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"The race for the last of the planet’s resources has begun"
Lord Francis Butler ruthlessly leads a group of billionaire businessmen in their quest to control the last of the planet's resources. Driven on by the discovery of a methane release that could alter the world's sea-level, with catastrophic consequences, they will stop at nothing to secure their wealth and fortunes. Will their actions help the world to preserve the remaining resources, or are their motives more sinister?
Sergeant Kyle Gibbs is a disgruntled Scotsman, who after serving as an SAS team leader for a now disintegrating British Government, jumps at the opportunity to become a mercenary for this secret Billionaires Club.
After a failed incursion into an oil-rich country, Gibbs, and his team are left at the mercy of the African Continent as they scramble to get back to England and find out which one of their paymasters set them up to fail.
With the initial signs of climate change affecting London, they race through the poverty-stricken city streets, trying to expose the traitor.
Book 1 in the Kyle Gibbs Series.
Lord Francis Butler ruthlessly leads a group of billionaire businessmen in their quest to control the last of the planet's resources. Driven on by the discovery of a methane release that could alter the world's sea-level, with catastrophic consequences, they will stop at nothing to secure their wealth and fortunes. Will their actions help the world to preserve the remaining resources, or are their motives more sinister?
Sergeant Kyle Gibbs is a disgruntled Scotsman, who after serving as an SAS team leader for a now disintegrating British Government, jumps at the opportunity to become a mercenary for this secret Billionaires Club.
After a failed incursion into an oil-rich country, Gibbs, and his team are left at the mercy of the African Continent as they scramble to get back to England and find out which one of their paymasters set them up to fail.
With the initial signs of climate change affecting London, they race through the poverty-stricken city streets, trying to expose the traitor.
Book 1 in the Kyle Gibbs Series.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
409 people are currently reading
1,417 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Marinovich
13Ìýbooks248ÌýfollowersWayne Marinovich is an author and photographer who grew up on a farm in South Africa and spent most of his young life outdoors, learning and developing his passion for the natural world. When he was not fishing, bird watching, riding his bike or climbing trees, he was running around on top of the barn roof, fighting imaginary villains.
After a successful career as an IT consultant which saw him travel to all the places he loves writing about, he settled in the leafy county of West Sussex, England where he now resides with his wife and fellow photographer, Anneli.
His passion lies with conservation and environmental issues which affect both humans and the natural world alike, and he is most happy photographing and writing about the planet's beauty and fragility.
Currently he is working on the Kyle Gibbs series, an environmental piece set in a future climate-changed world. The first three books in the series have been published and he is currently working on the fourth. Wayne is also working on a portfolio of environmental novellas and short stories, the latest release being, Floodlanders, a teenager's tragic journey in a flooded London.
After a successful career as an IT consultant which saw him travel to all the places he loves writing about, he settled in the leafy county of West Sussex, England where he now resides with his wife and fellow photographer, Anneli.
His passion lies with conservation and environmental issues which affect both humans and the natural world alike, and he is most happy photographing and writing about the planet's beauty and fragility.
Currently he is working on the Kyle Gibbs series, an environmental piece set in a future climate-changed world. The first three books in the series have been published and he is currently working on the fourth. Wayne is also working on a portfolio of environmental novellas and short stories, the latest release being, Floodlanders, a teenager's tragic journey in a flooded London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 9, 2022
It Grows On You.
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t too fond of Gibbs, the protagonist. But as I watched him kicking butt, brutally, he begins to grow on me.
Soon I was a happy fan.
These pages are loaded with action! And lots of violence.
Our hero and his teammates go through all kinds of travails, but they are able to get through most of their scrapes.
There are a lot of different destinations. This book takes you all over the place. But keeps you planted firmly in the center of all the action.
When I first started reading this book I wasn’t too fond of Gibbs, the protagonist. But as I watched him kicking butt, brutally, he begins to grow on me.
Soon I was a happy fan.
These pages are loaded with action! And lots of violence.
Our hero and his teammates go through all kinds of travails, but they are able to get through most of their scrapes.
There are a lot of different destinations. This book takes you all over the place. But keeps you planted firmly in the center of all the action.
June 1, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
In the very near future, a group of billionaires try to take over the world under the guise of saving it. Sounds all too familiar. Only Former SAS guy Kyle Gibbs can stop them.
