The Gray Man (Gray Man, #1) in SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group

Feb 08, 2012 Mike (the Paladin) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: action, favorites

Are you a Jane Austen fan? Are you looking for a calm introspective book that will be like a peaceful walk by a gentle stream, maybe a literary novel beloved of the critics?

Then move on and have some Earl Grey with the other sissies. Men and women who like action only here.

Yes, I gave this 5 stars. Why? Because I like it. While at times I like a deep thoughtful novel or a philosophical exploration of life I also enjoy a good page turner full of gunfire, explosions, daring do and heroics (though Are you a Jane Austen fan? Are you looking for a calm introspective book that will be like a peaceful walk by a gentle stream, maybe a literary novel beloved of the critics?

Then move on and have some Earl Grey with the other sissies. Men and women who like action only here.

Yes, I gave this 5 stars. Why? Because I like it. While at times I like a deep thoughtful novel or a philosophical exploration of life I also enjoy a good page turner full of gunfire, explosions, daring do and heroics (though the heroics here are of the very violent type).

I finished this a couple of nights ago (and the next day I went to Audible and downloaded the second of this series). I was so involved in it I hated to stop so I stayed up late with Court Gentry (The Gray Man) to complete his mission. The only downside to this? It took me hours the next morning to get the smell of gunpowder, sweat and blood out of the house. The clothes I had on still smell of cordite.

Court Gentry is the Gray Man, possibly the most able assassin in the world. He's an independent operator. He works through a "handler" a "contractor" and he only takes contracts that he approves of. He only kills those whom he believes need killing. The name Gray Man has made it into underworld mythology, his name is whispered and comes up every time a difficult of seemingly impossible hit takes place.

And only a few people in the world know that "The Gray Man" is also Court Gentry. Gentry is an American, he was with the CIA. But he was "burned" and then an "SOS" (Shoot On Sight) order was issued. He's now a man who can't go home, can't rest in any one place too long.

And he doesn't know why.

Since then he's used his talents and training to make a living and "contribute to a better world" the only way he knows how.

So, what's Court gentry like...who is he? Think Jack Ryan's Patriotism and sense of honor meets the talents and abilities of Mitch Rapp... You a graphic novel/comics fan? Think Captain America meets The Punisher.

This thing is a page turning thrill ride of mature brain candy... I like it.

The novel sets up the character of Gentry and we begin to get to know him. No the story isn't deep and some will not enjoy it for it's very simplicity but now and then a straight forward tale of action and adventure is something I like. For what it is this is top of the line and if it's what you're looking for then I think you'll not only like it but be tempted to read it from first page to last in a single sitting. I have both novel 2 (which I'm 3/4 through now) and novel 3 waiting. If the action stays true I'll most likely snatch up each of Mark Greaney's novels as they come out.

5 page turning action adventure brain candy mental junk food stars. ...more

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Feb 03, 2011 Danielle The Book Huntress rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012-sky-s-the-limit-club, 2020-action-adventure-aficionados-c, fugitive, thriller-suspense, owned-copy, assassin, action-adventure, action-adventure-aficionados-2012-c, scary-sexy-cool-dangerous-hero, tough-as-nails-heroes

Reread on audiobook completed in November 2020

It's been a while since I read this, so it was a good opportunity to listen to this again on audiobook. The narrator is good. He has a very formal way of reading, which takes some getting used to. I'm already starting to have favorites, *cough*Scott Brick*cough*, so my bar is kind of high. Nevertheless, he wasn't distracting and I did like the way he inhabited the role of Court Gentry.

Even on reread, I am very impressed with Gentry, aka The Gray Man Reread on audiobook completed in November 2020

It's been a while since I read this, so it was a good opportunity to listen to this again on audiobook. The narrator is good. He has a very formal way of reading, which takes some getting used to. I'm already starting to have favorites, *cough*Scott Brick*cough*, so my bar is kind of high. Nevertheless, he wasn't distracting and I did like the way he inhabited the role of Court Gentry.

Even on reread, I am very impressed with Gentry, aka The Gray Man. I like that even as a killer, he has a strong sense of integrity, but he's extremely lethal. The odds are against him for most of the book, but he manages to pull through based on his well-honed skills, sense of preservation, and a little bit of luck and help along the way. The villains are a bit less developed than I would like, although I wouldn't necessarily call them cardboard. The action scenes are fantastic. I'd definitely keep Court in my top ten of badass heroes for posterity.

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The Gray Man is an action-packed, suspenseful ride that I didn't want to put down. Court Gentry is the kind of hero I am always looking for. He is resourceful, driven to get the job down, and a stone cold survivor. As I read this book, I was thinking, "Really? Did that just happen? I'd be so dead now!" Of course, I wouldn't want a wimpy heroine like myself in Court's shoes. Which is why I read these books, because I love seeing a tough character get himself out of some highly sticky situations that I'd be so dead meat in. And Mark Greaney through Court Gentry more than delivers on that front.

The storyline had me holding my breath, and muttering things I probably shouldn't be saying under my breath. Court is placed in a very tough situation, with many people out to kill him, and limited resources. The fun of this story is being along with Court on the ride as he faces all these top level death-bringers and gets himself hurt again and again, but manages to do some serious damage to the bad guys. I didn't enjoy him getting hurt so bad, but I did enjoy seeing this Energizer bunny keep taking his licks and keep on ticking. I love these kinds of characters. Although Court is a series bad*ss, he's also very moral in his own way. He believes in doing the right thing, and only kills bad people or to protect himself. I liked that even in the desperate situation he faces, Court doesn't lose sight of what he values. He's definitely the kind of guy I'd want on my side.

For readers who enjoy an adrenaline-infused story, but one that also engages the brain, I'd recommend this novel. The whys and wherefores take this story to higher level. I am officially adding Court Gentry to my roster of certified Grade A Kickbutt Artists, along with Scarecrow Shane Schofield, Joe Pike, The GhostWalkers, The Prakenskiis, Anne Stuart's Ice heroes and Jack Reacher. Believe me, that's a huge compliment! ...more

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Aug 29, 2011 LadyTechie rated it it was amazing

I had been on a teenage secret agent book bender for a few weeks. Prior to that I was on an urban fantasy kick for possibly a year or more straight with breaks in between for mystery/thriller releases in series that I like. I was looking for something different and exciting to read. I read a 2nd in a series with a female assassin and really liked it and decided to see what else was out there. I did a search and found the Mark Greaney series, The Gray Man. I started reading it about 15 minutes be ...more

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Sep 29, 2016 Ben Denison rated it really liked it

Shelves: jonesy

Got interested in Greaney from his Clancy/Ryan contributions. I figured I'd give his Court Gentry series a try. I really liked this first book. Good plot, good writing. I like the characters. I will definitely continue the series. Can't wait to read #2. ...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Mark rated it liked it

Shelves: spy-thriller, political-thriller, military, tech-thriller

Court Gentry comes to the aid of his employer while a huge manhunt is on for him!...very typical spec-ops thriller...super-human spec-ops warrior hero to the rescue with all odds stacked against...just ok...no new ground here

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