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33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thriller Writing at its Highest Level, July 16, 2008
FBI Agent Patrick Bowers is baffled by his latest case in San Diego. An arsonist has been wreaking havoc on the city leaving no clues as to motive or identity. Meanwhile, a shark researcher from a local aquarium has been kidnapped by a sadistic madman who has only given Bowers a few hours to save her. The only clue left behind is a shocking video clip that reveals the torture the victim is enduring. Patrick races against time to not only save an innocent life, but also to apprehend the monster responsible.
Meanwhile, both cases take a startling turn when a top secret research facility is burned down at a nearby naval base. When the culprit is apprehended, more connections to both cases are brought to light. Soon Bowers discovers a device that was stolen from the naval base, and is shocked when its purpose is revealed. As more and more answers surface Patrick realizes he is in the middle of a grand conspiracy with far reaching implications. He must find the truth at all costs and try to stop the mastermind behind it all, the ever elusive Shade.
Steven James hooked me with his debut, The Pawn. Now in this explosive sequel he has absolutely blown me away. The Rook is thriller writing at its highest level. James is a top-notch storyteller that knows exactly how to hook readers with complex storylines, unexpected plot twists, and engaging characters. While reading The Rook, I was reminded of the works of Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Harlan Coben among others. Yes, this guy is that good!
Patrick Bowers is now becoming one of my favorite literary characters and James does a masterful job of portraying a man who is both a genius in his profession and a novice as a father. Patrick's relationship with his step-daughter, Tessa, is emotional and real, bringing a welcome dose of family values and heart to the story. While Patrick and Tessa both struggle with their faith, their search for meaning and hope is heartfelt and inspiring.
Steven James is continuing to prove what an amazing talent he is. This one is not to be missed!
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All the Right Moves? Or Made in Shade?, August 2, 2008
When Steven James threw "The Pawn" at us, it sent us reeling, and it slammed home! We met Patrick Bowers, watched his showdown against "The Illusionist," and we were amazed. Now Bowers is back in action, and the military is involved, and secrets just might be revealed! Steven James slam dunks this one, and sends the pieces flying everywhere. Do you think you're ready for "The Rook"? I was convinced I'd see everything coming, but I was far off, way off base. Lots of surprises, and lots of great action.
Patrick faces off against a foe, and this is one who knows a lot about fear. And Patrick is ready to expect the unexpected. That and fumbling through the relationship with his daughter, all the while considering another alternative that involves Lien-Hua. And this is all happening while investigating some fires that have been set, and this is all happening in San Diego. One of the main goals is to see what lies behind Project Rukh, and just maybe slip by this enemy's defenses. And as far as enemies go, Shade is as clever as they get, and he gets what he wants! Nothing personal against Patrick, of course. Right?
Get ready for the pages to flip in this one! Steven James is on his game, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for the likes of Patrick Bowers!
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A tense, twisting thriller from Steven James, September 2, 2008
In THE ROOK, Steven James follows up the sensational THE PAWN with another great thriller featuring FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers. Bowers is summoned to San Diego to help solve a string of 14 fires that had been set by an unknown arsonist. Bowers brings his step daughter along because he believes there is really no danger. While at the scene of a fire, Bowers and Tessa witness the dramatic suicide of a homeless person. Then the plot takes off from there. A mastermind named "Shade" recruits an evil ex-con named Creighton Melice to do his bidding. Victor Drake's technological firm is developing a top secret weapon for the government called "Project Rukh." Then there are fires and murders, backstabbing and betrayal, and plenty of twists and turns.
THE ROOK is a complex thriller filled with great characters and a twisting plot. This is one Christian novel that can stand up to the best in the thriller genre, Christian or not. Bowers is still struggling to raise the teenage Tessa, a step-daughter from a marriage that ended when his wife died. Tessa is a smart girl who longs for the family Bowers provides and needs the freedom and trust all teenagers desire. When not on the case, Bowers is having his own feelings about Lien-Hau, another agent on the case.
THE ROOK is full of violence and evil, but beneath it all is a layer of grace and peace. James takes the readers to the limit and then brings them back. This book might be too intense for fans of tamer Christian fictin. At times, the plot might be too comlex. Many times, Bowers takes in the evidence, comes the conclusion that something just isn't right, but doesn't do anything about it until later when it is convenient for the plot. Overall, this is a thrilling, fast paced novel. You'll get your money's worth on this one and I can't wait for the next one.
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