Michael and Neva are back again and this time we understand a little more of their backstory. There is plenty of action to keep us on our toes and some suspense too.
Many thanks to Harper Collins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an original idea for a story. The Network kidnaps newborn children and trains them to be assassins. Its previous leaders was caught by the authorities in Archive, a subsection of MI6. A number of the characters don’t seem to be loyal to their side and that can make the book confusing. There is no real theme to it and the promise at the end of another instalment holds no attraction. The final section of this one is just brutal killing of the main characters and where their loyalty lies is anyone’s guess. I will not read the next one!

This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins UK - One More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love a good action thrill ride here and there and Kill or Die did satisfy that craving. The determination and perseverance and working with the elite MI5 made me along for the ride with Michael and how his relationship with Neva costed her career and she has been on the run and he is on the mission still to find her. Their mission has gone sideways when they fall into a trap of secret operatives and their lives are at risk. I felt the rush of adrenaline similar to watching an action movie or police show and I can definitely see this book coming to life on the big screen someday. We have a following at the library of action and thriller books and I can't wait to spread the word and share this title with them.

We will consider adding this title to our Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I have always enjoyed a good spy novel, and this installment of House of Killers trilogy was definitely what I needed to read during the hot summer days. Very action oriented, this novel had a feel of a James Bond novel.

Book to in the Neva and Michael series. If you haven't read book one do so before starting book two!!

I love this series and surprisingly so in regards to how much I love it! We are back after Michael's off the book rescue mission with Neva and he isn't trusted by his colleagues or Neva. So when a case comes to MI5 which has the hallmarks of the network Michael finds that this time not only is he in danger so are his colleagues. With so many shocking revelations throughout.

The prologue to kill or die is one of the most hooking prologue I've read in a while. With a plan being remotely hacked and trying to work out what this means If anything plus how does this serve the network. I therefore was hooked from cover to cover!

We once again get to read from both points of view, but this time a bit more Michael than Neva. I did miss Neva at some points but we had many other view points that are chucked in for a chapter here and there which broke the story up a bit and gives the reader a slightly broader perspective, this I enjoyed (although at times I was a tad confused). I think the idea of Neva and Micheal being conditioned therefore having the ability to be activated at anytime by higher ranks in the network quite frankly is fascinating. I must admit when I read about it in the first book I wasn't 100% onboard with the concept but now im fully committed. I love that the good guys are the bad guys simatuniously (what a mind blown moment ha). So I love that the psychological impact of this explored more in this book.

As there are probably so many questionable themes about this book I find it funny that the one thing I can't wrap my head around is Michael being allowed to continue in MI5! But hey I would be a rather short spy series without that critical element. So I will forgive the writer this. I love that we get to learn more about Michael's team during this book in particular Beth. Her storyline is quite interesting and as she is looked at in more detail I couldn't help but ask why which basically left me trusting no one and suspecting everyone for everything. But I loved the guess work as I still was wrong anyway! This is the same with Michael's sister I had a suspicion and boy did that do a 180 on me!

Neva seems like a completely fifteenth woman compared to who she was in the first book, to the point I questioned if she was ha. But I love the progression of her character and her love for Michael and how that impacts her decisions more. Yet she still an assassin so I would try to avoid her and a steak know you know to be on the safe side. But it feels natural that she would be in this headspace as from the first book she was all about changing and finding out who she was. Kill or die really reflective wants and needs.

The author is so clever allow us as readers to feel awful for our protagonists younger self. So much of them as children is lost who can we love the good without the bad?


In summary this is my favourite ever spy series, it has to be said it may be the only spy series I've read but who cares I love it. I love the continuation of the story lines from the house of killer to kill or die. You might be like me love a crime thriller and fancy a new series but unsure of where to start, start here! I think you can't just start with book two or three you need to read book one or it becomes a confusion, I tried honestly but glad I did! Easy 5 stats up there with some of the best in the crime thriller stories. Especially as the twists and turns are shocking but Amazing!

Thanks to netgalley the author and the publishers for the advanced digital copy of to kill or die!

