1000 Yards

John Milton #0.5

by Mark Dawson

Meet John Milton
He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder.

Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. Ruthless. Brilliant. Anonymous. Lethal. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list. But now, after ten years, he's had enough - there's blood on his hands and he wants out. Trouble is, this job is not one you can just walk away from.

He goes on the run, seeking atonement for his sins by helping the people he meets along the way. But his past cannot be easily forgotten and before long it is Milton who is hunted, and not the hunter.

1000 Yards
This 17,000 word novella is an introduction to John Milton, the most dangerous assassin in the pay of Her Majesty's government.

Milton is sent into North Korea. With nothing but a sniper rifle, bad intentions and a very particular target, will Milton be able to take on the secret police of the most dangerous failed state on the planet?

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Espionage, Audiobook, Short Stories, Action, Mystery

118 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2013

About the author

For news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:

http://eepurl.com/Cai5X

Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.

He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).

The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.

Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.

You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Milton's trade is murder. You wouldn't notice him in a crowd, but heaven help you if YOU are on his hit list. Completely ruthless, he excels in whatever is required of him, let's nothing get in the way. In this novella he's sent to North Korea with a particular target in mind, but this is a really dangerous state even for someone as accomplished as he is.

For such a short read, Mark Dawson manages to set the scene perfectly, and certainly racks up the tension. The character just manages to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, leading to some nail biting moments. Sets the stage nicely for further John Milton thrillers.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, solid, action. 8 of 10 stars

[Labijose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best I can say about this novella is that I had a great time reading it! About a hundred pages full of suspense, it keeps you intrigued to the end. As an introduction to the John Milton series, it worked for me. Not my typical kind of reading, though, but I’m sure I will read something else from this author. Four stars.

[Jennifer (Jaye) (Comments frustration) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Introducing John Milton*

**3.5 Stars**

Meet John Milton he is under Her Majesty’s pay and he is the one they send on assignments when all else fails. He is an assassin but the most dangerous thing about him is he appears unassuming and could easily blend into a crowd. Who will ever see him coming?

This is a short story but so much is packed into his assignment to North Korea. He is armed with a snipers rifle, will he be able to fox the secret police, complete his assignment and disappear in one piece??

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prequel to the John Milton series is a short story about an infiltration into North Korea. Popular idea lately. It's the day of the parade for the anniversary of the first Kim's 100 birthday. Milton is inserted and given a sniper rifle to do...something.

Lots of suspense, and a couple of twists make this a pretty good story.

[Laur · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the story first started out, it reminded me of a ”Mission Impossible” introduction. You know....if you choose to except this mission...being disavowed if your caught, ....yada, yada, yada. Mission Impossible, it definitely was not.

I just could not get into this story because I wasn't sold on the main character, John Milton. He was suppose to be the best of the best of Her Majesty’s assassins. The GUY that gets sent in to accomplish the secret mission when everything else fails. Milton is described as brilliant, ruthless, anonymous, lethal, a craftsman of murder. The character described on jacket, just didn't feel like the same guy I was reading about. He wasn't an Ethan Hunt (from Mission Impossible), nor a Jason Bourne. I don't know, maybe just a personal thing, but I was bored and expecting more from this character.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing is for sure. Mark Dawson is one of my favourite authors, really enjoy his Beatrix Rose and Isabella Rose books.

So I knew I had to get started on the John Milton books, so we start with an introduction to John Milton and his first job in the quick short story read.

Meet John Milton. He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder. Milton is the man the government sends after you when everything else has failed. You wouldn't pick him out of a crowd but you wouldn't want to be on his list.

In this dip into his case files, Milton is sent into North Korea. With nothing but a sniper rifle, bad intentions and a very particular target, will Milton be able to take on the secret police of the most dangerous failed state on the planet?

Also included: the first chapter of the first full-length Milton novel, THE CLEANER.

You'll love Mark Dawson's #1 bestselling thrillers. 450,000 copies downloaded. Get to know John Milton before everyone else does!!

A four star book, just another 12-13 books to go in the series.

