What do you think?
Rate this book
Bodyguard #4
Target
A prequel and new entry point in the bestselling Bodyguard series.
FAME MAKES FOR AN EASY TARGET.
Ash Wild is the most successful teen rockstar in history. Millions of fans adore him. But one fanatic wants him dead.
Surf champion and top bodyguard recruit Charley Hunter is assigned to protect the superstar on his sell-out US tour. But Ash isn't pleased to discover his new bodyguard is a girl.
Faced with a growing number of death threats, several suspicious accidents and an unruly rockstar, Charley has her work cut out keeping Ash alive on the tour. How will she spot a killer in a crowd of 50,000 screaming fans?
FAME MAKES FOR AN EASY TARGET.
Ash Wild is the most successful teen rockstar in history. Millions of fans adore him. But one fanatic wants him dead.
Surf champion and top bodyguard recruit Charley Hunter is assigned to protect the superstar on his sell-out US tour. But Ash isn't pleased to discover his new bodyguard is a girl.
Faced with a growing number of death threats, several suspicious accidents and an unruly rockstar, Charley has her work cut out keeping Ash alive on the tour. How will she spot a killer in a crowd of 50,000 screaming fans?
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
109 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Chris Bradford
92 books913 followersChris Bradford is the bestselling author of the Young Samurai, Bodyguard and Soul Series.
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
Chris is renowned for his inspiring author events and ‘method writing’ style. For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in samurai swordmanship, karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu.
For his BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard.
And for the Soul Prophecy trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan.
His books have been published in more than 25 languages and been nominated for 30+ book awards, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, the Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
To discover more about Chris or book an author visit: www.chrisbradford.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 3, 2022
*More like 3.8 stars than 4.*
A good book but not the best in the series.
The characterisation was strange. I loved the message of equality and fighting gender stereotypes that say a female can’t be a strong and capable bodyguard. But it was really undermined by the fact that Charley made so many mistakes. Every incident was littered with her making a decision or a move that another character used to put her down. Somehow, I don’t remember it having been quite the same when Connor made mistakes in the previous books, but then again that could just be because it’s been so long since I’ve read the previous books that I’ve forgotten the finer details like that.
I will forever wonder what happened
Whilst this did have a lot of action, I have to say it wasn’t of the same caliber as the previous books. Because of the mystery aspect surrounding who was trying to hurt Ash, there were only a few parts that showed the antagonist’s viewpoint and that really set this book apart from the previous books. I felt like there wasn’t time to get into the mindset of the antagonist which always heightened the life-threatening stakes in the previous books and it left this narrative a little one-sided in comparison to the other books. That wasn’t necessarily a completely bad thing, just different.
Saying all that, there were some fantastic edge-of-your-seat shocking action moments that kept me glued to the page in true Chris Bradford style, of course. It was the kind of shocking action that’s practically synonymous with this series. And it’s why I’ll be reading Assassin and Fugitive eagerly and hopefully very soon...
A good book but not the best in the series.
The characterisation was strange. I loved the message of equality and fighting gender stereotypes that say a female can’t be a strong and capable bodyguard. But it was really undermined by the fact that Charley made so many mistakes. Every incident was littered with her making a decision or a move that another character used to put her down. Somehow, I don’t remember it having been quite the same when Connor made mistakes in the previous books, but then again that could just be because it’s been so long since I’ve read the previous books that I’ve forgotten the finer details like that.
I will forever wonder what happened
Whilst this did have a lot of action, I have to say it wasn’t of the same caliber as the previous books. Because of the mystery aspect surrounding who was trying to hurt Ash, there were only a few parts that showed the antagonist’s viewpoint and that really set this book apart from the previous books. I felt like there wasn’t time to get into the mindset of the antagonist which always heightened the life-threatening stakes in the previous books and it left this narrative a little one-sided in comparison to the other books. That wasn’t necessarily a completely bad thing, just different.
Saying all that, there were some fantastic edge-of-your-seat shocking action moments that kept me glued to the page in true Chris Bradford style, of course. It was the kind of shocking action that’s practically synonymous with this series. And it’s why I’ll be reading Assassin and Fugitive eagerly and hopefully very soon...
