Promising Start to Action Packed Steamy Sci-Fi!

I love coming across a "new to me" author, and series and stumbled across Hell Squad while searching for something different to listen too. After reading the reviews, and visiting the author's website, I knew I had to give this series a shot. Now that I've listened, I'm glad I did!

What really caught my attention was the alien invasion/apocalyptic theme, and the romantic relationship that develops between the H/h in a world that has literally gone to hell. Marcus, Elle and the other Hell Squad members are trying to defeat, and destroy the aliens who have invaded earth. In this first book, the Hell Squad team manages a small victory, but the war is far from over. I loved how this story establishes the relationship between the first couple Marcus and Elle, while also laying the foundation for future stories by introducing events, and characters that will take place in the next book. If each book in this series manages to not only develop a steamy relationship between a new H/h, but also build upon the previous book, while further developing the overall plot, I think I am going to really enjoy this series.

Another solid plus, the narration. Jeffrey and Samantha are excellent narrators, who do an outstanding job with the characters, and dialogue. This is a fast paced story, where the scenes can change quickly, and range from intense to steamy, but these narrators flawlessly deliver all the various tones and emotions throughout the story.

A promising audio start to the Hell Squad series, and an excellent KU/whispersync deal! Looking forward to listening to book two.

10 people found this helpful

Great story

BOOK REVIEW.......
Ok first I have to admit that I wasn't really sure I would like this series. While I love love love sci-fi movies and shows I generally have trouble with getting into sci-fi books.

That being said. I love this series! The characters are so full of life and strength. The dialogue is witty and smart. I loved how flawed and messed up everyone is, yet still strong and touch enough to fight back yet. It makes for great obstacles for the characters to have to over come along with the aliens they have to fight.

Now I would be lying if I didn't say that the aliens are a little bit hokey. They are a mixture of different dinosaur/reptilian and human shaped. I wish there was a drawing of them in the books. It would help with picturing them. However they are rather cool sounding and impressively evil wicked buggers.

The characters of Marcus and Elle were well rounded and nicely written.

I would recommend this book and series to anyone looking for a good alien story to read.

Reading order......
- Marcus
- Cruz
- Gabe
- Reed
- Roth
- Noah
- Shaw
- Holmes
- Niko
- Finn

NARRATOR REVIEW.......
The narrators did a good job of bringing the characters to life with their voices.

****Gifted copy****
L.

7 people found this helpful

Good Choices for a fav book

Would you consider the audio edition of Marcus to be better than the print version?

yes because his voice shows his emotional standing which you can hear. In the book you are using your own idea which is not a bad thing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Marcus, because he is the usual good guy who thinks he isn't good enough for the girl he is in love with.

What about Jeffrey Kafer and Samantha Cook ’s performance did you like?

They are both great readers. When I heard Samantha first speak my mind said definitely Elles voice. And she did a fantastic job with the other female characters voices by making them uniquely individual. Jeffrey's voice when i first heard it wasn't as gravelly as i was expecting but it was Marcus just the same. And again he did a great job with the other male characters. I am looking forward to hearing these two read the rest of the series. Having the proper people reading the books will make or break a book and in this case the MADE the book come alive.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definitely made me laugh and cry at the proper spots.

Any additional comments?

I have always had two favorite genres of books that I loved. Sci-fi is my first love with romance next. A friend told me that i should check out Anna Hackett and i could get both of them in the same package so I did and I have been a huge fan since then. There are three writers that i will put down what i am reading to read their latest releases and this awesome lady is one of the three. Thank you Anna Hackett for doing your job so well.

2 people found this helpful

Enjoyable first in series

I enjoyed this book a lot, especially one of my favorite narrators Jeffrey Kafer! The story was a good one about aliens invading, set in Australia. The tough guy hero and fragile looking but tough heroine get together after bumping heads, mostly out of the hero's protective manner. Good book

2 people found this helpful

Cheesy and predictable

Almost didn't finish it. Disappointed that it inspired much eye rolling since it's a series and under the escape package. I'll give the next book a try just in case.

1 person found this helpful

Mostly enjoyed

I enjoyed this for the most part. What irritates me about some of these stories, is when the characters are written to where they think everything bad that is happening is their fault. It's 4 and 1/2 hour story, so there's not enough time for them to do a whole lot of self-flagellation , or excessive brattiness. It straightens up pretty quick.

1 person found this helpful

Brilliant narration for Anna Hackett's 1st Audible

Congratulations Anna Hackett for such a brilliant first Audiobook for your action-packed series Hell Squad.

Marcus has always been my favourite in your alien-invasion series and to hear both Elle and Marcus--spoiling your fans with two narrators for your alternating POV style of storytelling--is an amazing treat. All that heart-pumping, adrenalin-filled tension on paper (or ebook) just got enhanced with Audible.

Thankyou Samantha Cook and Jeffrey Kafer for your brilliant narration, giving life to fans' favourites Elle and Marcus

1 person found this helpful

Spankings as ‘punishment’

As much as I like Ms. Hackett’s stories I had to stop this one in midstream. I have a real issue with men spanking women as punishment. I know that is supposed to be sexy but it’s just simple abuse in my mind. I can no longer respect the male of any story when he has to resort to physical abuse. Spankings as foreplay is another story. I had hope that I could enjoy another series by Ms. Hackett but I won’t pursue this one any further.

Good Start

This series is off to a good start; still follows the usual plot/storyline of other books in this genre; but seems to have an American military theme to it. Narrators were good in their role of bringing characters to life. Hate to witness death because it brings about despair, but this is a part of life. Looking forward to listening to the next book in series.

Marcus

A quick read with a powerful punch! Anna did a great job of building this world. The characters are developed well enough to be relatable and very likable. There is a very nice balance between action, downtime and steam. Her descriptions are so good, she put you right there! I am excited to continue the series!💖