What do you think?
Rate this book
Owen Taylor #2
After the End
It's payback time.
A devastated soldier's wife wants Special Ops veteran Owen Taylor to avenge her broken husband. And she won't have to ask twice.
A devastated soldier's wife wants Special Ops veteran Owen Taylor to avenge her broken husband. And she won't have to ask twice.
Audio CD
First published April 4, 2017
559 people are currently reading
1,342 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
1,159Ìýbooks352kÌýfollowersJames Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 4, 2018
James Patterson and Brendan DuBois are back with the follow-up BookShot, where the reader met Owen Taylor, a recently-retired member of American Special Operations. With as much intensity as the debut piece, Patterson and DuBois solidify their ability to keep Taylor fresh and at the forefront of the reader’s mind. Owen Taylor is quite enjoying his new life in rural New Hampshire, though some of his less-welcoming neighbours need a little reminder of common decency. When he’s visited by a former colleague, Taylor learns of an issue down in Georgia that has his name written all over it. Travelling down, Taylor discovers a former special ops has been decimated by an IED, though things are not quite as cut and dry as that. While it would be easy to point fingers at the Taliban or ISIS, some raw footage leads Taylor to believe that popular war correspondent, Jack Zach, may have tipped off the enemy to an America contingent, causing significant casualties. This pushes Taylor to agree to help and he finds himself seeking out the source. Jack Zach does not seem to want to engage with Taylor in New York, though the latter will not take a simple no. A tip sends Taylor over to the Turkey-Syrian border, but Zach’s little game of cat and mouse keeps him one step ahead. After retuning the the US, Taylor discovers that his sleuthing is not appreciated and that Zach has friends in high places. However, Owen Taylor is stubborn, if nothing else, and will not stop until he has been able to avenge this cowardly act, if he can make it out alive. Patterson and DuBois show that their collaborative skills are top-notch. BookShot fans and those who loved the opening Owen Taylor piece will surely enjoy this follow-up.
It is sometimes difficult to produce a second high-quality short story in such short order. Patterson and DuBois did well with their BookShot ‘The End� and this sequel offers just as much to the curious reader. Owen Taylor’s character is again wonderfully developed. There is less backstory here, though Taylor does flashback to his crew on the final mission (which was the crux of the opening story). I was certain that things would remain focussed in New Hampshire, where Taylor had a new group of enemies to keep him busy, though he seems to have handled them in a single (short) chapter. Working through the skills that Taylor honed while serving his country, the reader is able to see a decent snapshot of the man and his capabilities. The story is brief and the chapters speed along, permitting the reader to catapult through to the end in a single setting. Doing the reverse of the first piece, the reader sees Taylor in his nirvana before being thrust back into the combat zone he so quickly fled. An interesting contrast and should be noted for those who like to dig deeply into a story’s symbolism. I said that I would formulate an opinion of whether I wanted to see Owen Taylor in a full-length novel after reading this piece. I can say that I would not, as I feel the quick pace of the story is the perfect setting. However, I would also not want to see numerous BookShots that pull Taylor back into the mix and away from his home. It seems too ‘agent for hire after he retires� and would surely get old quickly. Patterson and DuBois have done well with these two stories. We’ll see if they are done or have another idea floating around between them, Owen Taylor or otherwise.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and DuBois, on a great follow-up piece. Your collaborative effort offers up some great storytelling and I can only hope to find more in the months to come (or this BookShot binge month)!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
It is sometimes difficult to produce a second high-quality short story in such short order. Patterson and DuBois did well with their BookShot ‘The End� and this sequel offers just as much to the curious reader. Owen Taylor’s character is again wonderfully developed. There is less backstory here, though Taylor does flashback to his crew on the final mission (which was the crux of the opening story). I was certain that things would remain focussed in New Hampshire, where Taylor had a new group of enemies to keep him busy, though he seems to have handled them in a single (short) chapter. Working through the skills that Taylor honed while serving his country, the reader is able to see a decent snapshot of the man and his capabilities. The story is brief and the chapters speed along, permitting the reader to catapult through to the end in a single setting. Doing the reverse of the first piece, the reader sees Taylor in his nirvana before being thrust back into the combat zone he so quickly fled. An interesting contrast and should be noted for those who like to dig deeply into a story’s symbolism. I said that I would formulate an opinion of whether I wanted to see Owen Taylor in a full-length novel after reading this piece. I can say that I would not, as I feel the quick pace of the story is the perfect setting. However, I would also not want to see numerous BookShots that pull Taylor back into the mix and away from his home. It seems too ‘agent for hire after he retires� and would surely get old quickly. Patterson and DuBois have done well with these two stories. We’ll see if they are done or have another idea floating around between them, Owen Taylor or otherwise.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and DuBois, on a great follow-up piece. Your collaborative effort offers up some great storytelling and I can only hope to find more in the months to come (or this BookShot binge month)!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: /group/show/...