June 19, 2017
Ich war überrascht, dass Connor in diesem Band nicht auftaucht. Hier geht es um Charley und um ihre Geschichte. Eigentlich ein nahtloser Übergang vom vorherigem Band. Charley will ja Connor ihre Geschichte erzählen und nun wissen wir sie auch. Das Buch war spannend und wie immer gut geschrieben, aber mir hat das vorherige Band um längen besser gefallen.
March 17, 2025
Immer wieder einfach geil, nur ein bisschen weird, dass Ash die ganze Zeit als real existierend verkauft wird, vorallem mit dem Interview am Ende. Aber ein seht sehr geiles Buch!
December 26, 2020
'Do you want to run scared all your life? Or do you want to take a stand and fight back?'
Zoals het einde van Boek 3 al aankondigde, is dit eigenlijk een prequel op de reeks, dat zich concentreert op het leven van Charley voor Connor bij Buddyguard kwam. Er zijn een paar bekende namen aanwezig, Amir en Ling op de achtergrond en Jason wat meer op de voorgrond. Verder is alleen Blake van belang bij Buddyguard, maar die zien we verder niet meer terug. Gelukkig maar, want het is een irritant joch.
Gelukkig is het Charley die de show steelt hier, en haar verhaal leest als een trein. Je zou misschien vrezen dat het eerst, wanneer ze net onder de vleugels van kolonel Black komt, wat herhalend zou lijken op Boek 1, maar dat is totaal niet het geval. Er is gelukkig genoeg te leren als het op lijfwacht zijn aankomt, dus je hebt nauwelijks déjà-vu's. Het is duidelijk dat Charley een natuurtalent is, en haar ontwikkeling is ontzettend goed weergegeven. Zeker in het eerste kwart van het verhaal merk je dat er veel bij haar verandert, en ze krijgt een paar sterk afwisselende scènes en omgevingen. Eens het échte verhaal dan begint, is er altijd die onderhuidse spanning aanwezig. Er gebeurt heel veel, veel kleinere en grotere dingen, en je weet dat Charley en Ash hun leven nooit zeker zijn. Het is ingenieus in elkaar, alle verschillende lagen die er zijn, met meerdere verdachten waarop de lezer en Charley hun ogen kunnen laten vallen.
Het grootste nadeel is dat je Charley natuurlijk al kent. Je wéét dat ze in een rolstoel zit en dat er uiteindelijk nog iets dramatisch gaat gebeuren. Het zou misschien beter zijn om dit boek vóór de andere delen te lezen, zodat je totaal overrompeld wordt op het einde. Wat dat gebeurt nu helaas niet. Maar geen nood, Bradford drijft de spanning op tot de laatste snik, het wordt op den duur echt nijpend, met een paar belangrijke actie- en onthullende scènes vlak na elkaar. Waarschijnlijk kun je doorheen het verhaal een paar dingen raden, maar andere ook weer niet.
Ash als tweede personage is ook heel tof, hij en Charley hebben echt een goede klik. Spijtig dat hij verder niet meer aanwezig is in de reeks. De hele setting met hem als muzikale superster vind ik echt geweldig, want muziek is tenslotte een van mijn grote passies. Er wordt in het boek met een aantal grote namen rondgestrooid, en er worden een paar sappige anekdotes uit zestig jaar popgeschiedenis vermeld. Mooi, zo moet dat! Extra punten voor het hele muziekgebeuren, ook voor de kleine blik achter de schermen bij optredens en dergelijke.
Naast Ash waren er nog een hoop andere personages de moeite, met name Kay en Big T. stalen de show. Meestal vind ik personages in de rol van Big T. maar meh, staan die alleen maar in de weg, maar dit personage beviel mij heel erg.
Ja, absoluut een heel sterk verhaal.
8,5/10
Zoals het einde van Boek 3 al aankondigde, is dit eigenlijk een prequel op de reeks, dat zich concentreert op het leven van Charley voor Connor bij Buddyguard kwam. Er zijn een paar bekende namen aanwezig, Amir en Ling op de achtergrond en Jason wat meer op de voorgrond. Verder is alleen Blake van belang bij Buddyguard, maar die zien we verder niet meer terug. Gelukkig maar, want het is een irritant joch.