I just love this series, this book didn’t disappoint. Fast paced. Kept you guessing p. Can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series. Just drew me in, love Neva and Michael

Well written and exciting, I have read the other book in this series introducing Neva and Michael and this particular novel develops their relationship further. I can see why there are comparisons to Killing Eve and Villanelle but this has its own originality. Recommended.

A stand-alone continuation from the first book, The house of Death. The relationship between Michael and Neva develops as they pursue their mission to find their roots while a ruthless power struggle takes place as to the future leadership of the network secret organisation. A most satisfying story of love, mutual suspicion, treachery, bewilderment, and despair after surviving re-entrapment. Leaving the reader in suspense as to what happens next.

This is the second book in this series, and it really did not disappoint. I finished the first book and was left immediately wanting more and this one delivered! With Michael partially reinstated at MI5, but under a heavy watch, restrictions, and no trust in him, he is trying to rebuild his life that had been so fully ripped apart in book one.

Meanwhile, (former?!) assassin Neva, is still on the run, trying to find out more about her past. Both Neva and Michael know they should stay away from one another, but they keep getting drawn back in. Both to help one another's cases, and also due to the obvious magnetism between them. Neither are willing to let up on their way of life however. Until events change and they are thrown back together and on the run. But nothing is as obvious or simple as it seems, not with Neva around.

This story is fast paced, with the multiple character viewpoints keeping you on the edge of your seat, and guessing who really is the instigator of all the evil. You are continually second guessing every person's actions, and feel Michael’s exhaustion as he storms along trying to get his life back on track. When will we ever get to the bottom of the mystery? Or will it ever end?? I loved every moment of this book, and absolutely can’t wait until book 3!

*I received this book from NetGalley for review but all opinions are my own.

I was excited for this sequel and to find out what was next for Neva and Michael. There is a bit of a new mystery, a bit of the old continuing mystery and quite a bit of action. It gets deeper into the network and some of that drags a bit and makes the book a bit uneven. Overall it was a good outing, moved the story along, ended on a big open question and left me ready to dive into book 3.

I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

Kill or Die by Samantha Lee Howe
Publication Date: May 29, 2021
.
Description from NetGalley…
“An agent with an agenda. A killer with a conscience. A showdown that brought a global network to its knees…

For disgraced MI5 agent Michael Kensington, the events of the past year have exploded his life like a fist closing around a grenade.
For serial killer and career assassin Neva, they brutally exposed how hers had so irrevocably imploded.

She ran. He didn’t. But he refuses to give up on her.

With a power vacuum gaping at the heart of the conglomerate that almost silenced them and a deadly web of rogue operatives spinning out of control, they soon realise the fight for freedom has only just begun.
.
Thank you to @netgalley @harpercollinsuk @onemorechapter for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
.
My thoughts…
Still enjoying. This is book two of what will become a trilogy of The House of Killers series. Some books that are part of a series could be stand-alones, this is not it. You need to read book one first, as book two continues the story. I’m actually surprised I’m enjoying this psychological, spy thriller. The last one I enjoyed was the Jason Bourne series. The narrative alternated between Michael and Neva, which made it more interesting. There was a lot of action, blood, violence, twists and a somewhat forbidden romance. And, I’m crazy about Neva’s kickass assassin-ness. If you like spy thriller with well-developed characters, you might enjoy this. I did. I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion of this action-packed ride.

This is the second of the House of Killers trilogy. To fully enjoy the book, the first instalment must be read first even though there is a lot of catch-up in the book. Because book one had a big reveal, this story, even with all it's twists, is not so exciting. I found the first half slow and was even tempted to give up; knowing how I enjoyed the previous volume I persevered. The end did get better but it was a bit repetitive. Hopefully book 3 will be of the same standard as book 1.
This is an honest review of a complementary ARC.

Another great story in the House of Killers series. lots of action, twists and turns and unexpected occurrences. Everything comes together to make a story that I couldn't put down. More to come!!

Neva and Michael return for round two of three.

Kill or Die picks up six months after the first book House of Killers with the aftermath leaving Michael at loose ends and Neva using her subterfuge skills to remain in hiding.

This dives deeper into their backgrounds along with others at The Kill House while both attempt to uncover who their parents were. They’re also working to uproot dangerous rogue agents as the body count rises.

