LibraryNinja Book Reviews

published 6/7/26

I have read every book by James Patterson. So, finding this in my queue was like finding rumored treasure buried right next door to your house.

Matt Eversmann and Patterson take a different approach to this book — don’t let the 107 chapters put you off. There’s non-stop action from page one, and you find yourself immersed in a universe of characters that converge. What sets this book apart is the meticulous detail about something that very few Americans experience: immersion in the danger of war, both abroad in Baghdad and at home with local criminals recruited for missions they don’t quite understand.

While Patterson’s work has always been characterized by witty dialogue and incredible character development, these elements feel heightened here, perhaps due to the crises that unfold one after another. Nathan Phillips is the head of a clandestine special forces group that works with the U.S. government but not exclusively for the U.S. government. Nat is a complex character as are his fellow recruits. You’ll find yourself wondering who to trust, who is a spy, who is a recruit, and who is an American trying to preserve freedom in good faith. Shadow meetings, burner phones and subterfuge will not only land this book at the top of the charts this year, but it should also be at the top of your reading list this summer.

As a huge fan of Patterson’s work, this felt fresh- it felt way more exciting and it felt relevant to today’s problems in the world. These characters stayed with me long after the book was closed; and I felt that I was peeking behind some curtain where different entities make decisions wholly exclusive of the good of the country. Absolutely no notes other than write more of this series quick!

Thank you to James Patterson, Matt Eversmann and Little Brown publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc free through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

#jamespatterson #LittleBrown #matteversmann #libraryninja📚