[Rafia Rahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

নাম: ১০০০ গজ
লেখক: মার্ক ডওসন
অনুবাদক: ফাহাদ আল আব্দুল্লাহ
জনরা: এডভেঞ্চার স্পাই থ্রিলার
প্রচ্ছদ: লর্ড জুলিয়ান
প্রকাশনী: ঐশ্বর্য প্রকাশ
প্রথম প্রকাশ: নভেম্বর ২০২০
পৃষ্ঠা সংখ্যা: ৭৬
মুদ্রিত মূল্য: ১৬০/-


𝕬𝖘 𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖆𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖞 𝖉𝖔𝖓'𝖙 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜,
𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖘𝖆𝖋𝖊...

— 𝔅𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔞𝔪𝔟𝔦𝔨𝔦 ℌ𝔞𝔟𝔶𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔞

❝এজেন্ট❞- শব্দ শুনলেই মনের মধ্যে দুর্ধর্ষ ফিগার কল্পনা করে ফেলি আমরা, যে থাকবে লোকচক্ষুর আড়ালে। লুকে হবে পরিপাটি কেতাদুরস্ত, তীক্ষ্ণ বুদ্ধিদীপ্ত আর রণকৌশলে পারদর্শী। অবশ্য এমনটা নাহলে হয়ও না অনেক সময়। অসম্ভব মিশন যার কাঁধে অন্যদের থেকে এডভান্স না হলে কি চলে! বই আর মুভির কল্যাণে এমনটাই চরিত্র আমরা জানি একজন এজেন্টের। মিশনই যার সব। কিন্তু প্রতিবারই কি এমন হয় যে একজন এজেন্ট মিশন কমপ্লিট করে শান্তিতে ঘরে ফিরে আসে? কখনও কি এমন হয় না যে টার্গেট পূরণের জন্য নির্দোষের বলি দিতে হয়? মিশনের স্বার্থে কি এজেন্ট ভুলে যায় নিষ্পাপের জীবনের মূল্য? নাকি কালোছায়া হয়ে অতীতের রক্তাক্ত স্মৃতি সাথেই জড়িয়ে পড়ে...

আখ্যান —

মরুভূমি।
একটা গ্রাম।
সেখানে মাদ্রাসা।
বাচ্চারা আসছে, বসে আছে।
বাতাসে খেলে বেড়াচ্ছে প্লাস্টিকের একটা সস্তা ফুটবল।
বাচ্চা একটা ছেলে।
দ্রুতগতিতে এগিয়ে আসছে একটা প্লেন, অনেক নিচুতে উড়ছে, ধেয়ে আসছে উপত্যকার ওপর দিয়ে।
তারপর...
প্রতিবার এইসময়ে এসে ধড়ফড় করে ঘুম ভেঙে যায় জন মিল্টনের। এইস্বপ্ন যেন বারবার মনে করিয়ে দেয় ভুল হয়েছে কিছু প্রায়শ্চিত্ত করতে হবে! কিন্তু কী হয়েছিল অতীতে যা দুঃস্বপ্ন হয়ে তাড়া করে এজেন্ট মিল্টনকে?

হার ম্যাজেস্টি'র সরকারের সবচেয়ে বিশ্বস্ত হিটম্যান জন মিল্টন। ক্ষেপণাস্ত্র নিয়ে মেতে উঠেছে উত্তর কোরিয়া, তাদের এখন ঠেকানো না গেলে সমূহ বিপদ অপেক্ষা করছে বিশ্ববাসীর জন্য। শত্রুর আস্তানায় ঢুকে শত্রু নিধনের মিশন এবার তার কাঁধে। কিন্তু বিপদ! উত্তর কোরিয়ার মাটিতে নামার সাথে সাথেই পড়ে যায় মেজর কিম শিন-জো এর নজরে...
মিল্টনের পিছে লেলিয়ে দেওয়া হয় পুলিশ ফোর্সকে! পারবে কি লক্ষ্যভেদী এজেন্ট তার লক্ষ্য ভেদ করতে...