An additional story line covers a disappearing plane over the Indian Ocean which may or may not be connected.

It’s difficult to give a plot synopsis without spoiling the first book. I would recommend reading them in order and now I'm set for number three, the finale.

I love spy stories and this is another good one!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Harper Collins UK for my electronic copy published a few days ago May 29, 2021. Review posted to GoodReads, Barnes and Noble and Amazon 6/2/21

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. Another great book from Samantha. I really love this story. The storyline is amazing as well as the characters. It’s a real twisty page Turner. I cannot wait until the next instalment of Michael & Neva. This had me wanting more. Brilliant book.

Kill or die is the second book in the House of Killers trilogy and a good follow-up.

Sometimes you can jump straight into the middle of a series and easily catch up on what’s going on but in this instance is imperative to read book one before you give this one a go (it was really good too so why wouldn’t you read it first?!).

The action takes off several months after the events at the end of House of Killers with a scene on a plane that made me tense from the very beginning.

The alternating chapters between Michael, Neva and several other secondary characters made of this a pretty dynamic read. Action never stopped and several different subplots kept appearing until they all converged in a pretty explosive ending. Those last few chapters had me holding my breath!

While both main characters are interesting I have a soft spot for Neva (the same way I have a soft spot for Villanelle in Killing Eve. Don’t know what that says about me rooting for assassins!).

If you’re into spy thrillers with well drawn characters and an action packed plot where you won’t be able to catch your breath from start to finish this series is the one for you.

Last part of the trilogy will be published next July and I’ll be first in line to find out how Michael and Neva’s story ends. Don’t know why but I suspect there will have many surprises in store.

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing and eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought I loved the first book in this trilogy, but the second book blew me away. “Kill or Die” also had me glued to my Kindle devouring every page so I could find out what happens next. I don’t want to spoil the book, but you need to run out and get it (and the first one too if you haven’t read it) ASAP! I cannot wait for book #3!

Another great book in this series, Michael and Neva's relationship grows stronger but can he trust her and why is she helping him. The network is rebuilding itself and lots of double crossing it's hard to keep up at times it's so fast paced.
A plane is brought down to get access to someone important and Michael and his team are trying to find out who's behind it.
Action packed from start to finish can't wait for the next book as lots of unanswered questions still

Neva the ruthless assassin returns in the second instalment in The House of Killers trilogy and is up to her neck in the usual high-octane shenanigans. The chapters alternate between different perspectives giving you a broader view of the action and drama and the tension rises steadily throughout the story. With tension, twists galore and some real badass characters, this is an exciting and compulsively readable saga.

Kill or Die is the second book in the House of Killers trilogy about a London based MI5 agent and the beautiful assassin who has broken away from the shadowy organisation that groomed her from childhood. Don’t even think about starting this if you haven’t read The House of Killers, this assumes a lot of prior knowledge with minimal recap: I read it six months ago and still struggled to recall who some of the minor characters were, and what the whole conspiracy was about. This one moves the story on quite effectively, and is a good fast-paced thriller, it was just spoiled for me by the clunky present tense narration throughout. Caution - the rest of this review will include spoilers for the first book so stop now if you intend to read it.

Several months after the discovery of his origins in the Network, Archive agent Michael is finally allowed to return to work in a reduced capacity, still under suspicion from his colleagues. Suddenly Neva reappears with information about a missing plane and asking for help with the one thing she wants most - the identity of the parents who gave her up. Meanwhile, there’s a power struggle going on within the Network, whose leaders will kill anyone standing in their way. Can Michael trust Neva with his life, his heart, and his future?

As with the first book, this was well written with a suspenseful plot and compelling characters, both good and evil. The opening scene on the hijacked plane is dramatic - although strangely I’m aware of three books about this scenario all coming out around the same time! Heavy suspension of disbelief is required throughout. There are twists & turns and we get multiple POVs which help round out the story. This has multiple 4 and 5 star reviews from people who don’t suffer my peculiar aversion to the present tense, but this is my review, and I found it annoying and distracting so I’m rounding down from 3.5. Now I just have to decide whether it’s worth enduring it one more time to find out how it all ends, as I am invested in these characters and I did enjoy the story otherwise.
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.