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Joe Ledger #10
Deep Silence
The tenth Joe Ledger novel in the New York Times bestselling series
Terrorists-for-hire have created a weapon that can induce earthquakes and cause dormant volcanoes to erupt. One terrifying side-effect of the weapon is that prior to the devastation, the vibrations drive ordinary people to suicide and violence. A wave of madness begins sweeping the country beginning with a mass shooting in Congress. Joe Ledger and his team go on a wild hunt to stop the terrorists and uncover the global super-power secretly funding them. At every step the stakes increase as it becomes clear that the end-game of this campaign of terror is igniting the Yellowstone caldera, the super-volcano that could destroy America.
DEEP SILENCE pits Joe Ledger against terrorists with bleeding-edge science weapons, an international conspiracy, ancient technologies from Atlantis and Lemuria, and an escalating threat that could crack open the entire Earth.
Terrorists-for-hire have created a weapon that can induce earthquakes and cause dormant volcanoes to erupt. One terrifying side-effect of the weapon is that prior to the devastation, the vibrations drive ordinary people to suicide and violence. A wave of madness begins sweeping the country beginning with a mass shooting in Congress. Joe Ledger and his team go on a wild hunt to stop the terrorists and uncover the global super-power secretly funding them. At every step the stakes increase as it becomes clear that the end-game of this campaign of terror is igniting the Yellowstone caldera, the super-volcano that could destroy America.
DEEP SILENCE pits Joe Ledger against terrorists with bleeding-edge science weapons, an international conspiracy, ancient technologies from Atlantis and Lemuria, and an escalating threat that could crack open the entire Earth.
17 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 30, 2018
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
271 books7,522 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a New York Times best-seller and Audible #1 bestseller, five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer. He is the editor of WEIRD TALES Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He is the recipient of the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and was named one of the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than thirty countries. He writes in several genres including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery; and he writes for adults, middle grade, and young adult.
Jonathan is the creator, editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES).
His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; was named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, an American Library Association Top Pick, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; winner of several state Teen Book Awards including the Cricket, Nutmeg and MASL; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013). BROKEN LANDS, the first of a new spin-off series, debuted in 2018 and was followed by LOST ROADS in fall 2020. ROT & RUIN is in development for film by ALCON ENTERTAINMENT and was adapted as a WEBTOON (a serialized comic formatted for cell phones), becoming their #1 horror comic.
His novels include the enormously popular Joe Ledger series from St. Martin’s Griffin (PATIENT ZERO, 2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel) and eleven other volumes, most recently RELENTLESS. His middle grade novel, THE NIGHTSIDERS BOOK 1: THE ORPHAN ARMY (Simon & Schuster) was named one the 100 Best Books for Children 2015. His standalone novels include MARS ONE, GLIMPSE, INK, GHOSTWALKERS (based on the DEADLANDS role-playing game), X-FILES ORIGINS: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, and THE WOLFMAN --winner of the Scribe Award for Best Movie Adaptation
His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books (GHOST ROAD BLUES, 2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium; DEAD MAN’S SONG, 2007; and BAD MOON RISING, 2008; as well as DEAD OF NIGHT, and its sequels, FALL OF NIGHT, DARK OF NIGHT, and STILL OF NIGHT.
His epic fantasy series, KAGEN THE DAMNED debuts in May 2022. And he just signed to co-author (with Weston Ochse) a new series of military science fiction novels that launches the SLEEPERS series. Jonathan will also be launching a new series of science fiction horror novels for the newly established Weird Tales Presents imprint of Blackstone Publishing.
He is also the editor of three THE X-FILES anthologies; the dark fantasy anthology series, OUT OF TUNE; SCARY OUT THERE, an anthology of horror for teens; and the anthologies ALIENS: BUG HUNT, NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD (with George Romero), JOE LEDGER UNSTOPPABLE (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt); two volumes of mysteries: ALTERNATE SHERLOCKS and THE GAME’S AFOOT (with Michael Ventrella); and ALIENS V PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt). He is also the editor of DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, the official tribute to SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. His next anthology will be ALIENS VS PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt), debuting in spring 2022.
Jonathan was an expert on the History Channel documentary series, ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. And he was participated in the commentary track for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: REANIMATED.
His many nonfiction works include VAMPIRE UNIVERSE (Citadel Press, 2006); THE CRYPTOPED
Jonathan is the creator, editor and co-author of V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology from IDW Publishing that was adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder (LOST, VAMPIRE DIARIES).
His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN (2011; was named in Booklist’s Ten Best Horror Novels for Young Adults, an American Library Association Top Pick, a Bram Stoker and Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading winner; winner of several state Teen Book Awards including the Cricket, Nutmeg and MASL; winner of the Cybils Award, the Eva Perry Mock Printz medal, Dead Letter Best Novel Award, and four Melinda Awards); DUST & DECAY (winner of the 2011 Bram Stoker Award; FLESH & BONE (winner of the Bram Stoker Award; 2012; and FIRE & ASH (August 2013). BROKEN LANDS, the first of a new spin-off series, debuted in 2018 and was followed by LOST ROADS in fall 2020. ROT & RUIN is in development for film by ALCON ENTERTAINMENT and was adapted as a WEBTOON (a serialized comic formatted for cell phones), becoming their #1 horror comic.
His novels include the enormously popular Joe Ledger series from St. Martin’s Griffin (PATIENT ZERO, 2009, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel) and eleven other volumes, most recently RELENTLESS. His middle grade novel, THE NIGHTSIDERS BOOK 1: THE ORPHAN ARMY (Simon & Schuster) was named one the 100 Best Books for Children 2015. His standalone novels include MARS ONE, GLIMPSE, INK, GHOSTWALKERS (based on the DEADLANDS role-playing game), X-FILES ORIGINS: DEVIL’S ADVOCATE, and THE WOLFMAN --winner of the Scribe Award for Best Movie Adaptation
His horror novels include The Pine Deep Trilogy from Pinnacle Books (GHOST ROAD BLUES, 2006, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and named one of the 25 Best Horror Novels of the New Millennium; DEAD MAN’S SONG, 2007; and BAD MOON RISING, 2008; as well as DEAD OF NIGHT, and its sequels, FALL OF NIGHT, DARK OF NIGHT, and STILL OF NIGHT.
His epic fantasy series, KAGEN THE DAMNED debuts in May 2022. And he just signed to co-author (with Weston Ochse) a new series of military science fiction novels that launches the SLEEPERS series. Jonathan will also be launching a new series of science fiction horror novels for the newly established Weird Tales Presents imprint of Blackstone Publishing.
