Cole Chase’s Cold Hit is the first installment of his latest series, The Valiant Thrillogy, which follows his previous series, The Skyhaus Thrillogy, chronicling the adventures of Shadowfast, a covert heist crew operating under the guise of a heavy metal band specializing in cons, cyber-infiltration, and high-stakes deception. It’s a high-stakes thriller with relentless fast pacing that plunges headfirst into a story of cyber warfare, espionage, and modern heist tactics. The story delivers a mix of tense action sequences, elaborate cons, and sharp, humorous dialogue.

At the story’s heart is Quinn Richards, a witty team leader who operates in the grey. Each member of Quinn’s crew brings a distinct skill set and personality, which adds depth to the novel’s fast-moving narrative. Its greatest strength is the blending of humour-filled camaraderie and tension, making the characters more than just archetypal operatives in a high-tech game. As a retired Army veteran, I found the witty camaraderie among the characters especially resonant, reminding me of the close bonds and banter that are hard to replace after leaving the service. Even amidst the high-octane thrills, the dynamic between the team felt like home—a rare and welcome feeling for those who have experienced that kind of brotherhood firsthand.

Chase’s writing is intelligent and engaging, layering technical details without losing the plot’s momentum. The book explores the vulnerabilities of digital infrastructure, the influence of private organizations on law enforcement, and the terrifying ease with which information can be weaponized, making the story relevant and engaging to read. The novel concludes with a gripping cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next installment. However, it doesn’t feel like a frustrating gut punch, as Chase’s rapid publishing cycle ensures a quick payoff. With the second book set for release in March 2025 and the third following in April, readers won’t have to wait long to continue the story—something I’m personally looking forward to.

The book’s complexity regarding cybersecurity and system infiltration runs a slight risk of being overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the subject, though this is likely by design, making it an appealing read for fans of technothrillers. The relentless pacing is exhilarating; however, it leaves little room for deeper introspection and character exploration, sacrificing a degree of emotional depth for gripping twists and revelations. Overall, Cold Hit is a compelling and intelligent read that marries action with sharp social commentary. Chase provides us a world where trust is a currency and information is the ultimate weapon while keeping readers on edge throughout the story. The novel is ideal for fans of fast-moving espionage thrillers with a healthy blend of Ocean’s Eleven. I rate this a solid 4.8 out of 5.