Skyjack: A Kidnap-and-Ransom Thriller

Book Review - Skyjack was a great follow-up to KJ Howe's first book, The Freedom Broker. Skyjack started off exciting, and it never ended throughout the entire book. Although reading the first book of the series is not necessary, I would recommend it as it provides some back story that will help with some details in Skyjack that will make a little more sense. However, if you choose to simply dive into Skyjack without reading The Freedom Broker, you are still in for a ‘thrilling’ ride. The book kicks off with a scene that could give anyone with a fear of flying mild anxiety, but it starts with a pulse pounding scene that also introduces you to Thea Paris, a powerful woman with amazing courage. KJ Howe also wastes no time in diving into some of the details revealed in the first novel of the series, like that Thea Paris is diabetic (hence, the zero-sugar drink pictured with this review). The book never slows down, and I think Thea Paris is one of the strongest female protagonists in the thriller genre. She and the Quantum team of Kidnap & Ransom specialists are what blockbuster action movie material are made of! This book has it all – a “Broken Arrow” (a military term for an accident involving nuclear weapons), skyjacking (of course), mobsters, kidnapping, terrorist plots, boat chases, and numerous intense shoot outs. At times it seems like a little too much, but overall, it was a fast paced, enjoyable, and suspenseful thriller. I especially appreciate the tremendous amount of research by Howe. It shows in the storyline how details and accuracy make the story. Howe takes the reader to numerous locations and the descriptions were so rich and vivid I truly felt like I was there. This book is a must read for anyone who is a fan of the thriller genre, or just likes an exciting book in general. I cannot recommend it enough.

I was a big fan of the first Thea Paris story, The Freedom Broker, and was glad she was going to be in another book. Skyjack puts her in quite a different situation than The Freedom Broker, one that is suddenly sprung on her while she's right in the middle of it. While Thea is still the protagonist, there's more focus on other characters this time. It's necessary to see the entire plot, which is rather complex and twisted. I thought it was perhaps a little bit too twisty. A couple of twists near the end of the story felt like they were thrown in for the sake of having a twist. There's plenty of action throughout the story. Some events feel like a big-budget action movie. The action moves at a fast pace. The new characters are interesting and feel lifelike, which is one of Howe's biggest strengths. I particularly liked one of the main villains. He's certainly not a good man, but he's not a complete monster and does have standards. He feels like a real person. Howe puts a lot of research into her writing and it shows. The returning characters are still good, although aside from Thea and Rif, they didn't seem to get as much focus this time. I must admit I didn't like this one quite as much as The Freedom Broker, but it is still a very good book. It's not necessary to read The Freedom Broker to understand the plot of Skyjack, but it will help explain certain things, and this book does necessarily spoil a few events of the first book, so I would recommend reading it first.

You're all comfy in your leather club chair on a chartered Boeing Business Jet flight to London when…WTF? Is that the co-pilot banging on the cockpit door, locked out by the pilot? Then you feel your internal organs left behind as that rogue pilot wrenches the 737 into a barrel roll like it’s a tiny aerobatic plane. One wing points straight up. Tortured metal shrieks. Carry-ons and lunch trays and children go flying through the cabin. Somebody’s lasagna splats against your forehead. You’re properly terrified of whatever’s next… Lucky for you that Thea Paris, billionaire’s daughter turned kidnap-foiling security pro, happens to be on board. But your life will get progressively more hazardous as she works her vast skill set against overwhelming odds. Skyjack, the second Thea Paris thriller following her debut in The Freedom Broker, weaves three suspenseful storylines that keep your teeth grinding to the gratifying finale. Author M.J. Howe keeps it real with authentic aeronautic and law-enforcement details, salting the narrative with real-world nuggets from security pros. You’ll learn why U.S. Secret Service agents always pick up cups and tissues used by the President and how a secret paramilitary organization known as “Operation Gladio” still exists in European nations. You can also expect engaging, witty dialogue with some stinging one-liners. And some uncommon character features such as Thea’s need to manage her diabetes while trying to save a plane load of hostages. So if you want to discover a smart, worldly heroine who knows how to jam a loaded Glock pointed at her while breaking the owner’s nose and then explode an incendiary device she keeps in her Travel Pack, trust Thea Paris to both perform as agreed and surprise you.

I enjoyed the book. Fast moving, I was a bit confused at all the moving parts in the beginning, but it soon started falling into place

I had mixed emotions reading this book. Having had some German/Jewish ancestry who managed to get to Ireland and then Australia where I grew up, I thought if crazy Adolph Hitler caused the death of millions through genocide, then why not consider there is more than one crazy power hungry person out there to do the same atrocities against innocent women, men and children?! A distinct possibility. As I continued reading I quickly found myself deeply immersed in the characters, the craziness of genocide, corruption etc., and hate for a specifically targeted group. I met a beautiful Iranian lady in Washington DC on a visit there, (I now reside in the USA) and was touched by her humility and sincerity. I believe there are good people in all nationalities. To target an entire group who are of a particular religion, or from a particular country, is evil. I look forward to reading this authors next novel.

It is clear from K.J. Howe’s second thriller novel, Skyjack (which is even better than her debut thriller, Freedom Broker) that she is an author keenly intent on honing her writing and storytelling skills. The book is a real page turner with lots of interesting plot developments, twists and surprises. It is evident that she has done extensive research into every detail in the book. I also love how she develops her complex characters and the rich interactions between them. KJ has a gift for witty, wry dialogue that is very entertaining and welcomed as a tension reliever – much needed as there is pedal to the metal action and suspense throughout the book! She is also an incredibly visual writer and I would love to see how her books would translate to a movie! If you’re looking for a wildly entertaining ride, Skyjack is a great choice! I can't wait to see what KJ will do for her next thriller!

Well written and easy to follow. Enjoyed the suspense, and liked the characters, but would have liked more info on some of them.

I was first attracted to the Thea Paris Novels because it's intriguing to read about a female action figure with diabetes, like me. Thea wears an insulin pump and a Dexcom G6 sensor, like me. I love these novels! I am inspired by Thea's perils and excited by the accuracy you depict in her daily struggles with T1D and such a strenuous life. Thank you for the adventures and for a heroine that I can relate to emotionally. When I'm reading I transform, in my imagination, and become Thea Paris. I can't wait for the next Thea Paris Novel. Please keep them coming!