The Evolution of Fear (2) (Claymore Straker Series) Paperback – May 1, 2016

This is the second book featuring Claymore Straker; the first being The Abrupt Physics of Dying which was short listed for the CWA John Creasy [New Blood] Dagger in 2015. The third book, Reconciliation of the Dead, will be published by Orenda Books in 2017.I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t read The Abrupt Physics of Dying (what a super title!) but I will be adding it to my ever growing, ever teetering TBR pile. So this was my first introduction to the dynamic Claymore Straker. He is a hero and a half, going above and beyond the call of duty for the people he cares about and trying darn hard to survive in the process. Not an easy thing to do when there is a price on your head.Clay is in hiding. That is until gunmen turn up at his remote Cornish hideaway and he has to fight for his life. Turning to the one person he trusts he discovers that there is a price on his head, which leaves him only one option, to run. He takes the opportunity to contact Rania, the woman he loves. But she’s not there and no one has seen her. Not only is Claymore running for his own life, he’s running to save Rania’s life too…There is so much happening in this book that I think the phrase ‘action packed’ was coined especially for it! And what an international journey you go on. The settings are described so clearly you can picture them in your mind. Paul E. Hardisty paints a very vivid picture which I, for one, appreciated. Hardisty is clearly a very intelligent and knowledgeable man who knows his subject matter inside out. For me though, I loved the use of different languages the most.A great fast paced, gripping read. I think Lee Child hits the nail on the head with his quote on the cover “A solid, meaty thriller – Hardisty is a fine writer and Straker is a great lead character”. I couldn’t agree more.Four out of five stars.Thanks to Karen at Orenda Books for my copy of The Evolution of Fear in exchange for an honest review.

A riveting book!

The Evolution of Fear is the second in the Claymore Straker series by Paul Hardisty. It carries on where The Abrupt Physics of Dying (set in Yemen) left off – but also works perfectly well as a stand alone read. The third book in the series, a prequel to the other two called Reconciliation of the Dead and set in Angola, will be published later this year.Paul is an author with a conscience and uses the medium of a thriller to highlight social and political issues. The book is a great page turner, but it has a strong message as well. It opens in Cornwall where Clay(more) is in hiding from the Russian mafia gang he outwitted in Yemen in The Abrupt Physics of Dying (and whose leader he subsequently killed). Clay learns that his Yemeni girlfriend, a journalist called Rania, is in danger and he sets out to track her down. He is pursued but escapes by sailing across a stormy Bay Of Biscay in a small yacht, makes landfall in Santander and then goes on by air to Istanbul where he meets up again with Rania. She is working on a story which endangers her life…Her story concerns the corruption and misuse of power in Cyprus. Murky deals are going on between prominent Turkish Cypriots, prominent Greek Cypriots, people who are meant to be ‘at war’ with each other – and the Russian mafia (the same people Clay crossed in both Yemen and London). The deals concern the building of holiday hotels in the divided island and, crucially, the destruction of UNESCO World Heritage beaches so designated because they are turtle breeding grounds.The action moves to the island and on to a thrilling story development and climax. The book is hard to put down… In TripFiction terms it is an excellent read with great descriptions of both Nicosia and the Cypriot coast line.Paul in a university professor and Director of Australia’s national land, water, ecosystems and climate adaption research programme. He has spent 25 years working all over the world as an engineer, hydrologist, and environmental scientist. He is passionate about global warming and the destruction of the natural environment. In short, he really knows his subject matter – and the impact that corruption can have. He leaves us to guess whether the ‘facts’ in The Evolution of Fear are true as they stand (with only the names changed to prevent a libel action), whether they are the base of a story which is then built around them, or whether the whole thing is made up. I suspect the middle one of the three – and that Paul uses creative license to make absolutely valid points about the world in which we live. We are not, though, force fed the underlying message – the story absolutely stands in its own right as really exciting thriller.

