Natural-Born Cullers

Don't, Book 7

By: Jack L. Pyke

Narrated by: Dan Calley

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

As MI5 Director of Counterterrorism and lead culler to the crown, Gray Raoul knows this latest killer’s MO is something different. There is something unique with how he culls them. It makes the newcomer’s private signature mark towards other killers simple: I own you.

For Gray, the killer is natural-born culler material. The Monarchy’s psychopathic dog soldiers when it comes to instilling social calm on UK streets through brutal chaos. Yet, when an ex-trainee culler is targeted, Gray faces only one thing: the war with Light on the cullers has begun.

Left to unravel just how Light’s getting out from under lock and key at Gray’s manor before his killers are taken out, Gray’s dark offer of a father is pushed to the full.

©2022 Jack L. Pyke (P)2023 Jack L. Pyke

Dark and beautiful

The complexity of the Jack/Gray/Martin dynamic is fascinating and painful. We get more insight into Gray, which I love. I have to admit Gray is my favorite and his relationship with his son is heartbreaking. But, I also love Jan and he seems to be more of an afterthought to this whole story. He was sidelined for nearly the entire thing and that’s disappointing.

This is a cliffhanger and I look forward to the next one.

Dan Calley’s narration is on point as always.

Exceptional

I just finished the audio narrated by Dan Calley. More and more I realize I enjoy the audio editions more. I can sit back, relax and enjoy the narration painting a vocal picture of the events and characters. Dan does an excellent job of representing these characters and situations. I found I heard many notable things that I had either forgotten or not really paid close attention to before. The only problem I had was ever setting it aside until I finished it. I got so engrossed that by the time I realized what time it was I ended up with only a couple hours sleep. I highly recommend this book in the series.
I’m sitting here thinking no way do I feel equipped to write a review on this story. I’ve listened to all the others in this series and each time I end up with book hangover. This is like total addiction. I thought Fractured was so good and answered so much but after reading this book it appears the author just gets better with each release. This is such an emotional rollercoaster. Every situation and event just made the characters storyline that much more layered. The core characters are changing as it goes along. I thought Gray was the strong alpha guy but he shows his human side more than once here. Jack/Martin keeps evolving and made my head spin at the difference in the personalities. I got to where I almost liked Martin better. Jan is another who shows his stronger side and his ability to be the glue that brings the guys sanity.
Then the issues with Light, Gray’s son becomes totally questionable at each turn. He is a kid I started feeling sorry for. He just wanted his dad to acknowledge him. As the story goes along things in his world become clearer and he isn’t just the innocent game playing kid. The secondary characters are such a big part of the story also. Gray’s relationship with his dad starts to develop into a little dependence on each other. His dad’s reasons for his choices come out and seem almost reasonable. I think there is so much more to be explained about these guys. No one can pull together all the different parts to a story like this author and I really want to know the next part of their lives.

A Culler in our midst

I’ve been a fan of Jack’s Don’t series from the beginning. A BDSM thriller? Sign me up. These books are so much more complex than that might seem. More layered. More nuanced. More heroes of dubious moral character. Sometimes it’s hard to know who the good guys are.

Okay, except Jan. He’s the beacon in this shitshow. But even he has dark moments.
Gray has always walked a fine line. On the one hand, he works for the crown in pseudo law enforcement. On the other hand, he’s got a toe in the very murky underworld. He sees horrific things and deals with evil people so the regular citizens of Britain don’t know the true extent of the depravity walking amongst them.

Now, all of Jack’s books are violent. But this one? Phone a friend violent. I messaged a friend to metaphorically hold my hand. I’m made of sturdy stuff, but even this one had me on edge. So be forewarned – graphic violence doesn’t even really begin to describe what goes on in this book. I said depravity, right? Well, plenty of that.

There’s also the interpersonal. Gray is having to deal with Light. Now, in my review of the last book, I’d hoped Light would get his own book. Here, he sort of does. And as I gazed into his dark soul, I wondered if redemption was even possible. Everyone in Gray’s life is dark. Especially Jack/Martin these days. I adore Jack and when I see him suffer, that really hurts me.

The moral ambiguity of this book is just the right touch of leaving me thinking. The graphic nature repulsed and provoked thought. Overall, I’m really glad I listened.

And, of course, I can’t wrap up this review without talking about Dan Calley. He’s so perfect for this book – dark, deep, and just the right amount of suspense. Can’t wait to see what Jack and Dan come up with next…

Heartwrenching Cliffhanger

This story had me on the edge of my seat. I remember being so restless to finish the book when it first came out, with all the drama and chaos that comes with this series. It was better this time around while listening to the audiobook -who Dan Calley is still doing amazing at- was more calming to me as I was able digest the information with a clearer mindset's.

So here are my thought of the choas induced drama and love going on in this holy series.

I might write more later but for now, all I can say is that I’m thankful for the next book in this series to be coming out later this year (fingers crossed).

This story picks up a few months after the latest incidence’s that’s occurred within the Raoul family. (There's just been so many). With Grey stepping more into fatherhood always keeping an eye on Light, who is having issues, needing to accept his best friend's death, and deeply struggling. Simon just better stay within 5 feet of him at all times.. cuff their wrist together or something idk. Tensions definitely running high between those two fr. As with Jack trying to get back into the routine of work life and relationships, but 'throw hands first' Martin over here keeps pulling against him leaving things mentally unresolved and fractured. And There’s just so much unresolved conflict going on between other characters the whole things is honestly driving me bonkers! I worry for Grey and pray nobody comes after him with all the decisions he’s made lately...

Lastly, things I hope for in the next book is a resolution for Jack and Martin in drifting and for Light gets his shit together because with the hint, nudge Jack, the author, gave us in her authors note, I just knows he’s gonna be hit with something big later on.

I might clean this review up later (probably not) but for now, as always, happy listening!