Member Reviews
An action-packed sequel to The Last Protector, The Last Sentinel follows ex-Secret Service agent Clayton White, being hunted by the son of an influential Iranian Quds Force general whom he had assassinated eight years ago.
Clayton is on a surveyor vessel with his fiancée Veronica—daughter of vice-president Alexander Hammond—when it comes under attack.
At the same time, her father narrowly escapes an assassination attempt in Miami which claims the life of her mother.
Now Clayton is willing to move heaven & earth to ensure Veronica's safety.
Simon Gervais shells out another smartly plotted thriller with an engaging character-driven narrative where the story moves ahead with unwavering momentum.
This book offers an adrenaline-filled ride where a highly capable & determined enemy is hellbent on settling old scores.
Meant to be devoured in a single sitting, the frenetic pacing propels the story from one vivid, masterfully choreographed action sequence to another & a jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more.
A solidly written thriller. Gervas delivers a well written performance with fleshed characters and a heart racing plot.
Clayton White has long trusted by the highest levels of government to protect key personnel in the most dangerous circumstances. This thriller begins with Clayton salvaging a botched mission after a direct request from the White House, and then cuts to eight years later when his relationship with the Vice President has been permanently soured—even though Clayton is engaged to the VP’s daughter. Now an unknown person is threatening his fiancée, and Clayton must protect her while figuring out who is trying to cause her harm. All of this involves drama, danger, expertise, and fancy weapons—promising ingredients for a thriller. The thing is that the reader knows who the bad guy is. By the time we’ve had a rundown of all the specific equipment everyone is carrying, which car is where, and how many hours everyone is sitting around (both good guys and bad), this occasionally manages to seem more like some kind of after-action report than a suspense novel. Fortunately, the climactic scene at the end delivered more tension than procedural detail and was the most absorbing of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital advance review copy.
Awesome read, once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down. I think I broke my record for finishing a book. A!axing fast paced edge of your seat. All with a cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Clayton White is a bad-*ss character who can really propel a story forward. Both books 1 and 2 in this series are fantastic thrillers with lots of action and gritty drama. I look forward to book three in this series.
The last Protector was a big hit for me.
I was looking forward to seeing where the author is taking Clayton White next.
Greediness can come off in various forms and ways, more for some, and sometimes, it is intertwined with family drama and other twisted mindsets.
In this second instalment of the series, we get to interact with so many unpredictable and unexpected turns, I would say. I just couldn't believe the length of some people they will go to achieve that power.
The story is fast-paced from the beginning and never ceases till the last page. It's suspenseful, with some romance elements and as expected some violent scenes. But that's what it actually makes it a stellar read.
Powerful, intriguing and twisted, that's how I would recommend this book.
🆓📖 Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy
This is the first book that I've read by Simon Gervais and it was a great surprise! The Last Sentinel has a great plot, is full of action, and has great descriptions of people, their fights, and places. The twists and turns in the story just kept me reading till reaching the end, and it was quite a ride!
I thank NetGalley for introducing me to a new author and a new series!
The Last Sentinel by Simon Gervais
Clayton White Thriller #2
Captain Clayton White had no idea that his trip to Iraq to train elite forces in battlefield evacuation strategies would be curtailed by a direct order that would eight years later create danger for the Vice President of the USA, his fiancé, a journalist, Clayton, and several others. Following orders is what soldiers do…even when they don’t realize the repercussions those orders might eventually incur.
What I liked:
* Clayton White: retired from the military and the secret service, engaged to Veronica Hammond, enjoying his life while guarding the woman he loves
* Veronica Hammond: Vice President’s daughter, business owner, tech savvy, interested in doing what is right, on the outs with her father
* Part I: tells why Clayton, Perez, Veronica, Hammond and others are being targeted for assassination
* The plot, pace, setting, and writing
* The strength shown by Veronica and other women in the story
* The relationship between Clayton and Veronica
* Sarazin: French spy and operative from book one who shows up in this story, too
* The International intrigue
* That the bad guy(s) were thwarted even though there was loss of good lives in doing so
* Thinking about what it must take to be willing to put your life on the line for someone else
* That the darker aspects of the story were not entirely glossed over
* Wondering what would make one man seek revenge for the murder of his father and another man be angry but not seek justice
* That I felt I was there in the story
* That the bad guys were not all male and did not come from only one country
* Thinking about how the twist at the end will impact the lives of the characters in book three of the series
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to
* Knowing that all of the evil in this story is plausible and probably very close to true…
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Simon Gervais is a highly underrated writer. His stories are always action packed and always leave you wanting more. This book is no exception and each book he writes keeps getting better and better. I look forward to seeing where he takes the series next and if you like action thrillers, you do not want to miss this one! Highly recommend!
Doesn't bring anything new to the table but it's very fast-paced and action-packed. What I like about this series is how well developed the characters are. Simon Gervais is a great thriller writer and if you are looking for a quick and thrilling read then I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author, Thomas & mercer and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
The plot advances the characters swiftly, keeps things straightforward, and progresses quickly. I appreciate it in a good thriller. Simple, quick, and enjoyable. Once again, Simon Gervais tells a fantastic story and maintains the flow. This series rocks! On August 9, 2022 make sure to purchase your copy. You'll be disappointed if you don't!! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced copy.
