In Stone Cold, Thomas LeBrun introduces us to Cameron Stone, a seasoned martial artist who, despite not being an official affiliate, often aids the NYPD and counter-terrorism agencies. The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of a devastating confrontation with terrorists, wherein Stone’s colleague Raines is critically injured, and his pregnant girlfriend Sara tragically targeted with a poisoned bullet. This event triggers an enraged Stone to transform from a measured tactician into a revenge-driven warrior, and it’s up to his stepbrother and sparring partner Michael to restore the balance, brought about only through the discipline of martial arts, to counter the formidable enemy threatening all that Stone cherishes.

Evoking memories of the popular Jean-Claude Van Damme films of the late 20th century, Stone Cold follows a somewhat predictable pattern of a martial arts thriller reminiscent of characters such as Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. What distinguishes this novel, however, is the in-depth martial arts expertise that LeBrun clearly possesses and uses to animate the training and action sequences. It’s not often that an author can convey such intricate knowledge in a way that even readers unfamiliar with martial arts can appreciate. The passion that both LeBrun and his protagonist, Cameron Stone, have for martial arts is made strikingly apparent.

While the antagonists in the narrative are notably streamlined, the simplicity of their characterization provides a stark contrast to the depth and complexity of the protagonists – Stone, Raines, and Michael. This narrative choice leaves ample room for growth and exploration. The potential further development of these adversaries could increase anticipation for their intriguing confrontations with the heroes, enriching the overall reading experience.

The novel remains thrilling, with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and a riveting pace. Stone Cold is an engaging read that martial arts aficionados and thriller enthusiasts alike would find thoroughly rewarding.

Pages: 175 | ASIN : B0C95DNJ2M