He is also the editor of three THE X-FILES anthologies; the dark fantasy anthology series, OUT OF TUNE; SCARY OUT THERE, an anthology of horror for teens; and the anthologies ALIENS: BUG HUNT, NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD (with George Romero), JOE LEDGER UNSTOPPABLE (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt); two volumes of mysteries: ALTERNATE SHERLOCKS and THE GAME’S AFOOT (with Michael Ventrella); and ALIENS V PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt). He is also the editor of DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, the official tribute to SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. His next anthology will be ALIENS VS PREDATOR: ULTIMATE PREY (with Bryan Thomas Schmidt), debuting in spring 2022.
Jonathan was an expert on the History Channel documentary series, ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. And he was participated in the commentary track for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: REANIMATED.
His many nonfiction works include VAMPIRE UNIVERSE (Citadel Press, 2006); THE CRYPTOPED
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
March 20, 2022
Old review from 2018.
Well, I must confess that this isn't even close to my favorite SMS/Joe Ledger book. But, in all fairness, I've never read a Ledger book that I didn't love. Joe is one of my book beau's. I love him dearly. This book just didn't grab me by the short hairs. Although, I loved the ending. Maybe it was because I read this book at the same time that agent orange "Trump" sucked Putin's um...diddley whacker on a world stage, "seriously, what the hell?" Funny how some books almost seem to know what's going on in the world. Maybe Mr. Maberry has a crystal ball? This book, while not my favorite, still rocked my footies off! I'd recommend this and really the whole series. My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Jonathan Maberry, and Netgalley for this arc.
Well, I must confess that this isn't even close to my favorite SMS/Joe Ledger book. But, in all fairness, I've never read a Ledger book that I didn't love. Joe is one of my book beau's. I love him dearly. This book just didn't grab me by the short hairs. Although, I loved the ending. Maybe it was because I read this book at the same time that agent orange "Trump" sucked Putin's um...diddley whacker on a world stage, "seriously, what the hell?" Funny how some books almost seem to know what's going on in the world. Maybe Mr. Maberry has a crystal ball? This book, while not my favorite, still rocked my footies off! I'd recommend this and really the whole series. My thanks to St. Martin's Press, Jonathan Maberry, and Netgalley for this arc.
November 6, 2018
I could have done without the Trump derangement syndrome. I read books to escape the political hate. I have enjoyed the Joe Ledger series. I wish Jonathan Maberry did not use this book to attack the President.
March 12, 2021
This is the first 4-star I'm giving to a Joe Ledger novel instead of a full 5-star since way back in the 2nd book of the series The Dragon Factory. The plot was great, just as the characters as always; it was a continuation of Kill Switch's Cthulhu Mythology in Ledger-verse while merging with Extinction Machine's Alien Conspiracy to show us that yes, the aliens/alien-spaceships ('T-Crafts') from 'Extinction Machine' was indeed from later-revealed 'Kill Switch's whole parallel-Cthulhu-monster-universe, which is absolutely brilliant and answered so many questions.
BUT, unfortunately the execution was not so great, the pacing was uneven and all over the place. After the BIG mid-action sequence involving Washington DC, waaay too many expositions and info-dumpings and hand-wringings gone on for too many pages, making the pace came to a grinding halt in the second-half, instead of the opposite happening (like all other cases of this series, even the aforementioned Dragon Factory which had an uneven first-half but the second-half was pure adrenaline-rush!). Too much catching up that became even more problematic as we readers more or less already got the gist from all the flashbacks in the first-half and are now patiently waiting for our heroes to get up to speed. Maberry is a master of 'Show, Don't Tell' narration, but this time he fumbled, in my opinion. Also, too many new characters/team-members in Echo Team introducing straight to mission without properly building up their identities first like previous books, I had a really confusing time getting lost between 'Tate' or 'Duffy' or 'Cole' or 'Smith' (Not to mention all their various call-signs as well!). Yeah, truth be told, I don't remember when was the last time I had such a hard time going through the second half of a frekking Joe Ledger thriller!
Anyway, ranting over. Other than these nit-pickings, the book was a blast as usual for a Joe Ledger novel. All the mindblowing ingenious storylines and weird-sci-fi-monster-fantasy-thriller elements we've come to expect from Maberry's endless bag of tricks. As I've mentioned this is a direct continuation of Kill Switch-storyline (like Code Zero was Patient Zero's, or Predator One was The King of Plagues's), which is one of my three top most favorite Ledger thrillers, so any fan of weird Lovecraftian Cthulhu Myth/Ledgerverse mash-up is in for a treat. My only gripe is that this could've been one of the best, instead of ending up being just merely good.
A slight issue if I may add, I didn't really care for the strong undercurrent of real-life political views and political opinions running throughout the whole book. I have no problem with political plots inspired from real-world, but personal political opinions and perspectives strong-arming into otherwise unrelated genre-thrillers without much rhymes or reasons is bit too much for me. At first it was amusing, but then it got way too over-the-top.
P.S. Looks like Ledger-series will change its name to 'Rogue Team International' from the upcoming book, which to me feels completely unnecessary, as the series up-to this point was called JOE LEDGER, not 'Department of Military Sciences', so as long as Ledger is here, the series could've go on by his name as well. But I guess the author knows best.
BUT, unfortunately the execution was not so great, the pacing was uneven and all over the place. After the BIG mid-action sequence involving Washington DC, waaay too many expositions and info-dumpings and hand-wringings gone on for too many pages, making the pace came to a grinding halt in the second-half, instead of the opposite happening (like all other cases of this series, even the aforementioned Dragon Factory which had an uneven first-half but the second-half was pure adrenaline-rush!). Too much catching up that became even more problematic as we readers more or less already got the gist from all the flashbacks in the first-half and are now patiently waiting for our heroes to get up to speed. Maberry is a master of 'Show, Don't Tell' narration, but this time he fumbled, in my opinion. Also, too many new characters/team-members in Echo Team introducing straight to mission without properly building up their identities first like previous books, I had a really confusing time getting lost between 'Tate' or 'Duffy' or 'Cole' or 'Smith' (Not to mention all their various call-signs as well!). Yeah, truth be told, I don't remember when was the last time I had such a hard time going through the second half of a frekking Joe Ledger thriller!
Anyway, ranting over. Other than these nit-pickings, the book was a blast as usual for a Joe Ledger novel. All the mindblowing ingenious storylines and weird-sci-fi-monster-fantasy-thriller elements we've come to expect from Maberry's endless bag of tricks. As I've mentioned this is a direct continuation of Kill Switch-storyline (like Code Zero was Patient Zero's, or Predator One was The King of Plagues's), which is one of my three top most favorite Ledger thrillers, so any fan of weird Lovecraftian Cthulhu Myth/Ledgerverse mash-up is in for a treat. My only gripe is that this could've been one of the best, instead of ending up being just merely good.
