A four-star rating might be a touch on the optimistic side, but heck, I adored this book. It's a rather lengthy one, and it presents a new facet of Armstrong as she exchanges the supernatural for assassins. However, it's written with the same addictive allure that draws you in from beginning to end. After a significant build-up, it ended quite surprisingly quickly for me. I had thought the sub-storyline would be wrapped up in this second book, but it wasn't. Oh well, I guess that just means I'll have to get myself reading the next one as soon as possible. What a pity!

And as an added bonus, this book once again features a really likable female character. She's enviable (obviously with a toned body and being an assassin), but also quite nice and normal (well, as normal as an assassin can be). Maybe Armstrong could have a chat with Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlene Harris and teach them how not to write annoying female characters? Hmmmm.

Yes, I already re-read this. I just ordered book 3 after practically inhaling books 1 and 2. So, I’m re-reading not just because I’m really enjoying myself but also to make sure I didn’t miss any savory characterization details while I was focused on the plot. May I just say, this is a series worth burning through!

What Works

Second time around, I think one of the reasons this book is so impressive is because it has the same polished feel that Bitten does. All of the books in K.A.’s Otherworld series are solid. But what sets Bitten apart is that it is so well-built character, plot, and world-wise that it stands alone while also inviting expansion. You can tell Bitten was a labor of love and that K.A. spent a lot of time on it.

While Exit Strategy isn’t exactly meant to be a standalone (for one thing, K.A. sets up a love triangle that is unresolved), it is similar in that there are many layers that can be further explored. Such as challenges for Nadia to work through from her past, villains who escape justice, and obstacles that stretch how far Nadia will go to punish wrongdoers. K.A. is a master at establishing conflict dynamics (female hitwoman in a male-dominated profession, mentorship of a powerful teacher v. staying in her comfort zone, keeping her hitman life and personal life separate) and characters with opposing beliefs (Jack and Quinn, Jack and Evelyn, Nadia and Evelyn) connected by a (seemingly) diplomatic central character who attempts to find balance in it all. It’s K.A.’s understanding of what kinds of conflict will drive a story that keep me coming back to her books – and she is in top form with Exit Strategy.

Favorite Scene

The opera stakeout! Some thoughts:

1. Love it when Jack and Nadia roleplay! They work so well together. Makes me nostalgic for Alias.

2. So far, none of the victims have been too sympathetic because they’re either names on a list or portrayed as ordinary people going about their day until HSK strikes. (I’m fine with this. In the same vein as Agatha Christie, K.A. is showing that just because someone dies doesn’t make them any more likeable or special than when they were alive.) Detailing Cliff and Gracie’s history as a couple – who doesn’t like cute stories about finding love after loss? – is a great way to get us to be emotionally invested in them as victims.

3. HSK’s perspective as an outsider on Jack and Nadia’s relationship is interesting. Unaware of their partnership and only viewing them in character, HSK can see how Jack acts around Nadia in a way she can’t (she’s smart and all but has a bad case of “oblivious person who has no idea her BFF is in love with her”). In character, Jack uses his body language to show he and Nadia are a couple by turning towards her and putting his hand on her arm, but what HSK notices is the way Jack listens to her, which is harder to fake. Even though there is plenty to glean from Nadia’s narration proving Jack cares for her, Nadia downplays it, so it’s nice to have an objective point of view confirming this (even if it’s a serial murderer’s).

4. Also, there are some vague descriptions of Nadia’s physical appearance but HSK describes her as “pretty” and it’s clear some of that is atmospheric – others gravitate towards her because she’s kind. Nadia doesn’t see what Jack and Quinn see in her because she’s learned to treat her care for other people as a liability.



What Doesn't Work For Me

The final chapter is more of an epilogue than a denouement. Just prior, Nadia realizes HSK made her, escapes at the last second, and has a close encounter with HSK. Before this, both Jack and Quinn are anxious about Nadia going it alone. Jack is worried her eagerness will get her killed and Quinn convinces her to take a nap when everything goes down. Because it’s a perfect set up for a major emotional guilt-trip (“Oh my god, Nadia’s still in the house! And it’s going up in flames! If only I hadn’t sent her in alone/convinced her to get some shuteye!”), I feel cheated when the last chapter simply goes through the motions of plot resolution (“we signed each other’s yearbooks, we hopped on a plane home, the end”). EGREGIOUS.

