part
I did not see any great obstacles for our heroes.
- Too many deaths popping up after the character in question says something in line of "I know who did it! Gimme a sec to drive/fly/sail to you". After a third such incident I was giggling a bit because this looked like a scene from Naked Gun. I mean these are professionals that value information above all but it seems they don't give people much time to actually give them the information.
All in all good thriller. I am now on the lookout for the second novel in the series.
Recommended to all fans of thrillers and action.
I wont go into details of the plot - to say anything on the plot is to give away spoilers and I don't want to ruin anyone's experience with the book.
Book has all the markings of the good thriller, plenty of action, interesting locations and twists and turns all over the place. Chapters are brusque, short and to the point, author does not drag out the story by creating story fillers that lead nowhere.
What did not click with me are few things [note I say did not click with me, other people might not have problem with it] -
- Mentioning equipment pieces by name and type ID .... I don't know why but I don't like when suddenly equipment gets listed out in the novel because novel suddenly starts to look like an ad. I read thrillers all the time and I truly enjoy [a:Frederick Forsyth|36714|Frederick Forsyth|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1224097067p2/36714.jpg], [a:Robert Ludlum|5293|Robert Ludlum|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1208465267p2/5293.jpg], [a:Gayle Lynds|17526|Gayle Lynds|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1422827292p2/17526.jpg], [a:Tom Clancy|3892|Tom Clancy|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1407672935p2/3892.jpg] and [a:Lee Child|5091|Lee Child|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1377708686p2/5091.jpg] to name the few. These authors tend to show off various hardware (and sometimes software) used in their novels but they don't say it is model AAX 650+ with such and such detail. They mention weapons and equipment but not as part of product advertisement. I mean even [a:Larry Bond|19636|Larry Bond|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1341181593p2/19636.jpg]'s novels don't do this and this guy is heavy on providing every possible technical detail on every piece of technology out there. From the beginning it is clear protagonists are rich - if you show that by listing the yacht and it's specs do I truly need to know what watch, suit, shoes and socks they war? I don't. If they own 50 feet yacht I don't expect them to wear I don't know ... wacky juvenile watch.
- Some parts read like what you might call "chick-novel". Again this is not my cup of tea in general. I am not purist by any degree and don't shy from the sex scenes in novels but it should follow the story and be part of it (e.g. Jackal's infiltration of duchess's home while hiding from the police or that Cuban spy from [b:Clear and Present Danger|32669|Clear and Present Danger (Jack Ryan Universe, #6)|Tom Clancy|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1291440438s/32669.jpg|5054704] that is courting personal assistant of the US AG). Here, some parts are pretty steamy but they feel like one-time sex fantasies - you have a woman and a man, they love each other and they do some very interesting stuff together ... but in the end it does not play any part in furthering the story line.
Spoiler
E.g. Gabrielle's connection to one of the characters did not gain anything through steamy scene on airplane. Their feelings to each other were in the open pretty clear at their first contact in the story.- Protagonists are presented as a little bit omnipotent. Although I was looking ahead to whodunit part
I did not see any great obstacles for our heroes.
- Too many deaths popping up after the character in question says something in line of "I know who did it! Gimme a sec to drive/fly/sail to you". After a third such incident I was giggling a bit because this looked like a scene from Naked Gun. I mean these are professionals that value information above all but it seems they don't give people much time to actually give them the information.
All in all good thriller. I am now on the lookout for the second novel in the series.
Recommended to all fans of thrillers and action.
dlittlewood's review against another edition
3.0
This book was good, especially for a first time novelist. The scene was set well, and really put you into the story. The character development was good, and i even found myself feeling for the “wrong” person. One major downfall is that I thought there were a lot of characters. Too many to keep straight.
constantreader471's review
3.0
3.4*
There is a lot to like in this book if you like action packed thrillers. However, it does have some flaws.
The opening chapters give you details about the main characters:
Thea--She is the head of an operational team from Quantum International Security, which specializes in rescuing high profile kidnapped people, sometimes by an armed team, others by ransom.
Thea's brother Nikos, who was kidnapped at 12 and returned nine months later a changed and hostile person.
Rif--Thea's second on her team. He is a West Point graduate and is invaluable. He adores Thea, but she keeps him at arms length.
Christos, Thea and Nikos father. He is head of a global oil company and about to close on a deal that will make his company the biggest in the world.
Christos is kidnapped and Thea mobilizes all her father's resources plus her own to find her father.
Gabrielle is a US government agent is charge of coordinating hostage recovery.
Pros: There are double crosses all over the place in this book. The plot moves along briskly, with nonstop action. The ending ties up all the threads quite well.
