Fearless by M. W. Craven
Narrated by William Hope
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Expected Publication Date: July 11, 2023

Fearless is the first book in the new Ben Koenig series by M. W. Craven. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I know it won’t be the last.

I thought this book was fascinating! I enjoyed Ben as a character and look forward to reading about him in future books!

I enjoyed this book! I thought it had a unique storyline and was really well written. I look forward to what is coming! This is a quick read that is fast paced!

The narration by William Hope was incredible! I really enjoyed how he brought the book to life.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book: the protagonist was likable despite the trail of violence and death he leaves behind; the pacing was spot on, with a good mix of action and down time; and the overall plot was intriguing and the denouement rather unexpected.

I am not the reader/listener for Craven's thriller-mystery novel. I tried three times to start FEARLESS and ended up dropping it for other listening pastures. On the 4th try, I made it to 82% listening on the Netgalley app.

Koenig is not a terribly likeable character, which is not what would make me give up on him, but his is definitely the dominant voice. It's, unfortunately, not an interesting one, at least not to this listener. His constant commentary about how or why something works the way it does was annoying and he sounded like a "mansplainer" for most of the time. (I grew quite tired of listening to his commentary on milkshakes, especially.) So I wasn't well disposed to him throughout my 4th attempted listen.

The narrator was fine: Jack Reacher wannabes on both Craven and his part. It was a novel that felt derivative. The opening half was better than the second half, however. I gave up on what became a bloodbath of violence on Koenig's part. I understand he was killing baddies, but his cool anatomical descriptions of what his killing was doing was distasteful. I recognize that there are readers for FEARLESS, but I'm not one. There was no nuance, no humour (I kind of liked Jen: wish Craven had written more about her), no subtlety whatsoever.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"The introduction of blood always changes the dynamics of the room."

Well the introduction of cocky Ben Koenig definitely changes the dynamics of everything in the high octane action packed riveting thriller Fearless, the first in a new series, by calculating clever doesn't give you time to breathe author M.W. Craven.

So why is a chocolate milkshake Bruce Springsteen loving ex head of U.S Marshal's Special Ops, nicknamed "The Devil's Bloodhound" by the criminals he hunts down running from the law? Also, where has he been for the last six years? He just vanished after another successful mission and now his face is everywhere on the news as the most wanted man in the U.S.

As Ben's story unfolds we get the pure joy of hearing narrator William Hope become this snarky, self confident, overly intelligent, engaging, and dare I say, sexy, hero.

Ben has a unique medical condition that makes him have no fear and with everyone after him he has nothing to lose and that might make him reckless but for those he is coming for it makes him dangerous.

This writer, in the vein of author Raymond Chandler, has created an indelible protagonist that's a mix of Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer. He seems invincible, knows everything about everything and never stops running into danger.

When he goes off the grid again to help his former boss with a very personal problem it leads him to a solar power plant in a small desert town with nothing...and that's the key to everything.

I adore this character and fearlessly demand his next gripping adventure as soon as possible!

I received a free copy of this audiobook from MacMillan Audio via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was my 1st book by M.W. Craven but it will not be my last! I am hopeful that there are more Ben Koenig books coming out! I love that he is super bad-ass but also cares about collateral damage and those that are important to him! Can't wait for the next installment in this series!

Fearless
by M. W. Craven
Narrated by William Hope

I have just found my new favorite author. I'm not kidding. M.W. Craven has crafted a fantastic tale filled with suspense, mystery, etc. Reminding me of a mix between Bosch and Reacher, M.W. Craven is just jaw-droppingly amazing. This is Book 1 in the new Ben Koenig series. The summary sets up a good overview of the novel, and I could not stop listening once I started. It's THAT good. I've already be recommending it to friends and family and plan on reading Mr. Craven's other series, which is also very highly rated. The narration is perfect and fits the image of Ben well. William Hope really brought him to life. What can I say? If you like Bosch and Reacher, just take my advice and read or listen to this book!