A slight issue if I may add, I didn't really care for the strong undercurrent of real-life political views and political opinions running throughout the whole book. I have no problem with political plots inspired from real-world, but personal political opinions and perspectives strong-arming into otherwise unrelated genre-thrillers without much rhymes or reasons is bit too much for me. At first it was amusing, but then it got way too over-the-top.
P.S. Looks like Ledger-series will change its name to 'Rogue Team International' from the upcoming book, which to me feels completely unnecessary, as the series up-to this point was called JOE LEDGER, not 'Department of Military Sciences', so as long as Ledger is here, the series could've go on by his name as well. But I guess the author knows best.
October 29, 2020
I can honestly say this was worth the wait! Hands down in the top 3 best books of the series. Ledger, Ghost and the gang are faced with a new face on an old foe in Deep Silence (no spoilers). Action scenes are top notch, we get new light shed on character backgrounds and see the home team save the day by the - literal- skin of their teeth.
A side note (mild spoiler): While I thought the depiction of the fictitious new commander in chief was funny and played well with the banter we have come to know and love - some who have a less evolved sense of humor may get their panties in a bunch at the coincidental similarities to a real life "character".
A side note (mild spoiler): While I thought the depiction of the fictitious new commander in chief was funny and played well with the banter we have come to know and love - some who have a less evolved sense of humor may get their panties in a bunch at the coincidental similarities to a real life "character".
December 26, 2018
Can't wait for the adventures of Joe Ledger to continue.
April 17, 2022
After a disappointing book nine, Deep Silence drops a lot of the corniness and gets back to the straight up thrilling action and intensity found in earlier Ledger books. Great read, can’t wait to start the new international series.
January 15, 2020
My review of DEEP SILENCE can be found at High Fever Books.
Joe Ledger and the DMS are back for a tenth go-round in Deep Silence, their most dangerous case yet. Terrorists are attacking the US with a radical new technology that not only triggers massive localized earthquakes, but drives the people caught in the fray insane. As if that weren’t bad enough, the DMS find themselves on the outs thanks to political in-fighting and the newly elected President of the United States who is seeking to bench them.
So, let’s get this out of the way straight off — yes, the POTUS depicted here is a very clear riff on on the real-world Twitterer-In-Chief, Donald Trump, America’s own orange, thin-skinned, fascist, racist lump of crap who pretty clearly suffers from dementia and is currently waging war against (and how I wish I were joking) flushing toilets and light-bulbs. Jonathan Maberry does a great job capturing Trump’s likeness here, right down to the utter ineptitude, ignorance, flat-out stupidity, and flagrant disregard for, well, literally everything except his own narcissistic self. Trump is very clearly the living embodiment of everything wrong with America, all rolled up into one insufferable living creature, writ large, and given the nuclear codes. The president of Deep Silence doesn’t come across any different. He’s ignorant, self-absorbed, reckless, and gives not a single crap about America or the potential devastation a terror attack could unleash.
In other words, it’s exactly the perfect time for terrorists to launch devastating attacks to destroy America. Maberry spends some time waxing philosophical about the current national nightmare that lives in Washington, D.C. and the extreme polarization of the right wring from the rest of the country, but I’d be hard pressed to deny the accuracy of the viewpoints exhibited by characters like Mr. Church. Joe Ledger and his crew operate in our world, and it’d be pretty silly if Maberry were to ignore our current state of disarray. It’s an uncomfortable and unfortunate time in America right now, and our art is a reflecting pool of the real world and real-world trends. If anything, such a reflection here certainly helps ratchet up the tension even further, as the DMS has their backs up against the wall more than ever before, and in more than one way. They’re forced to operate without the support of the government, and at times even have to contend with open interference from the nation’s leadership (a word that, of course, must be used exceedingly lightly, and preferably with a sneer, in reference to Trump). Mind you, there’s certainly no shortage of tension in this one, particularly as past threats resurface, new ones make themselves known, and Echo Team finds themselves way in over their heads in very short order.
Maberry does a fantastic job staging large scale mayhem and small, localized horrors. From the devastating earthquake attacks to more personal concerns, like failing health and the threat of certain death, we’re right in the thick of it. The climax is a study in hopelessness and despair, and the action sequences as Ledger and his crew attempt to save the world are a riveting, edge-of-your seat ride. It’s brutal and heart-aching, and at times a bit trippy and coolly otherworldly, and always oh so good.
But don’t let the book copy fool you! Although Deep Silence is billed as “the final Joe Ledger novel,” have no fear, dear readers. Maberry isn’t finished with Ma Ledger’s favorite boy just yet. And neither am I.
Joe Ledger and the DMS are back for a tenth go-round in Deep Silence, their most dangerous case yet. Terrorists are attacking the US with a radical new technology that not only triggers massive localized earthquakes, but drives the people caught in the fray insane. As if that weren’t bad enough, the DMS find themselves on the outs thanks to political in-fighting and the newly elected President of the United States who is seeking to bench them.
So, let’s get this out of the way straight off — yes, the POTUS depicted here is a very clear riff on on the real-world Twitterer-In-Chief, Donald Trump, America’s own orange, thin-skinned, fascist, racist lump of crap who pretty clearly suffers from dementia and is currently waging war against (and how I wish I were joking) flushing toilets and light-bulbs. Jonathan Maberry does a great job capturing Trump’s likeness here, right down to the utter ineptitude, ignorance, flat-out stupidity, and flagrant disregard for, well, literally everything except his own narcissistic self. Trump is very clearly the living embodiment of everything wrong with America, all rolled up into one insufferable living creature, writ large, and given the nuclear codes. The president of Deep Silence doesn’t come across any different. He’s ignorant, self-absorbed, reckless, and gives not a single crap about America or the potential devastation a terror attack could unleash.
In other words, it’s exactly the perfect time for terrorists to launch devastating attacks to destroy America. Maberry spends some time waxing philosophical about the current national nightmare that lives in Washington, D.C. and the extreme polarization of the right wring from the rest of the country, but I’d be hard pressed to deny the accuracy of the viewpoints exhibited by characters like Mr. Church. Joe Ledger and his crew operate in our world, and it’d be pretty silly if Maberry were to ignore our current state of disarray. It’s an uncomfortable and unfortunate time in America right now, and our art is a reflecting pool of the real world and real-world trends. If anything, such a reflection here certainly helps ratchet up the tension even further, as the DMS has their backs up against the wall more than ever before, and in more than one way. They’re forced to operate without the support of the government, and at times even have to contend with open interference from the nation’s leadership (a word that, of course, must be used exceedingly lightly, and preferably with a sneer, in reference to Trump). Mind you, there’s certainly no shortage of tension in this one, particularly as past threats resurface, new ones make themselves known, and Echo Team finds themselves way in over their heads in very short order.
