Description
Presented as fiction. How much of it truly belongs there is for the reader to decide.
Nine Lives by Paul Smith is a raw, hard-hitting British military thriller that moves from warzones and covert operations to mercenary contracts and Manchester’s ganglands. It explores violence, survival, PTSD and the choices that gradually transform a man.
He has seen violence dressed up as justice—and justice buried beneath silence. After walking away with more scars than savings, he tries to begin again: quietly, honestly and determined to build a different life.
But some ghosts refuse to remain buried.
As the past closes in, the instincts that once kept him alive threaten to destroy everything he has tried to build. Rules, uniforms and loyalties may contain the monster created for survival, but every cage eventually opens.
Dark, uncompromising and relentlessly gripping, Nine Lives examines what prolonged exposure to violence can turn men into—and whether someone trained to bury every emotion can ever truly escape what he has seen, done and become.
About this edition: Purchase the Nine Lives hardback edition for a substantial, durable presentation of Paul Smith’s dark British military thriller. Hardback copies are printed and dispatched through BookVault.
Nikki –
This is the first Paul Smith book that I’ve read and it won’t be my last. Nine Lives is raw, emotional, and incredibly inspiring. Paul Smith’s storytelling is honest and gripping, showing resilience through unimaginable challenges. It’s a fast, impactful read that stays with you long after the last page. Highly recommended.
Graham –
Im an avid reader of military fiction and real event books with book case to substantiate my claim that feel are worth reading again and keeping within my collection, Nine lives is one of them books in my opinion . For a first time writer I was amazed how I was drawn into the character so quickly with the event with in story shocking at first as it would to any normal person but through the book as story unfolded as I was getting drawn in or should I say sucked in , Paul character started to feel that nothing could shock him anymore, and that was the way as the reader I started feel I was that involved in the story , I was becoming immune to daily routine of his everyday life of Paul as he was within his life that there was no kicks , nothing could shock him with no conscience now reeling him back to normality as the story unfolded to breaking point.
The point that change his life, that was so simple to humanize him again was the icing on the cake for me.
Well done Paul Smith , I can’t wait for your next book.
Angel –
Nine Lives is an engaging read that pulls you in with strong characters and an emotional storyline. It blends suspense and heart, keeping you turning pages while exploring second chances and the choices that shape our lives. A memorable, thought-provoking book.
Tony Benhavis –
Genuinely the best book I’ve read to date… couldn’t put it down took me 2 days to read, highly recommend!
Blondie –
I’m never much a reader , but bought this for my fella at Christmas and stole it from him after reading the first few pages. Gets you very engrossed into it, putting yourself in the book living the story. Brilliant book all round l. Already recommended to people and will continue to do so.
Paul Speak –
From the opening pages to the final chapter I couldn’t put this book down.
Well written and thought provoking.
You can only imagine what our veterans have gone through and what they have to live with following their service to king and country.
Definitely worth a read.
Kieran mitchell –
I just finished Nine Lives by Paul Smith and honestly, I’m still sitting here processing it. This book hit me hard.
It’s about a man that we never even get the name of who’s basically been through hell his whole life.
Starts with getting beaten at home as a kid, bullied nonstop at school, then straight into the absolute worst of it: Bosnia as a young soldier, creepy “deniable” black ops stuff with a unit called The Det in Northern Ireland and then mercenary gigs in Afghanistan and Iraq. At 23 he’s killed so many people he’s lost count and worse, he’s completely numb. Can’t feel a thing anymore.
crazy part? He really should have died from bullets, bombs and even his own hand once but somehow he keeps going. Then the violence follows him home to Manchester’s gang scene, and it all feels like the same endless war.
The action scenes are intense you can almost smell the cordite and dust. But what got me wasn’t just the violence; it was how empty the guy becomes. Every close call takes another piece of him until there’s almost nothing left.
Then, right at the end, this one girl shows up and actually reaches him. It’s not some cheesy Hollywood romance it’s quiet, fragile, and feels totally earned. I won’t spoil it, but that last bit had me choking up a little.
If you like gritty stuff like Andy McNab or Chris Ryan but want something with more heart or if you’ve ever wondered what war really does to people inside pick this up. It’s dark, yeah, but there’s light at the end and it’s worth it.
Strong debut. I’ll definitely read whatever Paul Smith writes next.
Katie sowter –
Unexpected, emotional, I couldn’t put it down
I’ll be honest, I’m a young mum and I don’t usually read books. Life’s busy, I’m always tired, and I normally lose interest after a few pages. But this book completely caught me off guard.
From the start it didn’t feel like fiction at all. It felt like someone telling you their life. A painfully real one. There were moments I had to put the book down because it hit me really hard. Not just the violence, but the emotional side, especially the loneliness and the damage that is left behind. My uncle suffers with PTSD, so I can understand why now.
This isn’t a war hero story. It’s about what life does to soldiers, and how their choices and experiences follow them forever.
As a mum, some parts really got to me, especially seeing how trauma shapes a person from such a young age.
I read this faster than any book I’ve ever picked up and it will stay in my head for a long time. I actually found myself thinking about it during the day.
If you’re not a big reader but want something that feels real, not fake. I honestly can’t recommend this book enough.
Kay –
Couldn’t Put This Down – Highly Recommend
Nine Lives is a dark, fast-paced thriller that pulls you in from the very first chapter. Paul Smith doesn’t waste time easing the reader in the story is intense, violent where it needs to be, and emotionally charged throughout.
What really stood out to me was the depth of the main character. This isn’t just an action-heavy crime story; it explores how a man is shaped by war, gang life, and the consequences of the choices he makes. The writing feels raw and authentic, especially in the way it portrays violence and morality without glorifying either.
The pacing is excellent, with short chapters that keep you turning pages late into the night. The atmosphere is tense and gritty, and the plot keeps you guessing without becoming confusing or unrealistic.
If you enjoy hard-hitting crime thrillers with flawed, believable characters and a dark edge, Nine Lives is well worth reading. I’d highly recommend it to fans of gritty British crime fiction and psychological thrillers.
Ottoman –
An Enjoyable and Reflective Book
Nine Lives by Paul Smith is a compelling book with a smooth and engaging narrative. The author’s writing is clear and well-paced, making it easy to stay interested from start to finish. The themes are relatable, and the story encourages reflection without feeling heavy or forced.
I liked how the book combines thoughtful moments with an enjoyable reading experience. It’s suitable for readers who appreciate meaningful stories written in a simple yet effective style.
Overall, this is a good-quality book and a satisfying read. I would happily recommend it to others.
Meg Norman –
Dark, intense and hard to put down
Just finished this book while at my local bookstore. This story follows one main character from the brutal war zones to the criminal underworld, showing how every betrayal and hard choice changes him over time. You really feel the weight of what he’s been through and how it turns him into someone dangerous and feared. It’s raw, intense, definitely NOT a light read, but it kept me hooked the whole way through.
James –
Nine Lives is a very interesting read that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. It is perfect for readers who enjoy an emotional, thought-provoking journey. I found it to be one of the best books that can keep you from loosing interest in it while reading it.
Jack J –
By far one of the Best books ive ever read, i feel like i couldnt put it down. it gives a unique outlook on life only a man who had tasted war and come out breathing could have, if you want to experience what war does to a man this is the book for you.