Cons: The characters lack depth. Examples--Gabrielle has a rule: Only have sex for 1 night with a man then move on to the next man. Nikos makes no secret of bedding many women.
Thanks to Quercus for sending me this book through NetGalley.
There is a lot to like in this book if you like action packed thrillers. However, it does have some flaws.
The opening chapters give you details about the main characters:
Thea--She is the head of an operational team from Quantum International Security, which specializes in rescuing high profile kidnapped people, sometimes by an armed team, others by ransom.
Thea's brother Nikos, who was kidnapped at 12 and returned nine months later a changed and hostile person.
Rif--Thea's second on her team. He is a West Point graduate and is invaluable. He adores Thea, but she keeps him at arms length.
Christos, Thea and Nikos father. He is head of a global oil company and about to close on a deal that will make his company the biggest in the world.
Christos is kidnapped and Thea mobilizes all her father's resources plus her own to find her father.
Gabrielle is a US government agent is charge of coordinating hostage recovery.
Pros: There are double crosses all over the place in this book. The plot moves along briskly, with nonstop action. The ending ties up all the threads quite well.
Cons: The characters lack depth. Examples--Gabrielle has a rule: Only have sex for 1 night with a man then move on to the next man. Nikos makes no secret of bedding many women.
Thanks to Quercus for sending me this book through NetGalley.
wellingtonestatelibrary's review
4.0
3.5 stars
This was a decent read. It was slow at times, but there were lots of surprises along the way. I don't usually like a lot of politics in my books, but this one was interesting, with a lot of gray characters. I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out.
This was a decent read. It was slow at times, but there were lots of surprises along the way. I don't usually like a lot of politics in my books, but this one was interesting, with a lot of gray characters. I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out.
the_pooh's review
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
recommended for action lovers! such a fast and satisfying book
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
A 2018 staff favorite recommended by Erica. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sfreedom%20broker%20howe__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
noveldeelights's review
4.0
All my reviews can be found on www.noveldeelights.com
Thea Paris is a response consultant, also known as a kidnap negotiator. She travels the world to bring hostages home, in whatever way necessary. She's really good at her job. But then her father, an oil magnate, is kidnapped and things become personal. Who's behind the kidnapping and why? And can Thea keep her wits about her and bring her father home safe?
The Freedom Broker is the first instalment in the Thea Paris series and it is a cleverly crafted, action-packed thriller. The world of the kidnap negotiator is fascinating and scary and the way the author uses current events really hits its mark. From the very first page, the reader is sucked into high velocity drama as we follow Thea and her team who are trying to extract a hostage.
There's a superb backstory on Thea's brother Nikos that was truly gripping. For many chapters, the action doesn't let up and I kept thinking this would make a pretty cool movie. But then there's a bit of a dip somewhere in the middle, where I admit I was beginning to lose interest a little. Luckily, things pick up again for the latter chapters, leading to a satisfying ending.
Author K.J. Howe spent a lot of time on her research into kidnappings and conducted interviews with former hostages and negotiators. This shows throughout the book, as it's obvious she knows what she's talking about and seamlessly combines fact with fiction.
This thriller offers an intricate plot with lots of players that aren't always what they seem. There is corruption, backstabbing, intrigue, betrayal, murders, explosions, a few twists ... what more could you possibly want?
Thea Paris is a response consultant, also known as a kidnap negotiator. She travels the world to bring hostages home, in whatever way necessary. She's really good at her job. But then her father, an oil magnate, is kidnapped and things become personal. Who's behind the kidnapping and why? And can Thea keep her wits about her and bring her father home safe?
The Freedom Broker is the first instalment in the Thea Paris series and it is a cleverly crafted, action-packed thriller. The world of the kidnap negotiator is fascinating and scary and the way the author uses current events really hits its mark. From the very first page, the reader is sucked into high velocity drama as we follow Thea and her team who are trying to extract a hostage.
There's a superb backstory on Thea's brother Nikos that was truly gripping. For many chapters, the action doesn't let up and I kept thinking this would make a pretty cool movie. But then there's a bit of a dip somewhere in the middle, where I admit I was beginning to lose interest a little. Luckily, things pick up again for the latter chapters, leading to a satisfying ending.
Author K.J. Howe spent a lot of time on her research into kidnappings and conducted interviews with former hostages and negotiators. This shows throughout the book, as it's obvious she knows what she's talking about and seamlessly combines fact with fiction.
This thriller offers an intricate plot with lots of players that aren't always what they seem. There is corruption, backstabbing, intrigue, betrayal, murders, explosions, a few twists ... what more could you possibly want?