I agree with readers that it is frustrating how Nadia and Jack seem incapable of meaningful communication involving words. When he is open to talking, Nadia isn’t – or he is interrupted. When she has questions, she doesn’t ask them for fear of ruining what she already has with him. What makes this even more infuriating is how Quinn basically falls over himself trying to communicate with Nadia and explain where he is coming from because he cares about her and wants her to know that. And Nadia digs it! But for some reason, it doesn’t occur to her to try the same with Jack... All in all, I’m fine being frustrated here because it proves K.A. has gotten us to care about these characters and it will make for a bigger payoff later when things are hopefully less confusing.

Final Thoughts

What is with the relationship between Jack and Evelyn? Their hotel room conversation seems to be about Nadia. Why does Evelyn bother to get involved in Jack’s love life? Is she trying to manipulate him in some way?

Finally, I’m worried that neither Jack nor Nadia have a clue how to make hot chocolate. In at least two scenes, Jack mixes together hot milk, cocoa powder, sugar and… that’s it. Am I the only one who needs a little vanilla flavor and some salt to smooth that out? I know I know, Jack’s a down-to-earth guy, he’s a man’s man and that’s why he’d use a basic recipe (and Nadia isn’t complaining)… but personally that concoction sounds barely enough like hot chocolate to rival microwaved Yahoo. :P

***

2020.02.11 Review

This book is awesome. It's easier for me to write a review when I have criticisms rather than praise... and so I don't really know what else to say. This book was SO good I inhaled it in less than 24 hours and barely came up for air... and I already want to read it again :) Just what I needed.

Some scattered thoughts:

- I read the Cainsville series before this, so to me the contrast between Jack and Quinn feels like a precursor to the Gabriel/Ricky dynamic. (Exit Strategy was written first.)

- Nadia's POV feels very different from any of the Otherworld narrators. She is concerned with actual justice versus legal justice/misjustice and is a survivor. Her only magic is herself, and even though she's the heroine she has some major flaws, which she knows about or is made aware of. It's nice to see the world from the point of view of someone who is unable to use magic to help her solve serious trauma. (Not like the women of the Otherworld are lightweights - they have their own demons to exorcise - but supernatural abilities help to compensate for that.)

- I echo another reviewer's frustration with the way Jack speaks. Sometimes I had to reread what he said because his chopped up wording was unclear. Again, I think Gabriel is similarly terse but KA smoothed out his speaking style in the Cainsville books.

- The romance level works for me. Readers of the Otherworld series might have a certain level of expectation but Nadia isn't as impulsive as say Elena or Jaime. Nadia is a slow-mover, a slow-truster, and also has a lot else going on, so the romantic pace makes sense for her.

- I appreciate how Nadia is an \\"older\\" heroine - in her thirties. Age doesn't stop her (or Evelyn for that matter) from kicking ass.

Can't wait to read the second one!

The story seems to be slow to pick up momentum. I'm still not sure if I'll ever grow to like Jack.

Nadia, on the other hand, has an interesting love, or perhaps I should say sex, life. It's quite unusual to read a novel about a female lead who experiences intense attractions that seem to emanate from between her legs rather than involving her heart. Of course, in most cases, such characters are often portrayed as psycho or sociopathic. But is Nadia really one of them?

It makes me wonder about the complexity of her character and what might drive her to have such experiences. Maybe there's more to her than meets the eye, and as the story progresses, we'll get a better understanding of her true nature.

Overall, the narrative has piqued my curiosity, and I'm eager to see how the relationships and events unfold for these characters.

I'll commence with my status updates, as they essentially convey the entire essence.

It feels akin to the early days of Anita and Edward in a world devoid of preternatural malevolent entities.

You see, without the allure of the paranormal, sexual chemistry, or quirky personalities, mysteries are dreadfully dull.

I don't peruse straightforward mysteries, or at least not since I've advanced beyond Nancy Drew. No Sherlock Holmes. No Agatha Christie.

