by Kyle Mills
First published 2013
Colonel Jon Smith works for Covert-One, the president's secret intelligence unit that handles global threats when other agencies fail. Dresner Industries has created the Merge, a device that makes computers and phones obsolete while giving users enhanced vision and perfect aim. Smith must evaluate whether this technology poses military risks. Meanwhile, CIA operative Randi Russell discovers an Afghan village where every resident has been killed. All the victims wore advanced Merge devices that the CIA never knew existed. Smith and Russell investigate the murders but face obstruction from someone with high-level military access. Even the president doesn't know this person's identity. The Merge's creator insists the technology is secure, but the Pentagon desperately hides development secrets. Smith and Russell push forward to uncover the truth, knowing their investigation could cost them their lives.
Genres: science-fiction, military-fiction, adventure, action, espionage, political-thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, government-conspiracy
Setting: Afghanistan, Pentagon
Period: Contemporary
422 pages · Hardcover · Grand Central Publishing
Content warnings: violence