Nothing new here.
In the very near future, a group of billionaires try to take over the world under the guise of saving it. Sounds all too familiar. Only Former SAS guy Kyle Gibbs can stop them.
Nothing new here.
March 3, 2018
Good story
Hard for me to get into but once I caught on it was quite an adventure. I enjoyed following different factions.
Hard for me to get into but once I caught on it was quite an adventure. I enjoyed following different factions.
March 16, 2018
This was a wonderful action packed book to read
July 8, 2014
This is a fast-paced novel in the tradition of Alistair MacLean. It moves along at a rollocking pace. The characters are well drawn and easy to identify. The scenes vibrant.
However, it is too violent for my taste. Others like these sorts of scenes but they are a turn-off for this reader.
I look forward to reading more of Wayne' books because he is a good, natural story teller.
However, it is too violent for my taste. Others like these sorts of scenes but they are a turn-off for this reader.
I look forward to reading more of Wayne' books because he is a good, natural story teller.
November 10, 2017
This was a bit too much of a 'blokey' read for me, however I passed it along to my cousin, he reads all genres of books and he thoroughly enjoyed it, hence the 4 stars
September 14, 2017
Absolutely brilliant! Packed with action and unexpected situations. One of the best action books I had pleasure to read!
October 17, 2017
Good story, hard to put down. I did find the plot details discouraging. I expected the main character to be a good guy, but that was not always the case.
August 25, 2017
The first hook in this book is that it begins in our own era, but the world is not as we know it. Climate change has crippled society. Beggars and shanty towns have replaced civilisation as we know it. Only the mega rich survive virtually intact, protected by their resources and determination.
Kyle Gibbs is quite a complex figure. He has demons in his past that have helped to create the individual we meet at the beginning of the book. A serving member of the SAS he faces dangers unimaginable to most of us. When he finally leaves the military his obvious talents and experience lead him to seek work as a mercenary. This brings him into contact with the Billionaires Group. This handful of rich and powerful men seek to take control of those vital resources needed for human survival, such as energy supplies and water. Nothing will stand in their way, not foreign governments or their armies. Gibbs and his colleagues set out to protect resources, but all may not be as they think. Can they trust these men who send them on such missions? What is their ultimate aim and who will they sacrifice to achieve it?
A great read. The mercenary element is just part of this complex agenda. Where will the story take us next? There is no guessing, so just read and enjoy.
This s a real page-turner. As Gibbs character is revealed the reader relates with him more and more. He may be a hard man at first sight, but he has his weaker elements and these make him much more sympathetic.
Kyle Gibbs is quite a complex figure. He has demons in his past that have helped to create the individual we meet at the beginning of the book. A serving member of the SAS he faces dangers unimaginable to most of us. When he finally leaves the military his obvious talents and experience lead him to seek work as a mercenary. This brings him into contact with the Billionaires Group. This handful of rich and powerful men seek to take control of those vital resources needed for human survival, such as energy supplies and water. Nothing will stand in their way, not foreign governments or their armies. Gibbs and his colleagues set out to protect resources, but all may not be as they think. Can they trust these men who send them on such missions? What is their ultimate aim and who will they sacrifice to achieve it?
A great read. The mercenary element is just part of this complex agenda. Where will the story take us next? There is no guessing, so just read and enjoy.
This s a real page-turner. As Gibbs character is revealed the reader relates with him more and more. He may be a hard man at first sight, but he has his weaker elements and these make him much more sympathetic.
