First published 2013
An Iranian nuclear scientist has achieved a major breakthrough in weapons research, but the prospect of his government wielding such power horrifies him. He wants to flee, yet doing so would mean death for his family. The scientist finds himself trapped between his conscience and his loved ones' lives. Sean Dillon and the Prime Minister's private army must devise a rescue operation that saves both the man and his relatives while preventing a nuclear catastrophe. The mission falls largely to Sara Gideon, their newest recruit, an intelligence captain and veteran of the Afghan conflict. Gideon believes she has found a way to extract the scientist and his family safely. The operation spans multiple countries, taking the team from Paris through Syria to Iran and into the Saudi desert. Nothing goes according to plan. Complications multiply as the mission unfolds across hostile territory. The stakes climb higher with each unexpected turn, and violence follows in their wake.
Genres: military-fiction, adventure, suspense, action, espionage, political-thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, high-stakes
Setting: Afghanistan, Iran, Paris, Saudi Arabia, Syria
Period: 21st-century
319 pages · Hardcover · G.P. Putnam's Sons
Content warnings: death, violence