New Reviews from goodreads Readers!
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Joe Betar, Carpenter’s Son Publishing, and Clovercroft Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
There’s a certain electricity that comes with opening a debut thriller—you’re either about to discover a new voice worth following, or endure a promising idea that never quite lands. With Hammer, Joe Betar wastes no time proving he belongs in the former camp. This is a bruising, relentless novel that hits hard and rarely lets up.
Jack “Hammer” Garrett is a man built for violence, honed in the octagon as a UFC champion and tempered by a quiet life on his Texas ranch. But when his parents are brutally murdered, that hard-earned peace shatters. What follows is not just grief, but a simmering, controlled fury. The people responsible made one critical mistake, they left Hammer alive.
Betar crafts a revenge story that refuses to stay small. What begins as a personal vendetta quickly spirals into something far more insidious, pulling Hammer into a web of political corruption, cartel influence, and shadowy international interests. The deeper he digs, the more dangerous the game becomes. This isn’t just about vengeance anymore—it’s about survival.
What sets Hammer apart is its tone: gritty without being gratuitous, fast-paced without sacrificing substance. Betar balances high-stakes action with emotional weight, allowing Jack Hammer to feel more than just unstoppable—he’s wounded, driven, and evolving. His pain is palpable, and it fuels every calculated move he makes.
The pacing is razor-sharp. Chapters snap forward with purpose, each one tightening the noose and raising the stakes. Twists arrive at just the right moments, never feeling forced, always pushing the narrative into darker, more dangerous territory. Betar shows a confidence in structure that many seasoned authors struggle to achieve.
Characterisation is another clear strength. Hammer is more than a blunt instrument—he’s layered, carrying grief, loyalty, and a fierce sense of justice that borders on obsession. The supporting cast adds depth and texture, while the antagonists are drawn with enough complexity to make the conflict feel grounded and real. No one exists in a vacuum here, as every character has weight.
The plot itself is tightly wound, blending political intrigue with personal revenge in a way that feels both expansive and controlled. Betar demonstrates an impressive command of the genre, delivering a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is explosive. By the time the final act arrives, the reader isn’t just invested—they’re locked in.
For a debut, Hammer is strikingly assured. It’s a novel that understands exactly what it wants to be and executes it with force. If this is any indication of what Joe Betar has in store, Jack Garrett’s story feels far from over—and that’s something to look forward to.
***
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Hammer. This is a series novel centered on ‘Hammer’ who is a retired MMA fighter. Hammer is really an interesting character who is filled with goodness but also anger. When a tragedy occurs Hammer cannot leave the investigation up to the FBI. He must be involved and will not give up until he has the chance to avenge. Set in a political environment this novel has many moving parts but is engaging and filled with contemporary elements. Good book with a strong lead 3.5 stars
***
Joe Betar paints such a vivid picture with his writing in Hammer that while reading I could easily see how power and money create a vicious cycle. Jack gets pulled into this world when trying to get to the bottom of his parents’ murder. When Jack gets too close to discovering the truth, those in power don’t want to lose and they are willing to take down any who get in their way. A gripping story from start to finish. I found myself cheering for Jack to uncover the corruption, and avenge the deaths of those that he loved.