April 9, 2018
Wayne Marinovich has created Kyle Gibbs, A new Hero or Antihero. Kyle and his teammates go from the SAS to Mercenaries. Great Adventure Story. The Story does bounce around a bit, making a slight confusion at first. But well worth reading An Evil or maybe not so evil Billionaires club are trying to control resources whether to help themselves or the world is for YOU to Figure out and Kyle and his team’s roll in it is another puzzle. But this is all you get. I do not want to ruin a good read for you by to much Information. Enjoy it and also even better, it is the first of a good series! Enjoy, Santa Mike
March 23, 2015
I have never been the type to be drawn to books that the main character is a hard core military man. Usually the purpose of the books are just to kill and blow crap up. WAIT! Before you get the wrong idea Gibbs and his mates are ex-military that have turned mercenaries in this book but there so many incredible elements to it also. The story takes place not that far into the future where a drastic climate change is taking place. One of the most realistic future scenarios that I have read. An association of billionaires are using their power and money to take control of all the worlds remaining resources. Within every group there are the good and the bad individuals. Due to the changing world who can you trust? Now that Gibbs is out of the military he is looking for some mercenary work but it is not as easy to get this type of work as it was before such the dramatic change in society took place. Gibbs and his mates get an offer to do a job from the billionaires. The question is should they put themselves in danger for a group they do not know if they can trust? This is such a well written book. This is not the type of book that you will be able to guess what will happen next. All the characters are well written. Marinovich has a great way of giving you just what you need about each character keeping you guessing about who the true villains really are. Marinovich in life is also a wildlife photographer and conservationist giving him a great outlook on what the planet and society will come to in the not so far future. The society portrayed I think was dead on and quite unnerving. CELT will keep you on your toes, you will read past you bedtime, and keep saying just one more chapter.
Who would I recommend this book to? To readers who love action and adventure, for the ones who like the battle for good and evil, also all those in between, but also this would be a good look forward for readers who are concerned with what the future will look like.
"Thank you Wayne Marinovich for letting me give an honest review of your book"
Who would I recommend this book to? To readers who love action and adventure, for the ones who like the battle for good and evil, also all those in between, but also this would be a good look forward for readers who are concerned with what the future will look like.
"Thank you Wayne Marinovich for letting me give an honest review of your book"
February 28, 2015
Here’s an action packed thriller that is paced very well with non-stop adventure and happenings. Kyle Gibbs tries to navigate the motives of billionaire businessmen, all as the ravages of climate change overpower the Earth. You’ll enjoy this Scottish character, and his co-horts, as they zip about London, Africa and often do battle with baddies who have power-hungry agendas. I enjoyed the descriptions in the final scenes, and was surprised to discover where Gibbs ends up (read the book to find out where) and how he handles the situation.
Gibbs makes for an entertaining hero of a character and is well developed by the writer. You’ll come to understand his tough exterior and be intrigued at how he will handle each new, challenging, threat to the planet and his own existence.
This fighter will not bore you.
I enjoyed the inclusion of climate change in the storyline and how this threat to the earth may play out in political and powerful arenas. It made me speculate about the world order that we may all, in the real-world, face as our Earth’s environment changes. Who will control the resources? Whoever does most certainly has control over all people? It is a frightening scenario, but one I feel we should take heed of and explore in fiction works like this book, and others in this emerging cli-fi genre. The writer has done very well here in enlightening readers, as well as keeping them turning the pages.
Gibbs makes for an entertaining hero of a character and is well developed by the writer. You’ll come to understand his tough exterior and be intrigued at how he will handle each new, challenging, threat to the planet and his own existence.
This fighter will not bore you.
I enjoyed the inclusion of climate change in the storyline and how this threat to the earth may play out in political and powerful arenas. It made me speculate about the world order that we may all, in the real-world, face as our Earth’s environment changes. Who will control the resources? Whoever does most certainly has control over all people? It is a frightening scenario, but one I feel we should take heed of and explore in fiction works like this book, and others in this emerging cli-fi genre. The writer has done very well here in enlightening readers, as well as keeping them turning the pages.
July 1, 2017
I won this book on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. This book has lots of action. It takes place a bit in the future as gangs have taken over London and barter is predominately the method for exchange of goods. A group of billionaires decide that they can run the world better and begin interfering with governments by hiring mercenaries to destabilize or threaten to destabilize governments who do not take measures to limit climate change. The best parts of the book deal with the central character of Kyle Gibbs and his friends. Focus is on action, not character, so the reader does not know much about the thinking and feeling of the characters. In my opinion, the weakest part of the book is when the billionaires' meetings are described. The backgrounds for the dialogue and actions for this group are not given, so the reader just must accept these characters and their actions.
July 23, 2014
I received this book as a GoodReads giveaway - thanks.
The action/military parts made interesting reading but I didn't think there was a lot of depth to the characters.
The edition I read suffered from editing issues, with various typos and characters were often referred to by their full names, eg John Warren said, John Warren asked, shouted John Warren (all on the same page), which seemed a little weird.
