Step into the pulse-pounding world of the Dan Stone Assassin series, where vengeance, morality, and covert missions collide in a whirlwind of action! Written by David Nees, this thriller saga follows Dan Stone, a former Army sniper turned CIA contract assassin, as he navigates a life of high-stakes danger and spiritual discovery. If you love gritty heroes and plots that keep you guessing, this series is your next obsession.
From the ashes of personal tragedy to global conspiracies, Dan Stone’s journey is a rollercoaster of emotions and adrenaline. Nees blends heart-pounding action with deeper themes, making this series a standout in the thriller genre. Ready to meet a blue-collar hero who’d rather not be a killer but excels at it? Let’s dive in!
How Dan Stone Assassin Began
David Nees, a former teacher and motorcycle racer turned full-time author, launched the Dan Stone Assassin series in 2017 with Payback. After success with his post-apocalyptic After the Fall series, Nees wanted to craft a thriller hero who felt real—a working-class sniper haunted by loss. Inspired by classic action heroes like Mitch Rapp and Jack Reacher, Nees infused Dan Stone with a unique spiritual edge, setting the series apart. His shift to thrillers reflected a desire to depict a realistic world, drawing readers into Dan’s morally complex missions.
The Heart of Dan Stone Assassin
The series kicks off with Payback (2017), where Dan, devastated by the mob’s murder of his pregnant wife, unleashes a calculated revenge on Brooklyn’s crime family. Using his sniper skills, he dismantles their operations, only to find a new path with the CIA. The Shaman (2018) takes Dan to the Chihuahuan desert for a near-suicide mission to eliminate a Sinaloa cartel leader. A botched extraction leads to a mystical encounter with a shaman, introducing spiritual themes of good versus evil. The Captive Girl (2018) sees Dan defying orders to rescue a runaway in Europe, racing through Slovenia and Croatia with killers on his tail. Death in the Congo (2020) pits Dan against Chinese incursions in Africa, blending geopolitical intrigue with intense action.
Nees’ series thrives on its mix of gritty realism and supernatural undertones. Themes of vengeance, redemption, and the battle between light and darkness weave through Dan’s missions. The settings—spanning deserts, jungles, and European cities—immerse readers in a vivid, dangerous world. Fans praise Nees’ well-researched plots and complex characters, like Dan’s Delta Force allies Marcus and Roland, who add depth and camaraderie. The series’ spiritual “Watchers” element, introduced in The Shaman, gives it a distinctive edge, blending mysticism with bullets.
Why Dan Stone Assassin Resonates
The Dan Stone Assassin series has carved a niche among thriller fans for its relentless pace and emotional depth. Readers compare Dan to icons like James Bond and John Rain, appreciating his everyman quality and moral struggles. Nees’ ability to tackle real-world issues—like corruption in the Congo or cartel violence—grounds the series in relevance, while the spiritual twists keep it fresh. With nine books and counting, the series’ growing fanbase eagerly awaits each installment, hooked on Dan’s evolving journey.
Despite its niche status, the series’ blend of action, heart, and mysticism has sparked a loyal following. Reviews highlight its “rollercoaster” thrills and well-crafted characters, making it a hidden gem for those craving more than typical spy fare. Nees’ storytelling proves that even a lesser-known series can pack a punch.
- First Book: Payback (2017)
- Latest Book: The Orphan Girl (2024)
- Total Books: 9
- Genre: Thriller/Action
Grab Payback and dive into Dan Stone Assassin’s thrilling world of snipers, shamans, and secrets! Whether you’re a thriller veteran or a newbie, Dan’s adventures will keep you up all night.