This book is much better than the last in the series, with an interesting and up-to-date plot. The characters are very good, and the pace is excellent. An entertaining and easy to read book.

In The Last Guardian, we are told that "Amid a series of secret identities, betrayals, and terrorist plots, Clayton White must join forces with allies he’s not sure he can trust to save the country he’s sworn to protect and the family he’s vowed to love."
Clayton is an ex-Secret Service agent and the President, he suspects, is responsible for his father's death. Add in a Chinese triad, a crooked real estate magnate, bad guy Russians and some sexy women, one would expect that we are off to the races. And it's true that there are action scenes in the novel, along with people who are not who they say they are.
In my opinion, it's kind of a mess. I had to read the novel over again to try to make sense of it. I had forgotten much of it already. But in the final read I was able to enjoy much of what the author was doing. It was a bizarre plot involving bizarre people and situations. Some of the settings were interesting.
Bottom line- It's an okay novel that may take more patience than a thriller deserves to be thrilling.
Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC.

Simon Gervais delivers an exhilarating and action-packed thriller in "The Last Guardian," the latest installment in the Clayton White series. Former Secret Service agent Clayton White takes center stage once again as he tackles the daunting task of combating the fentanyl epidemic while navigating a web of deception and danger.

Gervais masterfully crafts a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The stakes are high as White's investigation into the Red Dragon Triad drug cartel takes an unexpected turn, leading to the assassination of the FBI director. White's determination to uncover the truth and protect his loved ones propels the story forward, while his complex and evolving character adds depth to the narrative.

The author expertly blends elements of suspense, action, and political intrigue, creating a thrilling ride that keeps readers guessing at every turn. The plot is intricately woven, with secret identities, betrayals, and terrorist plots intertwining to create a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Gervais's attention to detail and well-researched depiction of the fentanyl crisis add an extra layer of realism to the story.

"The Last Guardian" is a standout book of the year, showcasing Gervais's talent for crafting compelling and pulse-pounding thrillers. With its relentless pacing and engaging characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Simon Gervais continues to solidify his position as a master of the political thriller, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what Clayton White will face next.

Simon Gervais doubles down on breathtaking action and misdirections as he takes Clayton White on a mission like nothing before, battling Chinese Red Dragon Triad in cahoots with Mexican drug dealers for a nefarious end goal.

Even though President Alexander Hammond and Clayton White have been on rocky waters, tethered begrudgingly by White’s fiancée who happens to be the President’s daughter, there’s no one Hammond trusts more to uncover a startling conspiracy behind the fentanyl epidemic than Clayton White, especially when the conspiracy involves assassinating the FBI Director. White must put aside his reservations for Hammond and his own future as a soon-to-be-father and dive into a risky mission where the scope is unrivaled to any of his prior escapades.

Gervais breathes new life into the series with a change of storytelling, pulling in international politics on a grander scale and infusing it with timely domestic issues that elicit a darker side to Clayton White than what we’ve read prior. Not only must he grapple with his inner demons, he must also contend with the change of circumstances as a future father and husband. Gervais utilizes this dilemma marvelously as he prods inside White’s psyche to paint a stronger yet vulnerable persona, making him an even more remarkable and relatable protagonist.

The Last Guardian has no shortage of heads-popping action and it’s rife with gritty moments that give pause to readers in the middle of the explosive fast-paced narrative. Simon Gervais just doesn’t miss.

Full review to be posted on https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/kashif-hussain

WOW! Thanks to Simon Gervais, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for
the ARC to this fantastic novel. Let's just say a lot of bad people die
and I hope there is a 4th installment to this thrilling series. Been a fan of Simon Gervais for quite some time!
Can be read as a standalone, but you should read the other 2 first, so you know everyone's backstory. Buy them now and you'll be ready to read this one when it's released.

A routine action thriller: all plot with minimal depth in its characters and its setting.

The problem with the all-plot action thriller is that the plot must be extraordinarily propulsive to carry a novel all by itself and make up for the lack of contributions from intriguing characters and vivid settings. It can be done, but it's not nearly as easy as some people seem to think.

Sadly, this plot isn't strong enough to make the grade. It's linear and rather one-dimensional, and sometimes stretched the concept of credibility to, or beyond, its limits. It even occasionally ventured close to comic book territory. Most unhappy of all, it failed to make use of the novel's unique ability as a form to spin a tale ripe with nuance and rich with subtlety.