Maberry does a fantastic job staging large scale mayhem and small, localized horrors. From the devastating earthquake attacks to more personal concerns, like failing health and the threat of certain death, we’re right in the thick of it. The climax is a study in hopelessness and despair, and the action sequences as Ledger and his crew attempt to save the world are a riveting, edge-of-your seat ride. It’s brutal and heart-aching, and at times a bit trippy and coolly otherworldly, and always oh so good.
But don’t let the book copy fool you! Although Deep Silence is billed as “the final Joe Ledger novel,” have no fear, dear readers. Maberry isn’t finished with Ma Ledger’s favorite boy just yet. And neither am I.
May 23, 2022
Excellent wrap up book to end the first Joe Ledger series and transition to the Rogue Team international spin off. As always Mr. Mayberry delivers some fast paced and intense action that just moves you through the book before you know it is ending. Always a fun ride with Joe ledger and the DMS. Very recommended
January 28, 2020
What a ride!
Here we join Captain Ledger and the DMS team, once again facing bad publicity and once again, saving the world.
Everyone is here, including Mr. Church, Aunt Sally and Ghost. Instead of Doctor Hu, we now have Doc Holiday, and, (of course), she's related to the real Doc Holiday.
This series has been a huge part of my life over the past 6 months. I feel like I know all of these people, (and Ghost), as well as, or maybe even better than, my own family. In fact, I like these people MORE than most of my own family.
Thanks to Jonathan Maberry and Ray Porter for the many, many hours of enjoyment I've spent with the Department of Military Sciences. I'm looking forward to joining everyone again in RAGE: ROGUE TEAM INTERNATIONAL.
Until then? HOOAH!
*I rejoined Audible solely due to this series. I was tired of waiting for the audios to come in at the library. Plus, the library didn't have them all on audio. I do not for one second regret this decision.*
Here we join Captain Ledger and the DMS team, once again facing bad publicity and once again, saving the world.
Everyone is here, including Mr. Church, Aunt Sally and Ghost. Instead of Doctor Hu, we now have Doc Holiday, and, (of course), she's related to the real Doc Holiday.
This series has been a huge part of my life over the past 6 months. I feel like I know all of these people, (and Ghost), as well as, or maybe even better than, my own family. In fact, I like these people MORE than most of my own family.
Thanks to Jonathan Maberry and Ray Porter for the many, many hours of enjoyment I've spent with the Department of Military Sciences. I'm looking forward to joining everyone again in RAGE: ROGUE TEAM INTERNATIONAL.
Until then? HOOAH!
*I rejoined Audible solely due to this series. I was tired of waiting for the audios to come in at the library. Plus, the library didn't have them all on audio. I do not for one second regret this decision.*
January 1, 2019
It starts out with a familiar scene that is a carbon copy from a previous book. Secret government agents again are trying to arrest Joe Ledger at the grave site of his former lover. A sacred site where grief and guilt meet. Big mistake."Badge me or blow me" is Joe's response before fist and feet start to fly and in 2 seconds all is over. Meanwhile elsewhere, catastrophic earthquakes happening everywhere with some suicides and murder in the mix. It takes awhile to figure out what is going on and who is behind the mayhem as this story jumps from scene to scene. A tiny, bit confusing. Hang on, it will become clear, mostly. Obviously a project for the DMS, Dept. of Military Science. A top secret agency for unusual types of terrorist acts. Things quickly escalate and a mystery within a mystery begins to shape that needs further exploration. Green crystals that cause havoc and madness if anyone comes in contact. And what is with the green gun? Joe has a few strange encounters that could be real or maybe a hallucination. Personally, I am on Team, "I want to believe". And I am a card carrying member of Team Leger.
All members of Echo team are present, Joe,Top, Bunny and adorable but tough, occasionally ball licking, farting military dog Ghost. There a few new members you pray are not Red Shirts. Church, head of the DMS, shows some, wait for it....Emotion. No way of telling who will survive this adventure. Joe is as always tough as nails and yet vulnerable and scared and again taken to the breaking point. Brutal action scenes which is where author Maberry excels and with all the right new shiny tech toys in place from a friend in the industry to get the jump on the enemy. And a poke at current political madness tossed in without getting too political. You will need to have read Kill Switch to really appreciate this book. I recently re-read it and things make so much more sense. As always I want more. More action. More side characters. More snarky Joe and gentle psychic Julie. More Bug, IT expert, Bunny and Top. More Ghost. And ending that made want the next installment now. Lots of loose ends here need sewing up. Hurry up Jonathan Mayberry, get writing.
All members of Echo team are present, Joe,Top, Bunny and adorable but tough, occasionally ball licking, farting military dog Ghost. There a few new members you pray are not Red Shirts. Church, head of the DMS, shows some, wait for it....Emotion. No way of telling who will survive this adventure. Joe is as always tough as nails and yet vulnerable and scared and again taken to the breaking point. Brutal action scenes which is where author Maberry excels and with all the right new shiny tech toys in place from a friend in the industry to get the jump on the enemy. And a poke at current political madness tossed in without getting too political. You will need to have read Kill Switch to really appreciate this book. I recently re-read it and things make so much more sense. As always I want more. More action. More side characters. More snarky Joe and gentle psychic Julie. More Bug, IT expert, Bunny and Top. More Ghost. And ending that made want the next installment now. Lots of loose ends here need sewing up. Hurry up Jonathan Mayberry, get writing.
July 16, 2018
Okay, I’m not going to lie.
My all time favorite Jonathan Maberry character was Chong from the Rot & Ruin series. However Joe Ledger runs a close 2nd. And I was beyond thrilled to read this book.
Deep Silence is just about everything you want from a Maberry book. It’s a fast, hard, action packed read that still manages to pull your heartstrings – even as you’re left gasping for breath. The fate of America is at stake and the danger is epic! (It’s also got something special for horror readers – no spoilers!)
Ledger and the team are just as sharp and edgy as ever and the danger is omnipresent.
Some readers may have a little trouble with the time jumps. The initial part of the book jumps all over the place in time – but Maberry handles it well. Stick with it because he manages to tell a very complete story this way, giving the reader a very complete understanding of all the players in our drama.
This is a very welcome entry into the Ledger world – and it’s just a blast and a half to read!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
My all time favorite Jonathan Maberry character was Chong from the Rot & Ruin series. However Joe Ledger runs a close 2nd. And I was beyond thrilled to read this book.
Deep Silence is just about everything you want from a Maberry book. It’s a fast, hard, action packed read that still manages to pull your heartstrings – even as you’re left gasping for breath. The fate of America is at stake and the danger is epic! (It’s also got something special for horror readers – no spoilers!)