পর্যালোচনা ও প্রতিক্রিয়া —

এডভেঞ্চার থ্রিলার দেখে যদি মনে করেন টানটান উত্তেজনা থাকবে বইয়ে তাহলে হতাশ হতে হবে আগেই বলে দিলাম। বইয়ের প্রথম ভাগে সরকার আর সংস্থা নিয়ে লেখা যেখানে তারা ঠিক করে জন মিল্টন উপযুক্ত এই মিশনের জন্য। এনিয়ে বিভিন্ন চুক্তি আর কাহিনী আছে।

কাহিনীর মধ্যভাগ দিয়েই পাঠক আসল অংশে প্রবেশ করবে। যেখানে এজেন্ট মিল্টন একের পর এক রুপ আর জায়গা বদলায়। কিন্তু কীভাবে জানতে হলে পড়তে হবে ❝১০০০ গজ❞। পুলিশ ফোর্সের চোখে কীভাবে মিল্টন ধুলো দিবে আগেই আন্দাজ করেছিলাম তবে ধরপাকড়াও একটা সিন থাকবে আশা করেছিলাম কিন্তু অনুপস্থিত। এমন কিছু থাকলে জমতো ভালো। বইয়ের সবচেয়ে ইন্টারেস্টিং পার্ট হলো টার্গেট সেট করা আর লক্ষ্যভেদ করা। বইয়ের নাম ১০০০ গজ কেন এই প্রশ্নের উত্তরও পাঠক এই অংশে পেয়ে যাবে। তবে মিশন এত তাড়াতাড়ি শেষ হওয়াতে কিছুটা মনক্ষুন্ন হয়েছি যদিও ছোট গল্প।

বইয়ের শেষ অবধি পড়ে পাঠক সকল রহস্যের সন্ধান পেলেও একটা রহস্য কিন্তু থেকেই যায়। মিল্টনের স্বপ্ন রহস্য! গল্পের শেষেও লেখক রহস্যের খোলসা করবেন না, বিষয়টা খটকা লাগে। তাই গুগল মামার শরণাপন্ন হলাম। খোঁজাখুঁজি করে জানলাম জন মিল্টন একটা সিরিজ যার টোটাল বই বিশটা (দুটা ছোটগল্প আর আঠারোটা উপন্যাস)। তো সিরিজের বাকি বইগুলো কি ঐশ্বর্য প্রকাশ থেকে আসবে? আসলে তা কবে নাগাদ পাঠকের হাতে পৌছাবে?

লেখনশৈলী ও বর্ণনা —

মার্ক ডওসনের লেখনীর সাথে পরিচয় ❝১০০০ গজ❞ দিয়েই। মেদহীন লেখনী। জন মিল্টন সিরিজ লেখার জন্য আর্মি, ফাইটিং আর অস্ত্রসস্ত্র নিয়ে যে লেখক অনেক ঘাটাঘাটি করেছেন পাঠক বই পড়ে সহজেই তা বুঝতে পারবে। তবে কাহিনীর মেইন এক্সাইটমেন্ট পার্ট বলতে গেলে শেষ অংশই। এছাড়া আগের অংশে মিল্টনের ছন্দবেশ বদলানো আর জায়গা বদল করাই আছে খালি তাই পাঠক প্রথম অংশ পড়ে কিছুটা হতাশ হতেই পারে।

অনুবাদ —

অনুবাদ সাবলীল। বিভিন্ন জায়গা ���র অস্ত্রসস্ত্রের নাম যে কীভাবে অনুবাদ করেছেন অনুবাদক পড়ার সময় এটাই বারবার ভাবছিলাম। এত খটমটে নাম! উচ্চারণই করেছেন কিভাবে আমি তো স্কিপ করে গেছি। তবে কিছু শব্দচয়ণ কঠিন মনে হয়েছে। অর্থ জানার জন্য গুগল মামার কাছে যেতে হয়েছে।

চরিত্রায়ন —

কাহিনীর মূল চরিত্র জন মিল্টন, ধূর্ত-নিষ্ঠুর নিবেদিত-প্রাণ এজেন্ট। যেকোনো মূল্যে মিশন কমপ্লিট করা যার একমাত্র উদ্দেশ্য। সহযোগী হিসেবে আছে স্যু ইয়ুং জং এবং তার ভাই কুন জং। কুন জং- কে বইয়ের সেরা চরিত্র মনে হয়েছে আমার কাছে। মৃত্যু নিশ্চিত জেনেও মিশন ছেড়ে যায়নি সাথে বোনকেও রক্ষা করে গেছে। তার উপর করা নির্যাতনের বর্ণনা পড়ে শিউরে উঠেছিলাম। কতরকমের নির্যাতন যে হতে পারে! প্রতিপক্ষ হিসেবে আছে মেজর কিম শিন জো ও তার সহকারী ইয়ুন জং ম্যু। এছাড়া আরও কিছু ছোটখাটো চরিত্রের উল্লেখ আছে। তবে একটা বিষয় আজব লেগেছে বইয়ে অধিকাংশ কোরিয়ানদের নাম শুরু কিম দিয়ে তারপর অন্য অংশ।