J.D. Robb's "In Death" books are mysteries, yet there is a romantic subplot and futuristic snippets here and there. Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" books are mysteries, but the "mystery" serves merely as a framework for the crazy characters. If there wasn't a love triangle or idiosyncratic characters like Lula and Grandma Mauzer, those books would be a failure.

And then there are books such as the "Anita Blake" series. Mystery forms the backbone, but when you consume ribs, you don't desire the bone; you crave all the deliciousness adhering to the bone. The relationships.

It's arduous to fathom the relationships when everyone is spending every moment of the book hidden behind a mask, both literally and figuratively. However, Nadia's relationship with Jack is the closest to being genuine. Student to mentor. A bit softer than what I envision early Edward to Anita, but close enough to strike a chord.

But still, two isolated individuals with nothing and no one to lose. Nadia with a background in law and order, as opposed to Jack, who was an indiscriminate assassin and has reined in a bit over the years. I have the sense that Jack perceives retirement on the horizon and requires a connection to the world, and he has selected Nadia to fulfill that role. Father/mentor/protector. And Nadia, she's flirting with the idea of becoming a vigilante. Apprehending those whom the law couldn't.

This has the potential to evolve into a decent series if only the characters are developed further. It doesn't necessarily have to be a romance, but something more...

3.5 stars.

This rating indicates a moderately positive experience. It shows that there are aspects that are quite good, but perhaps there are also some areas that could be improved.

Maybe the product or service has some nice features, but it might lack a certain level of perfection. It could be that the quality is decent, but not outstanding.

Overall, a 3.5-star rating suggests that it is a worthy option, but it may not be the absolute best in its category. There is room for growth and enhancement to reach a higher level of excellence.

It's important to consider both the positive and negative aspects when evaluating something with a 3.5-star rating to make a more informed decision.

First novel in series with hitwoman lead!

This is an outstanding first novel of a series that truly stands out. The story unfolds at a rapid pace, propelled by a meticulously crafted storyline that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The characters are superbly detailed, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. The lead character, a hitwoman par excellence, is both fascinating and complex. She commands the reader's attention with her skills, determination, and mysterious past. The novel is filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. It's a page-turner that you won't be able to put down.

5 Stars! A must read! This novel is a great start to what promises to be an exciting series. If you're a fan of thrillers, mysteries, or action-packed stories, then this is definitely a book for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the world of this amazing hitwoman and the adventures that await her.

Rounding up on rating.

I really liked this first installment to a great extent. It has left me with a strong desire to discover where the author will lead the story. The premise is truly fascinating. Nadia, a former police officer, is now running a lodge in the Canadian wilderness. Additionally, on the side, she undertakes a few Mafia hits to make ends meet. However, when a hitman turns rogue and embarks on a second career as a serial killer, Nadia teams up with several of her colleagues to bring him down. Naturally, things don't always unfold as planned, and that's precisely where the trouble commences.

I was really impressed by the twists and turns in the plot. There are several potentially interesting relationships for Nadia within the community. There's Jack, the silent and brooding type, and Quinn, a sweeter and more talkative guy. Both of them seem keen on getting to know Nadia better. Then there's also Evelyn, a grandma-type figure who is anything but the typical sweet cooking-baking kind. It all adds up to a story that has me hooked and eager for more.

3/28/18 - ON SALE for $1.99:

3/28/18 - ON SALE for $1.99:

  

I didn't love the first book in this series. However, I did have a great affection for the second and third installments. So, you can draw your own conclusions from that. The author, Kelley Armstrong, has become a source of significant confusion for me. Usually, when I truly adore a series by an author, especially one that ranks among my Top 5 UF Series, other books by the same author are generally a safe bet. I might not love every single thing they write, but for the most part, I like them enough to have them on my auto-buy list. That's not the case here. So far, I've indefinitely rejected her YA books, didn't like the first book in her latest adult UF series (Omens), and now don't much care for this one either. It lacks enough romance to be considered romantic suspense, and it's not scary enough to be a thriller. It doesn't even feel like a straightforward mystery. I'm not sure what it is, but whatever it is, it's at best mediocre.