Ledger and the team are just as sharp and edgy as ever and the danger is omnipresent.
Some readers may have a little trouble with the time jumps. The initial part of the book jumps all over the place in time – but Maberry handles it well. Stick with it because he manages to tell a very complete story this way, giving the reader a very complete understanding of all the players in our drama.
This is a very welcome entry into the Ledger world – and it’s just a blast and a half to read!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
October 31, 2018
The Joe Ledger series has been a big part of my life for the last few years. I eagerly awaited every new book as it came out. My partner Mari Adkins was one of the authors of the official companion to the series. I've followed the adventures of Joe and other members of the DMS team through various books and worlds and sought out all pieces of miscellaneous things about the series I could find. When I found out that this was the last novel in the series, I knew that I could not wait to read it.
Deep Silence gives us everything we like about the series, while expanding it into new territory. The connections to previous adventures of the DMS team come fast and sometimes hard. I'll not get into the plot, as the official synopsis gives a good starting point and I don't want to ruin the fun. If you've never read any of these novels, I highly encourage you to start from the beginning and just dive right in.
Deep Silence gives us everything we like about the series, while expanding it into new territory. The connections to previous adventures of the DMS team come fast and sometimes hard. I'll not get into the plot, as the official synopsis gives a good starting point and I don't want to ruin the fun. If you've never read any of these novels, I highly encourage you to start from the beginning and just dive right in.
October 30, 2018
Deep Silence is GENIUS!
Okay, so what do you get when you mix a team of DMS agents lead by Joe Ledger, sci-fi weirdness, world-ending terror and the delightfully, delicious and twisty mind of Maberry? You get edge of your seat, heart pounding AWESOMENESS that’s what! I mean what a ride…seriously!
Deep Silence is well-written and contains heroes and villains, world catastrophes, natural disasters as well as supremely, superior sci-fi spookiness. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say, I read this advanced review copy (ARC) but still plan to purchase the audio book when it’s released to hear Ray Porter breathe life into Ledger. Yup, Deep Silence is that good!
Well done Maberry!
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis from Publisher/NetGalley.com
Terrorists-for-hire have created a weapon that can induce earthquakes and cause dormant volcanoes to erupt. One terrifying side-effect of the weapon is that prior to the devastation, the vibrations drive ordinary people to suicide and violence. A wave of madness begins sweeping the country beginning with a mass shooting in Congress. Joe Ledger and his team go on a wild hunt to stop the terrorists and uncover the global super-power secretly funding them. At every step the stakes increase as it becomes clear that the end-game of this campaign of terror is igniting the Yellowstone caldera, the super-volcano that could destroy America.
Deep Silence pits Joe Ledger against terrorists with bleeding-edge science weapons, an international conspiracy, ancient technologies from Atlantis and Lemuria, and an escalating threat that could crack open the entire Earth.
Okay, so what do you get when you mix a team of DMS agents lead by Joe Ledger, sci-fi weirdness, world-ending terror and the delightfully, delicious and twisty mind of Maberry? You get edge of your seat, heart pounding AWESOMENESS that’s what! I mean what a ride…seriously!
Deep Silence is well-written and contains heroes and villains, world catastrophes, natural disasters as well as supremely, superior sci-fi spookiness. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say, I read this advanced review copy (ARC) but still plan to purchase the audio book when it’s released to hear Ray Porter breathe life into Ledger. Yup, Deep Silence is that good!
Well done Maberry!
I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Synopsis from Publisher/NetGalley.com
Terrorists-for-hire have created a weapon that can induce earthquakes and cause dormant volcanoes to erupt. One terrifying side-effect of the weapon is that prior to the devastation, the vibrations drive ordinary people to suicide and violence. A wave of madness begins sweeping the country beginning with a mass shooting in Congress. Joe Ledger and his team go on a wild hunt to stop the terrorists and uncover the global super-power secretly funding them. At every step the stakes increase as it becomes clear that the end-game of this campaign of terror is igniting the Yellowstone caldera, the super-volcano that could destroy America.
Deep Silence pits Joe Ledger against terrorists with bleeding-edge science weapons, an international conspiracy, ancient technologies from Atlantis and Lemuria, and an escalating threat that could crack open the entire Earth.
September 24, 2019
Joe Ledger: Social Justice Warrior
Read as Maberry turns your favorite action hero into a whiny liberal who can't take that fact that someone he doesn't like won the election.
I have always listened to these books for the great blend of science, action, deception, and humor. This book has maybe some action, the rest is sub-par. Patient Zero and Dragon Factory had some excellent scientific research backing the story lines that really let you think "this could happen." That is not true with this book. I feel like the research advisor for this book was the guy from the "Aliens" meme.
Also, Maberry makes it very apparent that he hates Trump. Please leave it out of the book; you can hate who you want, but you write science fiction... people listen to this genre to escape reality. It is very difficult to focus on the story line when he is shoving his disdain for the president down your throat.
Finally, the story was blah. Aliens... again? Extinction Machine was ok, it wasn't overly heavy handed with the lizard people. This book however, get ready for a deus ex machina, cause that's what you're gonna get.
Ray Porter was excellent as always. (Audible version)
Read as Maberry turns your favorite action hero into a whiny liberal who can't take that fact that someone he doesn't like won the election.
I have always listened to these books for the great blend of science, action, deception, and humor. This book has maybe some action, the rest is sub-par. Patient Zero and Dragon Factory had some excellent scientific research backing the story lines that really let you think "this could happen." That is not true with this book. I feel like the research advisor for this book was the guy from the "Aliens" meme.
Also, Maberry makes it very apparent that he hates Trump. Please leave it out of the book; you can hate who you want, but you write science fiction... people listen to this genre to escape reality. It is very difficult to focus on the story line when he is shoving his disdain for the president down your throat.
Finally, the story was blah. Aliens... again? Extinction Machine was ok, it wasn't overly heavy handed with the lizard people. This book however, get ready for a deus ex machina, cause that's what you're gonna get.
Ray Porter was excellent as always. (Audible version)
July 28, 2024
Mr Maberry once again hits it out of the park with Deep Silence. Joe Ledger and the DMS went through hell and back in this one and a few times I thought some key members were done. The last couple pages had me going because of what Church was saying. Won't spoil it though, don't worry. Loved every page and can't wait to read Rage and after that the new one Relentless which comes out July 13th.
August 20, 2024
4 Stars
What else is new?? It's Joe f**king Ledger.
This book read like the last presidency; wannabe dictator-antichrist-POS; but I digress.
If you haven't started this series; why not??
What else is new?? It's Joe f**king Ledger.
