Title: The Enemy
Author: Tom Wood
First published March 1, 2012
556 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451417534 (ISBN10: 0451417534)
Rating: 4.26
Overview
In the remote wilderness of the Himalayas, a group of daring adventurers embarks on a dangerous expedition to conquer the third highest peak on earth – Kangchenjunga. But while the mountain presents its own set of challenges, the Englishmen soon realize that there are other forces at play.
As they struggle to cope with the effects of altitude sickness and the harsh conditions, they are haunted by the ghosts of the past. And as the secrets of their shared history are revealed, they begin to question whether the climb is worth risking everything for.
A gripping tale of survival and betrayal, Thin Air: A Ghost Story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Tom has written a series of 10 novels and 2 ebook novellas called the Victor series. He also authored a standalone thriller, A Knock at the Door, using the pseudonym T W Ellis.
His latest book, Victor 10: TRAITOR, is now available in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
To stay informed and potentially win signed copies and other prizes, subscribe to Tom’s newsletter.
Editoral Review
Tom Woods thriller The Enemy is a heart-pumping page-turner that takes readers on a ride through the world of espionage and assassination. The novel was first published on March 1, 2012, and has since become a fan-favorite in the thriller genre.
Woods writing style is crisp and fast-paced, with a compelling plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The story follows the anti-hero Victor, an assassin who works alone, and his latest mission which puts him at odds with MI6.
He has to protect a woman whose father is integral in developing nuclear weapons in Iran. While trying to achieve that, he is also trying to avoid the clutches of a ruthless Russian hitman named Zeltser.
The setting of the novel is predominantly in the UK but the story takes the reader on a thrilling journey across borders. Woods characters are well developed and multi-dimensional, particularly Victor whose cynical worldview is brought to life by the gritty dialogue and internal struggles.
The supporting characters are also well fleshed out, and the villains are equally as compelling. The author’s treatment of the theme of assassinations spotlights the moral ambiguities of the business and the toll on the psyche of the people involved in it.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on, with relentless tension that builds as the story progresses. Woods knowledge of the spy-thriller genre is evident in the way he weaves together the various plotlines and keeps readers engaged with crafty foreshadowing and clever reveals.
The novel also skillfully highlights current events relating to weapons’ development and the power dynamics between countries. The Enemy is not without its flaws.
The novel’s climax is somewhat predictable, with the reader being able to guess how it’s going to end. The author could have done better by introducing more twists to the plot to surprise the reader.
Also, it could be argued that the character of Victor is somewhat of a clich in the genre of assassins with a code, but the author’s writing and treatment of the character more than makes up for this. In conclusion, The Enemy is a thrilling and captivating spy-thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Tom Wood delivers another hit with this standout novel that combines strong writing, a well-executed plot, and multi-dimensional characters. Fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series or Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
It’s a solid 4 out of 5, and it’s definitely worth the read.
