Plot
In the snowy slopes of Utah, an avalanche occurs, causing the President of the United States to go missing. The Secret Service team suffers heavy losses, leaving Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy SEAL, as the only survivor. Doubting the official explanation that blames Middle Eastern terrorists, Harvath decides to investigate for himself. He believes the avalanche was a cover-up for something more harmful. Facing being framed for murder and immense challenges, Harvath becomes even more determined. He feels that the truth is hidden in the details and is committed to following all leads, no matter the danger, in his quest to find the President and hold those responsible accountable.
Harvath uncovers a conspiracy linked to the President's kidnapping that goes beyond Utah. A hidden group with global interests is involved, motivated by political power and financial gain. He realizes he is facing a well-organized and dangerous enemy, and time is running out to stop a disaster. His investigation leads him to a remote farmhouse in Midway, where he finds the bodies of an elderly couple, murdered without mercy. This discovery shows the cruelty of his adversaries and reveals that the farmhouse was location for the kidnappers' escape. This knowledge strengthens his resolve to capture those responsible and save the President.
Harvath faces danger and trickery while seeking the truth. He deals with many challenges, like a jamming device that cut off communications during an avalanche. The conspiracy is mislead and confusing, filled with deceit. He relies on his training and instincts to stay ahead of his enemies. Despite the challenges, Harvath is committed to justice, motivated by a sense of duty to those who died and the safety of the President. As he follows clues, his determination remains strong, knowing that time is limited in his effort to uncover the truth and protect the President.
Harvath is in a race against time to stop a looming disaster and save lives. He must use all his skills to outsmart his enemies and ensure the President's safe return. Framed for murder and the kidnapping of the President, Harvath flees to Switzerland, following clues from documents. Disguised and evading capture, he travels through the Swiss Alps, believing the truth is hidden there. Arriving in Interlaken, he gets ready for a risky search to clear his name and locate the President.
Harvath is in a race against time to stop a transferred to disaster and save lives. He must use all his skills to outsmart his enemies and ensure the President's safe return. Framed for murder and the kidnapping of the President, Harvath flees to Switzerland, following clues from documents. Disguised and evading capture, he travels through the Swiss Alps, believing the truth is hidden there. Arriving in Interlaken, he gets ready for a risky search to clear his name and locate the President.
At the Jungfraujoch, Harvath's plan to meet Aunt Jane turns dangerous when a woman with a gun confronts him, revealing she knows who he really is. Before he can respond, they are attacked by another shooter, forcing Harvath to flee. He realizes he is in deep trouble, with powerful forces against him. Meanwhile, the Lions, a group of kidnappers, demand ransom from Vice President Marshfield, threatening the President's life. Marshfield feels overwhelmed, while Senators see a chance to gain power, even if it means risking the President's life. This greed and ambition create a dangerous situation.
Harvath faces a conspiracy and makes a quick plan to escape and gather evidence while trying to save the President. As he navigates the Swiss Alps, he must rely on his training to outsmart his enemies. In a dangerous situation at Jungfraujoch, he narrowly escapes an ambush by blending in with tourists. Despite the threats, his determination to uncover the truth drives him onward.
The final begins, Harvath's journey takes him to a secret fortress where the President is being held captive. He faces off against Gerhard Miner, the mastermind of the conspiracy. The fight is intense, with Harvath using all his strength and skills to defeat Miner. This confrontation tests his resolve, as he is committed to rescuing the President and ensuring Miner is brought to justice. The result of their battle is uncertain, but Harvath's bravery and determination are evident throughout the struggle.
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