I liked that the characters were British and the story based in Britain. Some good ideas about what could happen in the near future with the global environment.
The action/military parts made interesting reading but I didn't think there was a lot of depth to the characters.
The edition I read suffered from editing issues, with various typos and characters were often referred to by their full names, eg John Warren said, John Warren asked, shouted John Warren (all on the same page), which seemed a little weird.
I liked that the characters were British and the story based in Britain. Some good ideas about what could happen in the near future with the global environment.
May 5, 2014
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this through goodreads.
Although fast and action filled, I felt that there could be some more quiet moments. If you want full-on 100% action throughout this is the book for you. I prefer a little more quiet moments, but I did enjoy the book. Reasoning for 3* is for that reason, but I am sure readers who like full-on action throughout will be giving this book 5*.
Although fast and action filled, I felt that there could be some more quiet moments. If you want full-on 100% action throughout this is the book for you. I prefer a little more quiet moments, but I did enjoy the book. Reasoning for 3* is for that reason, but I am sure readers who like full-on action throughout will be giving this book 5*.
June 5, 2014
Wayne Marinovich's CELT offers an action packed scenario where the hero, Kyle Gibbs, blasts his way through a bleak, near-future world of severe climate change and energy shortage, to find himself up against the greed and power of big business. A ripping good yarn, with an added bonus of two more books in the series. Well worth the read.
July 23, 2014
I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting this book down. The storyline was well thought out and very well written. The characters are well developed and engaging. This is a fast-paced action thriller that will keep you turning pages until the very end. I enjoyed this novel very much and would highly recommend it.
October 25, 2015
I received this book as a Good Reads giveaway.
The story set in the near future was realistic and a good read from start to finish.
Unfortunately the book ended too soon for my liking. I thought it should have continued longer
to a more satisfactory conclusion. Several printing errors occurred throughout the book and
should be eliminated. I strongly recommend this book.
The story set in the near future was realistic and a good read from start to finish.
Unfortunately the book ended too soon for my liking. I thought it should have continued longer
to a more satisfactory conclusion. Several printing errors occurred throughout the book and
should be eliminated. I strongly recommend this book.
January 3, 2016
Got this book as a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway. An action thriller based around both a special forces soldier and climate change is an interesting idea. The action is well done, and the plot interesting, but I can't say I really took to the hero as much as I might have - which then left me just that bit less engaged.
July 23, 2018
Kyle Gibbs and his team become mercenaries after going AWOL from the SAS. After failing in their first mission, the team struggles to return to England to uncover who jeopardized their mission. Gibbs' hot temper and military training drive this book from beginning to end. I received this book as part of the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaway program.
February 19, 2016
Great story, action packed though out the book. The characters are greatly described. I really enjoyed every page of this novel and did not want to put it down. The subject matter is highly believable of what could happen in the near future, looking forward to the next one. More please.
January 27, 2014
A wonderfully fast-paced action thriller which never lets its foot of the gas. Kyle Gibbs has made an explosive entrance. Would make a good movie.
November 25, 2015
I enjoyed reading Celt The Journey of Kyle Gibbs. Starts in the present but goes into the near future. Action packed, story moves quickly. The characters are great!
August 14, 2014
An excellent addition to the SAS genre. Marinovich has the the right mix of action, plot and humour to keep the reader coming back for more.
January 2, 2020
Amazing. Wish I could get sequel from Barnes and Noble
March 18, 2019
Initially, I thought the author's Z didn't work. Then I saw words like blizzard and zone, and realized it did work. Then why oh why, would he spell every word that should end in Zation with Sation? OrganiZation, civilization, neutralized... Honestly, someone who can't spell Ministry of Defense, has no business writing a military thriller, right?
Then I thought, okay, you are definitely, overanalyzing this whole thing. Let's consult Grammarist, and see if they can help. They came through with an article on Realize vs. Realise. They also indicated that although it was wrong, people outside of North America, often take liberties with this rule. Then they try to pawn it off, as an Americanism. However, in an organized civilization, we attempt to realize centralize language; by adopting a centralized language format. No matter how many of his misspelled words I Googled, it came back with, did you mean? For instance a Tyre, is an ancient port city, not a truck part, AKA tire.
