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Hayley Chill Thriller #3
Storm Rising
An Amazon Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Editors' Pick
Nationally bestselling author Chris Hauty leads fans into the depths of a dangerous white supremacy conspiracy that threatens to tear the country apart in his propulsive new thriller.
Former White House intern turned intelligence operative Hayley Chill is filling her time by training as an MMA fighter. When she’s convinced to pursue the truth about her father’s mysterious fate, she stumbles upon a ciphered document under the floorboards of her father’s house.
With permission from her handler to probe deeper, she is led into a terrifying subculture of white supremacy within the United States military. As her investigation intensifies, she uncovers an expansive conspiracy to bring about the secession of several states from the country. It’s up to Hayley to stop a second Civil War before it starts, while also confronting the ultimate truth about her own father’s role in this harrowing chapter of American history.
Nationally bestselling author Chris Hauty leads fans into the depths of a dangerous white supremacy conspiracy that threatens to tear the country apart in his propulsive new thriller.
Former White House intern turned intelligence operative Hayley Chill is filling her time by training as an MMA fighter. When she’s convinced to pursue the truth about her father’s mysterious fate, she stumbles upon a ciphered document under the floorboards of her father’s house.
With permission from her handler to probe deeper, she is led into a terrifying subculture of white supremacy within the United States military. As her investigation intensifies, she uncovers an expansive conspiracy to bring about the secession of several states from the country. It’s up to Hayley to stop a second Civil War before it starts, while also confronting the ultimate truth about her own father’s role in this harrowing chapter of American history.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 8, 2022
A conspiracy is growing in oil rich Texas
“Storm Rising” by Chris Hauty is book three in the series featuring Hayley Chill. There is a continuing thread of characters and relationships throughout the series, but each story stands alone. The narrative weaves in a detailed summary of events in previous books to remind readers of past relationships and bring new readers into the scene fully aware of the connections, the past traumas, and the current entanglements. Readers Follow Hayley Chill through her physical and mental preparation to become a lifelong public servant. She has an extraordinary gift, eidetic memory -- the ability to recall an image after seeing it only briefly. She has a public persona and a very personal and private side. She can be extraordinarily ordinary and extraordinarily dangerous.
Hauty tells Hayley Chill’s story in three narrative threads, two personal and one national; they are inextricably intertwined. The present tense narrative immerses reader fully into the action. Chill is pursuing the “what” and the “why’ of her father Tommy Chill’s death. She has found curious links that take her to a congressman who served with her father in Iraq as Marines that holds the promise of new revelations. She travels to complicated, deceptive, oil rich Texas. Texas, where cartels from the Mexican desert reach over the Rio Grande; where malevolent plots spring from oil money. Texas, where a conspiracy is growing that is expansive, complicated, and well planned. Texas, where patriotism means Texas first. The truth seems unbelievable, unknowable even, like the dark side of the moon.
In the midst of the political chaos, Chill’s personal life takes an unexpected and dramatic turn. For most of her life, she has lived “on the go,” carrying her entire existence along in a tote bag. Now she has to face a new self, a new reality; her life could be different, inexplicably.
“Storm Rising” is a multi-faceted story of moral challenges, misplaced loyalties, and complicated relationships. Events happen over just a few days; the pace is fast; the action complicated. When it finally appears that things might be over, it turns out that they are just beginning. I received a review copy of “Storm Rising” from Chris Hauty, Atria Books, and Emily Bestler Books.
“Storm Rising” by Chris Hauty is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
“Storm Rising” by Chris Hauty is book three in the series featuring Hayley Chill. There is a continuing thread of characters and relationships throughout the series, but each story stands alone. The narrative weaves in a detailed summary of events in previous books to remind readers of past relationships and bring new readers into the scene fully aware of the connections, the past traumas, and the current entanglements. Readers Follow Hayley Chill through her physical and mental preparation to become a lifelong public servant. She has an extraordinary gift, eidetic memory -- the ability to recall an image after seeing it only briefly. She has a public persona and a very personal and private side. She can be extraordinarily ordinary and extraordinarily dangerous.
Hauty tells Hayley Chill’s story in three narrative threads, two personal and one national; they are inextricably intertwined. The present tense narrative immerses reader fully into the action. Chill is pursuing the “what” and the “why’ of her father Tommy Chill’s death. She has found curious links that take her to a congressman who served with her father in Iraq as Marines that holds the promise of new revelations. She travels to complicated, deceptive, oil rich Texas. Texas, where cartels from the Mexican desert reach over the Rio Grande; where malevolent plots spring from oil money. Texas, where a conspiracy is growing that is expansive, complicated, and well planned. Texas, where patriotism means Texas first. The truth seems unbelievable, unknowable even, like the dark side of the moon.
In the midst of the political chaos, Chill’s personal life takes an unexpected and dramatic turn. For most of her life, she has lived “on the go,” carrying her entire existence along in a tote bag. Now she has to face a new self, a new reality; her life could be different, inexplicably.
“Storm Rising” is a multi-faceted story of moral challenges, misplaced loyalties, and complicated relationships. Events happen over just a few days; the pace is fast; the action complicated. When it finally appears that things might be over, it turns out that they are just beginning. I received a review copy of “Storm Rising” from Chris Hauty, Atria Books, and Emily Bestler Books.
“Storm Rising” by Chris Hauty is now available in print, as an e-book, and on audio from independent bookstores, online booksellers, retail stores, public libraries and anywhere you get your books.
