While Kill Code is the second book in the Wolf Six series, it is very readable as a standalone. I didn't feel like I was missing any of the history by not reading the first book.

I found this a little bit of a slow starter. It starts off strong with the CIA tricking one of the best assassins in the world into meeting with them, having him pretend to be a triad member to take someone out and steal tech then his plane going down. Then there are dirty cops, a Canadian syndicate and assassins who want to kill each other. But it goes back over multiple timelines to show the history between the two who once shared a contract only for it to go wrong and a lot of bad history as a result.

While the past helps you understand just how much Wolf Six and the Bang Bang Man want to kill each other and the other players involved, I found myself wanting more of the present. Hopefully there is a follow-up with the Syndicate because how much 'waste disposal' can you need in a small town? What happens with the Sheriff?

But it is well paced, lots of action, betrayal and twists. They travel most of the globe through the years and it is an enjoyable read. Kill Code is available August 9th. Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy for review.

Thanks to @alexshawthrillerwriter @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for the ARC.

Well what can I say apart from this was a fabulous 2nd book! It had Espionage, Assassins, the CIA, everything I love, and if it had MI6 then that would've completed it (maybe the next book)! It was a fast-paced action thriller, full of plot twists and it kept me guessing throughout. I did get a bit bored with the whole bit in Black River but it wasn't of any real detriment to the overall book. I definitely can't wait for the 3rd book!

A fast paced action thriller with twists and turns and full of explosive moments. There are a couple of back stories in the novel and it is set in the past and the present that gradually increases the pace until the final page.

Kill Code by Alex Shaw is an action thriller that delivers plenty of suspense and excitement. The plot is intricate, weaving together several points of view and shifting timelines, which keeps the reader constantly engaged This was my first time into both Shaw’s writing and the Wolf Six series, .

Ruslan Akulov, the assassin at the heart of the story, is especially compelling—a character driven by his own strict moral code. This adds a welcome layer to what could otherwise have been a straightforward thriller. Shaw’s writing is sharp and the pacing relentless, making it easy to be swept along by the action.

While I can appreciate the skill involved and the clever construction of the plot, the book wasn’t quite my usual cup of tea. Nevertheless, its plot, characters and the intensity of the storytelling are undeniable. For fans of high action thrillers Kill Code is sure to be a hit.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

This is a new to me author and I really enjoy this book. It features Akulov (Wolf Six), an assassin with a moral code. Akulov finds himself in a plane crash while executing an assassination for the CIA. Then we learn of his history with another assassin, Basson (Bang-Bang Man). There is bad blood between the two and each is now determined to kill each other. The story is fast=paced and thoroughly enjoyable. I can see this in my mind like an action movie. There are some places where I question the actions of the characters, but it doesn't affect the overall feel of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

Alex Shaw elevates the narrative with a very human touch to Akulov as a man who eats death for breakfast but still holds onto his moral code of exacting justice in a world where very rare amounts are dished out. Shaw concocts a grand storyline that weaves together the past and the present on a global scale as we not only see Akulov fight his way in the present but also get an excellent action-packed glimpse into his past that builds his character for much-appreciated resonance. If Akulov wasn’t one of your favorite assassins so far, he’s bound to become one as soon as you begin your journey with Kill Code. Whether you’re following Akulov on his quest for the truth, his thirst for vengeance, or his desire for penance, you’re in for a memorable read.

Wolf Six is back in action in the latest edge of the seat thriller from Alex Shaw, Kill Code, but he is in a bit of bind as he is on a plane with absolutely no idea how he got there. He has a terrific headache and for some reason the plane is very quiet, no engine noise, just the buffeting of the wind as it hurls the plane though space.
Hormann, a CIA operative is on the plane with him, but he has less than no idea what is going on, other than the plane is plummeting into a large body of water. Ruslan Akulov wonders for a fleeting moment as to whether this is the way he will die but understands whatever happens next, he is not going to like it.
So begins another stellar plot through the badlands of organised crime and the life of an assassin as Akulov discovers he has literally crash landed into a world of an organised crime syndicate in Black River that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, other than is it led by the local sheriff.
Locked in the local gaol he ponders what has happened, realising he has been on some sort of clandestine mission for the CIA that for whatever reason has gone terribly wrong. His nemesis Basson is also on his trail, determined to kill him for shooting him after a botched job in Amsterdam.
Basson has never forgiven Akulov for inflicting the wounds and Akulov has never forgiven Basson for stepping over the line and becoming a murderer.
As the private war between Akulov and Basson rages across Europe, closer to home Akulov is beginning to understand that whatever is going on in Black River may well see him killed unless something like a miracle occurs.
Once again Alex Shaw has delivered a fast paced, engrossing and in many ways enlightening storyline as Wolf Six, a man with a dark past sets out to not only complete a mission but level a score long overdue.