June 21, 2017
After The End
I didn't like this book. I enjoyed the first Owen Taylor book "The End" so much that I really thought I was going to like this sequel but that was definitely not the case. I'm not really sure what was missing but I was hoping for a better storyline.
I didn't like this book. I enjoyed the first Owen Taylor book "The End" so much that I really thought I was going to like this sequel but that was definitely not the case. I'm not really sure what was missing but I was hoping for a better storyline.
March 3, 2018
I like Owen Taylor as a main character and I liked his partner in this one, but the storyline was kinda meh (you know, that bookshot life).
December 28, 2018
#2 in the Owen Taylor series. This 2017 novella from authors James Patterson and Brendan DuBois is a follow up to The End (2017). This is a fast and enjoyable, action packed thriller. Though it is a novella, there should have been room for a few pages of backstory. Without backstory it is really necessary to read the prior book in the series first.
A devastated soldier's wife wants Special Ops veteran Owen Taylor to avenge her broken husband. And she won't have to ask twice.
A devastated soldier's wife wants Special Ops veteran Owen Taylor to avenge her broken husband. And she won't have to ask twice.
November 29, 2017
It was ok book. Did not see much in terms of plot. Have not read the first book. While it did not matter what i felt about the book, saw some reviews first one was good. I doubt i will go back and read that one.
June 24, 2021
Speedy, punchy action. A great follow-up the first 'bookshot' with this character (The End). Perhaps a little less plausible than The End, and felt a little like it jumped ahead on a couple of occasions. Nonetheless an enjoyable, rapid read.
December 30, 2023
Not as good as it’s predecessor, but it didn’t take very long to finish as it was another bookshot.
May 27, 2017
This story begins just after The End ends. (Little play on words) Owen has done something he may regret, and a former colleague shows up in time to get him out of town and back on the job, unofficially of course. She takes him to visit the wife of a former soldier Owen worked with who was almost killed due to a reporter's carelessness. The wife wants revenge, and Owen is all too happy to help.
This book sees Owen back in his element as a soldier and travelling to various parts of the world. Will he be able to assist his friend's wife while her husband is still alive? Will it make any difference?
I enjoyed this story, for the most part. The relationship between Owen and the woman who takes him to the friend's wife is never completely explained. There is also a problem with the timing. Travelling does not happen that quickly in the real world, so that was unrealistic. There were some, "That-would-never-happen," events in the story as well. However, it was enjoyable and easy to read. It also had a satisfying ending which is so important to me.
This book sees Owen back in his element as a soldier and travelling to various parts of the world. Will he be able to assist his friend's wife while her husband is still alive? Will it make any difference?
I enjoyed this story, for the most part. The relationship between Owen and the woman who takes him to the friend's wife is never completely explained. There is also a problem with the timing. Travelling does not happen that quickly in the real world, so that was unrealistic. There were some, "That-would-never-happen," events in the story as well. However, it was enjoyable and easy to read. It also had a satisfying ending which is so important to me.
May 30, 2017
Another good quick read in the Bookshots format. This is the second of the Bookshots ones to feature Owen Taylor and the action in this one picks up right after the previous book () finished.
Owen is visited by a former colleague and invited to visit a former soldier buddy who has been betrayed by a US reporter resulting in him losing a few limbs and being in a poor condition. He then sets out finding more about this reporter and tracking him down to seek revenge on behalf of his buddy.