প্রোডাকশন —

বইয়ের প্রোডাকশনের কথা বলতে হলে প্রথমেই বলতে হয় বাঁধাইয়ের কথা; বইয়ের বাঁধাই মজবুত কিন্তু পেজ উল্টানো গেছে সহজেই। অবশ্য কলেবরে ছোট বই এটাও একটা কারণ। পেজ আর বইয়ের হার্ড কভারের মানও যথেষ্ট ভালো। বইয়ের কোণা সহজে ভেঙে যাওয়ার ভয় নেই। আমার জন্য আরও একটা প্লাস পয়েন্ট যে বইয়ের জ্যাকেট বই থেকে আলগা করা। পড়ার সময় কভার ভাজ হওয়ার ভাবনা নেই খুলে রেখে আরামে পড়া গেছে।

বানান ও সম্পাদনা —

বইয়ের অল্প কিছু বানান ভুল ও টাইপিং মিস্টেক আছে। এছাড়া বিরামচিহ্ন ব্যবহারে কিছু ত্রুটি আছে বিশেষ করে দাঁড়ি বা পূর্ণচ্ছেদ (।)- এ।

প্রচ্ছদ ও নামলিপি —

প্রথম দেখায় খালি লাল-নীল-কমলা রং-ই দেখেছি। পড়া শেষে আবার ভালো করে দেখার পর বুঝলাম বইয়ের শেষ ভাগের উপর ভিত্তি করে প্রচ্ছদ করা। দারুণ হয়েছে। সম্পূর্ণ কাহিনী না জানা পর্যন্ত আসলে প্রচ্ছদ দেখেও কিছু বুঝার উপায় নেই। নামলিপিও সুন্দর।

হাতে সময় কম কিন্তু মোটামুটি ধাঁচের এডভেঞ্চার থ্রিলার পড়তে চান তাহলে বইটি পড়ে দেখতে পারেন।

[Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most satisfying wish fulfilment in under thirty minutes.
Everyone, haven't you always fantasised about rubbing out some scumbag running a dictatorship in some god forsaken third world country? In this elegant short story, Mark Dawson satisfies these expectations with a plot that blends research, weaponry, tactics and the termination of a much more deserving target than a mere dictator.

It begins with high level talks amongst the British government. With accession of Kim Joong Un and the recent cyber-attacks (real life event this year) conducted by North Korea against the ROK, the British government decides to send a deniable asset to North Korea in order to give the regime "a bloody nose". Enter John Milton who in less than 48 hours prepares and makes a epic killing in Pyongyang , striking at the eyes of the North Korean dictatorship and ex-filtrating without a hitch and making fools of the DPRK security services who arrogantly lagged one step behind him.

Dawson clearly did his research, using several real landmarks in Pyongyang and describing them accurately. He also cleverly subverts the readers expectations. Instead of the fat, pudgy dictator, guess who Milton blows away with his Barrett M82? It will surprise you. Minor flaws of the book were in the area of character development. John Milton is likeable enough, a man who's hinted at being damaged goods but is sympathetic. However, he wasn't fleshed out, understandable due to the length of the story which makes it more difficult to develop characters.

Overall, a promising start to a interesting killer, the author has two full length novels released already, one set in the London riots, the other set in the heat of the Mexican drug war.
Recommended.