This book read like the last presidency; wannabe dictator-antichrist-POS; but I digress.
If you haven't started this series; why not??
June 22, 2021
Welcome to THE WAR. Oh I can't wait to see what happens next...so I am not waiting. On to book one in the new series with the old familiar friends.
February 16, 2022
Read for my February 2022 Mini-challenge "Short Month, Long Book." I will read books 500+ pages for this challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgkIq...
If you are reading this, then you have probably already read all the other nine books in this series and I really do not have to tell you how amazing this series is.
If you have stumbled on this review, and have not read the series, I cannot stress enough how much you need to read these books.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgkIq...
If you are reading this, then you have probably already read all the other nine books in this series and I really do not have to tell you how amazing this series is.
If you have stumbled on this review, and have not read the series, I cannot stress enough how much you need to read these books.
April 14, 2020
4.5 Joe Ledger and his gang kick some serious ass as usual. I could listen to this series 24/7 and never get bored.
February 24, 2020
I still enjoy this series, but wished there was more of Joe in this book and less of everyone else. I found myself zoning out on the parts not in his POV.
November 15, 2018
From horror legend Jonathan Maberry comes the 10th book in his weird-science based horror, thriller, science fiction Joe Ledger series, which takes the reader on a wild joyride through a world gone mad in this five-star adventure.
I have to admit that Maberry is not an author that I have had much experience with before. The only work of his I have previously read was a fun short story that was featured in a volume of zombie short stories he jointly edited with George A. Romero in 2017 that I previously reviewed here. However, I am extremely happy that I decided to check out this latest book as it exposed me to this incredible series, which I enjoyed immensely. I can think of no greater praise for this novel then to say that upon finishing it, I immediately dropped everything and started reading the first book in the series, Patient Zero, which I will be reviewing in the next few weeks as part of my Throwback Thursday series.
In this latest book, a Russian splinter group have developed a powerful weapon with pieces of alien crystal seeded throughout the planet. This new weapon can cause devastating earthquakes on a level never before seen and has the potential to destroy the entirety of the United States. The weapon also has a chilling side effect: it causes people around the epicentre of the quake to engage in violent acts of madness, from suicide to ferocious attacks on others. The first attack targets Washington, with mass violence erupting around the Capitol building.
America’s only hope may be the top-secret rapid response organisation, the Department of Military Sciences (DMS). For years, the DMS has been the only line of defence against the insane science America’s enemies are utilising and developing in this new age of wonders. From deadly diseases, ancient forbidden technologies, extreme acts of genetic manipulation, the latest forms of cyber and electronic attack, and even weaponised zombies, the DMS, led in the field by Captain Joe Ledger, has managed to stop all these threats and more. Utilising the latest military and espionage equipment and the best and brightest soldiers and scientists America has to offer, the DMS operates just outside the government and can go further than any other agency can.
However, while the DMS attempts to combat this latest threat, they find themselves hindered by a megalomaniac President whose stupidity and paranoia make him more afraid of the DMS than the group unleashing earthquakes across his country. As Joe and his team attempt to hunt down the origins of this attack they must contend not only with a dangerous Russian force but also with agents of their own Government and devices that can drive even the most dedicated DMS agent insane. But as the Russians attempt to force the eruption of the Yellowstone caldera, the greatest threat may come from the creatures the technology was stolen from.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/11/15/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
I have to admit that Maberry is not an author that I have had much experience with before. The only work of his I have previously read was a fun short story that was featured in a volume of zombie short stories he jointly edited with George A. Romero in 2017 that I previously reviewed here. However, I am extremely happy that I decided to check out this latest book as it exposed me to this incredible series, which I enjoyed immensely. I can think of no greater praise for this novel then to say that upon finishing it, I immediately dropped everything and started reading the first book in the series, Patient Zero, which I will be reviewing in the next few weeks as part of my Throwback Thursday series.
In this latest book, a Russian splinter group have developed a powerful weapon with pieces of alien crystal seeded throughout the planet. This new weapon can cause devastating earthquakes on a level never before seen and has the potential to destroy the entirety of the United States. The weapon also has a chilling side effect: it causes people around the epicentre of the quake to engage in violent acts of madness, from suicide to ferocious attacks on others. The first attack targets Washington, with mass violence erupting around the Capitol building.
America’s only hope may be the top-secret rapid response organisation, the Department of Military Sciences (DMS). For years, the DMS has been the only line of defence against the insane science America’s enemies are utilising and developing in this new age of wonders. From deadly diseases, ancient forbidden technologies, extreme acts of genetic manipulation, the latest forms of cyber and electronic attack, and even weaponised zombies, the DMS, led in the field by Captain Joe Ledger, has managed to stop all these threats and more. Utilising the latest military and espionage equipment and the best and brightest soldiers and scientists America has to offer, the DMS operates just outside the government and can go further than any other agency can.
However, while the DMS attempts to combat this latest threat, they find themselves hindered by a megalomaniac President whose stupidity and paranoia make him more afraid of the DMS than the group unleashing earthquakes across his country. As Joe and his team attempt to hunt down the origins of this attack they must contend not only with a dangerous Russian force but also with agents of their own Government and devices that can drive even the most dedicated DMS agent insane. But as the Russians attempt to force the eruption of the Yellowstone caldera, the greatest threat may come from the creatures the technology was stolen from.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/11/15/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
January 1, 2019
Jonathan Maberry's novels are predictably high quality. Heroic characters and despicable villains in a struggle for humanity's survival. Joe Ledger, Top, and Bunny are the core combat team. Mr. Church, Aunt Sally, Brick, and the DMS technical staff hold down the headquarters. You always get a good story that's mostly thriller with some horror aspects. This one is no different.
A theme across all of the series is that "violence leaves a mark" on those who fight against the "bad guys". Some of the marks are outer scars but more often than not they are inner scars that are carried for life (and into the next novel).
The epilogue nicely ties up all of the loose ends but there's no way to say anything about it without unloading a dump truck full of spoilers.
The only thing that spoiled this novel was the exaggerated caricature of our current President and the turmoil around his administration that formed an ever-present background. "It was good to be the king." I'm not sure that our President has ever thought this (but I can't say that I know what he thinks; I'm not sure anyone knows what he thinks). "The old checks and balances are crumbling...". If this is true, both parties have contributed to it and only a return to non-Trump Conservatism and the Constitution will restore it. "This president is unhinged and unfit for the job." At this point, I'd had almost enough; it was distracting. [stepping off of my soapbox]
Another thing you get with Mr. Maberry is a masterclass in novel writing. Each chapter is made up of one or more scenes that each end with a hook to the next. You learn just by reading.
I actually found one typo in the Kindle version of the novel (which is incredible; Mr. Maberry's book are always impeccably edited). I reported it to Amazon.
