Although I started reading with high hopes, I didn't expect the explicit violence and had to stop reading, sorry. DNF

Laws of Annihilation. My fellow friends. As I was reading this wonderful book and listening to todays current news, I couldn’t help but notice how what I was reading, and what I was hearing on the news was mirroring one another. This book is a close to home kind of story. The book continues the working relationship that test Maclin, Phee and Quincy beliefs and will to continue to fight for justice.
This is a heart pounding, fast moving, high intensity book and there’s no better character to handle it other than Janet Maclin. With respect to the communities and their cultural beliefs, I thought that the stories sub plot was told very well. I believe that this story gives you a look inside or a glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors. The books plot is crazy, insane good. The writing in parts of the story had me feeling like I was on a roller coaster not wanting to get off.
And guess what? I hate roller coasters. The different twist and turns of who the killer could be, had me up reading into the dead of night trying to connect the dots to who I believe, said person could be. My favorite character in the book is Shaka. When you read the book you will understand why I chose him.
I believe he was Maclin’s brother from another mother. His character brought the calm to all the stress and pressure that Maclin and her team were under. The emotions from the characters was everything and then some. As you read the story you can feel the powerful, raw emotions released from the characters in the most plausible and humanly way. It’s through the outlet of their tears, their frustration, and their anger.
Not only those, but it’s through their beliefs, their courage, and a little thing called hope mixed in with the strong will to never give up. Maclin, Phee, and Quincy who go to work for on a daily basis to protect the people and their communities are the same ones who take on the accountability of annihilating the evil that walks their streets. This book definitely has a fast pace story that’s exciting and a most captivating read. The main characters Maclin, Quincy and Phee are phenomenal in the book. Their sure strength of will and perseverance to keep moving is one of the many best parts of the book.
It’s how these characters were written that brought forward the realism of the cause and effect of a person’s decisions, may it be wrong or right. For me everything seemed so real in this story. I was very pleased that the writer did their research to back up the details and facts to the information provided in the story. You guys I have to say this. Maclins story hit me the hardest the most.
It’s interesting to see how Losher will fit in with this little group and I’m definitely excited to see where things will go in the future with the team. This is the most compelling story that I have read as of to date. The writing is fantastic and a diamond of first water brilliant. I give this story two snaps and a, know your history. Until next time my fellow readers.
Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. #LawsofAnnihilation #EriqLaSalle #Netgally #Goodreads #Bookbub #TheLawSeries

Laws of Annihilation follows FBI agent Janet Maclin through a stage IV cancer diagnosis and her attempts to tackle a city ravaged by hate crimes. This is a fast paced, a ction packed novel, but it is not for the faint of heart. It is equal parts dark, gritty, graphic, violent, and heart wrenching. It does a fantastic job painting realistic tension. Overall, the book definitely feels like something that, unfortunately, COULD happen. The characters of Maclin, Phee, and Quincy make for a convincing crime force trio. There are no perfect characters, I loved that everyone had realistic character flaws just like real people. This book is great for those that love gritty crime thrillers and can stomach graphic depictions of violence, otherwise it can be a bit much at points. Still, for those that can stomach the content, i highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this arc. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

I enjoyed this book. I did think that there were times that it seemed to drag a little, and that slowed the pace down. I also found that there was more exposition than action, which also made the book feel longer than it needed to be. Overall, however, I found it to be a good book and one that kept my attention.

So far, this is the best book I read in this series. It's not an easy read as the story is strongly focused on racism issues and actions taken by extremist groups. Although a work of fiction, now more than ever, racism and religious prejudice are exploding everywhere with the war between Israel and Palestine, and some of the situations described in this book could be happening (or have happened) in real life. It's a very sad and terrifying reality that surround us everywhere. Laws of Annihilation is gripping, fast-paced, well-written and a portrait of our times.
I thank Mr. La Salle, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

What a powerful and evocative crime thriller and police procedural! Laws of Annihilation by Eriq La Salle highlights cultural differences, racial conflicts, and personal challenges in this third book in the Martyr Maker series. New York City is sweltering in high temperatures and someone has decided it’s time for a racial war. FBI Agent Janel Maclin is in New York City to see a specialist. Afterwards, she visits with New York police detectives Quincy Cavanaugh and Phee Freeman. Suddenly, all three get calls to come to a crime scene. Soon, the body count and violence escalate.

