I almost put this book down several different times. Plot wasn't very interesting; the intertwining threads didn't tie together well; there seemed to be a lot more story in places than necessary and not enough in other areas; etc... I really like John Wells and Exley but the internal politics with the rest of the politicians is confusing and unnecessary. The internal struggle that John faces is realistic and interesting but doesn't weave into the story realistically. The relationship between Wells and Exley is unrealistic or under developed. I don't know that I'll read further in the series. ( )

Second in series, after "The Faithful Spy". John Wells character is strong and Berenson's writing is improving. I'll probably spring for the third title when it's published. ( )

#2 John Wells spy thriller in which two incidents, one in Afghanistan and the other involving China and North Korea, entwine to bring about potential disaster. John goes into Afghanistan on a mission to find out who is helping the Taliban. The usual ragtag bands of guerrillas are noticed to be more organized, well-equipped and prepared, and there’s rumor of ‘white’ soldiers helping them. Russians? Or a band of mercenaries? Satellite intelligence gleaned leads the Americans to believe that they need to find out. While John is in the Middle Eastern mountains fighting for his very life, Jennifer Exley, his girlfriend, is working with their boss on ferreting out a recently-discovered mole who betrayed a nuclear scientist in North Korea, leaving him and his American rescue team dead. A fairly typical spy novel, filled with political intrigue, deception, the very latest in spy vs. spy technology and even a modicum of diplomacy.

There wasn’t a whole lot of character development since the last book, in fact, I felt like Wells stepped backwards somewhat into the grayness of the pages and became more of a ghost himself. This was a decent read, but a bit of a disappointment after the excellent first in series. If I were prone to spouting clichés, I would say this is probably the author suffering from the ‘sophomore slump.’ I like a good spy novel, but I can’t live on a steady diet of them, so while I have the third one in this series here, I think it’ll be awhile before I get to reading it. I hope things pick up somewhat, as this author has obvious talent. ( )

Alex Berenson is a new star in espionage fiction. This is a good sequel to The Faithful Spy. The ending is a bit fantastic, but I do like how it sets up a future episode. The book seems to be well researched, and his character development will improve. ( )

This book is a geo-political adventure thriller novel with the basic required contents; (1) tough guy, (2) attractive woman, (3) danger and violence, (4) threat of more danger and violence, and (5) international intrigue tuned into current events. Also, any of the characters in the book may be wiped out at any moment, except for that tough guy and his attractive woman. The plot is based upon the premise that the People's Republic of China wants respect for its military power that is commensurate with its rising economic power. The plot involves China and the USA playing brinksmanship with the threat of war. I don't think I'm giving too much away to say that war is avoided in the end. I found it interesting to note that near the end one of China's leaders says war with America isn't needed because China will obviously prevail in the end without war. The writing is a direct (not subtle or nuanced) telling of the story which makes it an easy read.

I got this book by accident. I put a hold on the audio version of it from the library thinking I was getting the book Ghost Wars, which is a non-fiction book. The audio book The Ghost War was available several months later, and when I pick it up I was a bit puzzled over why I had requested it. With the passing of time I had forgotten what book I had intended to get. So I listened to it thinking I'd eventually remember the reason for getting it. Now that I am finished with the book I've figured out that it was a mistake. Oh well, my bookshelf needs some variety. ( )