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- Title: Agent Zero Short Story (An Agent Zero Spy Thriller—Book 0.5)
- Author: Jack Mars
- Narrator: Brian Callanan
- Length: 00:43:44
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 15/04/2020
- Publisher: Findaway Voices
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Political Thriller
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
The moment Brian Callanan’s gravelly narration hit my earbuds during a layover in Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, I was transported. There’s something about listening to spy thrillers in transit that makes the adrenaline feel more authentic – perhaps it’s the constant surveillance cameras or the way strangers’ glances take on new meaning. Jack Mars’ “Agent Zero Short Story” proved the perfect companion for my European travels, its compact intensity mirroring the rapid-fire transitions between countries that define both Kent Steele’s world and my own nomadic existence.
This 6,000-word prequel unfolds like a well-worn passport stamped with danger. Mars drops us into a whirlwind tour of Europe (Italy, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland) that reminded me of my first backpacking trip – though my youthful misadventures never involved dodging assassins or unraveling conspiracies. Callanan’s narration captures the protagonist’s disorientation perfectly, his voice shifting subtly as Steele transitions from confused professor to lethal operative. There’s a particular scene in a Berlin safehouse where Callanan’s delivery of Steele’s internal monologue gave me chills – the kind I last felt watching “The Bourne Identity” in a tiny Lisbon cinema where the sound system made every gunshot reverberate in my chest.
Mars’ greatest strength here is economy of storytelling. Like savoring an exquisite espresso in a Naples back alley, this brief tale delivers concentrated flavor. The action sequences unfold with cinematic clarity – I could practically smell the cordite during the Copenhagen chase scene, recalling a similar aroma from reporting on a political protest in Madrid years ago. Callanan’s pacing during these moments is impeccable, knowing exactly when to accelerate his delivery and when to let silence heighten tension.
The audiobook’s greatest achievement is how it makes Steele’s memory loss feel viscerally personal. As someone who’s documented oral histories across three continents, I’m fascinated by identity reconstruction. There’s a moment when Steele stares at his reflection in a Zurich train window that reminded me of interviewing Chilean exiles about their fractured pasts – Callanan voices this existential crisis with raw authenticity that lingers long after the track ends.
While the short format leaves little room for secondary character development, Mars plants intriguing seeds about Steele’s mysterious past relationships. The female voice that haunts Steele’s fragments of memory is particularly compelling – Callanan renders these moments with a haunting softness that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding violence. It made me recall an elderly French-Algerian woman in Marseille who once told me wartime love stories with similar bittersweet tones.
Technical notes for audiophiles: The production quality is crisp, with no distracting background noises even during whispered dialogue. At just under 30 minutes total runtime, it’s perfect for a commute or (as I discovered) while waiting for a delayed train in Milan. The abridged nature means some transitions feel abrupt, but this actually enhances the protagonist’s disorientation.
Compared to other spy series prequels, “Agent Zero Short Story” stands out for its emotional punch. Where many origin stories over-explain, Mars trusts listeners to fill gaps – much like my favorite travel narratives let destinations breathe. If you enjoy the psychological depth of “Slow Horses” with the breakneck pace of “Mitch Rapp”, this free audiobook makes an ideal entry point to Mars’ thriller universe.
For potential listeners: Don’t expect exhaustive backstory – this is a lightning strike of intrigue meant to propel you into the full series. The political thriller elements feel particularly timely, echoing real-world tensions I’ve witnessed from Belgrade to Barcelona. And that final line – delivered by Callanan with perfect ambiguous gravity – will have you immediately downloading “Agent Zero (Book 1)”, also freely available.
Always listening for the next great story,
Marcus Rivera