As with the previous one, the action moves along at a relentless pace until the villain of the piece gets his come-uppance at the hands of the hero.
Once again, the lead character is very appealing and hopefully there will be more stories featuring him - maybe even a full-length novel?
Owen is visited by a former colleague and invited to visit a former soldier buddy who has been betrayed by a US reporter resulting in him losing a few limbs and being in a poor condition. He then sets out finding more about this reporter and tracking him down to seek revenge on behalf of his buddy.
As with the previous one, the action moves along at a relentless pace until the villain of the piece gets his come-uppance at the hands of the hero.
Once again, the lead character is very appealing and hopefully there will be more stories featuring him - maybe even a full-length novel?
January 12, 2021
I enjoyed the first Owen Taylor book written by James Patterson and his co author so was pleased to see a follow up that came free as a digital ebook at my local library.
In the first book, Owen Taylor is part of an elite soldier squad sent in with his four person team to kill a Serbian warlord and you now catch up with him as he tries to settle back into 'normal' small town American life, when an old colleague comes looking for help.
Allison is one of his ex spy buddies who needs help bringing justice to a colleague severely injured in an explosion out in Syria. Owen never met a mission he couldn't refuse, so of course he goes off gun-ho to seek justice but this time he finds out the 'villain' is a lot closer to home...
An enjoyable romp of a story
In the first book, Owen Taylor is part of an elite soldier squad sent in with his four person team to kill a Serbian warlord and you now catch up with him as he tries to settle back into 'normal' small town American life, when an old colleague comes looking for help.
Allison is one of his ex spy buddies who needs help bringing justice to a colleague severely injured in an explosion out in Syria. Owen never met a mission he couldn't refuse, so of course he goes off gun-ho to seek justice but this time he finds out the 'villain' is a lot closer to home...
An enjoyable romp of a story
August 28, 2019
Owen Taylor goes to visit Ray Winston, an old friend, and is shocked to see his severe injuried he received in Afghanistan. Ray’s wife shows them a video that she received anonymously. Ray and his fellow soldiers were set up by a news journalist who was later seen collaborating with the Taliban. Shots were aimed at the outpost where the journalist had just been. Soldiers were maimed and killed for his story. She wants revenge on this journalist for what he did to Ray. Owen agrees and a plan is hatched.
They got even with Jack Zach but did not physically hurt him. They humiliated him. And his assault on a cohort's wife won't go unnoticed by the courts.
They got even with Jack Zach but did not physically hurt him. They humiliated him. And his assault on a cohort's wife won't go unnoticed by the courts.
June 14, 2018
Great book, I started it then 2months later I finally got nBa k to reading it again plot picked right up. Neverforot what was going on. I love how it keeps my interest and I don’t want to put the book down until I finish it.Wished there had been more romance plot but that is ok I can live with what gHas been written I like the
Bloodshot series. They are easy to read and fast reading pleasures. It doesn’t take a month to finish the book
Bloodshot series. They are easy to read and fast reading pleasures. It doesn’t take a month to finish the book
June 18, 2020
Owen Taylor is back - yay! Another good read.
Pet Peeve - 3rd JP book I've read recently where the cover and tagline don't match the story- who is coming up with these and who approves it- good grief. "Please avenge by wife." Ummm, Owen goes out to avenge an old military buddy, Ray. Very small secondary story line- the person Owen is after, Jack Zach, sexual assualts a co-workers wife. But she is the one that tells Owen about it and provide the information to take the target down.
Pet Peeve - 3rd JP book I've read recently where the cover and tagline don't match the story- who is coming up with these and who approves it- good grief. "Please avenge by wife." Ummm, Owen goes out to avenge an old military buddy, Ray. Very small secondary story line- the person Owen is after, Jack Zach, sexual assualts a co-workers wife. But she is the one that tells Owen about it and provide the information to take the target down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
This is a sequel to the book called THE END... I found this book a lot better than the first. Fast pase, page turning very good from beginging to end. story was easy to follow, unlike the first when it was a slow start, and then it got interesting.