Gelukkig is het Charley die de show steelt hier, en haar verhaal leest als een trein. Je zou misschien vrezen dat het eerst, wanneer ze net onder de vleugels van kolonel Black komt, wat herhalend zou lijken op Boek 1, maar dat is totaal niet het geval. Er is gelukkig genoeg te leren als het op lijfwacht zijn aankomt, dus je hebt nauwelijks déjà-vu's. Het is duidelijk dat Charley een natuurtalent is, en haar ontwikkeling is ontzettend goed weergegeven. Zeker in het eerste kwart van het verhaal merk je dat er veel bij haar verandert, en ze krijgt een paar sterk afwisselende scènes en omgevingen. Eens het échte verhaal dan begint, is er altijd die onderhuidse spanning aanwezig. Er gebeurt heel veel, veel kleinere en grotere dingen, en je weet dat Charley en Ash hun leven nooit zeker zijn. Het is ingenieus in elkaar, alle verschillende lagen die er zijn, met meerdere verdachten waarop de lezer en Charley hun ogen kunnen laten vallen.
Het grootste nadeel is dat je Charley natuurlijk al kent. Je wéét dat ze in een rolstoel zit en dat er uiteindelijk nog iets dramatisch gaat gebeuren. Het zou misschien beter zijn om dit boek vóór de andere delen te lezen, zodat je totaal overrompeld wordt op het einde. Wat dat gebeurt nu helaas niet. Maar geen nood, Bradford drijft de spanning op tot de laatste snik, het wordt op den duur echt nijpend, met een paar belangrijke actie- en onthullende scènes vlak na elkaar. Waarschijnlijk kun je doorheen het verhaal een paar dingen raden, maar andere ook weer niet.
Ash als tweede personage is ook heel tof, hij en Charley hebben echt een goede klik. Spijtig dat hij verder niet meer aanwezig is in de reeks. De hele setting met hem als muzikale superster vind ik echt geweldig, want muziek is tenslotte een van mijn grote passies. Er wordt in het boek met een aantal grote namen rondgestrooid, en er worden een paar sappige anekdotes uit zestig jaar popgeschiedenis vermeld. Mooi, zo moet dat! Extra punten voor het hele muziekgebeuren, ook voor de kleine blik achter de schermen bij optredens en dergelijke.
Naast Ash waren er nog een hoop andere personages de moeite, met name Kay en Big T. stalen de show. Meestal vind ik personages in de rol van Big T. maar meh, staan die alleen maar in de weg, maar dit personage beviel mij heel erg.
Ja, absoluut een heel sterk verhaal.
8,5/10
May 25, 2016
(For anyone wondering, this book has no important links to the first three in the series, so can be read without any previous knowledge of them.)
Just a quick review...
I found Target really, really gripping. It's my personal favourite of the Bodyguard series, followed by Ransom. I'm delighted to say it contained a fantastic story-line riddled with mystery, as well as the added bonuses any Bodyguard reader will recognise of beneficial safety knowledge and even some pretty inspiring quotes.
I was debating how good the story would be as it is prequel (After getting into the plot of the first three books, I wasn't relishing an almost entirely unrelated addition to the set). Thankfully, it fits in really well with the series, isn't boring or forced, and mercifully isn't weighted down with random references to the first three books. Perhaps the start could be called a little slow, but in no way on an unbearable scale.
It was brilliant to finally have some backstory for Charley. As a girl myself, I must congratulate Mr Bradford on his first entirely female perspective.
I'm looking forward to the next book in 2017.
.....................................................................................................
Contains violence and gore description, with some mild language (some references to swearing but none is written). I'd recommend it for (but by no means limit it to) those aged 13+.
Just a quick review...
I found Target really, really gripping. It's my personal favourite of the Bodyguard series, followed by Ransom. I'm delighted to say it contained a fantastic story-line riddled with mystery, as well as the added bonuses any Bodyguard reader will recognise of beneficial safety knowledge and even some pretty inspiring quotes.
