(See all of my Book Reviews) - "War of Shadows" eBook was published in 2019 and was written by Leo J. Maloney (http://leojmaloney.com). Mr. Maloney has published more than ten novels. This is the 7th of his “Dan Morgan Thriller” series.

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in the contemporary US. The primary character is Special Ops veteran and Zeta agent Dan Morgan.

Morgan is approaching his home when it suddenly explodes. He fears that his wife might have been caught in the blast. That begins a cross country journey evading agents that are out to kill him. Unsure of whether there are any other Zeta agents surviving the wide ranging attacks he struggles to survive with his daughter, the only other surviving Zeta agent he is aware of. Making his survival even tougher are the advanced weapons that are being used against him and his daughter. He only sees survival and vengeance on those who took his wife.

I enjoyed the 6.5 hours I spent reading this 269-page thriller. This is a very action packed novel. Morgan and his daughter seem to slip from one life threatening situation to another. Is some respects it reminds be of the ˜James Bond’ movies with Roger More. This is the third Maloney novel I have read and I have found all of them enjoyable. While this novel would be better if you had read the previous books in the series, it is a good stand alone read. I like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 3.8 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.

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This is my 4th read containing the character Dan Morgan. While it is an entertaining novel, I didn't find it as compelling a read as the previous books. War of Shadows can stand alone, Mr Maloney does a great job of bringing the reader in with just enough backstory. His characters are complex, and quite engaging. I always appreciate the balance of story and action in the Dan Morgan books. What made War of Shadows only a three star read for me is the aspect of science fiction that was brought into the story. It was all just a little too much for my taste. I will still read the series, this one just isnt my favorite.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

War of Shadows by Leo J. Maloney
The Dan Morgan Thriller Series #8

After reading the author’s biography and some of the reviews by authors I enjoy reading I was looking forward to reading his book. I knew I was coming in on the series late but had enjoyed a previous novella length story and really liked it so...in I jumped.

The beginning opened with a bang – literally! Dan’s home explodes in front of his eyes and he is left wondering if his wife and daughter are okay. Seeing the presumed bad guy he pursues and sees another big explosion. Following Zeta protocol he ends up in his first ambush and is saved by his sniper daughter. The middle of the book includes car chases, more ambushes, numerous fight sequences, a trip half way around the world, mysteries to unravel, multiple groups after him and at the end there is the question of what Zeta will do next...as well as finding out whether or not his wife survived.

What I liked:
* fight sequences seemed realistic – for the most part
* the main character’s thinking process
* the knowledgeable discussion of weaponry
* the camaraderie
* the interaction between Dan and his daughter

What I didn’t lie:
* the sci-fi feel of the weapons and armor
* the comic book feel – though it might make a good illustrated novel
* the unvelievability factor – just couldn’t see a lot of this happening in real life

Did I enjoy the book? Sort of
Would I read more by this author? Maybe

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Lyrical-Underground for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Leo J. Maloney, Kensington Books, and Lyrical Underground for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have been a fan of Leo J. Maloney since he began the Dan Morgan series years ago. The stories are a mix of military-type thrills and international espionage rolled into one. That being said, sometimes things take an odd turn and the story falls flat, as it did this time for me. Dan Morgan is on his way to his Massachusetts home when he sees it explode before his eyes. As a husband and father, panic sets in, with the potential that his wife and daughter are inside. However, his Zeta Group mind kicks into high gear and he knows that he must find the perpetrator immediately, as this could be the first in a series of attacks. While neighbours scramble to make sense of the Morgans home, Dan slinks away and follows an unrecognised vehicle, following it towards the local Zeta Group HQ, which subsequently explodes as well. Who is targeting Morgan and how will he be able to stop this before he, too, is killed? As Morgan begins to assume the worst, he cannot let the likely death of his wife derail him. Fighting for answers, Morgan soon discovers that his daughter—and fellow Zeta Group agent—Alex, is alive and well, having been warned out of the house by her mother’s voice. Dan tries to make sense of this, presuming Alex is having a break with reality, but there is little time to contemplate this. As the Morgans realise that someone is trying to dismantle Zeta Group, they scramble to safety, only to be taken across the world on a mission to get to the core of the situation. Garnering much information in Taiwan, Dan Morgan discovers that there is an anti-Zeta Group seeking to replace them, with a potential mole inside his own organisation. This group is dead-set against leaving anyone or anything to chance, hoping to exterminate Morgan and his team in short order. Vowing not only to seek revenge for those who would see Zeta Group destroyed, but also to bring Jenny’s killers to justice, Dan Morgan will do all he can to ensure retribution is both final and bloody. A decent addition to the series, though things got a little too tech-heavy for me in this piece. It’s a toss-up if series fans will applaud or speed through this latest novel.

