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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
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
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
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
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.
sahibooknerd's review
3.0
More of a 3.5 but I don't wanna round off to 4.
Brit in the FBI series has been a fun, thrilling reading experience with slightly out there plots but quite enjoyable with some suspension of disbelief. This book is no different and I can wholeheartedly say that I had a lot of fun, much better actually than the previous installment The Sixth Day.
This series is another one which always makes it a point to use some advance technological concepts as plot points and in this book, we get a nuclear EMP that has been secretly deployed on a satellite and sent to space. While the whole of a nuclear bomb being secretly sent to space without anyone’s knowledge seems preposterous, an EMP is a very believable and plausible idea and it’s repercussions are devastating. I loved how the author duo was able to make me believe in the antagonist’s capability to go to such great lengths to destroy the world and still feel that she’s doing it for the betterment of the world. There are also some very very far fetched ideas like aliens and the Holy Grail, which were completely unrealistic but I still enjoyed reading about them as part of this story. The book is very fast paced – taking place in just about four days – so the story is always moving from one country to another (which is what I completely eat up in my adventure novels). The action also starts quite early on and never stops, with some breathtaking sequences on helicopters, in the middle of a typhoon, landslides etc and I was thrilled to bits.
I definitely enjoyed the characters more in this book. Mike and Nick’s banter is very hilarious and enjoyable and I think I have finally come to love them. Mike is such an adrenaline junkie that not even the end of the world can scare her and I admire her skills. The best part is that while Nick is the go-to hacker of the team, Mike is the one everyone relies on when the situation calls for some hand to hand combat skills. Even during the crisis time towards the end, their banter never ceases and I was particularly thrilled by how the ending played out. It was also great to see Grant and Kitsune again but I wish they could have been a longer part of the story.
Overall, if you have read the other books in the series, then you will definitely love this one. If you don’t mind reading a slightly unrealistic but very thrilling globe-trotting action novel, then you should give this book a try. The end of the world might be on the horizon, but you’ll still be smiling most of the way.
Brit in the FBI series has been a fun, thrilling reading experience with slightly out there plots but quite enjoyable with some suspension of disbelief. This book is no different and I can wholeheartedly say that I had a lot of fun, much better actually than the previous installment The Sixth Day.
This series is another one which always makes it a point to use some advance technological concepts as plot points and in this book, we get a nuclear EMP that has been secretly deployed on a satellite and sent to space. While the whole of a nuclear bomb being secretly sent to space without anyone’s knowledge seems preposterous, an EMP is a very believable and plausible idea and it’s repercussions are devastating. I loved how the author duo was able to make me believe in the antagonist’s capability to go to such great lengths to destroy the world and still feel that she’s doing it for the betterment of the world. There are also some very very far fetched ideas like aliens and the Holy Grail, which were completely unrealistic but I still enjoyed reading about them as part of this story. The book is very fast paced – taking place in just about four days – so the story is always moving from one country to another (which is what I completely eat up in my adventure novels). The action also starts quite early on and never stops, with some breathtaking sequences on helicopters, in the middle of a typhoon, landslides etc and I was thrilled to bits.
I definitely enjoyed the characters more in this book. Mike and Nick’s banter is very hilarious and enjoyable and I think I have finally come to love them. Mike is such an adrenaline junkie that not even the end of the world can scare her and I admire her skills. The best part is that while Nick is the go-to hacker of the team, Mike is the one everyone relies on when the situation calls for some hand to hand combat skills. Even during the crisis time towards the end, their banter never ceases and I was particularly thrilled by how the ending played out. It was also great to see Grant and Kitsune again but I wish they could have been a longer part of the story.
Overall, if you have read the other books in the series, then you will definitely love this one. If you don’t mind reading a slightly unrealistic but very thrilling globe-trotting action novel, then you should give this book a try. The end of the world might be on the horizon, but you’ll still be smiling most of the way.
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