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a short story and an introduction to the main character, it was just inviting for the next book in the series.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new author for me, and I didn't really know what to expect from this novella. There seems to be so many books following the same tired plotlines, but with this I was pleasantly surprised as for me it stood out from the crowd. It was both well researched and well written, and the characters seemed a lot more plausible than normal.
The West has come under a cyber attack, which seems to emanate from North Korea, and the powers that be want to send a return message. The first part of the book is slightly confusing as it involves supposed official communications between British Governmental departments. Group 15 is tasked with delivering the message, and their messenger is John Milton. He's not your run of the mill agent, he's the one you turn to when other options won't work.
He suffers blackouts, and is constantly aware that if things go pear shaped he will be on his own. Follow him as he changes identities, in his attempt to stay one step ahead of the North Korean intelligence system as he strives to deliver his message.
I shall definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

[The Celtic Rebel (Richard) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first John Milton story I have read, and I definitely plan on reading others after this one.

This book is an excellent start to the series. The story and plotting are well developed and moves quickly. The characters are well defined and engaging. As the story develops, you become more engaged with them and John Milton's mission.

I highly recommend 1000 Yards, and look forward to reading more from Mark Dawson's pen.

[Mike French · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting short look into the life of John Milton.In this novella he is sent to North Korea to eliminate high raking officers that had taken down lot of South Korea's internet. Looking forward to reading THE CLEANER, which is next book.

[Don Gerstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Dawson’s introductory short story featuring John Milton generated mixed, but overall positive reactions. While we only learn a little about Milton and I wished for more background details, the author makes up for it with a generous dose of suspense.

The story is a typical plot: spy sneaks into the hostile foreign country and begins his mission. A Pyongyang security agent suspects and begins to pursue him. Suspense builds as the spy attempts to complete his mission while the dragnet swiftly closes in. Mr. Dawson performs admirably, keeping the reader engaged throughout. Although the story sometimes appears to be told in broad brush strokes (see above – more background details), I can’t say that I was not entertained, especially since I read the entire book in one sitting.

Bottom line: Good introduction to John Milton, with a suspenseful storyline that should intrigue readers enough to move on to the next book. Four stars.

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 118 pages novella we meet John Milton, a ruthless, brilliant, lethal man sent to “clean up” when everything else failed….

This well-done plot sets off John’s career in North Korea as a crafty marksman. Even as a short story all the elements to make this a pager-turner are found: a captivating storyline, action-packed throughout, descriptive scenery at every corner, a cold blooded killer to rack up tension and many nail biting moments to keep us hooked.

Written in short chapters, “1000 Yards” throws a good punch and sets beautifully the mood for what is to come.

[Jeffrey Bruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reading tastes are based-on books that allow me to immerse myself in the story and forget about reality for a short time. If when I get started I can't put the book down I consider it to be a great read. This is what Mark Dawson's character John Milton does for me if your like me and read to escape the mundane world Then Mark is the writer for you.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella starts the first collection of books (1-3) by this author, but would probably work better if you already knew the character, as it's a fairly poor introduction to John Milton, assassin, and doesn't actually tell us much about him. He basically arrives in North Korea on a carefully planned mission, executes it, and escapes. That's it. I expect I will like the full novels better.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me want to read the John Milton series. Also, which English teacher could resist a character with that name.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me begin this review saying that I never read thrillers but this one was good. It kept my attention and I consider that a great success considering how far it is from my usual fantasy genre.

I only read this one out of curiosity after following Mark Dawson's author advice for a bit but never reading his books. I picked this one up as he gives it away free for joining his mailing list. Unless I have a terrible taste in thrillers (I hope that's the right genre) then I'd recommend this one for both fans of the genres or newbies. It is only a novella prequel as I understand it so I imagine the actual series is probably even better.

John Milton is a pretty good main character. He's not the most interesting character but I think he was perfect for the type of book. The book detailed a job that he had to undertake in North Korea (you couldn't pay me enough to do such a job). It moved along at a great pace and kept me interested for more. I won't speak on the realism because I have no idea how likely such activities are to succeed in North Korea but there was nothing awfully unrealistic.

There was conflict in the book, but not too much. Maybe just enough to keep people wanting more. I was slightly surprised that the book ended when it did, though.

Keeping in mind this is a free prequel, it's a great book and likely will have me trying the actual series.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good novella about John Milton who made his way to North Korea to assassinate several Generals who were in charge of others who caused “wiper” malware to affect the computers in England and the United States, and I gotta say that Milton’s aim was perfect and very quick, killing 6 Generals with only 5 shots. Awesome aiming.