Unfortunately, due to poor spelling and run on sentences, it really impacted my ability to like this book. Although, the content was strong and the story line was powerful, I had a hard time ignoring the obvious liberties; the author took with our language. One of the most useful things Mr. Marinovich can learn, is re-read your book, out loud! If you take a breath, there should be some sort of punctuation there! In the meantime, despite that there is a sequel, I think I don't have the energy to go through that again.
Then I thought, okay, you are definitely, overanalyzing this whole thing. Let's consult Grammarist, and see if they can help. They came through with an article on Realize vs. Realise. They also indicated that although it was wrong, people outside of North America, often take liberties with this rule. Then they try to pawn it off, as an Americanism. However, in an organized civilization, we attempt to realize centralize language; by adopting a centralized language format. No matter how many of his misspelled words I Googled, it came back with, did you mean? For instance a Tyre, is an ancient port city, not a truck part, AKA tire.
Unfortunately, due to poor spelling and run on sentences, it really impacted my ability to like this book. Although, the content was strong and the story line was powerful, I had a hard time ignoring the obvious liberties; the author took with our language. One of the most useful things Mr. Marinovich can learn, is re-read your book, out loud! If you take a breath, there should be some sort of punctuation there! In the meantime, despite that there is a sequel, I think I don't have the energy to go through that again.
November 16, 2024
Other than making the main character a Scot, there is little to actually make you think he is a Celt. A Sergeant in the Armed Forces that hates his inept CO, and beats him up not once but twice, then decides to chuck it all away, well he already has but this is a work of fiction, to join a mercenary group. Oh wait there is more. His buddies decide to throw away their careers as well and go for a romp with their pal.
Stretching the believable goes out the window. You know it is a military book because the MC doesn't reach for his pistol, or side arm, no, he reaches for a Glock 43 or some such jargon to show the author knows what he is talking about! Until the part where the universal joints break off the leaf springs and render the vehicle useless. Yep. darn leaf springs.
I got this book for 99 Cents and it was barely worth that. Definitely a #1 and done for me.
Stretching the believable goes out the window. You know it is a military book because the MC doesn't reach for his pistol, or side arm, no, he reaches for a Glock 43 or some such jargon to show the author knows what he is talking about! Until the part where the universal joints break off the leaf springs and render the vehicle useless. Yep. darn leaf springs.
I got this book for 99 Cents and it was barely worth that. Definitely a #1 and done for me.
December 7, 2018
Not my style although the plot has interesting aspects and using the premise of global warming and climate damage as an aide to the antagonist was a great way to highlight the reality of the problem.
Personally the writing, characters and style were all too much brawn and not enough brain. It is my pet peeve that stories where everything is perfect, muscles, ability, sex, talents make for very boring reading. I realise that this is fiction and fantasy does play a role but there needs to be some onion layering if a story is to hold my attention. This was not one that did.
I won't be getting the second one.
Personally the writing, characters and style were all too much brawn and not enough brain. It is my pet peeve that stories where everything is perfect, muscles, ability, sex, talents make for very boring reading. I realise that this is fiction and fantasy does play a role but there needs to be some onion layering if a story is to hold my attention. This was not one that did.
I won't be getting the second one.
May 9, 2020
This is a brilliant read that begs not to be put down before you've finished it!
The characters are very relatable and the reader sees through their eyes every step of this crazy, thrilling ride. The main setting of the story, a dystopian London, is an excellent concept and sits well within the story. When the end comes it has a neat twist that sets the characters heading back to London....back to another mission.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes a thrilling read.
This was a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Read
The characters are very relatable and the reader sees through their eyes every step of this crazy, thrilling ride. The main setting of the story, a dystopian London, is an excellent concept and sits well within the story. When the end comes it has a neat twist that sets the characters heading back to London....back to another mission.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes a thrilling read.
This was a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Read
June 6, 2018
Celt: The Journey of Kyle Gibbs is the first book in the Kyle Gibbs Action Thriller series. This can be read as a standalone though it does end in a soft cliffhanger for the next book. There is a lot of violence. This is a story about what people will do to have power and manipulate world events to suit their purposes. They don't care who they hurt or how many are killed in the pursuit of their goals.
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