Iran has not forgotten the control America holds over the region and the atrocities foisted on the country by Saddam Hussein, nor has Reza Ashtari forgotten the American agent, Captain Clayton White, who killed his father. He and his brother Nadar swore to get vengeance.
The growth of America’s enemies in the area is growing exponentially as more families mourn the death of their loved ones.
China becomes involved when Reza and Nadar Ashtari approaches them for military and financial support. The Ashtari’s feel that the United States will back off when they find out that China is involved.
Captain Clayton White is in charge of protecting Veronica Hammond, the daughter of the U.S. Vice-President who is working with the NOAA aboard a surveyor ship off the Florida Keys in the National Sanctuary. White and Hammond have become very close and are surprised when three boats come to attack the research vessel.
This well-developed plot leads to very interesting places and conclusions. The author keeps the action fast-paced and the dialogue entertaining. His writing expands on the lengths that personal torture and vengeance can go. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
4.5⭐
The Last Sentinel is my first introduction to author Simon Gervais and what an electrifying introduction it is.
As this is a pulse-pounding military thriller. That grabbed me from the start and never let go.
As ex-secret service agent Clayton White is brought back into the fray. When the ship he and his fiancée Veronica Hammond are aboard is attacked at the same time, her estranged father, the Vice President and mother the Second Lady are ambushed as they arrive at a marina in Miami.
But who could want the Vice President and his family dead? The problem for Clay is he knows that list is long.
As the VP has a history of violence, dodgy military ops and double-dealing and has been known to go to any lengths to cover his tracks, just ask Clay.
But Clay is willing to put his hostility towards the man aside at least until he's sure Veronica is safe and those responsible for the attacks are dealt with.
And with compelling characters, perfect pacing, edge-of-your-seat action and plenty of twists. This is a top notch military thriller and I'm definitely going to be picking up the first book in this series as well as any future ones.
I would happily recommend The Last Sentinel to others.
ARC Book Review – The Sentinel – Simon Gervais
“The Sentinel” is Canadian author Simon Gervais’ sequel to the Clayton White series, “The Last Protector.” Book two is about ex-Secret Service agent Clayton White and his vow to protect the woman he loves who also happens to be the daughter of the double-dealing vice president. In this story the vice president who White has no love lost for, comes under attack, and calls upon White to help him track down the responsible party. White wants nothing to do with the notorious vice president and future father-in-law, who boasts a violent and erratic history. But with his fiancée’s life in the balance, White has no choice but to mend fences with the VP and jumps back into the fray, where he faces off with old and new enemies. The Sentinel is action-packed, suspenseful, romantic, and adventurous. Gervais tells another stellar story that kept me interested and lead me to want more. As usual, Gervais’ character development was top-notch, and highly character driven. All the characters throughout the tale were captivating and well-crafted for the storyline. Also, the plot was imaginative and strong, and full of well-placed action and violence. I also commend Gervais on creating sinister villains that not only added to the story but in a lot of ways made the story exciting, thrilling, and gripping. Gervais is adept at engaging the reader with intense action, excitement, and wonderment. And The Last Sentinel has all these attributes. Just like its predecessor The Last Protector, The Last Sentinel, with its riveting cliffhanger will leave readers wanting more. I certainly do and will continue the series with the hope that Gervais crafts book three of the series sooner than later. I highly recommend this series. My sincere thanks to Simon Gervais, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the digital advance reader’s copy of The Last Sentinel.
Simon Gervais brings together blood, bullets, and betrayal in his latest Clayton White novel. The Last Sentinel propels readers through the pages faster than a RPG headed towards its target. This is a story that proves no target is fully protected from those who mean to do them harm, given enough time, resources, and motivation.
When previously unthinkable attacks occur simultaneously in southern Florida, Ex-Secret Service agent Clayton White’s vacation is cut short by a barrage of gunfire, thrusting him into action to save the love of his life, who also just happens to be the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. The VP, a man with his own violent past, does not escape the day's events unscathed. Despite the tension and animosity between Clayton and the VP, revenge is a powerful incentive to put the past behind them. While the Americans are busy trying to identify who is responsible for the attacks, their enemy is seeking his own vengeance for the murder of his father at the hands of Clayton and his former commander. The only question is the amount of collateral damage each party is willing to tolerate to complete their mission.
Gervais continues to utilize his past professional experience to enhance his storylines and that extensive knowledge is on full display in this book. Fans, both new and old, will appreciate the fact that the writing and storytelling somehow continue to get better and better each book. Any action or adrenaline junkies out there should pick up this book to help satisfy that addiction.
Simon Gervais has been delivering heart pounding, action packed reads every single year. I can’t remember the last time I went any length of time and didn’t have one of his thrillers to enjoy. Whether it is Mike Walton, Pierce Hunt, or his latest in Clayton White, there hasn’t been anyone to match the pound for pound match-up that Gervais brings to the ring.
