Dark State

Jason Trapp, Book 1

By: Jack Slater

Narrated by: Mark Garkusha

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

If you come after the CIA’s most feared assassin, there’s one cardinal rule: Don’t miss.

America is under attack. Thousands lie dead after simultaneous strikes across the country. The day will come to be known as Bloody Monday.

Jason Trapp, codename ‘Hangman’, was a covert operative whose feats became the stuff of legend. He was the tip of the spear—the man his country unleashed when all hope was lost.

Six months ago, someone sold him out. The Agency listed him as killed in action. He lost everything—and everyone—he held dear. But Trapp’s not that easy to kill. As his country reels from the deadliest terrorist attacks it has ever witnessed, Trapp’s personal vendetta leads him right back to where he started: duty to his country. The violence, the terror, the assassination of his partner… It’s all connected.

And now the Hangman is coming for the guilty.

"Fans of Ryan, Reacher and Bourne will love betrayed CIA operative Jason Trapp, who stars in a pulse-pounding revenge thriller in 2019's breakout hit."

Note: Dark State was previously published as Deep State.

©2021 Jack Slater (P)2023 Jack Slater

This is a great audio book!

Until now, I have not had the opportunity to listen to an audio book for this series. I am so glad that they are now publishing in the format. Mark Garkusha does an excellent job with the characters and the story is outstanding (as most of you probably know if you read the books). I cant say enough good things about this audio book. Absolutely worth it!

FANTASTIC

This is a phenomenal debut audiobook from jack slater. From start to finish it’s a nonstop roller coaster ride! Can’t wait for the other books to become audiobooks.

Great listen! Characters were strong and believable.

Great 1st book in this series. Looking forward to more to come and characters developing into long term series.

Jason Trapp is not Evan Smoak or Mitch Rapp

Narrator was ok, one dimensional at times. Story line was good, but the repetition of some things was annoying. It was like the author wanted you to know what what happening if you started reading this book 4 or 40 chapters in. The author has also never had a real interaction with a woman. Or has zero clue how to write them.

Excellent, authentic storytelling

I usually listen to audiobooks while driving or on walks. But I found myself switching this one on whenever I had a spare minute. And even when I didn’t have a spare minute. Looking forward to the next installment!

Great story

Interesting story line. Didn’t care for him using our Lords name as he did, unnecessary, in my opinion.

Not what I expected

I was pumped, based on the summary and reviews. My favorite series is Orphan X, Grey Man, The Terminal List, Tier One, Sons Of Valor. This seemed to be right up my alley. A former black ops guys code named "Hangman", feats were the stuff of legend. Like yes please. But it fell short for me. I was expecting to hear HOW he got the codename, stories describing why he was so fearsome. But unless I missed it, it never mentioned it, they just started calling him Hangman during transmissions. There were ZERO hand to hand combat fights, I found myself wanting to turn it off but I gave it a chance. The story was good, interesting, that's the only thing that kept me engaged. This book had so much potential, but the worst thing it had going against it, is that there are so many other books and similar characters that are so much better. I didn't have a problem with the narrarator. For those in the reviews who loved it so much, have they known read any of the books I mentioned? Because based on their reviews of this one, I would think their mind would be blown by something like Orphan X. I plan on giving it a little time and and listening again, I give every book that chance. Maybe it'll go into it with a more open mind and will enjoy it more the 2nd time around.

great book

I love this type of story and this was a good one read well and left you wondering

solid listen.

similar to others in its genre. started a little slow, took a little to hook me. but.. it did hook me. so, on to the next one.

A stellar first novel

The main character is a man lost and grieving. He finds purpose in saving others and there by a measure of peace. The story is rich and compelling.

The one minor critique that I have is the extensive use of hyperbole. It doesn’t ruin the story, thus the 5 star rating, but at times I found myself skipping past it to get back to the action. Boy was there action.

The narrator did a great job distinguishing the character’s voices, though he isn’t the best reader I’ve heard, his narration worked for the story. I will continue with the series, and feel this was a credit and almost 12 hours well spent. Enjoy!