April 4, 2023
Chris Hauty is back with a third Hayley Chill political thriller. Expanding the exploration of the Deep State and picking up where the previous novel ended, Hauty illustratess just how intense things are getting and how his many plot twists need some form of resolution. Working with political and social events pulled from the headlines, Hauty provides a strong novel to show just how complex the political situation can be and how enemies lurk around every corner, foreign and domestic. Having read all three of the novels and the novella, I am fully committed to the series and cannot wait to see what’s to come.
After leaving the employ of the White House, Hayley Chill intends on focusing her attention on an old passion of hers. Honing her skills, she begins training for the MMA, but finds herself not quite as sharp as she used to be. This is only a temporary distraction, as she still hopes to better understand what happened to her father and why he was living under the radar for so long before committing suicide. A document hidden inside the man’s house may provide some answers, but it also opens up many new avenues that Hayley has yet to explore.
Having spoken with her Deeper State handler, Hayley is granted permission to explore the angle of her father’s life a little more. She stumbles upon a troubling revelation in the US military, one her father was involved in and could have led to his demise. This leads to proof that there is a movement to create a new group of states seeking to leave the United States. Before a new Civil War can emerge, Hayley will have to use her skills and connection within the Deeper State to stop things in their tracks. However, she has a number of personal issues that could keep her from acting too swiftly. She’s a valuable asset to the Deeper State, but Hayley can see that there might be more to life that she wants, other than racing around protecting the US Constitution. But, might that all be a ruse best left to others? Chris Hauty develops another stunning thriller that keeps the reader guessing and on thee edge of their seats until the climactic end!
There is nothing like a great political thriller to keep the reader engaged and asking questions. This is the third full-length novel in the series and perhaps the most impressive one to date. A great narrative flow is balanced with characters who are constantly developing, which helps add depth and flavour to this impactful novel. Some of the plot twits in the novel help advance the larger political themes of the series, but there is something about the personal development that Hayley Chill experiences that keeps the reader hooked. The politics are on point and left me begging for more. With a fourth book on the horizon, I cannot wait to see how some of the cliffhangers will be resolved and what is to come for Hayley as she has some major choices to make.
Kudos, Mr. Hauty, for another winning piece of writing. Don’t stop, as the momentum is just getting revved up!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After leaving the employ of the White House, Hayley Chill intends on focusing her attention on an old passion of hers. Honing her skills, she begins training for the MMA, but finds herself not quite as sharp as she used to be. This is only a temporary distraction, as she still hopes to better understand what happened to her father and why he was living under the radar for so long before committing suicide. A document hidden inside the man’s house may provide some answers, but it also opens up many new avenues that Hayley has yet to explore.
Having spoken with her Deeper State handler, Hayley is granted permission to explore the angle of her father’s life a little more. She stumbles upon a troubling revelation in the US military, one her father was involved in and could have led to his demise. This leads to proof that there is a movement to create a new group of states seeking to leave the United States. Before a new Civil War can emerge, Hayley will have to use her skills and connection within the Deeper State to stop things in their tracks. However, she has a number of personal issues that could keep her from acting too swiftly. She’s a valuable asset to the Deeper State, but Hayley can see that there might be more to life that she wants, other than racing around protecting the US Constitution. But, might that all be a ruse best left to others? Chris Hauty develops another stunning thriller that keeps the reader guessing and on thee edge of their seats until the climactic end!
There is nothing like a great political thriller to keep the reader engaged and asking questions. This is the third full-length novel in the series and perhaps the most impressive one to date. A great narrative flow is balanced with characters who are constantly developing, which helps add depth and flavour to this impactful novel. Some of the plot twits in the novel help advance the larger political themes of the series, but there is something about the personal development that Hayley Chill experiences that keeps the reader hooked. The politics are on point and left me begging for more. With a fourth book on the horizon, I cannot wait to see how some of the cliffhangers will be resolved and what is to come for Hayley as she has some major choices to make.
Kudos, Mr. Hauty, for another winning piece of writing. Don’t stop, as the momentum is just getting revved up!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 17, 2023
3.5 ^ 4.0-Stars ... "I Enjoyed This Book!"
Hayley Chill #3, Storm Rising by Chris Hauty
Audiobook: 10:00 Hours - Narrator: Lisa Flanagan
I really enjoyed #3 of the Hayley Chill series. The main protagonist is certainly a super-heroine and the series features all the in-your-face, kick-arse activity that goes with her "Deep State Agent" status, but there is a quality of excellence in Hayley's character that I find somewhat endearing.
GR reviewer, 'Daryl J', says what I am trying to say:
"Haley Chill is a complex— but relatable— heroine, with intellect and compassion".
The change of narrator from Marin Ireland to Lisa Flanagan for #3 and #4 is a positive and welcome move. Flanagan's vast reading and acting experience shows through and her narration is very good.
"Hayley Chill #4, The Devil You Know", is due to be released next week, 25 May '23, and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival!
Hayley Chill #3, Storm Rising by Chris Hauty
Audiobook: 10:00 Hours - Narrator: Lisa Flanagan
I really enjoyed #3 of the Hayley Chill series. The main protagonist is certainly a super-heroine and the series features all the in-your-face, kick-arse activity that goes with her "Deep State Agent" status, but there is a quality of excellence in Hayley's character that I find somewhat endearing.
GR reviewer, 'Daryl J', says what I am trying to say:
"Haley Chill is a complex— but relatable— heroine, with intellect and compassion".
The change of narrator from Marin Ireland to Lisa Flanagan for #3 and #4 is a positive and welcome move. Flanagan's vast reading and acting experience shows through and her narration is very good.
"Hayley Chill #4, The Devil You Know", is due to be released next week, 25 May '23, and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival!
May 11, 2022
Who Did That Agent Work For Again?
