I haven't read the other three books before this one.... But I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to.
I really liked this book! It was a good action read! Not a bunch of action but enough!
The characters were very well developed and enjoyable to read.

Shadow Target is Book 4 in the Jake Keller series, and the book starts with a bang (literally), as the plane Jake is riding in suddenly crashes in the Alps. Jake soon suspects that he’s on a very short “kill list” of CIA operatives. This series has been a fun ride, and this latest book is no exception. While this particular plot doesn’t break any new ground in this genre, it’s still a quick read and entertaining, although I think it references earlier events in the prior books a little too much for Keller followers. I understand the need to get new readers up to speed, but it’s a bit tedious. That’s my only complaint with the book, otherwise it slots right in and doesn’t miss a beat. Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shadow Target, by David Ricciardi, is the 4th book in the Jake Keller series. I'm a big fan of the series and Shadow Target was probably my least favorite. Not to say Shadow Target isn't good, because it is, its just not as good as the previous books. This book is a book of trade-offs when compared to the previous books. Shadow Target does not have the nonstop action as the other installments but has character development in spades. Especially with Keller. Overall, Shadow Target is a quality installment in the Keller series and I look forward to seeing where Ricciardi goes next.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing Shadow Target.

Shadow Target Ricciardi

In the fourth Jake Keller installment from David Ricciardi, we are given another great story that will leave you wondering what he will come up with next. Keller has been through a lot following a complete life altering mission, a rogue drone, and pirates, but what we get this time is Keller in the fight of his life.

America, France, and London are just a few of the locations that Keller is taken during this hair raising kill or be killed adventure. Ricciardi sets up this one with great pace, a little self-reflection, and a whole lot of built up frustration from a love once burning hot gone cold. This is a very fun and intriguing read. I have found Ricciardi’s work to always be engaging and detailed, while letting your mind travel a bit before bringing you to the twist.

Shadow Target is an adrenaline-rush that wastes no time in putting the protagonist in grave danger from the get-go.
Jake Keller, a CIA paramilitary officer, is onboard a plane heading for The Alps when the plane is shot down and Jake is the only survivor. Turns out, he was targeted by a Russian oligarch with a mysterious agenda and a mole within the CIA. As Jake flies off to London and France to get some much-needed assistance in figuring out who is gunning for him and why, there is no respite for him as he constantly fends off assassins in gun battles and mortal hand-to-hand combat.
As with the previous Jake Keller thrillers, Shadow Target contains authentic and grounded action sequences that keep the heart rate high and the sleepiness far away. David Ricciardi keeps the story running at full steam with frequent shootouts and fisticuffs with just the right amount of detail to help readers visualize the action easily.
Jake Keller’s character development is amazing in this thriller as we see Jake’s romantic interest play an important role in the narrative, not only for the story but also to further develop Jake as a vulnerable human being who is looking for a reason to keep fighting in a world where he has learned not to trust anyone.
With crisp writing and superb build-up of mystique for the mole and the grand plans of the organization targeting Jake, Shadow Target is an easy recommendation for readers looking for their next adrenaline fix. I found the culmination of the twists and turns to be a bit passive but I still enjoyed the book for what it is; a riveting action thriller from the first page to the very last. I cannot wait to see where David Ricciardi takes Jake Keller next on a mission.

Review at bestthrillerbooks.com

In some books, the action starts after the prologue. Some, chapter one. Some, a paragraph. In Shadow Target, the action started the first sentence. I can’t recall the last thriller I read that started with this much force and action. I was sucked in immediately, and this book took me along for quite a ride.

In 2014, we were introduced to Jake Keller, the protagonist. I immediately fell in love with this series with book one. In Shadow Target, Keller is immediately on defense, fighting for his life. With CIA paramilitary officers dying at an alarming rate, Keller starts asking questions, and some people don’t like that. With a whole band of badass bad guys, Keller is fighting an uphill battle. What I love about Keller is that he feels like an ordinary man being put in extraordinary situations.

We see Keller develop a lot in this book; more than any of the former books. Because of this, in between chapters chalked full of action, there are chapters that are primarily dialogue between characters. This helps move the story forward and gives you insight into the characters, but with how intense the book started, I found myself missing the action during these, more dialogue heavy, chapters.

I also need to mention that, as this is the fourth book in the series, it should probably be read that way. Although this book can stand on its own, I think readers will have lots of question, and it may leave them scratching their heads during certain parts. That being said, I highly recommend checking out the first three novels in this series. They’re all fantastic

This book was a thriller fan’s dream. I’m not sure what the proper formula for a thriller is, but if it’s ((action + dynamic characters) * magnificent story), you get Shadow Target.

Very well developed characters and an extremely engaging story. Well thought out and very suspenseful story line that keeps the reader guessing until the final twist! This is the book to read this year! Highly recommended!