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Seventh

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2014: THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA.
EASTERN PACIFIC COAST - NEW ZEALAND.

John "Jack" Cade has left his life, an eager and overly-playful wife and a career long behind him.

A decade earlier, destined for a stable and solid progression in the British Police he had quickly risen to fame for his vision and command of an operation targeting a savvy, cruel and frustratingly-well organised Eastern European crime syndicate led by a sociopathic male known as The Jackdaw.

Now as far away from his homeland as he could be without heading home again he had swept the positives and the ghosts of ten years prior under the carpet and had begun to live a life as close to normal as a man with his past ever could.

A memorable night in Hong Kong and a visit from Lady Luck ensured that he could live a comfortable life; picking up an enquiry here and a girl there.

Lately it had been more of the former until stereotypically a girl walked into a bar, started a conversation and captured his imagination.

Younger, achingly attractive, intelligent and yet somehow familiar he began to wonder how he could possibly be so lucky twice.Try as he may, his insecurities controlled his thoughts and limited his actions as again and again two simple words kept forming in his mind.

Why him? Optimism, a rare visitor disagreed. Why not?

Seventh is the first part of a trilogy called the Seventh Wave and is a Jack Cade novel.

638 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2020

9 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Lewis Hastings

9 books20 followers
Self-published author made good!

Published by Hobeck Books in November 2020 Lewis counts a brilliant crime trilogy, The Seventh Wave in his portfolio along with the standalone Jack Cade thriller The Angel of Whitehall and the newly released Jack Cade novel The Chemist!

The first four books were re-released under the banner of Hobeck Books, re-branded and brought bang up to date with some superb cover art.

Lewis's books are described as highly realistic, witty, exciting, thrilling (!).

Hobeck Books describe him as a "Master thriller writer."

He famously sent one of the Hobeck directors' bath water cold as she read his initial submission.

Reviews are pouring in for The Chemist - all five star and focusing on Lewis's ability to place the reader right into the heart of the action:

"It’s dark and gruesome yet I couldn’t tear myself away….. I needed more….. I needed to know….. I needed to see how the story unravelled. My heart is racing just trying to put my thoughts down in this review just as much as it did while I read this book!"

Lewis works internationally in a role that continues to provide great stories - he is married, has two adult children, three amazing grandchildren and lives next to a lake with a Labrador - not ideal bedfellows!

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5 stars
27 (69%)
4 stars
7 (17%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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2 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
174 reviews109 followers
October 7, 2019
For anyone who has experienced significant difficulties or heartache in their past, it is often recommended by others that they "move on."  "Forget about your past and start over", they are told.  This is actually pretty good advice for the most part.  However, what happens when despite your best efforts to evade it... your past finally catches up with you?  What then?  In author Lewis Hasting's novel Seventh, we are introduced to just such a scenario.  For those readers who are looking for a book which puts the "thrill" in the word "thrilling"- you have come to the right place!

Seventh follows the life and escapades of Jack Cade.  We are first introduced to him in New Zealand where he has settled down in an attempt to escape his prior life and make a fresh start.  However, Jack soon discovers that it is not so easy to escape your past.  The secret is that you need to have learned from it first.  Having cut his teeth with the British Police a decade earlier, Jack had become renown for his skill, quick wits and pure determination.  Having taken on a sophisticated and ruthless Eastern European crime syndicate, Jack had more than simply made a name for himself.  He was admired and respected by his colleagues, while hated and despised by the criminal organization which was led by a true sociopathic killer.  However, in the midst of his rise through the ranks, something had gone wrong.  Very wrong indeed!

Fast forward ten years in time and this is where we find Jack in New Zealand trying his best to start anew.  Nevertheless, when a beautiful woman with flaming red hair shows up on his doorstep, Jack Cade is about to learn the true meaning of juxtaposition and reprisal!

There can be little doubt that this is a complex, sophisticated and multi-layered crime thriller.  It has boatloads of action which is sprinkled with bouts of intense romance and passion.  The actual pacing of the novel is superb.  Hastings takes his time when unveiling the raucous sequence of action events.  Instead, we are first introduced to the main characters and able to get to know them and feel the depth and intensity of their relationships.  This makes all the difference when it comes time to unload the frantic pace of action which is to follow.  As readers, we already feel connected to the players.  We care... and this makes the entire story that much more meaningful and engaging.

There is clearly a good versus evil theme running through this story.  It is more than capably supported by the key elements of thriller writing such as suspense, anticipation and excitement.  These elements permeate the tale and will keep the reader captivated and entranced from start to finish.

While the plotting of the story is outstanding, it would still fall flat if it was not supported by dynamic characters.  Fortunately there are a whole host of characters in this book who are compelling, memorable and entirely believable.  They are not simply your perfect heroes or villains.  They are flawed at one moment and meritorious the next!  Very well developed from start to finish.  As the main protagonist, Jack Cade is the most charismatic and engaging, but he is supported by a host of characters who develop and grow steadily throughout the piece.

I truly found this to be an engrossing thriller.  The writing style is excellent and I found it difficult to put this book down.  I was literally glued to the pages from start to finish!  I would give this novel my highest recommendation.  As this is Book One of a Trilogy, I will absolutely be going back for a second and third helping!