Review of the Simon & Schuster Audio audiobook edition released simultaneously with the Atria hardcover (May 3, 2022)
Author Chris Hauty picked up a ridiculous writing tic during the novella Insurrection Day (January, 2022) which preceded this 3rd full novel in the Hayley Chill series. He began to constantly refer to his protagonist as a (I'm spoiler blocking that as it is one of the main revelations in the first novel in the series, i.e. . This was bad enough in the novella where it was mentioned 61 times in the space of about 120 pages i.e. every second page. In the full novel, it became 122 times in 10 hours in the audiobook edition i.e. on the average once every 5 minutes. It is as if Reacher was being constantly referred to as an ex-military policeman every few pages or so, ok we get it and we don't need to be reminded.
This was distracting enough on its own, but the rest of the novel takes us into cookie-cutter territory where the bad ole white supremacists (based in Texas) are seeking to start a second civil war and create a breakaway nation. They are of course led by people in key military and government positions. A single agent can take them down of course. And that agent is Hayley Chill, , and in case you forget that, this novel will remind you every few minutes.
The twist ending this time wasn't much of a twist, and was easily guessable from earlier hints. Mind you, Hauty will never be able to top the twist ending of the first book of the series, which admittedly was pretty terrific.
Review of the Simon & Schuster Audio audiobook edition released simultaneously with the Atria hardcover (May 3, 2022)
Author Chris Hauty picked up a ridiculous writing tic during the novella Insurrection Day (January, 2022) which preceded this 3rd full novel in the Hayley Chill series. He began to constantly refer to his protagonist as a (I'm spoiler blocking that as it is one of the main revelations in the first novel in the series, i.e. . This was bad enough in the novella where it was mentioned 61 times in the space of about 120 pages i.e. every second page. In the full novel, it became 122 times in 10 hours in the audiobook edition i.e. on the average once every 5 minutes. It is as if Reacher was being constantly referred to as an ex-military policeman every few pages or so, ok we get it and we don't need to be reminded.
This was distracting enough on its own, but the rest of the novel takes us into cookie-cutter territory where the bad ole white supremacists (based in Texas) are seeking to start a second civil war and create a breakaway nation. They are of course led by people in key military and government positions. A single agent can take them down of course. And that agent is Hayley Chill, , and in case you forget that, this novel will remind you every few minutes.
The twist ending this time wasn't much of a twist, and was easily guessable from earlier hints. Mind you, Hauty will never be able to top the twist ending of the first book of the series, which admittedly was pretty terrific.
May 9, 2022
O. M. G. MAKE IT STOP. For those that are unaware, Hayley Chill is a “spy”. She not only works in the deep state, but she is a deeper state operative. If you did not know, well……Mr. Hauty tells you ONE HUNDRED TWENTY TWO TIMES throughout the course of this novel. 122. In 312 pages. It ruined this book for me. 122.
The plot was outstanding. Characters I liked. Twists that were unpredictable. But the repeatitive deeper state operative lingo became so distracting, I could hardly pay attention to the plot.
The excerpts below are all from Chapter 12. It’s so irritating I had to share.
“Sure enough, Gibbs sees the deeper state operative running up the side of the road, maybe a quarter mile off.”
“If he doesn’t turn over the backpack, the deeper state operative will kill him.”
“Depending on how many operatives are in the vehicle, the deeper state operative estimates she has approximately three seconds to kill all of them. ”
“The granny nurse practitioner, looking up from her Rx pad and catching the deeper state operative in the act of absorption.”
“The deeper state operative hasn’t been at work long when she hears a helicopter approach from the southeast.”
Hopefully I will forget 122 uses of deeper state operative before the next installment of this series.
Never mind. Just went back and looked at my review of Insurrection Day and it was the same. 61 times in 121 pages. I will have to quit this series. I obviously forgot. I will not be fooled again.
The plot was outstanding. Characters I liked. Twists that were unpredictable. But the repeatitive deeper state operative lingo became so distracting, I could hardly pay attention to the plot.
The excerpts below are all from Chapter 12. It’s so irritating I had to share.
“Sure enough, Gibbs sees the deeper state operative running up the side of the road, maybe a quarter mile off.”
“If he doesn’t turn over the backpack, the deeper state operative will kill him.”
“Depending on how many operatives are in the vehicle, the deeper state operative estimates she has approximately three seconds to kill all of them. ”
“The granny nurse practitioner, looking up from her Rx pad and catching the deeper state operative in the act of absorption.”
“The deeper state operative hasn’t been at work long when she hears a helicopter approach from the southeast.”
Hopefully I will forget 122 uses of deeper state operative before the next installment of this series.
Never mind. Just went back and looked at my review of Insurrection Day and it was the same. 61 times in 121 pages. I will have to quit this series. I obviously forgot. I will not be fooled again.
April 8, 2022
Another great book in the Hayley Chill series. As the previous books, the story is engaging and filled with twist, a real page-turner. I'm not sure if it's just me but I thought the writing was different from the previous books. It felt more matured, darker and gritty than before and I loved it. The book is also more personal and we get a deeper and closer look into the soul of Haley. The story also felt very timely and I can't wait to see what's next for Hayley. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
December 13, 2022
I think deeper state operative was mentioned so many times that it probably covered 10 pages of the book.
July 11, 2022
I'm a HUGE fan of the Hayley Chill thrillers that features one of the best main protagonists around at the moment- I've been a fan since book one and would recommend reading in order although each can work as a standalone.
Storm Rising is another brilliantly plotted thriller, this time Hayley is hunting down a deadly bunch of conspirators whilst trying to finally get the truth about her father.
Chris Hauty always puts a sting in the tale which makes these novels beautifully unpredictable to read. The action is pacy and the quieter moments are considered and often surprising.
