Title: The Prisoner
Author: Alex Berenson
First published January 31, 2017
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.21
Overview
In Alex Berenson’s heart-pounding thriller, The Prisoner, John Wells faces his most perilous assignment yet. With mounting evidence of a mole high up in the ranks of the CIA passing information to dangerous terrorist group, Wells must go back to his roots as an al Qaeda jihadi to uncover the traitor’s identity.
The mission takes him to a secret Bulgarian prison, where he must befriend an ISIS prisoner and risk everything to gain his trust. Wells knows the stakes have never been higher, and the dangers he faces have multiplied since his last mission.
But with no one else to turn to, he must do whatever it takes to protect his country and his fellow citizens.
Editoral Review
Alex Berensons The Prisoner is a thrilling addition to the spy thriller genre. Berenson, a former New York Times reporter turned bestselling author, has once again shown his skill in weaving a complex and engaging story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in present-day Syria, the novel follows former CIA agent John Wells as he embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue his friend and former colleague, Vinny Duto, who has been imprisoned and tortured by the Assad regime. Wells mission is complicated by the fact that the United States does not officially acknowledge the existence of Vinny or his imprisonment, leaving Wells on his own to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Middle East.
Berensons writing is sharp and concise, presenting readers with a fast-paced thriller that is filled with action, suspense, and political intrigue. His well-crafted prose brings the stark realities of modern conflict to life, while also highlighting the moral complexities that arise in such situations.
The novels characters are fully developed, with Wells serving as a sympathetic and morally upright hero who is willing to risk everything to save his friend. Other members of the cast, including Wells CIA handlers and the Syrian officials he encounters on his mission, are well-rounded and multi-dimensional, adding depth and nuance to the story.
The novels setting is also a highlight, with Berenson providing readers with a vivid and realistic portrayal of modern-day Syria. His attention to historical and cultural details is impressive, and he effectively uses these to enhance the novels overall sense of realism.
At the same time, The Prisoner is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel slow at times, with certain scenes dragging on and detracting from the overall momentum of the story.
Additionally, some readers may take issue with the novels characterizations of certain political figures and their actions, which could be seen as overly simplistic or stereotypical. Overall, however, The Prisoner is an excellent addition to the spy thriller genre and a compelling read for fans of the genre.
Its combination of engaging characters, fast-paced action, and thoughtful commentary on modern conflict make it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary global politics. With its well-crafted prose and complex plotting, The Prisoner is a standout novel that deserves high praise.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
