Into the Gray Zone - Book Review
All the twists and high adventure one expects from a Pike Logan thriller.
Pike Logan is back in another action-packed military/political adventure. Focusing on the hybrid battles being fought in the "Gray Zone" between today's superpowers, it feels reminiscent of Cold War intrigue. With great characters, tense action, and lots of twists, it's a solid addition to the series.
While on a routine security assessment in India, Taskforce operator Pike Logan foils an attempted attack on a meeting between the CIA and India’s intelligence service. Both government agencies believe it’s nothing more than a minor terrorist attack, but Pike suspects that something much more sinister is at play. After another terrorist operation at the Taj Mahal, he begins to believe that outside powers are attacking India in the gray zone between peace and war, leveraging terrorist groups for nothing more than economic gain. But the separatists conducting the operations have their own agenda.
After a massive slaughter and kidnapping of hostages during an elaborate Indian pre-wedding party, two global powers are destabilized, and only Pike Logan and his team can de-escalate the tension by rescuing the captives. What follows is a race against the clock that winds through the bustling markets of Old Delhi, the luxurious resorts of Goa, and the epic halls of the Taj Mahal. It will take everything that Logan and the taskforce have to foil an intricate plot that leaves countless lives in the balance.
Pike and the team are sent to India to provide security for a clandestine meeting between the CIA (whose usual assets are otherwise occupied) and an Indian billionaire. The CIA is hoping to nudge India into mining rare earth elements to break China’s monopoly. Like the prior book (Dead Man's Hand), it’s a plot-line so timely it’s almost prescient. It’s just one way that Brad Taylor’s experience and understanding of global politics and special operations elevates the series.
The mission sounds like a cakewalk, but as Brett points out, “If they wanted a walk in the park, they wouldn’t have asked for you.” So true! Before they know it, the team is embroiled in a kidnapping scheme where everything is not what it seems. While there are several different factions, sometimes working at cross-purposes, the plotting was tight enough that it never felt confusing.
There are some nice character moments sprinkled throughout the action. From Pike and Jennifer bickering over business taxes to Brett and Jennifer teaming up for a heist, the story does a good job of letting the team members shine. Their cover company, GRS, is also featured more prominently than usual, providing some unique complications for the team. The antagonists are intriguing too—a cut above the garden-variety henchmen-of-the-week.
Taylor's location research is always top-notch, and adds a lot to the story. The most amusing part was seeing how he dealt with the team sticking out like sore thumbs in the more off-the-beaten-path parts of India.
All in all, it was another great installment in an awesome series.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley, but I'd already pre-ordered it too.
Special Delivery - Book Review