Loved this one like I loved the others. A genuinely entertaining series. Recommended.
Storm Rising is another brilliantly plotted thriller, this time Hayley is hunting down a deadly bunch of conspirators whilst trying to finally get the truth about her father.
Chris Hauty always puts a sting in the tale which makes these novels beautifully unpredictable to read. The action is pacy and the quieter moments are considered and often surprising.
Loved this one like I loved the others. A genuinely entertaining series. Recommended.
May 10, 2022
Storm Rising, by Chris Hauty, is the third superb thriller featuring the badass, Haley Chill. Storm Rising can absolutely be read as a standalone but to you really should read the first two beforehand. Hauty does a nice job of giving a basic overview of the past so you won't be totally lost but there is only so much he can divulge without giving away spoilers. As much as I loved the first two in the series, I think Storm Rising is better.
Chill's life is, lets say, complicated and about to become more so. While searching for answers following the events in Savage Road, Chill learns of a conspiracy to secede from the US to create a country founded on the principles of white supremacy. Chill, along with a new friend or two, are determined to ferret out the leadership of the secessionists and stop a possible second Civil War.
In Storm Rising, you can really see Hauty's growth as an author. His writing is more crisp, dynamic. His development of Chill's character is topnotch. We see a side of her we haven't seen previously which makes her more relatable, real.
I love how Hauty lets readers know you won't see a character again by giving a synopsis of the rest of the their life. That is if they survive the events of the book. It gives the reader closure and a shows they were more than just a footnote in a book.. I am also a big fan of his inclusion of the Storm Prediction Center. Being a meteorologist, I applaud Hauty's use of a weather phenomena that happens a few times a year even if it isn't 100% accurate.
I cannot recommend this book and series enough! I hope to see Haley Chill on the screen in the future!
My sincere thanks to Chris Hauty, Atria /Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing Storm Rising!
Chill's life is, lets say, complicated and about to become more so. While searching for answers following the events in Savage Road, Chill learns of a conspiracy to secede from the US to create a country founded on the principles of white supremacy. Chill, along with a new friend or two, are determined to ferret out the leadership of the secessionists and stop a possible second Civil War.
In Storm Rising, you can really see Hauty's growth as an author. His writing is more crisp, dynamic. His development of Chill's character is topnotch. We see a side of her we haven't seen previously which makes her more relatable, real.
I love how Hauty lets readers know you won't see a character again by giving a synopsis of the rest of the their life. That is if they survive the events of the book. It gives the reader closure and a shows they were more than just a footnote in a book.. I am also a big fan of his inclusion of the Storm Prediction Center. Being a meteorologist, I applaud Hauty's use of a weather phenomena that happens a few times a year even if it isn't 100% accurate.
I cannot recommend this book and series enough! I hope to see Haley Chill on the screen in the future!
My sincere thanks to Chris Hauty, Atria /Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing Storm Rising!
February 16, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
In Storm Rising we find Hayley Chill on the hunt and heading West. Like a tornado blowing across the Texas plains, she will leave a path of destruction through anything or anyone that gets in her way. With Chris Hauty’s rapid pacing, high intensity sequences, and plot twists that will break your brain, this is one hell of a read.
To me, Storm Rising also marks a decided shift in the series. The cold, detached operative of the first two books has now begun to show glimpses of thaw in her core. While I never expect Hayley’s innate drive to ensure the completion of the mission and protect the US, I do expect to see her struggle more against the toll her professional life will have on the beginnings of the personal life she is trying to build. There is a lot of room to work in going forward and I can’t wait to see what Chris does.
Make sure to check out the full review
In Storm Rising we find Hayley Chill on the hunt and heading West. Like a tornado blowing across the Texas plains, she will leave a path of destruction through anything or anyone that gets in her way. With Chris Hauty’s rapid pacing, high intensity sequences, and plot twists that will break your brain, this is one hell of a read.
To me, Storm Rising also marks a decided shift in the series. The cold, detached operative of the first two books has now begun to show glimpses of thaw in her core. While I never expect Hayley’s innate drive to ensure the completion of the mission and protect the US, I do expect to see her struggle more against the toll her professional life will have on the beginnings of the personal life she is trying to build. There is a lot of room to work in going forward and I can’t wait to see what Chris does.
Make sure to check out the full review
May 7, 2022
Simply awesome again. If you haven't started with Deep State yet, you don't like political thrillers or female MCs. No other explanation possible. In this 3rd book the reader even gets deep glimpses in her personal state of mind.
ps: I nearly shed some tears reading the epilogue....I really hope I'll live long enough for more of Mr. Hauty's stories on Hayley Chill.
ps: I nearly shed some tears reading the epilogue....I really hope I'll live long enough for more of Mr. Hauty's stories on Hayley Chill.
June 14, 2022
I'm sorry to say that I could not finish this one. There's probably a good story in there somewhere. I was initially intrigued because someone is blowing up natural gas plants in West Texas and it so happens that my husband builds gas plants and spends a lot of time in West Texas. But what finally just broke me down was how the author continually refers to his main character, Hayley Chill. Repeatedly (157 times by my Kindle count which does include blurbs, etc) as a "deeper state agent". The deeper state agent drove to.... The deeper state agent drank her coffee... and on and on. I have a teenager who gets ahold of a word (like, sick) and won't let go until I cry uncle. In this case, all I needed to do was close the cover. I tried to go back a couple of times but it was too annoying and took from my enjoyment of the book. I don't think I've ever DNF'd a book for a reason such as this, but here we are.