This could have been a little longer but it was still good. There was no swearing at all.

As to the narration: David Thorpe was awesome. Both the voices and emotional tones of his reading were spot-on. I would definitely listen to him again.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick fast read. If Dawson's intention was to write a short story that made the reader feel obligated to buy his next book, then he succeeded. There isn't much to 1000 Yards. But, the short story is difficult to put down. What it lacks in character development, it more than makes up for with suspense. I found myself purchasing the next book in the series before I even finished this introductory short story.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a e book for my laptop from the author in exchange for a honest review. I enjoyed reading it. It is my first book by this author. It had a good story to it. I hope to read more books by this author. This is a novella e-book by this author.

[johnmarkie1905 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this first

I should have read this first instead I read the first 3 books which I loved this however is fantastic quick storyline which keeps your interest and Milton making his debut loved it 5 stars from me

[Richard Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but entertaining read. John Milton has a job in North Korea and somebody is going to die.

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful!

Lots of great excitement and suspense in 1000 Yards. This book has so much non-stop action that you will find yourself unable to put this book down.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short all-action spy story featuring assassin John Milton - liked it!

[Judie · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Milton was a specialized hired killer. His employer was the government.
A wartime veteran, he still suffered episodes related to his military and following services. 1000 YARDS is an introduction to him and his work.
Sent to North Korea on special assignment, he knew the government would be watching everything he did or said. “He was practically alone against the most ruthless and thorough security service the world had seen since the salad days of the Komitet Gosurdarstvennoy Bezopasnosti.”
While he was traveling under an alias, he also knew that the odds were that they would be able to identify him. His hope was that he could finish his job before that happened and escape before they caught him.
1000 YARDS is an almost skeletal telling of this assignment. It provides minimal description of him, his surroundings, and many of the other characters. The emphasis is on what he does to try to complete it and what the North Korean government does to try to stop him.
The same basic plot is used in other John Milton books though they are much more fleshed out.
It moves swiftly and is well-written but not as interesting as the full length novels in which he appears. It is a good introduction to the series, but if you’ve already started the series, it doesn’t add much.

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed By: Long Island Doll
Stars: 4
This introduction novella to the John Milton series will keep you glued to the edge of your seat.
As the story opens Peter McEwan is arriving in Pyong-yang North Korea. As he exits the plan Peter is aware he is being photographed and that he will be followed throughout his stay in North Korea. This is exactly what he wants. Why? In reality Peter is John Milton who is in North Korea to complete an assassination mission for his government. To say anymore would spoil the mystery. So pick a copy and read. You won’t regret it.
Though John Milton is an assassin and Murder is his business, I could not help but like him. Through his writing Mark Dawson was able to present Milton in a way that the reader can empathize with Milton’s internal struggle with being a trained assassin. After all Milton is only doing what his government trained him to do.
One thousand yards is a fast paced action adventure that will keep your heart racing at every turn. This reviewer gives it a 4 out of 5-star rating. You know I will be following this series.

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Milton is a highly skilled assassin in the employ of The British government. He travels the world on missions, like James Bond but with more murder and fewer cocktails. In this novella, he has to take out five targets in North Korea, not the easiest place to travel unseen and unnoticed. He immediately attracts unwanted attention and follows a strict plan to get the job done. We get a hint of the demons he carries alongside as his slightly flawed character shows his weaknesses.
I read book one before I read this little entrée, but it didn’t seem to matter, if anything I enjoyed the story more because I already knew the character and had formed an emotional investment in him. The author has a real skill with suspense building and I can only imagine how much research goes into his books, they are authentic and detailed. This is a good introduction to the series but I can only say that things get better. If you like British thrillers then don’t miss out on this free novella, you will not be disappointed.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the character of John Milton.
In this short story he is sent into North Korea, one of the most closed countries of the world to strike at the very heart of their government.
A realistic insight into this communist state and the harshness of the regime and the consequences of disloyalty and disobedience.
I liked the intelligence of the secret police and efficency of their counter terrorism response. It made for a real contest that Milton only finds some comfort and escape from the bravery of dissidents.
Always enjoy Mark Dawson's writing. It is well paced, full of seemingly authentic detail and tradecraft, with a thrilling plot that involves human agents more than super heroes.