John Ling (1)

Up front, the only complaint I've got about THE BLASPHEMER is that the ending came way too quickly. From the opening scenes, when an armed fanatic breaks into the house of, we discover, Abraham Khan and his wife, things just keep moving fast. Much like the cavalcade required to move Khan from one safe location to another. Much like the speed at which security operator Maya Raines has to move to keep the principal (Khan) safe.

Set in New Zealand, there's never a moment when anything "really... show more in New Zealand..." enters your mind. The threat from extremists, the use of drugs - both as a controlling and financing device, the radicalisation of members of the Somali community, the whole lurking mysterious man in the background works.

The action scenes are really well written, realistic and tightly drawn. The characters are strong, particularly the female lead Maya Raines - she's capable, clever and real as well.

The scenario of Security Operatives, close protection experts is interesting, and works really well as a perspective to look at terrorism. The only problem with THE BLASPHEMER is that it feels very short, and ended quite abruptly. Which could mean there's another episode in the making. But it did have a slight feeling of an episode, rather than a fully explored book. Or I could just be being greedy.

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Rebellion (Section One Series Book 3) by John Ling is a book suggested to me and I love trying new authors. This book was a thriller that I am glad I tried. Wonderful world and character building! I think this was the books biggest assets. The plot with the twists, surprises, suspense was great to go with it but the characters building and world building was first class! Great job.

There seems to be a back story to this tale, but it is not fully explained; so I imagine it will be further developed in sequels. Clearly this is the first book of what is intended to be a series. Spy, secret agent, mercenary, 007 type, but with a Kiwi background instead of UK. Not taxing, easy quick read.

Kind of a complex story, but interesting. I actually appreciated the way the author wrapped it up.