Quick in Aussie Readers

Aug 16, 2014 Josh rated it really liked it

Shelves: review_books, own, read_2014

QUICK is high octane action delivered at breakneck speed; at no time does protagonist, Aussie cop and former V8 driver Billy Hotchkiss, get a moments reprieve as he tracks down a crafty gang of thieves responsible pulling jewellery heists from Melbourne to Monaco.

Accompanied by a reluctant Interpol Agent, Billy forms an unlikely partnership that at once complements the plot while also providing a dose of humour. Billy’s dry Aussie wit is lost on his French counterpart, making their exchanges al ...more

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Aug 06, 2014 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

Shelves: provided-by-publisher, arc-are, aussie-author

Steve Worland's newest novel, Quick, is a fast paced, octane fuelled thrill ride set in the exciting world of international motor sport.

After a spectacular career ending crash, former V8 Supercar driver Billy Hotchkiss joined the police force hoping for opportunities to sate his craving for the adrenalin rush racing once gave him and when he stumbles across a diamond heist in action, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the fray. Billy's heroics captures the attention of Interpol who think he is the
Steve Worland's newest novel, Quick, is a fast paced, octane fuelled thrill ride set in the exciting world of international motor sport.

After a spectacular career ending crash, former V8 Supercar driver Billy Hotchkiss joined the police force hoping for opportunities to sate his craving for the adrenalin rush racing once gave him and when he stumbles across a diamond heist in action, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the fray. Billy's heroics captures the attention of Interpol who think he is the ideal candidate to track down the diamond thieves, convinced the Melbourne heist is connected to a series of diamond thefts by a crew associated with the Formula 1 World Championship. Billy, along with his reluctant partner, Claude, is sent in undercover, joining the 'Iron Rhino' racing team, and they begin closing in on the criminals, only to uncover an explosive secret. Suddenly, Billy and Claude find themselves racing along the streets of Monte Carlo to save thousands of spectators before everything crashes and burns.

Though I am not generally a fan of motor sport, I was caught up in the fast paced excitement from the opening pages of Quick. From Billy's spectacular crash on Mount Panorama to his surfing an armoured truck being dragged down Melbourne's busy streets and later sliding down the roof of the Mall of Emirates while being chased by a Uzi wielding diamond thief, the action is non stop both on and off the track. There are explosions, gunfights, car chases and car races, plus a black panther and a damsel in distress.

Worland's fearless hero, Billy, is a likeable protagonist, forthright with a dry Aussie sense of humour. He misses the adrenaline rush of racing and, having survived a near fatal accident, isn't afraid to take risks as he tries to stop 'The Three Champions' in their tracks. Billy is teamed with veteran Interpol agent Claude, a dour Frenchman who is initially unhappy with the assignment and his reckless new partner, but eventually see's things Billy's way.

I compared Worland's Velocity to Con Air and Combustion to Die Hard 4, Quick could perhaps be described as a cross between The Fast and the Furious and Speed Racer, but there really isn't anything quite like this on the big screen and there probably should be.

Quick is the perfect Father's Day gift for race fans or anyone who appreciates a rip-roaring and racy adventure thriller. Take Quick for a spin, and enjoy!

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Aug 17, 2014 Tien rated it really liked it

Shelves: australian-author, action

When the book first arrived, my son tore open the package and said that this must be for him. There was a racing car on the cover so it mustn’t be mummy’s. He’s 4 and can’t read yet but persisted that he will read it when he’s 5. I myself would have said that Quick isn’t my usual cup of tea though now that I’ve read all 3 of Steve Worland’s blockbuster action works, I really can’t say that anymore... especially since I’ve enjoyed them all.

As I begin reading, I really thought that my ignorance of When the book first arrived, my son tore open the package and said that this must be for him. There was a racing car on the cover so it mustn’t be mummy’s. He’s 4 and can’t read yet but persisted that he will read it when he’s 5. I myself would have said that Quick isn’t my usual cup of tea though now that I’ve read all 3 of Steve Worland’s blockbuster action works, I really can’t say that anymore... especially since I’ve enjoyed them all.

As I begin reading, I really thought that my ignorance of motor racing or of anything motor would be a detriment in understanding this book. The only think I can boast of is driving manual –which hubby (God bless him for his patience!) first taught me to drive in his Peugeot 206 then let me drive his Colt RalliArt then Legnum (all turbo-charged, I think –or is that even the right term / usage?). Even knowing the sound or how it felt when turbo engages, I really do NOT feel the need for speed. Thankfully, Quick really isn’t about speed... though it provided a very exciting background to this story.

Billy Hotchkiss is an easily likeable character. I felt though that he is quite similar to Corey Purchase ([book:Velocity|15824903)) in that down to earth, easygoing type of Aussie bloke. He is a Good Samaritan –he just can’t help himself from jumping in though he would usually end up in a scrape. Sometimes though, it’s totally worth it or so it seems as each scrapes landed him on greener grass anyway. His Aussie-ness, I found, to be underscored quite heavily especially in terms of his speech with lots of Aussie terms / phrases thrown in. This was slightly annoying though at times, it can be humorous. On the other hand, I found it slightly inexplicable that his French partner barely sounded “French” at the start and it was only a bit later that French expressions were introduced into the story.

The mystery, though large scale, isn’t the main feature of this novel either. Again, it provided a great background, diamond heists which spanned the globe with a more sinister agenda behind it all, but the actions in the effort of capturing these criminals were the highlights of the story. Thankfully, Billy isn’t a bumbling amateur in the fast lane so each encounter really was high in tension and very exciting. The term “action-packed” cannot be more apt when applied to Quick. Don’t worry about not knowing motoring terms; you’ll still enjoy the humour, the explosive actions, and the fight for justice. Oh, let’s not forget that bit of romance too! Fairly sweet for this lady’s perspective

There were many sceptical moments though I think reading an action adventure blockbuster novel is just like watching an action adventure blockbuster movie... you know certain things just aren’t going to happen like that in real life but you suspend belief and enjoy the ride. It was a blast of a ride –one I’ve come to expect of Steve Worland. A perfect read for those with a need for speed or those who love their action blockbusters.

Thank you, Steve Worland & Penguin Books Australia, for copy of paperback ...more

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Aug 25, 2014 Bree T rated it really liked it

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