When Kirsanow introduced us to Mike Garin last year in Target Omega, he brought an original character and storyline to a genre that usually feels saturated. Target Omega set the stage for what I hope will be a very long series. In my review of Target Omega, I said I could not wait for the second installment in the series and I meant it. Thankfully the wait was worth it!

Second Strike is a non-stop thriller with Garin's character, and the supporting cast, continuing to be developed methodically and expertly. This book is a direct continuation of Target Omega with Garin continuing to seek after his once-close-teammate turned enemy. Due to the events that took place in Target Omega, Garin's team no longer exists as skillful assassin picked them off one by one. Now the President is not interested in reinstating their charter as Congress has been made aware of the once hyper-covert team.

Only a few weeks ago the Russians attempted to detonate an EMP device in the US while trying to pin it on the Iranians and North Koreans. Garin, while on the run from US law enforcement and the government was able to barely avert a disaster that would see Russia propelled back to superpower status. What he didn't know was that Russia had a backup plan that has been activated. Unfortunately for Garin, the same people who ignored his warning of the initial threat once again discredit his concern. Many in the American government think a second attack would be too daring and, frankly, too stupid. Even for the Russians.

The one drawback for the book and Garin's character is that Kirsanow paints the picture that Garin is a bit too perfect. Kirsanow goes to extreme lengths to detail how awesome Garin is but his actions speak for themselves and the reader doesn't need to be constantly reminded of it. Also, there is a scene in the book that honestly went into too much detail about Garin's injury and his regaining consciousness - it almost had me put the book down for the rest of the day. Fortunately, I just skimmed ahead until that part was over and the action picked right back up.

In the end, this is another awesome book and Garin will continue to be a great protagonist to follow as he continues his fight to root out the mole that is highly-placed within the US government.

Last year Peter Kirsanow introduced us to Mike Garin, another alpha-male, apex predator, save the world hero in the thriller genre. Second Strike picks up the story a month or so after Garin foiled an attempt by the Russians to strike America with an EMP via a nuclear blast in the atmosphere. Still stinging from the loss of his team and friends, the group known as Omega, as well as the betrayal of one of the Omega members, Mike is participating in ultra extreme endurance competitions. It doesn't take long before an attempt on his life brings him back into predator mode.

I enjoyed this book. I thought the story was a little better developed than Target Omega, and that Kirsanow's writing has improved. Garin is still a little to close to super-human for me, but the storytelling compensates for that. In addition, the supporting cast of characters really helps to entertain and bring life to the story as well as temper the super-human factor.

I feel that Kirsanow excels in the high-octane action sequences. It is easy to feel the tension and picture myself in the midst of the scene. These sequences don't disappoint, and in my opinion bump the book up an extra star.

The story is a continuation from Target Omega, but it is also well enough written that it would make sense as a stand alone if one hadn't yet read the first book.

I am looking forward to a third book for more from Garin and his supporting cast, as well as to see continued improvements from an up-and-coming author in the genre. Kirsanow has potential to be around for years to come.

I am grateful to Net Galley and the good folks at Dutton for an advance copy of Second Strike in exchange for my thoughts and comments. Second Strike hits bookstores next week on 15 May 2018.

I would like to thank The Penguin Group and NetGalley for making this book available in exchange for my honest review. In Target Omega, Peter Kirsanow introduced Mike Garin, a cross between Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher. When his Omega team was assassinated, it was Garin who discovered a connection to a planned EMP attack on the US, planned by the Russians to look like an Iranian operation. The Russian assassin responsible for the murder of Garin’s team escaped, but now he is back.

The return of Taras Bor and an attack on Garin raises his suspicion that an attack of some sort is impending, but suspicions alone do not raise any alarms. The movement of Russian troops, the murder of an American scientist and Bor’s re-appearance also cause Olivia Perry, an assistant to the National Security Advisor to alert her boss.

In Russia, President Mikhailov has a team working on a project that will wreak havoc in the US and cause the death of millions. This time he is staging the operation to divert attention to ISIS, while using the opportunity to expand Russia with little opposition. Once again Garin must use every skill he possesses to thwart the operation.

With the assistance of Olivia and Dan Dwyer, a military contractor and former business associate, Garin tracks Bor to Washington DC. Despite the high tech equipment available to them, it is the determination of an elderly widow of one of Bor’s victims to catch her husband’s murderer that provides an essential clue.

This is a high octane thrill ride that does not slow down until the closing pages. Kirsanow leaves an opening at the end that will have the reader looking for the return of Mike Garin. If you are a fan of Lee Child or Erik Lustbader you will definitely add Kirsanow to your must read list.

The Russians are still trying to attack the United States. This book starts when the first one finishes. Michael Garin follows the trail of Taras Bor who is Russian in the US to lead to the next planned attack. This is as good as the first book. When they are trying to figure out things. There is a line “Bull. You don’t do surveillance. You do death and destruction,”
There is a really good scene where Michael is about to be tortured by The Butcher. Also enjoyed the call from the President to Ruth Ponder. She called FBI to try and find her husband’s killer. He was killed by Bor. The ending of the book sets up what I assume to be the third book in the series about the Russians and their attempt to take over the world

Fast paced action thriller—not top of class but close to it—look for sophomore effort.