5 out of 5 Gripping Stars for this one!
Profile Image for William Lawrence.
354 reviews
October 6, 2019
Jack Cade is an appealing protagonist with much more to learn about in the trilogy. Hastings writes a character you really care for and want to learn more about. The details of the background and perspective are also very realistic. I like this kind of realism in fiction. It's a long read, but I worked through the whole book in about a week in about six sittings.
1 review1 follower
January 27, 2023
If you want an intelligent and compelling page turner this is the book for you. Fast paced, at times funny, and great character development. This is for the crime/thriller fan who likes the intelligence spectre of crime fighting and while there’s plenty of action it’s well balanced, not just a shoot ‘Em all dead approach. Jack Cade is a mix of 007 and Sherlock - brilliant. Have ordered the next instalment and can’t wait to dig in!
Profile Image for Donna Siggers.
Author 12 books19 followers
December 29, 2019
Lewis Hastings has clearly written Seventh from the heart with the ability to draw the reader into his story with him: you truly feel you’re right there alongside his characters every step of the way. He does not hold back, even slightly: some of his scenes convey the acts of evil people and he has a way of getting under your skin with his words. Every crime thriller needs twists and you are treated to plenty when they are least anticipated. Expect adrenaline surges, plenty of testosterone,comradery, deceit, empathy and extreme hate in this intense journey that is full of tension, suspense, action, drama and intrigue. A police procedural packed full of detail with plenty of lighter moments, this author has an obvious sense of humour that will have you smiling between the darker moments. Jack Cade, (the main character) has you under no illusions as to who or what he likes, is a trained survivor and someone you would want in your corner in a real situation – his passion for his work shines through dialogue and text conveying body language. A very clever novel
2 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2021
A ripping thriller written with passion. The evocative descriptions and detail given to the minor characters and settings shows that the author is deeply drawing on real life people and experiences to paint us the tapestry that Jack Cade is adventuring in. As a Kiwi I love the NZ tie in at the start and as someone who works in the international border space I know how reality can be stranger than fiction. Better work stories.
Overall it was a great read and I am off to go buy the rest of his other works.
Profile Image for Alex Jones.
773 reviews16 followers
December 23, 2020
Firstly my thanks to the Author, who goes by the pseudonym of Lewis Hastings, for my gifted copy of the first in his Seventh Wave Trilogy , Seventh.

In this first book, we are introduced to John ‘Jack’ Cade, a seemingly off grid, ex British Police Officer amongst other things, now living the quiet life in New Zealand.

Inexplicably drawn back in to his old life by Elena, a mysterious Bulgarian visitor, who turns up seeking Jack out.

A story ensues that takes us back to Jack’s earlier life and career, via Hong Kong and Nottingham on to the streets of London, as Jack battles with an Eastern European Crime Syndicate deeply rooted in financial crime and far ahead of its time , headed up by the evil ‘Jackdaw’

Whilst opening with a slower pace, Lewis Hastings soon launches us into a fast paced, riotous and chaotic tale, as Jack takes no prisoners in his quest, to both serve and protect.

Introducing some fantastic characters, Carrie O’Shea and Jason Roberts in particular, Hastings writes both likeable but equally flawed characters, his characters feel very human, especially Jack himself - there is one character I hope to read again after his short cameo, DJ Pullen, a very funny twist amongst the dramatic events.

On that note while this is a crime tale, there is plenty of humour to make you smile as Hastings cuts the tension at times with wit and skill.

This is, for me, quite a serious crime thriller, it feels very real and I expect the author is sharing some real life experience.

The book was a deeply immersive read, it’s not a short read by any means , it’s a story that will pull you into the dark, powerful underworld of Eastern Europe, full of action, humour, drama, suspense and love and at times seriously emotional, this is a fantastic read.

The writing is strong, impressive and never bogs you down with unnecessary detail. It feels like a real labour of love from the writer, and it really is very good.

As it closes out it only left me wanting to read more, so I will be picking up the next in this trilogy to see what Jack Cade has in store next in his fight against the Seventh Wave.

5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Highly Recommended.
2 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2021
A ripping thriller written with passion. The evocative descriptions and detail given to the minor characters and settings shows that the author is deeply drawing on real life people and experiences to paint us the tapestry that Jack Cade is adventuring in. As a Kiwi I love the NZ tie in at the start and as someone who works in the international border space I know how reality can be stranger than fiction. Better work stories.
Overall it was a great read and I am off to go buy the rest of his other works.
Profile Image for Carole Gourlay .
546 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2020
While I predominantly read crime novels/thrillers, occasionally I come across a book that is sooo exciting, it’s leaves an indelible imprint on my memory. This is one such book, it’s global travel and fast pace kept me entertained for days (the book is such good value it’s 11 + hours long). Coupled with the fact that it is based on truth, it is the author telling his story, and it really is worth reading.

It starts of in New Zealand, one of the places on my bucket list, goes to Hong Kong (been there a few times) and ends up in London .

I’m not going into detail of the story, as I don’t want to spoil it, and there is enough in the synopsis to give the reader the general idea.

I came across Lewis on Twitter through another authors whose books I read, it immediately took my fancy, and now I’m off reading the rest of the trilogy, knowing that the truth is out there.
Profile Image for Natalie.
74 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2023
What a story and what a journey! Had me engrossed from start to finish, causing a few late nights not wanting to put it down! Action packed and I really loved Jack Cades integrity and passion. Highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to discover and read more from Lewis Hastings. Absolutely brilliant and fabulously written.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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