Into the Fire

Spymaster is the latest (Book 18 in the series) in the Scot Harvath thrillers by Brad Thor. 

As I read the last few paragraphs of Spymaster, several questions occurred to me. 1. Is this novel a total setup for the next one? 2. Is Brad Thor thinking of phasing out the aging Scot Harvath from the field and giving readers a deeper look at members of Scot's team in action? 3.*** [SPOILER ALERT!] *** Is Scot going to lose another lover? 

Spymaster starts slow after the first enemy encounter and lingers at an unusually slower pace giving the reader a lot of history that unfortunately isn't taught in schools these days mixed with accompanying emotions from a newly introduced female character (Monika Jasinski) who wonders from the start who Scot really is and who, in fact, he's working for. Not yet revealing he's a covert counterterrorism operative, he doles out pieces of information one at a time until the pressures of the mission dictate otherwise. As Jasinski realizes the normal protocols won't work in this threatening situation, she grudgingly participates in the various plans needed to find foreign enemies before it's too late. By the end of their life and death encounters, she's on board.

Scot is dealing with his age, using medicinal accessories to keep his body going at peak performance. He knows it can't continue at this level, but like an athlete contemplates feeling super as opposed to a painful mediocrity, Scot is facing some hard decisions. His younger team members demonstrate outstanding skills and one of them reminds him of himself at that age. Facing humanity and mortality is never much fun, and Scot knows he's got a beautiful, wonderful woman and her son waiting at home for him. What will he choose to do?

The harrowing final part of the mission to transport one vital target out of enemy territory eventually provides what is needed to thwart an all out war.  As NATO is present in the news of our day, so it is poignantly revealed in Spymaster. Bringing this story to a close, as the old spymaster head of The Carlton Group is quickly succumbing to dementia, an elaborate scheme accomplishes its purpose but betrayal awaits. 

(I find my review conflicts with those who've stated this is his best thriller and clearly don't think it moved slowly anywhere. Hmm.)

Father, you've always known the end from the beginning, you see the evil of mankind, you made a provision to establish peace between your creation and You if man is willing . . . Please bless Brad and reveal your desires for him to him. Keep him safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.