Thank you SO very much to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio and M.W. Craven for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and @flatiron, @macmillan.audio for my advance copy.
I had seen @bookaddictpnw ‘s reviews for other MW Craven books so when I saw this one come up on NetGalley I requested, she’s never steered me wrong - but this is not a book in MW Craven’s Poe and Tilly series but a new one starting the Ben Koenig series.
This is an action thriller with a hero in the vein of Jack Reacher, or if drama tv series are your thing the lone wolf types NCIS’ Gibbs or 5-O’s McGarret but who due to a brain anomaly is indeed “fearless”.
At the start of this book Ben Koenig had disappeared for 6 years- he’s a United States Marshall but he is on the run. The reasons behind this situation are revealed but by bit. He is obviously well trained and seems like an ok guy but why is everyone out to get him?
When he realises that his beloved old boss is trying to find him and make contact, Ben agrees to meet him despite the danger. His boss’ daughter Martha has disappeared from Georgetown and she’s been gone for two months without a trace - all sensible and legal - I might add - avenues have been explored. Ben knows he is his boss’ best chance at recovering Martha at least her remains and agrees.
Ben is a the quintessential good guy action hero and the fast paced action with bad guys and some ancillary good guys dropping left and right made for fast paced reading - and listening, I loved William Hope’s narration for this book, the audio was excellent.
There is barely time to pause for a fresh cup of coffee as he follows up on clues and the complex and well plotted story develops.
I thought it was surprising that a British author chooses such an American setting and storyline - but it works and Ben Koenig has, of course, trained with the British special forces as well as other highly decorated special units, so there is a UK connection.
Since I enjoy both a fast paced action novels and a more well plotted police mysteries and I enjoyed this author’s writing I’ll still have to give his Washington Poe series a try … and soon.

Fearless by M. W. Craven is a new novel about…um about… well it’s fast paced, written in a way that I didn’t won’t to stop. Ben Koenig extraordinaire is different that most men. Really different. I was impressed with the writing and amazed by Ben’s ability to get out of many difficult situations. The way it plays out and explained makes it believable. Ben POV tells the entire story and I pictured him as an American 007 and a faint hint of Bruce Lee. Well sort of.
It felt like a guy’s book with fast action and fighting in crazy situations. Ben saving the day.
I enjoyed it and recommend it. I chose to listen to the audiobook and it was narrated by William Hope. He was perfect and I hope he narrates book 2.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.

I received an audiobook Arc from netgalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

I love stories like this! Right from the beginning I was hooked, and I stayed invested in the story through the whole thing. It ticked lots of boxes for me:
- Ex military/hitman type with chip on his shoulder
- Total softie for actual good
- Technical talk of weapons, fighting, corruption, political stuff, etc

The story was also fun. It was an excellent balance of grittiness and humor. Koenig's mission becomes two parts, And without giving it away, I liked how his initial mission became more complex.

Loved the ending! Even before the cliffhanger, I knew I would be waiting for the next book. He's such a creative character! His condition was well written especially how other people view him due to his fearlessness as well as a few times Ben almost did stupid things because of it (like standing too close to a cliff). I do hope in the next books that the downsides of his condition are more explored so it's realistic and complex rather than like a superhero story.

Other notes,
- No torture scenes or violence-porn, though it is definitely violent and there is some gnarly mentioning of horrific violence against children
- The audio is EXCELLENT. He did a great job matching the character's objectivity, sarcasm, and curiosity. I find this type of male narrator soooo easy to listen to. Like I plan to check out more by this author, I would also definitely listen to more by this narrator.

This was a double barrel blast of testosterone from start to finish. I can’t say as I know much about guns and ammo and materiel, but the story and events was easy enough to follow. The good guys are off to save the day and mete metallic justice to the bad guys. The addition of Ben’s medical condition (no flight, all fight), gave it a personality boost as well. This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last. Count me in for the next installment!
PS- It was also my first book with this narrator, though I’m almost 100% that it’s a pseudonym for a popular narrator (who I will not name here).
*Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance audiobook for review.

Fearless introduces Ben Koenig, former leader of the US Marshal Special Operations Group. Told in first person (alternating with some third-person chapters from the bad guys' POV), this is an action-packed spy thriller in the vein of Jack Reacher and 24's Jan, Bauer. Ben is cocky, bordering on reckless, possibly due to a brain injury that makes it impossible for him to feel fear. Or maybe it's his personality. Or maybe a little of both. In any case, there are some fun parts, like when Ben doesn't act the way his attackers expect, throwing them off-guard enough for him to overpower or outsmart them. The climax is incredibly over-the=top, which is clearly intentional, but highly entertaining. My only criticism is the inclusion of some long stretches of narrative backstory near the end that disrupted the flow for me, despite William Hope's excellent narration on the audiobook. Fortunately, we're only talking about 5-6 minutes, and the reader should be hooked by that point.

Thank you to the author, Flatiron Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

4.5 stars! And this is not my usual fictional novel but wow. Just wow. Ben Koenig used to head the US Marshal’s elite Special Operations Group. (Like more secret than the CIA) His team hunted the really bad guys But after Ben has a price put on his head, he disappears. Koenig has been on the run for six years. Now suddenly his face is on every television screen in the country and his cover is blown. His former boss's daughter is missing and only Ben can find her. The trail leads Koenig to a small town in Texas, where some people have a secret they’ll do anything to protect. But Koenig has a secret of his own: a unique condition that makes him unable to feel fear. They are the ones who should be afraid.
Seems like this is going to be a series and I cannot wait for number 2!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio e-arc.*

I read a pre-release audio version of MW Craven's Fearless. The story of a US Marshall who was forced into hiding due to a Russian mob bounty on his head is called back to find his boss' missing daughter. The book is fast paced, interesting, and enjoyable. Ben Koenig has a rare condition in which he is physically incapable of experiencing fear, and as a result, is willing to take risks most humans wouldn't. His character feels a bit like a mix of Jack Reacher and David Baldacci's Amos Decker (the memory man, who has a perfect memory), but in a way that is still fresh. The book would be the perfect summer beach read.