As I said above, I have been with Maloney throughout this entire journey. Most of the stories are well-crafted and quick to impress, though there is the odd one that seems to focus on a mission that does not pull me in. Dan Morgan remains an interesting character, who has only recently admitted his actual Zeta Group position to his wife and allowed Alex to join the crew. His loves his family more than anything, even the country he vows to defend, but there is something that pushes him to continually forge ahead and risk his life. With little to lose, Dan seeks retribution, though a paced and calculated one in this case. Series fans have come to know Alex Morgan a little better throughout this series. From the young girl, Alex has matured into a powerful force in Zeta Group, using her skills to offset what some might say is a lack of raw strength. Her presence is felt throughout the book, allowing the reader to witness her ongoing character development. Like her father, Alex has all the grit and determination that one could expect in a strong protagonist. There are many other characters, both regulars and one-offs, who serve to help push the story forward. While Maloney has chosen well, the presence of these individuals does not always clarify the tale, but rather adds confusion during my reader experience. With an interesting story that seeks to weed out a traitor, the excessive travel and numerous sets of characters did little for me. However, I can see how some would enjoy this and to those people, I say, ‘you have just what you want’. Not a bad read, but not one of my favourites in the series.

Kudos, Mr. Maloney, for keeping the Dan Morgan series alive. I see a teaser chapters included, so there is surely more to come sooner than later.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read "War of Shadows" by Leo J. Maloney in return for a fair and honest review.

I have read all of the other entries in the Dan Morgan/Zeta series, and thoroughly enjoyed them all. In War of Shadows, Dan Morgan (Cougar) is returning home in the vintage Mustang that his crew got him, when his house explodes! Stunned and shocked, and fearing the loss of his wife and daughter, he heads for Zeta headquarters, which has also been attached and decimated.

Thus begins an explosive and rip-roaring adventure in which Morgan is being pursued by a foe they call the Anti-Zeta, or Alpha, in the persona of an enemy from a previous 'case' and a host of faceless, nameless nemeses. There are monumental chase scenes, firefights, high-tech weapons....

Will Cougar be reunited with his daughter Alex? What happened to Jenny, his wife... and what became of the rest of Zeta? All will be revealed as the adventure progresses.

Highly recommended for fans of spy-versus-spy adventure - but I would also recommend reading the previous books in the series for (a lot of) context.

A good fast paced read that doesn't let up until the final pages. The only negative I would have is that because it is in a series, if you haven't read prior novels, it can be a bit hard to follow at times.

I have always liked Leo J. Maloneys creation of the Zeta team and his main character Dan Morgan but this was a little bit to much science fiction for me. The story was great and I really enjoyed getting more background on Mr. Smith. However I still recommend this series to those that like rivetting thrillers and who think my taste in books is okay. I also have to thank #Netgalley and #Kensingtonbooks for letting me read #WarOfShadows the latest in the #DanMorgan Series

If you like books that start fast and get even faster, look no further. Dan Morgan is not the man you want to upset. And messing with his family is the surest way to upset him. Mixing love for family, revenge, technology, and non-stop action is a Maloney trademark, and fans of his series will not be disappointed.

I was really looking forward to this book but it just wasn't what I was expecting. It is a fast paced thriller with great action scenes but at many points got a little out there in terms of science fiction. A lot of new age weapons and vehicles and it made it hard for me to get behind it and buy into the story line. If this is your thing, this is a good book. I have enjoyed many other books by this author; this just wasn't my favorite.
Thank you Netgalley, Leo J. Maloney, Kensington Books and Lyrical Underground for the ARC for my review.