I do want thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I do want thank NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2022
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’m finally catching up with some of my ARCs I have from this year. I found the subject of this book complex and interesting, although I would’ve felt more connected to the characters if I had read the other books in the series. I felt like I could pick it up easily and was given context on where the story was headed and where it had been. Some of the repetitiveness started to bother me about half way through, phrase like “deep state” and “operative” even though I understand their use for them there. I will definitely try out other books from this author.
I’m finally catching up with some of my ARCs I have from this year. I found the subject of this book complex and interesting, although I would’ve felt more connected to the characters if I had read the other books in the series. I felt like I could pick it up easily and was given context on where the story was headed and where it had been. Some of the repetitiveness started to bother me about half way through, phrase like “deep state” and “operative” even though I understand their use for them there. I will definitely try out other books from this author.
June 11, 2022
It seems to me that this series has lost its way - each book getting progressively a little less interesting. It's got a pretty good character in Hayley Chill, but has become ill-focused. As usual, Hayley has to save the country and has continuing personal issues to deal with. The men passing through her life are more a distraction than a complement to the story. There is no lack of action, but it all seems for the sake of itself.
July 5, 2022
I see this book is highly rated, I'm going to have a differing opinion just eeeew. This is kind of one of those books you pick up at an airport and leave on the plane. Sort of a modern day version of Zane Gray, maybe.
This book follows Haley Chill- a "deeper state operative" who uncovers and single handedly destroys a secessionist threat from within the US Military.
I love books with strong female characters, and the protagonist is a strong character, but it's clearly a woman, written by a man. There's something just a little- off about her character- instead of being a woman, she is more like a fantasy of a female, imagined by a man.
The book has adventure, some fleeting romance, deep friendships and a twisty plot, oh and .... pages and pages and pages of descriptions of guns. In the end, Haley lives for another day- but with great losses that border on maudlin.
The authors general writing style is a bit over the top - lots of overly descriptive phrases and and an unusual repetitive style. ( repeatedly calling the main character "the deeper state operative"- as if we might forget) There were some unrealistic things (a pregnancy after no periods for 2 years...), and some overly detailed things that instead of making the story more realistic, made it seem like the author did a good amount of research- but then couldn't figure out how much information to use in the novel- erring on the side of too much.
I suspect people like this book because it stirs up some patriotic feelings, or they just really like pages of gun descriptions?
I listened to it on audio book- and while I might have DNF, I just sped up the narration and got through it. i don't think I'll be picking up another one in this series.
This book follows Haley Chill- a "deeper state operative" who uncovers and single handedly destroys a secessionist threat from within the US Military.
I love books with strong female characters, and the protagonist is a strong character, but it's clearly a woman, written by a man. There's something just a little- off about her character- instead of being a woman, she is more like a fantasy of a female, imagined by a man.
The book has adventure, some fleeting romance, deep friendships and a twisty plot, oh and .... pages and pages and pages of descriptions of guns. In the end, Haley lives for another day- but with great losses that border on maudlin.
The authors general writing style is a bit over the top - lots of overly descriptive phrases and and an unusual repetitive style. ( repeatedly calling the main character "the deeper state operative"- as if we might forget) There were some unrealistic things (a pregnancy after no periods for 2 years...), and some overly detailed things that instead of making the story more realistic, made it seem like the author did a good amount of research- but then couldn't figure out how much information to use in the novel- erring on the side of too much.
I suspect people like this book because it stirs up some patriotic feelings, or they just really like pages of gun descriptions?
I listened to it on audio book- and while I might have DNF, I just sped up the narration and got through it. i don't think I'll be picking up another one in this series.
March 17, 2022
There’s no question I’m a big Hayley Chill fan, but after Storm Rising, I’m a bigger Chris Hauty fan! The first book (Deep State) was superb, with a twist that left me speechless. His follow up (Savage Road) felt raw and gritty as he morphed his protagonist into a character built for more. But in this book, she arrived! What starts as a personal quest for truth into her shocking discovery at the end of Savage Road, Hayley stumbles upon something with far graver consequences. But the two are related. Hauty does a great job of doling out clues throughout the book, but keeps you guessing until the very end.
And, yes, there’s another twist. Maybe two, if you count… well… just read it! It’s his best work yet!
And, yes, there’s another twist. Maybe two, if you count… well… just read it! It’s his best work yet!
July 25, 2022
I feel like I have a case of whiplash with this series. The books go from one thing to the next in a completely different direction with breakneck speed...and the twists and turns are not in a good way when they’re overused. I wish that this series didn’t jump from White House spy problems to terrorist operations with traitors to military coups. It’s too much and too unbelievable (even for a spy book series). This series started out with promise and has utterly withered.
This book is the most disappointing entry in the Haley Chill series. The storyline is jumbled, over bloated, and feels forced. The pieces don’t fit seamlessly together as the plot has a lot of holes in it. There are too many coincidences. Kimberly’s grandfather? Running into Jay Gibbs over and over? I could go on.
Furthermore, Hauty fails to develop Chill’s character in this book very much and when he does, it feels forced and trite in relation to her pregnancy. He doesn’t seem to capture anything that feels authentic. Chill feels like a female Reacher devoid of character traits and an ounce of personality. Oswald and the other villains also are underdeveloped. Oswald at the beginning seems to be the uttermost professional, but by the end he is characterized as a blundering old man. I also despise how Hauty writes characters off and then the reader knows that they don’t play a part in the books later. Why not let us wonder?
Finally, I hated the ending about April. So Hayley’s been hallucinating the whole time about April? And we’re supposed to now wonder if April was attracted to Hayley and if Hayley was attracted also to her? It feels all too contrived and I have no idea why Hauty chose to at the end be “oh by the way, reader, April is dead and had a romantic interest in Hayley that now she wonders about.”