I was debating how good the story would be as it is prequel (After getting into the plot of the first three books, I wasn't relishing an almost entirely unrelated addition to the set). Thankfully, it fits in really well with the series, isn't boring or forced, and mercifully isn't weighted down with random references to the first three books. Perhaps the start could be called a little slow, but in no way on an unbearable scale.
It was brilliant to finally have some backstory for Charley. As a girl myself, I must congratulate Mr Bradford on his first entirely female perspective.
I'm looking forward to the next book in 2017.
.....................................................................................................
Contains violence and gore description, with some mild language (some references to swearing but none is written). I'd recommend it for (but by no means limit it to) those aged 13+.
June 14, 2016
It took me a while to understand this was a prequel with not having read the third book... But it was a great read and a very enjoyable story. Explained a lot... A must read for fans of the series...
May 1, 2019
It's based on a girl called Charley and she is chosen to become a bodygaurd for a young pop star, they kind out at one of his concerts someone is trying to kill him. She has to try her best to stop that from happening. As the concerts go on and on he receives letters and notes saying how or who will kill him. She ends up getting into a whole saga with the people and who the suspects must be. The ending is interesting and leads onto the next book. Over all, it was an alright book probably wouldn't read again as it wasn't my type of genre really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2022
I didn't enjoy this story quite as much as the others. Too much boy drama.
But the primary reason for such a low rating is it had a lot more language than all the previous books. I lost count of how many times the D- and H-word were used. B-word and A-word a couple times each and one use of GD. Disappointing to say the least.
I will say the last few chapters really threw me for a loop with all the plot twists. Unbelievable but entertaining. Wish there had been less cussing.
But the primary reason for such a low rating is it had a lot more language than all the previous books. I lost count of how many times the D- and H-word were used. B-word and A-word a couple times each and one use of GD. Disappointing to say the least.
I will say the last few chapters really threw me for a loop with all the plot twists. Unbelievable but entertaining. Wish there had been less cussing.
October 24, 2022
i first read this book when i was 12 and it became my favourite book in the series, now almost four years later i couldn't remember anything so i decided to reread, and . . . this book literally destroyed me in the best way possible 😭😭
May 23, 2023
this was so bad.
Read
August 2, 2024these books are very nostalgic nowadays- i read them over and over a couple of years ago
July 10, 2017
Dit boek is zo geweldig!!! Recensie binnenkort op www.leesendroom.jouwweb.nl
February 1, 2018
Good book to get lost in and distract you from. With an a storyline that twists and turns then it keep you on your toes and you keep reading on.
October 29, 2018
Really good book, all about Charley's history. Good mysteries and drama. Nice twist in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2017
A real heroine, Charley's childhood and bodyguard experiences definitely weren't pleasant. Having witnessed her best friend kidnapped right before her eyes and her parents killed in a plane crash, Charley suffers a lot of trauma as a child. When I thought things would be better for her having entered Buddyguard, her 6th mission (also her last on-the-field mission) ended with her loss of mobility.
I must say this book is the best so far. Great development of character (both Charley and Ash) with lots of plot twist. As if having two culprits weren't enough, the final plot twist really wowed me.
A must read for all spy genre fans!!
On a side note, I'm glad we readers finally got to know Charley's story. She has been my favourite since the first installation of Bodyguard. I'm liking her even more now :)
I must say this book is the best so far. Great development of character (both Charley and Ash) with lots of plot twist. As if having two culprits weren't enough, the final plot twist really wowed me.
A must read for all spy genre fans!!
On a side note, I'm glad we readers finally got to know Charley's story. She has been my favourite since the first installation of Bodyguard. I'm liking her even more now :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
Awesome book. Very entertaining and action packed. Its as though you'rre watching an action movie. I love the way he explains every fight in detail, gives your imagination a lot to go on. I like how he is able to keep the killer a mistery and is able to keep you guessing. what i didnt expect is that there were so many threats that had to be neutralised, usually theres one major threat that needs to be neutralised. Ever since my friend got me started with the bodygaurd series, Iv'e enjoyed every turning page. Different from what I read but awesome. Chris Bradford is now in my list of favourite authors.
