The Shadow Protocol by Andy McDermott

(Editor's Note: I am conducting an experiment concerning secular books and Christian fiction books to see if there really is a vast difference between the quality and substance and author-skill. I am using books posted to NetGalley.com (it's by invitation, I think) to do this. I am cautious because some books I've downloaded are full of graphic junk and foul language. The books I review on this blog that are not touted as specifically Christian Fiction or Christian Non-fiction are ones that have quality, no graphic sex scenes, and very little or no foul language.)

MY REVIEW
Great book.

It is touted as similar to Robert Ludlem's Jason Bourne series. Actually, it is not written that well, although it is close. The random use of foul language does not add to the story but creates some kind of shock value that is not necessary. The action is so tightly packed, there is no need for foul language, and frankly I seriously doubt it would be missed since it is so random and only interjected in places where the other dialogue is more important to the story flow. It does not illustrate some character's personality. It is just an exclamation point or two sprinkled through out. (I skipped over them, but I do not think there is any taking of God's name in vain. I notice those and won't continue reading the book.)

Description of the action is very good. There is little to no confusion as to what is happening. That is a very difficult thing to do. I applaud Andy McDermott for a riveting story with fairly believable characters. I like the reference to the Carpenter in the beginning. I think both women in the plot could be fleshed out more. Although, with so many characters, it is difficult to make all of them vibrant because it detracts from the storyline.

All around, though, I will recommend this book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Move over Jason Bourne. Here from Andy McDermott, the New York Times bestselling author who “raises the bar to please adventure junkies who prefer to mainline their action” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), is the high-octane start to a new series starring American agent Adam Gray. Filled with intrigue, adventure, and non-stop action, The Shadow Protocol is perfect for fans of Robert Ludlum and James Rollins.

NO ONE CAN KNOW HIM. NO ONE SHOULD TRUST HIM.
AND AMERICA WON’T SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM.

Adam Gray is a cipher, a disciplined loner conditioned not to betray abe America’s worst enemy—before he’s back to being Adam Gray again.

Now Gray and his team are racing to stop a plot to release a radioactive isotope that could kill millions. And in a nerve-racking clandestine meeting, Gray senses that his cover is cracked and that the mission—not to mention his life—may be in grave danger. But as they fight this violent conspiracy around the globe, another threat has emerged. This one has the perfect cover, the most unlikely double agent, and the most terrifying power of all. For a beautiful young scientist has discovered an unforeseen weakness in PERSONA: Adam Gray’s own past.
single emotion. Part of an elite team spearheaded by a brilliant neuroscientist, Gray is a covert agent armed with PERSONA, a device that allows him to copy the brain patterns of the terrorists and operatives he meets in the field. For twenty-four hours he can recall their memories. He can know every detail of their plans. He can