Plot items to wonder about for future if I choose to pick up the next entry (although I most likely won’t since this one was not good at all): did Sheriff’s Deputy Jay Gibbs really die? What will Haley do next…will she stay a “deep state operative” (which was overused in this book)? Does she trust Publius? Why did Wilde want her to go ahead on mission but Publius wanted her to stop?
This book is the most disappointing entry in the Haley Chill series. The storyline is jumbled, over bloated, and feels forced. The pieces don’t fit seamlessly together as the plot has a lot of holes in it. There are too many coincidences. Kimberly’s grandfather? Running into Jay Gibbs over and over? I could go on.
Furthermore, Hauty fails to develop Chill’s character in this book very much and when he does, it feels forced and trite in relation to her pregnancy. He doesn’t seem to capture anything that feels authentic. Chill feels like a female Reacher devoid of character traits and an ounce of personality. Oswald and the other villains also are underdeveloped. Oswald at the beginning seems to be the uttermost professional, but by the end he is characterized as a blundering old man. I also despise how Hauty writes characters off and then the reader knows that they don’t play a part in the books later. Why not let us wonder?
Finally, I hated the ending about April. So Hayley’s been hallucinating the whole time about April? And we’re supposed to now wonder if April was attracted to Hayley and if Hayley was attracted also to her? It feels all too contrived and I have no idea why Hauty chose to at the end be “oh by the way, reader, April is dead and had a romantic interest in Hayley that now she wonders about.”
Plot items to wonder about for future if I choose to pick up the next entry (although I most likely won’t since this one was not good at all): did Sheriff’s Deputy Jay Gibbs really die? What will Haley do next…will she stay a “deep state operative” (which was overused in this book)? Does she trust Publius? Why did Wilde want her to go ahead on mission but Publius wanted her to stop?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded to three because the idea for the plot was good.
I’m going to assume I might have liked this better if I’d read the previous books in the series. That said, the book was awful for the first 100 pages, and at least approached mediocrity after that. I finished it, but didnt like it well enough to further explore the series.
Even if I had—WHAT IN THE WORLD possessed Hauty to constantly refer to Ashley Chill as “the deeper state operative” instead of using her name? Or even “she”? Or “her”? It was the most annoying writing tic I’ve ever read, and by book’s end I felt like I was being hit in the head with a hammer every time I saw it. That, all by itself, would have been enough to put me off this series forever.
I’m going to assume I might have liked this better if I’d read the previous books in the series. That said, the book was awful for the first 100 pages, and at least approached mediocrity after that. I finished it, but didnt like it well enough to further explore the series.
Even if I had—WHAT IN THE WORLD possessed Hauty to constantly refer to Ashley Chill as “the deeper state operative” instead of using her name? Or even “she”? Or “her”? It was the most annoying writing tic I’ve ever read, and by book’s end I felt like I was being hit in the head with a hammer every time I saw it. That, all by itself, would have been enough to put me off this series forever.
July 5, 2022
The first two Haley Chill Books were very good, though the second, less so. This one is quite poor. In between a plot that is quite overly done and derivative of other books-white supremacists scheming to blow up the PermIan basin oil reserves with super deep state operative (actually referred to her that way dozens of times) trying to stop them - tons of fillers. She’s pregnant!
Don’t waste your time. The next book will be even worse.
Don’t waste your time. The next book will be even worse.
February 29, 2024
I enjoyed the story and the plot as it reflects the state of affairs here in the US but I grew tired of the hero constantly being referred to as “deep state operative” rather than her actual name. I also don’t care that several years down the line a minor character has a heart attack. I had to keep thinking of Hayley as a super hero since she likes to be motivated by a solid punch to the nose and also enjoys the subsequent nose bleed. Her character was a bit too macho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Make sure to check out the full review
Make sure to check out the full review
July 4, 2022
I just finished the third and most recent installment of the Hayley Chill series, Storm Rising. Chill, an intelligence operative, is the most compelling female protagonist in this genre, in my opinion. In search of the truth behind her father's death, she stumbles into a frightening element of white supremacy within the U.S. military. This dark conspiracy is all-consuming and will test Hayley's mettle and have her questioning her loyalty and lineage. A fantastic storyteller, Chris Hauty is a must-read author of political thrillers. Highly recommended!!
November 27, 2022
Much like the first two books, Storm Rising ends with a twist that changes the way the rest of the story is understood. Hayley Chill remains a stoic, dutiful soldier, but is now showing more signs of weakness, of vulnerability, which humanizes her all the more. This has me very much looking forward to The DevilYou Know, slated for a 2023 release as I write this.
June 28, 2023
This was the third in a series and really bombed. The plot was weaves less skillfully than previous novels. And the sheer number of times that Hayley was referred to as “the deeper state agent” drove me absolutely crazy.
June 7, 2022
Hayley Chill is trying to uncover a domestic terrorist group based in the military and TX. There was not enough action or suspense for me. The writing is choppy, the characters thinly sketched and if I had to read that Hayley Chill is a deep state operative, one more time, who knows what I would do.
I appreciate the ARC I received through a Goodreads giveaway.
I appreciate the ARC I received through a Goodreads giveaway.
June 12, 2022
I have read the other 2 Hayley Chill books in this series, but I found the somewhat obvious device of 'Deep state operative' for democracy a rather irritating ploy.This book did neither grip or thrill, just irritated.