A welcome addition to the series finds super sleuth Clayton White pulling on threads to find the bad guys so he can deal with them as only he can. The FBI Director is killed the evening before their planned meeting. Was it the Chinese, the Russians, or someone else? How is the rich American businessman involved? How is the MSS involved? Still suspicious of his father-in-law, the US President, he nevertheless goes to work in an action-packed story.

Really excited about this book. It was an Absolutely phenomenal read. High will recommend to others to pick up as soon as it is released.

In an all-new Clayton White thriller, Simon Gervais presents us with a scenario that is all-too-believable: a Chinese asset in Macau has concocted a stunning act of terrorism against the United States, and just need all of the pieces in place to launch it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Last Guardian".
While Clayton White and his fiancée Veronica Hammond (daughter of POTUS) are awaiting the impending birth of their child, it seems that a number of bad actors are set on disturbing their peace.
While not having forgiven the President for his past sins, White has agreed to work for him in the Office of Special Operations; and as such is read in when the Director of the FBI receives a stunning phone call from a highly-respected businessman: please refrain from investigating one of the deadliest drug dealing gangs for he next few months! This is the same gang that has been responsible for the import of extremely dangerous fentanyl - disguised as candies - how can they possibly hold off?
This doesn't sit well with POTUS, the Director or Clayton, and investigations are launched.
Meanwhile, in Macau, assets of the Chinese and Russian governments are in receipt of stolen Surface To Air (SAM) Missiles, and plan a two-pronged terrorist attach against the US.
When the FBI Director, on vacation in St. John, is the victim of a brutal assassination - along with his entire family and most of his protective detail - and Clayton and Veronica (as well as another possible asset) are on hand, the action heats up.
While promising to begin to scale back her work, Veronica nonetheless must fulfill a commitment to appear in Davos, Switzerland at an important conference - unknowingly putting herself in the crosshairs of the plotters.
Taking place in Macau, St. John, Washington and Switzerland, this one is an all-out thrill ride.
Can be read as a standalone, but to truly understand the backstories, you should read the series; you won't regret it.
Recommended to fans of action thrillers and espionage, with a touch of romance in the mix. (And of course, the bad guys never win.)

Simon Gervais! Is there someone out there that hasn't head of him? If that is the case you ought to fix this right away. The Last Guardian is the third book about Clayton White and there is time for you to read the first two before this one is released.
It's been a while since I read a book from cover to cover in one sitting but this one sure made me do it.
Gervais has a great way with words so usually it's a pleasure to read just for that reason but in this book he has written such a fast paced action thriller that it leaves you breathless. I simply couldn't put it down, I was up until one in the morning reading and then I had trouble sleeping.
This book is by far the best of the Clayton White books and although I liket the Hunt series it is a pale comparison to this. I have read everything except the Mike Walton series by this author and have actually collected them for my tbr pile and he has never let me down with a bad book. I don't read many Canadian authors but I have one new one lined up and if Gervais is setting the standard Canada is a land worth noticing.
This one will be talked about. A very big thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for letting me read this advance copy.

WOW. The Last Guardian by Simon Gervais is a rollercoaster ride, full of twists and turns that will keep you in the edge. It is a really complex and well developed story, with layers and layers and a lot of game players. This is the first time I’ve read something from this author, but I will look up his work.
Thank you for the opportunity to give a review.

The Last Guardian por Simon Gervais es una montaña rusa de emociones, una historia compleja y bien desarrollada. Varios casos separados, de drogas, tráfico de armas y un chantaje que dan paso a un complot que involucra a jugadores de alto nivel y a varias superpotencias. Actual y brutal. Primera vez que leo algo de éste autor, pero buscaré su trabajo.
Gracias por la oportunidad para hacer una reseña.

Another Clayton White story with lots of action, suspense and international terror ties. The FBI director is assassinated & White becomes entangled in the middle of the hunt for those responsible from the Red Dragon Triad, an Asian terror organization, by President Hammond, his soon to be father in law who also happens to be on White's " least favorite people" list.
Gervais has his usual cast of characters; strong and well developed with lots of action but the plot is a little weaker than usual. Clayton seems a little too domesticated.
Waiting for the next installment with, hopefully more action and less family interaction.

This book kept my interest and the mystery was well thought out. Enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this book to my friends who also enjoy books with romance and suspense.