Plot
The story opens with a brutal attack on the President of the United States while he's vacationing in Utah. Secret Service agents are killed, and the President is kidnapped. Scot Harvath, the only surviving agent, begins to investigate the attack and quickly realizes that something doesn't add up. The Fatah, a terrorist organization, is suspected, but Harvath believes there's more to the story. He vows to avenge his fallen comrades and uncover the truth, even if it puts his own life at risk.
Scot Harvath's investigation takes him to the White House, where he encounters resistance and skepticism from his superiors. They are reluctant to accept that there might be a deeper conspiracy at play. Harvath's suspicions are confirmed when he uncovers evidence suggesting that the Fatah might not be responsible for the attack, and that the conspiracy is more intricate and dangerous than anyone imagined. The White House is in turmoil, as officials scramble to contain the fallout from the attack and the potential political repercussions.
Scot Harvath, now a suspect in the attack, finds himself on the run from the authorities. He faces a relentless pursuit by the FBI and the Secret Service, who are determined to bring him to justice. Harvath's investigation leads him to a shadowy coalition of government officials and business magnates who have a vested interest in keeping the truth about the attack hidden. This group, which includes powerful figures like Donald Fawcett and Russell Rolander, are manipulating events to protect their own interests, and they are willing to do anything to silence Harvath. He's forced to rely on his instincts and cunning to stay one step ahead of his pursuers.
Harvath's pursuit of justice takes him to Switzerland, where he seeks the help of Claudia Mueller, a Swiss Federal Attorney. Mueller, despite initial reservations, agrees to assist Harvath, as she recognizes the gravity of the situation. Together, they delve into the world of international espionage and uncover evidence that points to a global conspiracy involving the Lions, a group of professional killers who have been hired to carry out the attack. As Harvath and Mueller get closer to the truth, they also face increasing danger from the Lions, who are determined to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.
Harvath and Mueller's investigation leads them to the mountains of Switzerland, where they encounter the Lions in their lair. The Lions, led by Gerhard Miner, are a ruthless and highly skilled group of assassins who have been operating in the shadows for years. They are committed to their mission, and they are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their objectives. Harvath, with his military background and experience, faces his most dangerous challenge yet, as he tries to unravel the Lions' true agenda and rescue the President before it's too late.
Harvath and Mueller confront the Lions in a high-stakes showdown, where they must use their wit and skills to survive. The Lions, with their superior numbers and deadly expertise, prove to be a formidable opponent. Harvath and Mueller find themselves outmatched, but they refuse to give up. They must use their strengths to their advantage and outsmart their enemies to escape with the President.
Harvath and Mueller, in a daring move, manage to rescue the President from the Lions' clutches. The confrontation is intense and dangerous, and Harvath risks his life to ensure the President's safety. They must then find a way to escape the Lions' territory and reach safety before the authorities close in on them. The rescue is a success, but it comes at a heavy price, as both Harvath and Mueller are seriously injured.
With the President safe, Harvath and Mueller must deal with the aftermath of the attack and their encounter with the Lions. The authorities are still skeptical of Harvath's claims about the conspiracy, but they are forced to acknowledge the truth as evidence mounts against the shadowy coalition. Harvath and Mueller become targets of a massive cover-up operation, as government officials and business magnates try to silence them. They must rely on their friends and allies to protect them from the dangers that lie ahead.
Harvath and Mueller, with the help of their allies, fight to expose the truth and bring those responsible for the attack to justice. They face threats from the Lions and the shadowy coalition, who are determined to stop them at any cost. Harvath's investigation uncovers a network of corruption and power that extends to the highest levels of government and business. The stakes are high, as Harvath and Mueller risk their lives to expose the truth and prevent further attacks.
The elimination calls in a rebel attack between Harvath and the leaders of the conspiracy, Donald Fawcett and Russell Rolander. The confrontation is intense and personal, as Harvath confronts his enemies and fights to expose their true motives. Harvath's determination to bring justice to those responsible for the attack leads him to confront his own demons and face the consequences of his actions.
The truth is revealed, and those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. Harvath's actions have saved the nation from a devastating threat, and he is hailed as a hero. However, the experience has taken its toll on him, and he must find a way to move forward and heal. The story ends with Harvath reflecting on his journey, his losses, and the enduring power of justice.
Reception
Publishers Weekly wrote "it's hard to get past the novel's many graceless shortcomings, clichéd language [...], cartoonish scenes and a protagonist whose superhero character desperately needs fleshing out." [2] A reviewer for Kirkus Reviews called Thor's prose "tangled" at times. [1] [3] Library Journal , however, highly recommended the novel, calling it "an assured debut" and concluding that "this international thriller will delight readers with its nonstop action, relentless suspense, strong protagonist, and wintry settings in Utah, D.C., and Switzerland. Well researched, high-voltage entertainment reminiscent of Robert Ludlum and David Morrell [...]." [4]
Other media, notably regional titles, were just as positive. The Anniston Star wrote that Thor had recreated "a genre that has been firmly in the grasp of Tom Clancy for so long is not an easy feat. Fortunately for military intrigue devotees, Brad Thor has done just that — and on his first time out too." The Tacoma Reporter wrote "this book is one of the best entries into the military thriller genre since the early works of Tom Clancy" and that Harvath "will definitely take a place beside Cussler's Dirk Pitt and Clancy's Jack Ryan."
Named one of the 10 of The Best Political Thrillers Ever [5] by Barnes and Noble