"The Evolution of Fear" opens at a cracking speed and follows a couple of months on from "The Abrupt Physics of Dying". Straight away you realise that this book will also have all the fantastic characteristics of its predecessor, super hard hitting action, fast pace, a strong lead character and an addictive solid storyline - always covering up to date political issues - to keep you turning the pages.Claymore Straker is a fugitive with a price on his head. Wanted by the CIA for acts of terrorism he did not commit, his best friend has just been murdered and Rania, the woman he loves, has disappeared. Betrayed by those closest to him, he must flee the sanctuary of his safe house in Cornwall and track her down.I love action hero Claymore Straker, he's such a unique but tough maverick character that you can't help engaging with. The exciting and very entertaining story is full of non stop thrilling action and I was totally engrossed from the very first page which was to be expected.I'd happily recommend this series and book to all action readers, male and female alike. It can also be easily read as a standalone too, as there's more than enough in the story to bring you fully up to speed with previous events. The Straker series are ready made for tv/film production and I do hope one day to see Claymore on the big screen.I now look forward to reading the next in the series "Reconciliation of the Dead" and the soon to be published "Absolution" which I know will be equally as entertaining, if not more!5 stars

Absolutely gripping, like his first book, painted so beautifully. With Clay I had adrenalin with the action, I smelt the cities, and I saw beautify, and I lived the intense adventure.This is superb writing.

Paul writes from a world of personal experience. The story tells a message and is well worth reading. I can't wait until the next one is written

The Claymore Straker series is evolving to be a wonderful read for anyone who loves great old-fashioned action with a thoughtful, evocative and thoroughly modern sensibility. Hardisty brings fabulous and flawed characters to life, binding them by honour and exciting convergences of trajectory. All this is propelled by a quest to uncover and make right environmental wrongs. A highly rewarding page-turner. Can't wait to read the next one....

The Evolution of Fear is the second in the Claymore Straker series by Paul Hardisty. It carries on where The Abrupt Physics of Dying (set in Yemen) left off – but also works perfectly well as a stand alone read. The third book in the series, a prequel to the other two called Reconciliation of the Dead and set in Angola, will be published later this year.Paul is an author with a conscience and uses the medium of a thriller to highlight social and political issues. The book is a great page turner, but it has a strong message as well. It opens in Cornwall where Clay(more) is in hiding from the Russian mafia gang he outwitted in Yemen in The Abrupt Physics of Dying (and whose leader he subsequently killed). Clay learns that his Yemeni girlfriend, a journalist called Rania, is in danger and he sets out to track her down. He is pursued but escapes by sailing across a stormy Bay Of Biscay in a small yacht, makes landfall in Santander and then goes on by air to Istanbul where he meets up again with Rania. She is working on a story which endangers her life…Her story concerns the corruption and misuse of power in Cyprus. Murky deals are going on between prominent Turkish Cypriots, prominent Greek Cypriots, people who are meant to be ‘at war’ with each other – and the Russian mafia (the same people Clay crossed in both Yemen and London). The deals concern the building of holiday hotels in the divided island and, crucially, the destruction of UNESCO World Heritage beaches so designated because they are turtle breeding grounds.The action moves to the island and on to a thrilling story development and climax. The book is hard to put down… In TripFiction terms it is an excellent read with great descriptions of both Nicosia and the Cypriot coast line.Paul in a university professor and Director of Australia’s national land, water, ecosystems and climate adaption research programme. He has spent 25 years working all over the world as an engineer, hydrologist, and environmental scientist. He is passionate about global warming and the destruction of the natural environment. In short, he really knows his subject matter – and the impact that corruption can have. He leaves us to guess whether the ‘facts’ in The Evolution of Fear are true as they stand (with only the names changed to prevent a libel action), whether they are the base of a story which is then built around them, or whether the whole thing is made up. I suspect the middle one of the three – and that Paul uses creative license to make absolutely valid points about the world in which we live. We are not, though, force fed the underlying message – the story absolutely stands in its own right as really exciting thriller.

An interesting sequel to The Abrupt Physics of Dying, wrapping up loose ends whilst introducing then answering new threads. If you liked the first book, this is worth buying. It was a bit flat to start with but improved as it went.