Taylor, a retired solder who deals with sensitive missions, is asked to help out a friend who seeks revenge on a reporter who cost the lives of America soldiers.... all for a story.
Taylor, a retired solder who deals with sensitive missions, is asked to help out a friend who seeks revenge on a reporter who cost the lives of America soldiers.... all for a story.
November 25, 2017
One of James Pattersons best fast moving easy to read I have read nearly all his books over the last10 years I like the way he connects with the reader and this book reflects what is happening in our world today
Ireccomend this book to any J P fan & any one who enjoys a good crime story.keeps you guessing all the way through
Ireccomend this book to any J P fan & any one who enjoys a good crime story.keeps you guessing all the way through
September 1, 2019
Patterson's Jack Reacher
With his character, Owrn Taulor, Mr
Patterson gives us his very own Jack Reacher
Owen will do whatever it takes to see justice is done
Old flames, in laid former teammates, and a traitorous journalist make up some of the characters Owen encounters. Will Owen succeed, or is it a trap? Read it and find out, You'll be glad you did!
With his character, Owrn Taulor, Mr
Patterson gives us his very own Jack Reacher
Owen will do whatever it takes to see justice is done
Old flames, in laid former teammates, and a traitorous journalist make up some of the characters Owen encounters. Will Owen succeed, or is it a trap? Read it and find out, You'll be glad you did!
May 21, 2018
Great story!
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting and I loved the ending. I'm going to check out Brendan DuBois in the book store. I hope this is not the end of Owen Taylor. Maybe he will be recruited of Private?? One can only hope.
I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting and I loved the ending. I'm going to check out Brendan DuBois in the book store. I hope this is not the end of Owen Taylor. Maybe he will be recruited of Private?? One can only hope.
June 4, 2018
Great read After The End
I read both books The End and After The End - could not put the books down. Loved the main character, and rest of the sporting characters. I can hardly wait for the next book about Owen Taylor to be released. Hope they keep coming.
I read both books The End and After The End - could not put the books down. Loved the main character, and rest of the sporting characters. I can hardly wait for the next book about Owen Taylor to be released. Hope they keep coming.
October 25, 2023
Entertaining
After the End is a will written novella with interesting will developed characters. The story is a little bit different. I would give this novella a three and a half but would recommend it as a quick read. 2017
After the End is a will written novella with interesting will developed characters. The story is a little bit different. I would give this novella a three and a half but would recommend it as a quick read. 2017
March 27, 2024
This is both a sad book as well as one with a happy ending but what goes on in-between is really scary because as crazy as this world is right now, its believable. Owen's friend is hurt, really hurt and his wife wants Owen to avenge her husband.
January 2, 2025
One time read. Nothing thrilling about it. Only one story , not like the first part where there were two stories. A full fun time pass read . Could be a good journey book . For a book shot by James patterson you do not expect much . Good read . Not surprising elements in it .
May 21, 2017
I really like Owen Taylor. I didn't love this book as much as The End but it was still really good. I'm excited to read the third Owen Taylor book!
May 30, 2017
After the end
I love these short stories. This one was well written. The characters were well defined and easy to relate to.
I love these short stories. This one was well written. The characters were well defined and easy to relate to.
May 31, 2017
One of the better BookShots...I need to read the first one.
July 14, 2017
Starting at the point The End concludes, After the End is a very different type of story, . Not as appealing to some, but satisfying the honor Owen typifies as a soldier. Exciting and worth reading.
December 11, 2018
This book is much better then "The End", which seemed to be two separate stories both with excessive violence. This story was much better written, with a cohesive well thought out plot.
August 27, 2017
A devastated soldier's wife wants Special Ops veteran Owen Taylor to avenge her broken husband. And she won't have to ask twice.
September 7, 2017
I enjoyed the first in the series better. I hope there are more with Owen. He is enjoyable!
March 10, 2018
A good story
I really liked the book; I'm a huge James Patterson fan. However, I was really disappointed it was so short!
I really liked the book; I'm a huge James Patterson fan. However, I was really disappointed it was so short!
May 23, 2018
I liked his one better than the first, I could follow it along better, and I just liked G story better than the first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.