July 31, 2022
With a pedestrian story and an unsympathetic main character, this book failed to capture my attention. Following up on a previous book in this series, Hayley is trying to unravel the mystery behind her father, who she thought long dead, discovering his body shortly after his suicide. Her father was involved in some shadowy white supremacist group and Hayley wants to investigate further. But a mission comes up, and as a member of a governmental "deeper" state organization, she is obliged to pursue that. Fortunately, the the two missions, personal and professional, become entwined, and Hayley runs around rural Texas, killing people and following clues. She eventually completes the "deeper" state mission and learns the whole truth about her father. I just didn't care for this book. The story was unoriginal, the dialogue perfunctory, and I could not be interested in Hayley's life, both professional and personal. The author has back stories for every character, and we learn in excruciating about the history and the future for some very minor characters. The bad guys come off as clownish and not very menacing. The story has no humor, and too much sentimental dribble for my taste
March 3, 2024
Such a good book and very different from Books 1 and 2. A unique series
May 3, 2022
Winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas mulled things over for nine years and joined the union as the 28th state in 1845. Upon hitting sweet sixteen as a proud member of the United States, Texas declared its secession in 1861, a few months before the American Civil War bloomed across the continent. The fourth installment in the series, RAMBO (2009), augured that Burma's a war zone and the country's been embroiled in the longest civil war in the world. None, however, that resonates more with America than said NORTH AND SOUTH conflict raging in the Americas for "only" four years from April 1861 to April 1865, making up what it lacked in length by amplitude of brutality. Officially surrendered by General Lee at McLean House near Appomattox, VA on 4.9.1865, the South has recently revealed a lingering, deep psychological hurt of being on the losing side of history and is stirring the pot with that all too Canadian notion of secession once again.
Not very often accused of nurturing ennui, Washington D.C. has just that in store for Hayley Chill after taking the most direct and SAVAGE ROAD out of the DEEP STATE. Now, 27 years old, unemployed, 15 lbs heavier, owner of eidetic plus echoic memory and powder blues, what's a girl to do? She's been told the more ya hurt in training, the less ya bleed in combat. So, Hayley Chill heads home to West Virginia and trains until the cows come home or another mission creeps around the bend. Still shilling for Publius, the deeper state, the steadfast guardians of the United States Constitution, Hayley is all in for the pursuit of truth; Country above all else, for dedication to the nation's constitution is her destiny. This leads Hayley to El Paso, West Texas, the armpit of the Lone Star State, nary 200 miles west of the Permian Basin, where two apparent sabotage events are threatening to cripple the region's crucial energy infrastructure. Is this connected to Hayley's business at hand, a looksee into a personal matter left in a folder and ominously titled 'the Storm'?
Something big is brewing in Texas, and unlike Vegas, what happens in Texas may not stay in Texas. Running counter to Hayley's ad hoc investigation, there's an organization in the way of freedom. The immovable object to Hayley's unstoppable force. The dark that is required to let America's beacon of freedom and democracy shine bright: 'The Free States of America', as peddled by a baddy with a number following his fancy names and, incidentally, Bruno Magli shoes. Without a juicy nickname, the charlatan resorts to a snake oil smile and conman's tricks to sell the suckers time-shares for treason--aptly named 'Operation Battle Cry', a rebellious scheme, eschewing 'Operation Rebel Yell' for obvious reasons. Showing up at the most inopportune of times, the mysterious man in black is at the center of the conspiracy, the eye of the storm, and in the crosshairs. More useful than a gun, Hayley's powder-blues beguile many a man, evil doer Numero Uno included, for there's sabotage and destruction and then there's the Chill way. She leaves a swath of demolition across the plains that necessitates a good supply of body bags, plus she's hell on rental cars. Hayley does her thing, in Chill manner.
Deeper than the deep state, STORM RISING continues the tale of an entity with wide reach, vast persuasive powers, and its lone warrior princess, a true sight to behold. Easily dodging the alternate title of TEN DAYS IN WEST TEXAS, Hayley Chill adventure #3 offers plenty regional charm, including truck stop waitresses with asphalt hearts, as well as Balayage, Article 85, Shadow Cover, and tissue damage and wound descriptions delivered with the calm professionalism of an autopsy-performing Matt Hooper. Aside from making Hayley deal with a pogue named Pogue, the strength of STORM RISING lies with the change of locale, focus, and pace from previous outings, really hitting its stride when the first flash-forward perks up at about 50 pages into the fray. Oh yes, flash forwards are back and entertaining as ever; one even looking all the way to the year 2100. Quite scary.
Three adventures in, it stands to reason, just how deep does the deep state go? True to the meth-head's quandary, RISING STORM has no answer but serves up the counter: how deep do ya think? Pondering the sequence, the first one was for her handler, the second one was for her country and this one's for herself. Given the burgeoning fury that is building, the threat is real. Trust no one and consider what is Hayley Chill's game...Throw your hat into the ring and find out. Just don't get tread on.
May 5, 2022
(3.5 stars)
A deep state operative is on the hunt for information about her late father and stumbles upon a white supremacy plot that will tear the nation apart. As the operative chases down clues about her dad, she discovers his connection to the plot may be more direct than she’s prepared to accept. Author Chris Hauty brings back his whip-smart, self-sufficient protagonist Hayley Chill in the most thoughtful, introspective book in the series, Storm Rising.
Hayley Chill is doing something she never thought she’d do: biding her time. Her job in the White House disappeared the minute she exposed the previous president’s underhanded schemes, and now she’s waiting for her next assignment from the deeper state organization that she was recruited to join. Although Hayley is used to waiting on orders from her superior, she’s also getting a little restless.
The restlessness, she knows, also comes from another source. Ever since discovering her father dead, Hayley has been plagued by questions. Her dad was her hero. As far as she knew, he’d died on tour in Iraq. The fact that he lived close to her was a big enough shock; coming upon his dead body and then learning he’d assumed the identity of a fellow soldier nearly threw her off completely. Why did he do it? What was he hiding?