Clayton White has a past that follows him everywhere, one that might have something to do with his future father-in-law. Former head of the Joint Special Operations Command and now Vice President of the United States, Alexander Hammond has secrets that he needs to keep locked away. Those secrets have come looking for retribution and for blood.
Clayton White, former Air Force Combat Rescue Officer, was part of a daring mission a year prior that lead to the death of General Mohsen Ashtari. Ashtari’s son Nader, now one of the more influential members of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, oversees one of the more spirited attempts at payback directed at Hammond and White. Gun boats and snipers lead to more than one altercation as their lives are threatened and Veronica Hammonds life is changed forever. Reza, Ashtari’s other son, has made the pursuit for dealing death a bucket list moment and will not settle for anything less.
White and friend Pierre Sarazin team up for a pond jumping op following breadcrumbs left by Reza. Pierre and Clayton are in for a tremendous battle in London at the home of Adaliya Oxley. Oxley and White also have a past that complicates everything. As pieces start to come together and become clearer, White must save his fiancé and her friends one more time. As if the amount of trouble Clayton White has been put through, working with Alexander Hammond is one of tremendous disgrace for him and a handshake deal is about to be thrown out of the window and only the future will tell who lives and who dies.
Gervais delivers yet again with fantastic action sequences and brilliant mind games. His ability to connect the past and tease the future prevents me from putting his books down. Clever dialogue and unmatched creativity bring The Last Sentinel to life, showing the dedication and resilience of Clayton White. You won’t be disappointed with any of Simon Gervais' writing, which is exactly why I recommend everything that he has written for you to read.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Clayton in Iraq training a group of Iraqi soldiers. They are doing an exercise when Clayton receives a call to perform a specific task. This is not a task which Clayton normally performs , but because of its importance, he agrees. This mission will play a role many years later in this story.
The story now goes forward to the present where Clayton is with his fiancee, Veronica, on a ship doing a series of tasks for NOAA. At the same time, Reza the son of an Iranian, is waiting in apartment
preparing himself to kill a certain party. His task is to kill the Vice President. He has also ordered another group to attack the ship Clayton and Veronica are on. The mission related to the ship is to elinate a journalist that has information relating to a prison that will paint Iran in a bad light. Reza is not successful in his task killing the Vice President's wife instead. The mission relating to the NOAA ship also fails, but it winds up with the deaths of the Secret Service members who were protecting Veronica, the VP's daughter.
As a result of the attack on Verinica, Clayton, starts a mission to find out who was responsible for the attack on Veronica and the Vice President. His search takes him to London where he believes the person responsible is located. With assisitance by Pierre he invades the home of that person. Unknown to Clayton, this was a trap that Reza had set up. Clayton was subdued by the person of interest who provided him with evidence of Iran's involvement. When Clayton returned to the U.S. he received a call that Reza was in NYC and that he planned to kill both the journalist as well as Veronica. Clayton was able to get a hold of the Secret Service detail to warn them, but not before Reza killed a couple members. Clayton meanwhile raced to the location where he confronted Reza.
To learn what task Clayton was given in Iraq, who provided information to Iran the names of the people who took part, and how the meeting between Clayton and Reza worked out, then you need to read this book.
Simon Gervais Isa hellava writer. The Last Sentinel is an action packed thriller with phenomenal characters and plenty of twists and turns to make this a quick read. I've read everything Gervais has written and they've all been great. The Sentinel is no exception.
While aboard a research vessel with his fiance, Veronica, the boat is attacked. At the same time, an attack is launched on his soon to be father-in-law, the Vice President. It seems like someone can't forgive and forget. Putting their differences aside, Clayton and the VP must work together in order to keep Veronica safe and figure out who is attacking them and to stop any further attacks.
The Last Sentinel has action out the wazoo but I think the real objective was to delve into Clayton's past and explore/explain the history of his relationship with the VP. And of course set the groundwork for future books.
While not as good as the previous book The Last Sentinel is a solid thriller. However, it felt a little rushed to me. Perhaps my expectations were too high.(based on other reviews it seems I'm in the minority). Regardless, I was excited when I saw Clayton White was returning
My sincere thanks to Simon Gervais, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Last Sentinel. .
Simon Gervais lives up to the task of best selling thriller author. I discovered Gervais' writing through a different series, yet when I heard about the Clayton White series, I could not resist to follow. .Heart-stopping action with shootings, hand-to-hand combat as well as explosions coupled with betrayals at home and abroad. To keep the reader entertained and ready for the next in the series, a couple of surprises at the end. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and provide this honest review.
Not all great writers comes from USA. Simon Gervais is fast becoming an internationally best selling thriller author and he sure lives up to the task. The Last Sentinel is book two in his new series about ex secret service agent Clayton White. It has become one of my new favorite series and it is fast paced and thrilling with many strange twists. Some people are crazy with hunger for power and some have trouble with their family, well you get both deals in this series and then some. Great storyline and action. I really have to recommend it to all you thriller fans out there. They say the Canadians are nice and maybe so but the contents in these books aren't. I love it. I must thank Thomas and Mercer, Netgalley and Amazon publishing for letting me enjoy this great book out in stores August 9.