REVIEW: Don’t Play Dead With Vultures by Jack Leavers @jackleavers

So my last review……. (see my next post!) and it’s a good one! I’m so excited to bring you a review of this absolutely action-packed, fast paced thriller that had me constantly on the edge of my seat……

Title: Don’t Play Dead With Vultures
Author: Jack Leavers
Genre:  Thriller
Estimated page count: 631
Formats available: Paperback & eBook
Rating: 5*

The Blurb

Summer 2008 sees former Royal Marine John Pierce lured from running convoys in Iraq to a lucrative contract in the steamy jungles of French West Africa. He soon discovers this new theatre is even more dangerous than the war zone he left behind. Corrupt officials, drug cartels, and competing military factions rub shoulder-to-shoulder in a melting pot of greed and intrigue …And a sadistic foe lurks in the shadows.

When old intelligence contacts take an interest, the situation gets complicated fast. Dark forces emerge and events spiral out of control. Pitched into a desperate race against time, can Pierce’s makeshift team of soldiers and civilians fight fire with fire and outwit vicious enemies?

One thing’s for sure, Pierce won’t leave anyone to the mercy of a brutal adversary he knows only too well – no matter what it takes.

My thoughts

I’d normally do a summary here, but so much goes on in this that I don’t think I’d do it justice!! In the shortest way possible, John heads from one dangerous mission to another, finding himself in mortal danger and losing much loved friends along the way. But who will lose their lives? Will John make it back home? And will he consider his wife’s wishes, and retire from the danger? Only time will tell……

From the beginning you’re thrown in to action and I loved it! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing, not knowing if John or his team would make it out of various situations alive and I cried more than once. Don’t Play Dead With Vulture’s will certainly take you on the biggest rollercoaster ride ever – it’s a bumpy ride for sure but you won’t want to get off!!

In this book, John finds himself mainly in West Africa, which turns out to be much more dangerous that he first imagined. He clashes with the military, Russians and corrupt officials – all of whom you will love to hate. John can be a wild at times, and things don’t always go to plan, but he always manages to find a way out. The setting is fantastic with treks through jungles and mountains to keep you on your toes.

As the ex of a military guy, I can just imagine what his wife is going through, and the portrayal of the team’s wives made me chuckle at times, although I’m sure are very true to life! John though, is an absolutely brilliant character. He really does suffer at times from his decisions, which is completely understandable – I certainly wouldn’t want to be him in some of these situations!

Overall, this is an absolutely brilliant, fast-paced action packed thriller that you won’t want to put down. It’s a long book, but don’t let that put you off, there is action round every corner!! So if you’re looking for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you guessing and get your pulse racing, then this is for you. Highly recommended by me.

about the author

Former Royal Marine Jack Leavers has over thirty-years’ experience working in the military, private security, corporate investigations, maritime counter-piracy and risk management. His career spans numerous deployments to conflict zones worldwide such as Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Somali-pirate-infested waters of the Indian Ocean. Jack’s novels are inspired by some of the more enterprising projects that got the green light, and other audacious plans that didn’t.

Finally, a massive thank you to Jack for asking me to read this brilliant book and providing me with a copy, I’m so grateful. All views and opinions are my own, and are unbiased.

Well it’s the end of an era for me for now….the last review I’ll be writing for sometime (if not ever on here!). It’s been emotional but I will be signing off with one final update post coming shortly so keep your eyes peeled.

Chelle x