February 6, 2018
Isn't this just the kind of book you want to finish all in just one big, amazing, breathless go and be stunned by the aftershock for the rest of the day?
Yesss! Loved the female narration from Charley and the vivid description of scenes and surroundings. It was definitely packed with action, romance and twists, which is my favorite kind of adrenaline-filled ride. You know how there are some books you know you wouldn't be able to put down even before you've begun it?
This book is one of them.
Love the *wild* puns by the way :)
Yesss! Loved the female narration from Charley and the vivid description of scenes and surroundings. It was definitely packed with action, romance and twists, which is my favorite kind of adrenaline-filled ride. You know how there are some books you know you wouldn't be able to put down even before you've begun it?
This book is one of them.
Love the *wild* puns by the way :)
Read
December 8, 2019Ash Wild is the most successful teen rockstar in history. Millions of fans adore him. But one fanatic wants him dead. Female bodyguard Charley Hunter is assigned to protect the superstar on his U.S. tour. But Ash Wild really isn't pleased when he discovers his new bodyguard is a girl. Facing growing threats and kidnaps suspicious accident.....Can the girl bodyguard successfully protect him from a killer hiding in a crowd of 50,000 fans?
July 16, 2021
Plot wise, the story is brilliant. The rush it gives is something similar to what you’d expect from ‘Alex Rider’ with a pinch of spice. However, I’ve always found this series to be lacking in the quality of writing. It’s what separates most wattpad releases from masterpieces like ‘InkHeart’. It’s oddly forgettable. If you are looking for a rush, go for it. But if you want an adventure for your imagination, something that to relish, this isn’t the best book for you.
March 23, 2024
*me: finished the book and writing this in tears
5⭐
What can I say, Chris Bradford always hits! You broke my heart, and I love you for it! Or maybe not, I dont know yet... I loved this book, and the characters, and their chemistry, and DANG there are some plottwists, some of them I saw coming, but some really not!
Yeah, love this book! You should read the first few books though, or only the first at least, because that does make it so much more fun!
5⭐
What can I say, Chris Bradford always hits! You broke my heart, and I love you for it! Or maybe not, I dont know yet... I loved this book, and the characters, and their chemistry, and DANG there are some plottwists, some of them I saw coming, but some really not!
Yeah, love this book! You should read the first few books though, or only the first at least, because that does make it so much more fun!
May 24, 2017
This is the 4th installment in the Bodyguard series by Chris Bradford this story line follows charlie and how she became dependent on a wheel chair. this is one of the most fast paced books i have ever read. It gives what all people who have really followed series wanted Charlies Heroic insight on the Buddy guard way Just can't wait for the next Bodyguard.
November 28, 2018
I read this book because the author came to my school. I genuinely hated it. It was essentially a bad textbook with smudges of a storyline here and there. of course, I haven't read the books before it, so i may be missing something.
August 3, 2022
The plot twist hadn’t been a big shock like the others in the series. However I really liked the way we got to understand how Charley was paralysed and her whole prologue to body-guarding. Overall it isn’t the best read but I definitely liked the thrill prior to every single concert.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
This book stole my heart! I honestly though it was predictable and the ending well, I thought I knew it but, MY GOD! The plot twist was crazy! The ending had me shocked, sobbing and weeping. It was such a good read, even when I thought it was predictable it was still intresting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2017
As a teen+ book, this was very good, like the idea of teen bodyguards.
January 8, 2018
This book is extremely interesting and the whole series is amazing.
January 7, 2018
Amazing
Once you pick it up its impossible to put down I love this series so much any young readers looking for a quick paceed series look no more
Once you pick it up its impossible to put down I love this series so much any young readers looking for a quick paceed series look no more
May 29, 2018
Aside from learning about Charley’s past... A glimpse into the life of a rock star... they certainly face multiple threats in their life!
November 18, 2018
This is my favourite installation of the bodyguard series, I love the switch in perspective to Charley, and how action packed it is. It gives a slight change to the rest of the series.
April 13, 2020
It was very good. Kept me on my feet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews