The Black Raven's Song, A Chase Harper Thriller by Macklin Grey, follows the titular Chase Harper, whose suicidal thoughts are ultimately set aside when he is called to help Carolyn Watts with critical negotiations for McConner Industries, in the throes of a financial crisis triggered by a nuclear explosion in Russia. As they work through the chaos of Singapore, including rising pressure and a catastrophic explosion, they become embroiled in a kidnapping plot orchestrated by North Korean operatives. Simultaneously, Rizak is up to his neck in his own troubles as an Iranian agent, with malaria and logistical issues hampering the fulfilling of his mission. All of this converges with Chase's determination to rescue three kidnapped women, Carolyn and Lyla among them, inevitably leading to a high-stakes confrontation across dangerous international waters.

The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey delivers a gripping thriller with a fast-paced, high-stakes plot that lives up to its genre. The story moves swiftly between global locations, from Singapore to Mozambique, as Chase and Co. plow through corporate crises, espionage, and just plain survival. Chase Harper is both deeply troubled and undeniably likeable, and his emotional scars make him feel human even as he performs the superhuman in his unique line of work. Grey’s writing is taut and engaging, balancing a hearty amount of action with scenes of real emotion. Mostly, that emotion is fear and anxiety on the part of the reader, but it is shared by the characters also. We're all in this together. Fans of international thrillers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages, and looking forward to what comes next in the series. Very highly recommended.

The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey is a gripping espionage thriller that plunges readers into a world of international intrigue, high-stakes action, and personal loss. After a nuclear explosion in St. Petersburg throws the world into chaos, former mercenary Chase Harper is pulled back into the deadly world he tried to escape. When North Korean assassins target his closest friends, Chase must confront his past, rekindle his lethal skills, and stop a catastrophic attack. With his family’s memory and millions of lives at stake, he navigates a perilous mission to prevent global disaster. Grey offers readers a brilliant mix of fast-paced action and deep emotional drama with a dynamic and lovable protagonist that makes the stakes feel personal and urgent at every turn.

Chase may be a dangerous mercenary, but the description of his physical trials and psychological experiences makes him deeply human, with readers feeling every aspect of pain, conflict, and triumph right by his side. I was also surprised and impressed by the depth of the underlying themes of grief, redemption, and the cost of violence in such a high-octane action-thriller. This elevated the novel beyond the typical adventures in this genre in a powerful, emotive way. The intricate plot, filled with espionage, conspiracies, and international threats at every turn, shows Macklin Grey's talent for crafting a complex narrative that remains easy to follow yet hard to predict. The structure and pacing are ideal for bringing new information to light and rocketing readers into the next twist. The author also has a vivid and cinematic writing style that makes each scene leap off the page, immersing the reader in Chase’s dangerous world of covert operations and deadly enemies. Atmospheric language and interesting locations heighten the mood and the tension all the more. Overall, I’d highly recommend The Black Raven's Song for fans of gripping, well-paced action thrillers.

BLACK RAVEN’S SONG by Macklin Grey
Excellent Spy Thriller

Seldom does the first novel by a new author burst upon the scene like The Black Raven’s Song!

Written as a near past to current first hand account, a military spy scrambles to stop a catastrophic nuclear explosion by a rogue state-sponsored organization. While tracing the components of the bomb, the spy and an unlikely ally agent move through the underground of gangs and foreign agents in international backwaters on several continents.

No matter what your favorite genre, this novel is frighteningly compelling.