I do wish that the cover artist would've made the stuff circling the person green rather than red.
I'm not sure that I will ever enjoy jade as much in the future, especially if it is in any way glowing.
A theme across all of the series is that "violence leaves a mark" on those who fight against the "bad guys". Some of the marks are outer scars but more often than not they are inner scars that are carried for life (and into the next novel).
The epilogue nicely ties up all of the loose ends but there's no way to say anything about it without unloading a dump truck full of spoilers.
The only thing that spoiled this novel was the exaggerated caricature of our current President and the turmoil around his administration that formed an ever-present background. "It was good to be the king." I'm not sure that our President has ever thought this (but I can't say that I know what he thinks; I'm not sure anyone knows what he thinks). "The old checks and balances are crumbling...". If this is true, both parties have contributed to it and only a return to non-Trump Conservatism and the Constitution will restore it. "This president is unhinged and unfit for the job." At this point, I'd had almost enough; it was distracting. [stepping off of my soapbox]
Another thing you get with Mr. Maberry is a masterclass in novel writing. Each chapter is made up of one or more scenes that each end with a hook to the next. You learn just by reading.
I actually found one typo in the Kindle version of the novel (which is incredible; Mr. Maberry's book are always impeccably edited). I reported it to Amazon.
I do wish that the cover artist would've made the stuff circling the person green rather than red.
I'm not sure that I will ever enjoy jade as much in the future, especially if it is in any way glowing.
February 12, 2020
Deep Silence in the tenth and final novel in Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger / DMS series.
It cannot be fully appreciated without knowledge of previous entries in the series, especially the Extinction Machine and Kill Switch.
Maberry didn’t make a mystery of the fact the Department of Military Science was coming to an end. The last books left it on shaky grounds, and the author was quite public about it. One question remained : What would bring Joe Ledger, Mr Church and the DMS on their knees ?
The answer is : Sheer human stupidity.
The stupidity of an uneducated bloated man occupying the Oval Office, with an ego too big for his tiny intellect. This POTUS, in Joe Ledger’s universe, has unfortunately been trusted with secrets better kept from him. Easily manipulated, he reboots the Majestic project.
The stupidity of a group of extreme leninists, thinking they can rebuild the USSR and weaken America with the help of technology seen in the last few DMS missions, and that the DMS has unfortunately failed to erase completely. Some of this technology is coming from a world, already visited by Ledger in his nightmares, inhabited by Cthulhu and his minions. And anything Cthulhu, as we all know, is as hard to contain as he is hard to spell.
This book is densely packed, even more so than previous entries. It also gives, all along, an impeding sense of doom, reinforced by the fact that we’re told right on the cover about the finality of the story. It is compensated by the usual roaring humor of Jonathan Maberry, distilled in larger doses this time around.
It doesn’t leave a lot of space for character development. We, however, finally get insight in how, and in what manner, Joe Ledger’s psyche fractured, and of the toll his DMS missions took on him.
The DMS isn’t going down without a fight, of course. And, as whatever happens, the war is the war, it will continue in the next entry in the Joe Ledger Universe : Rage - A Rogue Team International novel.
It cannot be fully appreciated without knowledge of previous entries in the series, especially the Extinction Machine and Kill Switch.
Maberry didn’t make a mystery of the fact the Department of Military Science was coming to an end. The last books left it on shaky grounds, and the author was quite public about it. One question remained : What would bring Joe Ledger, Mr Church and the DMS on their knees ?
The answer is : Sheer human stupidity.
The stupidity of an uneducated bloated man occupying the Oval Office, with an ego too big for his tiny intellect. This POTUS, in Joe Ledger’s universe, has unfortunately been trusted with secrets better kept from him. Easily manipulated, he reboots the Majestic project.
The stupidity of a group of extreme leninists, thinking they can rebuild the USSR and weaken America with the help of technology seen in the last few DMS missions, and that the DMS has unfortunately failed to erase completely. Some of this technology is coming from a world, already visited by Ledger in his nightmares, inhabited by Cthulhu and his minions. And anything Cthulhu, as we all know, is as hard to contain as he is hard to spell.
This book is densely packed, even more so than previous entries. It also gives, all along, an impeding sense of doom, reinforced by the fact that we’re told right on the cover about the finality of the story. It is compensated by the usual roaring humor of Jonathan Maberry, distilled in larger doses this time around.
It doesn’t leave a lot of space for character development. We, however, finally get insight in how, and in what manner, Joe Ledger’s psyche fractured, and of the toll his DMS missions took on him.
The DMS isn’t going down without a fight, of course. And, as whatever happens, the war is the war, it will continue in the next entry in the Joe Ledger Universe : Rage - A Rogue Team International novel.
July 11, 2021
11/03/2020 Notes:
The re-read was enjoyable. I felt the same way about the story as I did the first time around. The book needed a little more TLC and editing to make it shine. A good addition to the series but not a strong "finale" for season one of Ledger. I've labeled the first series as Season 1 and Rogue Team International as Season 2. =P
10/30/2018 Mini-Review:
5 Stars for Narration by Ray Porter - He does an excellent job of making Joe come alive off the page.
3 Stars for Story - Good ending but not as tightly woven story of multiple parts.
Yay this is not the last Joe Ledger book! I was a little worried when I didn't see a new title on the series page. The gang has been around for a while now and Joe is a regular guy. Well, he's not whatever Church is and not supped up like Lilith or Violin. He's human but crazy & loyal. I've been wondering how Joe is going to make it when he's getting the crap beaten out of him in every book. That may have been answered in this book.
Usually, I tend to feel that too much detail was delivered on a few parts but I actually would have liked more this time around. This book could use a little more clarity & expanded descriptions on a few sequences.
DMS has been through hell and back in the past few novels. Change has been in the air and much of it is coming to pass. The latest catastrophes are centered on man made earthquakes that have a devilish side effect. It's not just the land that is broken but people are thrown into an extreme frenzy of violence to either themselves or others.
I have to say the last part of the book was my favorite. I'll be in line to read the next installment because I'm eager to see what comes next for Joe and company. More ____ would be awesome!
Nope, not going to say what I left out. You'll have to read the book to find out.
The re-read was enjoyable. I felt the same way about the story as I did the first time around. The book needed a little more TLC and editing to make it shine. A good addition to the series but not a strong "finale" for season one of Ledger. I've labeled the first series as Season 1 and Rogue Team International as Season 2. =P
10/30/2018 Mini-Review:
5 Stars for Narration by Ray Porter - He does an excellent job of making Joe come alive off the page.
3 Stars for Story - Good ending but not as tightly woven story of multiple parts.
Yay this is not the last Joe Ledger book! I was a little worried when I didn't see a new title on the series page. The gang has been around for a while now and Joe is a regular guy. Well, he's not whatever Church is and not supped up like Lilith or Violin. He's human but crazy & loyal. I've been wondering how Joe is going to make it when he's getting the crap beaten out of him in every book. That may have been answered in this book.