Why is it mediocre? Well, it's because it's so excruciatingly slow. I think it was around 30% into the book before it became interesting enough for me to continue reading out of more than just a determination to give it a fair chance. And even then, it was still just meh. I never really felt a strong connection to any of the characters. Additionally, the 25-year age gap between the main characters (who might, one day, get together, but not anytime soon) is rather off-putting. She's in her mid-20s, and he's around 50(ish), and that's simply not to my taste. Maybe it'll grow on me if I keep reading these books, or perhaps I'll train myself to ignore it (like Luke Stark's 'stache in Rock Chicks). I don't know. We'll see. What I can tell you is that I have absolutely no desire to immediately read the next book. This was the most boring assassin book I've ever read. I'm actually quite flabbergasted that a book about an assassin could be this dull. I mean, really? How does that even happen?

Yay for libraries!

The narration by Richard Ferrone and Jennifer Ikeda was great. From the very beginning, I was eagerly hoping that the story would come together and draw me in. Sometimes, it takes more than an hour of audio to set up the story and get things moving. Sadly, that didn't occur in this case. I really liked the ideas behind the characters and the plot, but I felt let down by the execution. It was difficult to maintain a suspension of belief and go along with the events that were described.

Some aspects of trauma were handled well. The various reasons why the characters decided to become killers were quite interesting. However, the actual hunt for the serial killer was rather dull.

I think I should go and read Rockton instead.

Reread 09/05/16: Still excellent.

This is an exciting story about a hitwoman. She is hired by a hitman to be part of a group of hitmen. Their task is to track down and eliminate a serial killer who was once a hitman but has now gone mad. Got the gist? Great!

Knowing about Armstrong's other series which are romance-heavy, I didn't expect to enjoy this one as much as I actually did. Nadia is my favorite kind of heroine. She's intelligent and tough. She has her own moral code that is based on her personal experiences, not a naive view of the world. She was a former cop from a family of cops. Her tragic backstory only emphasizes her interest in seeking justice. During one of her cases, Nadia realizes that the suspect will literally get away with murder. So, she makes a career-ending decision to play God. Her colleagues and superiors think her actions are due to PTSD and gently push her out of the service. She tries another lifestyle, like being a lodge owner and a guide for extreme sports, but it leaves her in a very bad financial situation. Would she do it again? Probably.

Coincidentally, a mobster's son comes to stay at her lodge with his friends, and this is how her connection to the seedy underground begins. She has specific criteria for the kinds of hits she will take, but once a decision is made, she has no qualms about the killing. I really like that about a girl.

This is truly a most excellent mystery thriller. Kelley Armstrong has returned, and she is better than ever. It strongly reminds me of her first book, Bitten, not in terms of the subject matter but rather the writing style.

Nadia is an incredibly tough woman, shaped by the hardships she has endured in her past. She has no desire to be seen as a vigilante HitWoman, yet she found herself in this job due to a vigilante act. I can easily envision her accepting Evelyn's job offer. Moreover, she and Jack make a great partnership.

As for the serial killer in this book, he becomes sloppy as his anger towards the other hitmen starts to influence his actions. I am eagerly anticipating the next book, but unfortunately, it won't be released until February of next year. I simply can't wait to continue this thrilling journey and see what awaits Nadia and the others in the next installment.

I have high expectations for the next book, hoping that Kelley Armstrong will once again deliver a captivating and engaging story that will keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

I have a deep affection for this author. However, on this particular occasion, I found it quite challenging to establish a connection with Nadia.

The story, once it began to gain momentum, was actually rather engaging and developed into a satisfactory conclusion.

Nonetheless, there was an exception when it came to the Jack/Quinn angle. This aspect seemed a bit disjointed and didn't quite fit seamlessly into the overall narrative.

Perhaps it was due to the way the characters were developed or the pacing of their storyline.

Despite this minor drawback, I still appreciate the author's efforts and look forward to reading more of their work in the future.

I hope that in their next piece, they will be able to create more well-rounded and relatable characters, and ensure that all the storylines come together cohesively.

Overall, while this particular story had its flaws, it still had many redeeming qualities that made it an enjoyable read.