Maclin is a meticulous observer, contemplative, proficient, dedicated to justice, and has always wanted to be the FBI’s first female director. However, she isn’t always patient and she has a darker side that many don’t see. Phee can be blunt and has a talent for pushing people’s buttons. Quincy is the voice of reason and assurance, but his character was not quite as well developed as the other two main characters. There are many other characters in the story, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping up with who was who.

The novel starts with heartbreaking news and quickly escalates into a devastating and somewhat graphic crime scene. I was immediately drawn into the story which seemed all too possible. Descriptive, without slowing the pace, this novel focuses on cultural differences, faith, racial conflicts, hatred, preconceived ideas of others, grief, secrets, friendship, ethics, connections, being a part of a collective versus being alone, and family.

I can’t begin to do this novel justice in a review. It’s gritty and graphic in its violence and descriptions, as well as heartbreaking and tough to read at times. However, it also highlights real world tensions that the world faces today. It has a deeply involved plot, extraordinary characters, unpredictable and suspenseful moments, and a realism that is memorable as I was transported into the horrifying world of the victims and the investigators. The Epilogue sets up what should be another fantastic book.

Overall, this book was suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced, and thought-provoking. If you enjoy well-written crime thrillers and police procedurals with a strong lead character, then this may be the series for you. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as reading the earlier two books.

Poisoned Pen Press and Eriq La Salle provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 24, 2023.

I was kind of reluctant about this book at first because I usually have issues with politics in fiction, but the whole premise looked so good that I decided to give this one a chance.
And I’m glad I did!
There is way more to the story. This is not just a crime/detective thriller with a hefty touch of political background, there are also emotions and depth of human connection and human characters, as the story unfolds.
The story is sometimes graphic, but it only adds to the storytelling, and it is really well written.

Let me start off by saying that I loathe politics in a book with every fiber of my being. With that being said, I thought La Salle did a fantastic job of presenting the politics and current events in this book while maintaining an almost entirely neutral position. That doesn’t happen often these days, and it’s a testament to his skill as a writer, as well as his humanity. I am a big fan of this series and the politics in it did not detract from the story itself. Character-wise, I’ve always loved Phee, Quincy, and Maclin. But Mayor Rocky is officially added to that list. Her no BS attitude and “Bigger Than Hate” ideology was a perfect middle ground for this story. And speaking of characterizations, excellent job! Of course there were characters I didn’t like. But the characterization was so well-done, every single character had their place in the story and fit it well. Another hit from La Salle and I am hoping this series continues!

Huge thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

Someone is killing Jewish Rabbis and African American men which is stirring up a racial hatred and riots in the streets of New York. Now Detectives Phee Freeman, Quincy Cavanaugh and FBI agent Janet Maclin team together again to solve these killings before more bloodshed hits the city.
All while trying to work this case Agent Maclin finds out she has cancer and may not have much more time to live.
The author did a great job in writing this storyline as he did in the first two books of the Martyr Maker . My attention was drawn in from the very beginning to the end. Each character and their storyline was well developed especially with some of the personal things that are going on in their lives besides trying to figure out who is behind the murders.
I highly recommend this book to read and the first two books also. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an arc from NetGalley and this review is of my own honest opinion and thoughts.

I’ve read a lot of crime novels and police procedurals, even black ops suspense, which is one of my favorites, but this one certainly got my attention.

Written by an actor and producer with two other novels under his belt, this book is part of a series featuring a female FBI agent coworking with local police detectives on major crimes.

The plot of the story is definitely unique. It’s highly descriptive with vivid imagery that just makes you gasp sometimes. I was not expecting the raw, gruesome depiction of the crimes. But with that said, considering who the author is, he works in graphic detail.

This book grabbed me because of the way it was written. There are intense situations and horrific acts. Then we get the working relationships between the main characters. That is balanced with their family and other personal relationships, which is greatly needed to offset the plot.

One of the things I love is a strong, female lead and La Salle definitely gives us that with the main character, Maclin. She is tough outside, but tender inside with secrets and longing that make you feel for her in every way.

Laws of Annihilation is raw. Gritty. Explicit in violence and visuals. Tough to read in spots. Sad and depressing as you recognize many truths in the story. Thankfully, La Salle takes time to balance it all with light and hope at the end.

This is my first book by this author, but not the last!