Usually, I tend to feel that too much detail was delivered on a few parts but I actually would have liked more this time around. This book could use a little more clarity & expanded descriptions on a few sequences.
DMS has been through hell and back in the past few novels. Change has been in the air and much of it is coming to pass. The latest catastrophes are centered on man made earthquakes that have a devilish side effect. It's not just the land that is broken but people are thrown into an extreme frenzy of violence to either themselves or others.
I have to say the last part of the book was my favorite. I'll be in line to read the next installment because I'm eager to see what comes next for Joe and company. More ____ would be awesome!
Nope, not going to say what I left out. You'll have to read the book to find out.
December 12, 2018
This was, as another reviewer said, what should have been called joe ledger: social justice warrior. When I read patient zero he was such a badass and now he’s just whining about not being with his girl. In the last few books I honestly couldn’t tell you who the president was, but this one should have title of any chapter with him in it say “I hate trump, here’s a chapter on him” it was very heavy handed. I liked the earlier books, could even deal with the nicodemus is the devil type stuff, but hardcore alien stuff, very eh. I made the mistake of rereading some of the books before this and if I have to read about Helen one more time and the three personalities in his head I’m going to shoot myself. If it’s for new readers, I strongly suggest the thought that new readers won’t grab book nine. Subtle hints of past stories like the doomsday cult stuff that I’m assuming was a side book and I got the gist of it, we don’t need ful recaps of the past. Eliminate political bias, bring joe ledger back to being a badass, like his call sign, less retreading of what’s happened to him and some new bad guys that aren’t America and thins can turn around quick.
December 2, 2018
4.5/5
I'm a fan. It's the tenth DMS novel. If you plan to read it, I assume you're a fan as well. Why would you follow the series for so long otherwise?
If you're not a fan, just let me ask you this:
What's wrong with you?
Maberry mastered the art of writing thrillers with a supernatural twist. DMS team adventures are over-the-top in every imaginable way. Each Joe Ledger book delivers non-stop adrenaline-pumping and bone-crushing action. Deep Silence delivers all the goodies. And more. Lovecraftian horror. Lizards. Other dimensions. Some politicking (that was, maybe, unnecessary). DMS at its best.
We learn a bit more about Mr. Church. He even gets POV in a few chapters. Plus, he does show some emotions. Yes. I'm talking about Mr Church. And yes, you're right. The events that got some emotional response from him will devastate you.
I loved it. I can't wait for another fix.
I'm a fan. It's the tenth DMS novel. If you plan to read it, I assume you're a fan as well. Why would you follow the series for so long otherwise?
If you're not a fan, just let me ask you this:
What's wrong with you?
Maberry mastered the art of writing thrillers with a supernatural twist. DMS team adventures are over-the-top in every imaginable way. Each Joe Ledger book delivers non-stop adrenaline-pumping and bone-crushing action. Deep Silence delivers all the goodies. And more. Lovecraftian horror. Lizards. Other dimensions. Some politicking (that was, maybe, unnecessary). DMS at its best.
We learn a bit more about Mr. Church. He even gets POV in a few chapters. Plus, he does show some emotions. Yes. I'm talking about Mr Church. And yes, you're right. The events that got some emotional response from him will devastate you.
I loved it. I can't wait for another fix.
October 8, 2020
I love these books. I love Joe's mind and how he feels about things. Obviously it's a skewed world of ours, but a lot of the stuff that he says, though he's saying it about crazy things, fits this fucked up year. I find myself nodding along when he's talking about the idiocy of people.
But another great story and I'm so not glad I've caught up with just the new book left for me to read. But wow, what an ending to this one. Awesome stuff!
But another great story and I'm so not glad I've caught up with just the new book left for me to read. But wow, what an ending to this one. Awesome stuff!
July 9, 2022
3.5 stars
My least favorite Joe Ledger book. The beginning Started out bad and almost kept me from reading it altogether.
I do think that Jonathan Maberry writes the very best epilogues ever.
My least favorite Joe Ledger book. The beginning Started out bad and almost kept me from reading it altogether.
I do think that Jonathan Maberry writes the very best epilogues ever.
January 11, 2019
the problem when you get 10 books deep into the series is that the ratings get a little skewed... OF COURSE the people that are reading these books are crazy fans of the series, WE. ARE. INVESTED! i admit the past few years i have been reading much more critically, and i am scrolling through the other reviews for this book and thinking "did i miss something?"
but to be honest i don't think i did. this was far, far from the best book in series, and overall it just wasn't that surprising or original. all of the 'big bads' are recycled baddies from previous books, which was disappointing, and the series just seems very formulaic now. but my biggest issue lies in how ... weird??? the story has gotten. the joe ledger series started out as a military based story with crazy tech that was somehow rooted in science. but now it's just full on batshit insane. different worlds opening up, crazy lizard aliens, cthulhu monsters... idk its all just a little much for me.
redeeming qualities: the epilogue. no matter my criticisms above, i still adore the characters... and hell, i am 10 books deep, give me a few more what does it matter? also 10/10 for the audio book performance. ray porter knocks it out of the park, as usual.
but to be honest i don't think i did. this was far, far from the best book in series, and overall it just wasn't that surprising or original. all of the 'big bads' are recycled baddies from previous books, which was disappointing, and the series just seems very formulaic now. but my biggest issue lies in how ... weird??? the story has gotten. the joe ledger series started out as a military based story with crazy tech that was somehow rooted in science. but now it's just full on batshit insane. different worlds opening up, crazy lizard aliens, cthulhu monsters... idk its all just a little much for me.
redeeming qualities: the epilogue. no matter my criticisms above, i still adore the characters... and hell, i am 10 books deep, give me a few more what does it matter? also 10/10 for the audio book performance. ray porter knocks it out of the park, as usual.
April 5, 2019
A worthy end to Joe Ledger's Department of Military Sciences, though it did feel rushed a bit at the end, as if Maberry couldn't wait for those final pages. There are no loose-ends, per se (particularly knowing there's a new series about Ledger on the horizon), but the conclusions feel more like light taps in comparison to the sharp punches one is used to in this series. Still good, still written to be gulped down in as few sittings as possible (it's really hard not want to read another chapter and Maberry's common breaks from the Ledger POVs have improved over ten books to the point that you don't necessarily wait for Ledger to step back on stage and enjoy these side roads with the villains and their minions), but I find myself waiting for the next book.
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