Book Review: Target Kyiv

Reviewed by John M. Murray

A thrilling action adventure following a roguish American soldier trapped behind enemy lines during a Russian invasion of Chernobyl

Retirement suits Matt Ross after a storied career in the Army as a sniper and nuclear expert. The trauma of war haunts him, but he finds a measure of peace lounging on the beaches of Florida. That is, until an old contact calls and recruits him for a mission perfect for his unique talents. 

While working alongside the locals, Ross investigates some irregularities at Chernobyl. Before he can report back, he’s beset by a Russian invasion force. Outnumbered and undersupplied, Ross finds allies in a group of Ukrainian freedom fighters waging a guerilla war against the invading force. Ross and the freedom fighters soon discover a ticking clock as the Russian force races to kick off another nuclear meltdown.

When Ross arrives at Chernobyl, the job seems pretty straightforward. He’s even cracking jokes with the reserve police force guarding the place. But soon, the invasion force ramps up tension and Ross stumbles into the freedom fighters. They find his military service valuable as he’s the only one capable of using the weapons they’ve smuggled in. 

After the initial harrowing attack, Ross finds an unlikely ally in Ulf, a bomb detection dog with wolf-like tendencies, and the two become inseparable on the battlefield. With limited resources, including a British operative in deep cover, Ross doggedly tries to save the world.

Ross is a fascinating hero. He’s skilled, capable, and driven to not only survive but help thwart the malicious Russian plan. But he’s limited by his body and mind. He suffers the biting cold of the Russian winter, countless bullet wounds, and other injuries, but he keeps going. Each action sequence is underlined by his exhaustion. He’s just a man but one who will sacrifice himself if it means saving countless lives. 

The book balances exposition and action with a deft hand. The sundry military strategies or nuclear concepts are contextualized concisely, and the action sequences are vibrant and explosive with bullets whizzing by, explosions thundering, and the harsh winter environment damping everything down. Some of the conversations border on cheesy, but most are realistic and often endearing. Ross isn’t looked at as a savior and often made the butt of jokes, but he lobs back jokes just as easily while letting his skills prove his merit.

Target Kyiv is an intense military thriller with a lovable and very human ex-soldier swept up in a nuclear threat—with an eager hook for future books.

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