Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

An exciting follow-up to political action thriller "Deep State" featuring army veteran Hayley Chill working as an intern at the White House. Now a full-time staffer, as well as a "Deeper State" operative, Hayley must manage a Russian double agent and stop a series of cyber attacks on the DC capital. A compelling conspiracy tale full of twists and turns.

I started to read this having enjoyed the previous Hayley Chill novel but by about a quarter of the way through I was skimming large sections and not really caring about the characters. I decided to abandon the book.
I am sure others will have a better experience.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

Savage Road by Chris Hauty

Savage Road is a political thriller that follows hot on the heels of its predecessor, the excellent Deep State. It stands alone perfectly well but it completely spoils the shocks of Deep State. Personally, I’d recommend reading them in order, not least because Deep State is one of the best political thrillers I’ve ever read and made me gasp out loud in shock on the bus more than once! With that warning out of the way, on with the review….

Hayley Chill is now a full-time staffer at the White House, having finished her rather eventful time as an intern. But those with the very, very highest clearance know that Hayley is more than that. She works for the ‘Deep State’, the power that really controls the United States, and her mission is to steer the Russian mole in the White House, now turned double agent, Richard Monroe, the President of the United States. And these are dangerous times. The cold war has gone cyber with attacks escalating between the two countries and the President is being pushed towards war. With the clock ticking, Hayley must discover the origin of the cyber attacks and stop them before it is too late.

Deep State was such a reading highlight of 2020 and I did wonder how on earth Chris Hauty could follow it. The answer is that he does a very good job indeed and that is due in large part to his fantastic creation of Hayley Chill and the situation which has placed a traitor in the Oval Office. I love Hayley. She is a diamond with rough edges, largely underestimated and misunderstood as a redneck, a former soldier and boxer, fiercely loyal and courageous, stubborn and relentless, incorruptible. Hayley Chill is brilliant. And she contrasts in every way with Richard Monroe. The relationship between these two is unlike any other I’ve read in a political thriller. The tension is incredible.

There are shocks in Savage Road that challenge those in Deep State. It’s staggering how Chris Hauty can do this time after time! You never know what will happen in these novels. The plotting in Savage Road is second to none.

I can say no more as you need to discover what’s going on here for yourself but it seems like such a good time to read a political thriller. I read it during the last days of the Trump administration. No longer do I think that the events described by Chis Hauty are impossible, while nothing about the activity of spies would surprise me. And yet these books do just that! And, just as with Deep State, Savage Road has left me wanting more.

Other review
Deep State

Savage Road is the first book by Chris Hauty that I have read and it was a very enjoyable thriller with numerous twists and turns that kept this reader entertained throughout.

Double Agents, the White House and Cyber threats are all chucked into the mix to keep the storyline moving along at a decent pace whilst also finding time and space to include the backstory of the main character without distracting from the main story.

I look forward to reading further books from this author. Recommended

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I really enjoyed the authors first book, Deep State and was pleased to be approved for his second book with Hayley Chill as the lead protagonist.

Wow, this book was one thrilling, fast paced read. I love the authors writing style which drew me in right from the start and held my attention all the way through. The book is full of suspense and I found the more I read the better it became. There were so many unexpected plot twists and separate story threads which, for me, made for a very exciting read. Who is responsible for the cyber attack on America? I think the author has created a believable, strong and likeable lead character here who I was rooting for throughout. Overall I thought this was a great read with twists that just wowed me. Love this book. Just loved it. Hope there will be another book to follow.