Thank you Boldwood Books for letting me read this! I absolutely loved it, a solid 4.5 star read.

Fantastic characters and a gripping storyline I read this in two sitttings as I was hooked and needed to know if Wolf Six would escape the sheriff office and get his revenge on the Bang Bang Man.

Fast paced, action packed thriller, captivating story line and a fantastic cast of characters. I hope Alex Shaw continues this series.

An action packed, adrenaline filled, rollercoaster read of a thriller. It is fast paced, filled with interesting characters and a brilliant piece of plotting. I am ashamed to say that I really liked Akulov, an assassin, in this fast paced read which takes you all over the world. I really look forward to the next read in the series to find out what comes next for Akulov and would recommend it to lovers of the thriller genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Another action packed assassin story in the Wolf Six series. Ruslan and his broker Valentina are beholden to the CIA following an earlier case, and Ruslan is sent to Canada on a mission to kill a Chinese agent with the help of CIA resources. After the mission, the plane crashes into a lake, Ruslan survives but ends up in Michigan where there is something strange happening in the police department. In addition to this , Ruslan and his former colleague Mr Bang Bang, are both looking for each other to avenge a previous operation. Lots of plotting and violence.
Good.

loved this spy book it was fast pace and involving story l really enjoyed Akulov and his mission as assassin Backdrops of the country

it was a good story and can not wait to see what is his next installment

Absolutely loved this, could not put it down. As always, Alex Shaw writes a fast paced, action packed suspense that kept me reading all day. I love the characters and learning more about them as we go along in the series. Completely able to read as a standalone. Looking forward to the next book already.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A great read. Had everything that makes a great spy thriller.
So many twists. Would recommend this to people

A fast and furious thriller that moves quickly through the action. Plenty of near misses and not so lucky opponents. A enjoyable read and I probably would read the next instalment. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.

Spies, contract killers, and fast paced action will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Thank you to net galley for an action paced thriller.

Wolf Six is the code name for the international assassin Akulov who is feared and hated by most everyone in the global espionage community. This is a real pulse racing unputdownable thriller!
I requested and received a temporary electronic review galley from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
#KillCode by @alexshawthrillerwriter #WolfSixBk2 #NetGalley @theboldbookclub Pub Date Aug 09, 2025 @the.storygraph @goodreads @bookbub #librarything #betrayal #espionage #actionthriller #europe #assassin #riveting #absorbing #spyfiction #politicalthriller #tense #racingpacing #internationalintrigue

Kill Code is a very fast paced thriller that really delivers with plenty of action and suspense. Exactly the kind of read I enjoy and look for. Akulov is on a mission which doesn't go to plan and finds himself being hunted by a very dangerous group of individuals. When his nemesis reappears intent on killing him Akulov knows he needs to rely on his skills to stay alive. I've always liked Akulov from his appearances in the authors other books and he is the sort of character that you just root for and I'm enjoying finding out more about him and what makes him who he is now. The authors writing is really good and engaging and the story flows effortlessly. The plot is intricately layered and moves from past to present effortlessly. I wondered many times how everything would tie up and I wasn't disappointed at all. The story races to a thrilling ending that sets up the next book perfectly.

I will definitely want to read what is in store for Akulov next, and would recommend this if you like full on action thrillers although I'd say read Wolf Six first to know the character from the beginning.

4 stars

I have read a couple of Alex Shaw's novels before and enjoyed them. This was no exception. Solid crime actin thriller, I believe the second in a series, I haven't read the first, but will now.

Nothing bad to say about this one, the pacing was on point and the characters were written well. There is a lot of action. It's fast paced and doesn't let up. You won't be able to put this one down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kill Code - Alex Shaw

Reads like an unstoppable action movie and is an incredible follow up to Wolf Six!

Definitely a series to recommend - if you like spies, contract killers, high octane drama - this would be right up your street.

Definitely going to keep an eye out for more from Alex - don’t leave us waiting too long!

What an exciting book. It read like a film and I was so eager to keep on reading that I finished it quickly. It starts off with a bang and doesn't let up all the way through. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.