After discovering secret papers in the house where he lived, Hayley suspects her dad’s death is less a tragedy and more a murder. With the blessing of her handler in the organization, Hayley flies to Texas to track down some leads. The papers her dad left her—because she’s convinced he left them for her to find—are in code. The cipher she needs to crack the code is somewhere in the Lone Star state; so are the answers about why her father had a different identity for so long.
Once Hayley gets on the ground and starts asking questions, it’s clear her father was involved in something frightening. A white supremacist organization has made plans for several states to secede from the country and form their own. Over and over, as Hayley tracks people down, she finds lines drawn from her father back to this organization, but she can’t figure out what role he played.
Hayley is also dealing with some troubling personal issues. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Sam, is currently off again, but Hayley realizes she may not be free from him just yet. She also finds herself reflecting on her place within the organization she works for. Hayley has a deep-seated commitment to the Constitution of the United States, and the covert operation supports—well, mostly—her pursuit of the truth about her father. But as her investigation keeps tangling with her professional life, Hayley realizes the two may be more at odds than she previously understood.
Author Chris Hauty brings back the self-confident Hayley Chill in her most inward-facing adventure yet. While Hayley’s commitment to the Constitution is what kept her going in the two previous books in the series, here readers will find Hayley more conflicted than ever before. She wants to know the truth about her father, yet she has to unearth the truth about the white supremacist organization at the same time and she’s not sure she wants to know where the two intersect. After two full books of Hayley’s unwavering commitment to the operation at hand, watching her doubt herself in this way is a surprise.
Fans of the Hayley Chill series will find everything they love about the protagonist well in place here. Even with all of the uncertainty in her life at the moment, there are still plenty of moments where Hayley has no trouble setting her sights on a person and taking them down within minutes. Her bravado and ability to dig deep when she’s injured, lost, or outnumbered shine once again. Hayley is most definitely a heroine worth cheering.
Her uncertainty might surprise some readers who look forward to Hayley’s self-assurance, and some passages include a little too much background. Hauty undoubtedly included those paragraphs for anyone coming to the book without having read the previous two, but of the three this is the least able to stand on its own. For the full effect and charm of Hayley, readers should read the first two in the series.
Those who enjoy political thrillers that echo current events will want to check this out. Others might need to read the other books first.
A deep state operative is on the hunt for information about her late father and stumbles upon a white supremacy plot that will tear the nation apart. As the operative chases down clues about her dad, she discovers his connection to the plot may be more direct than she’s prepared to accept. Author Chris Hauty brings back his whip-smart, self-sufficient protagonist Hayley Chill in the most thoughtful, introspective book in the series, Storm Rising.
Hayley Chill is doing something she never thought she’d do: biding her time. Her job in the White House disappeared the minute she exposed the previous president’s underhanded schemes, and now she’s waiting for her next assignment from the deeper state organization that she was recruited to join. Although Hayley is used to waiting on orders from her superior, she’s also getting a little restless.
The restlessness, she knows, also comes from another source. Ever since discovering her father dead, Hayley has been plagued by questions. Her dad was her hero. As far as she knew, he’d died on tour in Iraq. The fact that he lived close to her was a big enough shock; coming upon his dead body and then learning he’d assumed the identity of a fellow soldier nearly threw her off completely. Why did he do it? What was he hiding?
After discovering secret papers in the house where he lived, Hayley suspects her dad’s death is less a tragedy and more a murder. With the blessing of her handler in the organization, Hayley flies to Texas to track down some leads. The papers her dad left her—because she’s convinced he left them for her to find—are in code. The cipher she needs to crack the code is somewhere in the Lone Star state; so are the answers about why her father had a different identity for so long.
Once Hayley gets on the ground and starts asking questions, it’s clear her father was involved in something frightening. A white supremacist organization has made plans for several states to secede from the country and form their own. Over and over, as Hayley tracks people down, she finds lines drawn from her father back to this organization, but she can’t figure out what role he played.
Hayley is also dealing with some troubling personal issues. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Sam, is currently off again, but Hayley realizes she may not be free from him just yet. She also finds herself reflecting on her place within the organization she works for. Hayley has a deep-seated commitment to the Constitution of the United States, and the covert operation supports—well, mostly—her pursuit of the truth about her father. But as her investigation keeps tangling with her professional life, Hayley realizes the two may be more at odds than she previously understood.
Author Chris Hauty brings back the self-confident Hayley Chill in her most inward-facing adventure yet. While Hayley’s commitment to the Constitution is what kept her going in the two previous books in the series, here readers will find Hayley more conflicted than ever before. She wants to know the truth about her father, yet she has to unearth the truth about the white supremacist organization at the same time and she’s not sure she wants to know where the two intersect. After two full books of Hayley’s unwavering commitment to the operation at hand, watching her doubt herself in this way is a surprise.
Fans of the Hayley Chill series will find everything they love about the protagonist well in place here. Even with all of the uncertainty in her life at the moment, there are still plenty of moments where Hayley has no trouble setting her sights on a person and taking them down within minutes. Her bravado and ability to dig deep when she’s injured, lost, or outnumbered shine once again. Hayley is most definitely a heroine worth cheering.
Her uncertainty might surprise some readers who look forward to Hayley’s self-assurance, and some passages include a little too much background. Hauty undoubtedly included those paragraphs for anyone coming to the book without having read the previous two, but of the three this is the least able to stand on its own. For the full effect and charm of Hayley, readers should read the first two in the series.
Those who enjoy political thrillers that echo current events will want to check this out. Others might need to read the other books first.
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