☣️ 🧪 🦠 "Never Miss" (2021) 🦠 🧪 ☣️ - Book Review

 

 

MY REVIEW 

 

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (May 4, 2021) 

Language: English

ISBN-10: 080073839X

ISBN-13: 978-0800738396

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

 

“Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile's life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him--and his research that seems to prove that the Ebola virus was manmade and is about to be weaponized.

With shadowy figures pursuing them and a Mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon must scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. But their warnings fall on deaf ears, and it becomes increasingly clear that there's no one they can trust--except perhaps each other.”

 

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through Revell Reads. A positive review was not required or requested, all words are my own.

 

This was something I wasn’t planning to do – read about a weaponized form of a contagious illness during a pandemic, yet there was something about this book that grabbed my attention. The cover was certainly eye-catching as was the title – Never Miss.

 

As a fan of suspense and intrigue – this was definitely a book I HAD to read. It also helped that the first line of the blurb was “amusing” in the way of it having been said in a Liam Neeson movie, and has taken on a life of its own. In short – if you “know”, then you “KNOW”. In this case, “Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills”. How could I not want to read this?

 

A former assassin, a scientist, a race to stop a biological attack. Sounds like a great pandemic read. And, yet I read this debut novel by Melissa Koslin in two (2) days. There were times I couldn’t put it down, other times I didn’t mind it. It did take a while to get into though, once I did, it became a really fascinating read.

 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some aspects of the story might prove to be triggering for some readers. Also, the idea of a virus being man-made could be seen as contentious.

 

For some readers the mention of abortion might be a bit concerning.

 

Taking this into mind, Koslin creates an intense, gripping, intriguing story that could be very close to reality and could cause readers to become nervous.

 

There is very little action in this standalone read. The short chapters moves the story along without rushing or bogging it down. There will be some technical terms, but not understanding them won’t impact the entertainment aspect of the story.

 

The main two characters are Kadence (love that name) and Lyndon. And, almost immediately there is some sort of connection between the two. It is endearing how Lyndon can “read” her with very few verbal clues. And, the story is told primarily from their POVs. Even the cat, Mac, is an interesting character.

 

Right off readers know who Kadence is – former CIA sniper, assassin, mercenary even … and it is interesting to see this vulnerable side of her right off when she saves Lyndon Vaile’s (a man with triple doctorates) life. Why was she compelled to do it?

 

He is not only smart, but good-looking as well. He can also fight which the reader finds out down the road.

 

Kadence doesn’t anticipate running into the storage unit buyer again. But, she does.

 

Their meeting sets off an exciting chase across the country.

 

Lyndon is being targeted, but why? It’s clear – his research that suggests the Ebola virus, discovered back in November 1976 (the first outbreak), is man-made. His research is personal and goes back to his parents’ death. But, is it factual or fool-hardy?

 

There have been some thefts in the research industry, and after the attempt on Lyndon’s life, he seeks out Dr. Grant. But, Kadence immediately picks up on the jealousy as well as something else. The two move on to someone else – Dr. Ibekwe. And, there begins the confrontation.  

 

At the end of chapter 11, the plot is revealed –> the plans to weaponize the Ebola virus. And, that is also why Lyndon is being sought after. There are times that Lyndon is overwhelmed and his talks with Kadence help him clear his mind. A mind that is impressive and can memories pages of information and recall it just as well.

 

Though the “who” or rather “mastermind” is remains elusive, but the “why” is clear – does Lyndon know how the virus is spread and the science behind it?

 

As they head to Atlanta to warn the CDC, Lyndon sees a message on a screen – only something he would know. And, it is clear this mastermind has no idea who Kadence really is. Up to this point, I had two main suspects for the “mastermind”.

 

It is clear why Kadence is no longer with the CIA – the emotional toll. It was definitely refreshing to see someone react the way she does when it came time to “do a job”.

 

Chapters 13/14, which seem to be the most human part of the story, Kadence reveals to Lyndon who she is and her past – including her family.

 

About halfway in, the attraction between the two takes hold with Lyndon admitting his “feelings”. There are times that Lyndon is overwhelmed and his talks with Kadence help him clear his mind. A mind that is impressive and can memories pages of information and recall it just as well.

 

Lyndon’s research becomes more fact than theory. There is something in a letter his father sent from Africa leading him to another person – Dr. Pearce.

 

From there, Lyndon learns more about his parents’ work in Africa.

 

But, where the two are directed at one point, I didn’t know where the author was going with it, but it did turn out to be rather interesting. Now that they know the plan, Kadence and Lyndon rush to stop it. But, they even are realistic (great point) – no one of importance is likely to listen to them.

 

The story has some twists and turns to be certain. Some I saw clear as glass, others were a bit shocking.

 

The connection between Kadence and Lyndon was as much a shock as who the “mastermind” was. Though, I honestly felt it ended a bit too soon and could’ve probably lasted a few more chapters. Truthfully, the Kadence/Lyndon connection was the best part of the story and I would not have seen that coming.

 

Never Miss is far more intrigue than suspense, with a pinch of romance. In fact, the characters go out of their way to avoid a romantic entanglement. Almost a first. It isn’t that they aren’t attracted to each other, that point is reiterated quite often. They have a priority first – warn someone about an imminent attack.

 

The author points out the realities of Kadence’s job, what she could and couldn’t do with regard to it. There is a job that she did that haunts her and causes her to feel the way she does. There is also a loss Lyndon has suffered and doesn’t want to discuss that either. Despite that, Lyndon is extremely protective of Kadence.

 

I didn’t exactly connect with or was “endeared” by the characters. But, the story was interesting enough.

 

The only point that I had an issue with was the title. I didn’t quite see where it pertained to the story. Though to be honest, this was a rather intriguing read and it might’ve been buried somewhere in the story.

 

Never Miss is distributed by a primarily Christian/faith themed publisher. And, while there are a few references to God, some prayers, and themes of redemption – there are no overt religious tones that would impact the story line in anyway.

 

There is a moment where Kadence and Lyndon are discussing science vs. religion though. It is a respectful and fascinating moment. This is also a clean read with no extensive foul language or references to intimate acts.

 

Fans of suspense and/or intrigue stories will likely enjoy this read. I know I wouldn’t hesitate to read another novel by Koslin.

 

 

 

RATING:

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Melissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Jacksonville, Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun. Find more information on her books at www.MelissaKoslin.com.

 

You can also find her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaKoslin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_koslin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaKoslin

 

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