I'm looking forward to Koenig's next adventure.

Amazing! If you are a fan of Jack Reacher, this one is for you!
And…I just found out that this is book #1…so hold on to your seats, more to come!!!
Ben Koenig is an invisible man…or at least, that is what he needs to be.
He has been in hiding for 6+ years now…and has no intentions of changing. He is a drifter. He goes from town to town, remaining invisible. But now, all of a sudden, things have changed. His face is plastered on every television set. He’s on the Most Wanted List!! What is going on?? He is brought in for “questioning“ and his life changes on a dime.
We discover what he is really about, and what he is actually capable of.
At one point he says something about the devil that just drew me in, and at the same time, scared the hell out of me!
Apparently he has a strange condition that causes him to never feel fear.
Good in some ways, definitely bad in others!
Amazing storyline that continually changes as more pieces of the puzzle are discovered.
Kidnapping, revenge, killing (some very gory stuff…so if you are not into this kind of stuff, you might want to steer clear of this one…), and FBI/CIA stuff throughout.
Terrific characters. Some scary stuff. Pulled me right in and didn’t want to put it down!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Fearless, by M. W. Craven. Release date July 11th, so keep your eyes open for it!
Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan audio for an ARC of the audiobook!

Thank you to @Netgalley and @MacMillian Audio for this advanced copy of Fearless. I have never read or listened to anything else from M. W. Craven, but after this book, being first in a series with Ben Koenig, I assure you it will not be my last. Koenig is a former member of a US Marshalls special ops group and has been on the run for the past 6 years. His skill set and ability to track down the bad guys is immeasurable and indispensable. Koenig was needed and found and given a task to complete.
Craven’s fast paced, page turning ride through Georgetown University to a small town in Texas and other points in between take the reader on an adventure that will not soon be forgotten. I see in other reviews Koenig is often compared to Jack Reacher or other lone protagonist males – I see the similarity, but Koenig will stand alone. He is fearless. He gets the job done. But as a reader, be prepared for more gore and ruthless killings. I wasn’t offended! He did what he had to do to stay alive and get the job done. He is thoughtful like a chess player trying to stay one step ahead of everyone.
This series will continue and I will continue to follow Koenig through his adventures!

I received the audio version of Fearless from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I'm trying to find a balance between honest and fair. This is very much a Jack Reacher-type book, although imo opinion, much better written. The thing is, I requested it through NetGalley because I love Craven's Poe and Tilly books, and did not expect it to be as different as it was. That's on me, not the author. It was just too OTT and violent for me. I'm giving it 4 stars as the average between how well it is written *5* and how much I liked it *3*. Highly recommended for Reacher fans.

I have a new favorite! How have I missed reading MW Craven? This high octane thriller is absolutely unputdownable, with a skilled ex-US Marshall protagonist who is incapable of feeling fear due to a rare brain condition. A young woman has disappeared and Ben Koenig’s old boss knows that Ben is the only one capable of finding his daughter and who he fears is already dead. Fearless is the first entry in Craven’s new thriller series, with an unforgettable hero and non-stop action filled with snippets of survival factoids that make for fascinating reading.
Highly recommended for readers who crave excitement and fast- paced action.

Excellent audio narration.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The plot was unique overall - unique setting and story set up. The main character was someone that I could follow and would like to read more books with him as a main character. The narration was tough at times, there were times where there was no change in the voice for the different characters and it became a bit confusing. I would definitely recommend this book to those who like thrillers.

Craven—who I have not read previously—can certainly write. But after hours of listening to the narrator (who is very good but tends to trail off in volume at the end of sentences, which made it difficult to understand some of Craven's words), almost nothing had happened but back story and introduction. Then, once the story finally got cranking, it was suddenly gratuitously descriptive of violence and brutality. Sometimes, less is more for a reader or listener, and I would have enjoyed this far more with less. I love thrillers like Reacher and Orphan X, but I find them more balanced for a range of sensibilities than Fearless. I'm intrigued by Craven, though, and would like to sample some of his other books because of his clever writing, but I won't continue with this series.

An outstanding start to this new series! Craven has provided us with a heart pounding, brutal action scenes. Rich well-developed characters and a fast-moving story line leaves you breathless and at the edge of your seat in this high-octane action thriller. I couldn’t put it down. This thriller grabs you from the first page and doesn’t give you a moments rest until the last page. I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.