Title: Fault Line
Author: Barry Eisler
First published March 10, 2009
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.94
Overview
In the heart of the bustling city of Tokyo, a renowned scientist is found dead, and his latest invention is missing. In the tranquil countryside of Japan, an ex-soldier turned private investigator receives a call from his estranged sister, a brilliant researcher who believes she is in danger.
And in the boardrooms of Tokyo’s tech elite, family secrets and corporate greed collide as two siblings, once inseparable, now find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous game. Ben Kobayashi has left behind a life of violence and now runs a successful detective agency.
But when his sister’s life is threatened, he knows he must act quickly. As he delves deeper into the mystery surrounding his sister’s research, he discovers a web of lies and deceit that leads straight to the heart of Japan’s most powerful corporations.
With time running out, Ben must turn to the one person he thought he had left behind: his estranged sister.
About the Author
Barry Eisler has had a varied career, starting with a covert position at the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, followed by work as a technology lawyer and startup executive in both Silicon Valley and Japan. Along the way, he also earned his black belt at the Kodokan International Judo Center.
Eisler’s thrilling novels have been hugely successful, winning both the Barry Award and the Gumshoe Award for Best Thriller of the Year. They have been included in many “Best Of” lists and translated into almost twenty languages.
Eisler currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and, in addition to his writing, he blogs about important issues such as torture, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
Editoral Review
Fault Line by Barry Eisler is a thrilling novel that captivates readers from the first page. Eisler is an American author who has published numerous books, including spy thrillers, crime novels, and political thrillers.
Fault Line was first published in March 2009 and became a bestseller almost immediately after its release. The genre of Fault Line can be described as a political thriller with elements of espionage and crime fiction.
The author skillfully weaves together complex plots and subplots with a cast of intriguing characters that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The story takes place in San Francisco and follows the life of Ben Treven, a former soldier who now works as a private security consultant.
Ben’s estranged brother, Alex, is an undercover CIA agent who has become embroiled in a dangerous plot involving a terrorist group that is planning a major attack on American soil. As Ben and Alex race against time to uncover the plot and prevent the attack, they find themselves facing unexpected obstacles and deadly enemies at every turn.
Along the way, they must also confront their own troubled past and reconcile their differences to save their country and their loved ones. The strength of Fault Line lies in Eisler’s masterful storytelling, which seamlessly blends action, suspense, and character development with political commentary and cultural insights.
The plot is fast-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout. Eisler’s characters are also well-drawn and multi-dimensional, each with their own motives, flaws, and strengths.
Ben and Alex, in particular, are compelling protagonists who undergo significant transformations over the course of the novel. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The plot can at times feel convoluted and implausible, and some of the dialogue can come across as clunky and artificial. Additionally, while the novel does touch upon important issues such as terrorism, government corruption, and personal loyalty, it does not offer any particularly original or insightful perspectives on these topics.
Despite these limitations, Fault Line is a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that is sure to appeal to fans of political thrillers and espionage novels. It is a timely reminder of the importance of courage, integrity, and brotherhood, especially in times of crisis.
Overall, Fault Line earns a strong recommendation from this reviewer. Its exciting plot, well-developed characters, and relevant themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.
I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
