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A review by asteroidbuckle
The Ghost War by Alex Berenson
4.0
Mr. Wells goes to China.
But first, he goes back to Afghanistan to figure out just why the Taliban fighters are suddenly more effective. The answer, surprisingly, takes him to the Hamptons and Pierre Kowalski, an international arms dealer living the good life off of other people's misery. He's part of a chain of events that's helping provide Russian mercenaries to train the Taliban.
What does this have to do with China? Turns out, a lot, actually. The money for the mercenaries is coming from China. And there's a coup in the works in China's Standing Committee, with General Li Ping - the chief of the People's Liberation Army - making plans to "save" China by snatching the power for himself. His plans have been years in the making, and everything's in place to see all his scheming finally come to fruition. His latest move: making a secret deal with Iran. China will provide Iran with the manpower and machinery needed to make a nuclear bomb; in exchange, Iran will make China its favored oil trading partner. A win-win, right?
Well, for everyone but the United States. Upon learning of China's deal with Iran, the USA sends a stern warning to the Chinese, backing it up with naval might. However, the move backfires as an American destroyer accidentally rams a Chinese fishing trawler, killing several students. And just like that, America's on the brink of war with China.
How does all this take Wells to China? One word: mole.
There's one in the People's Liberation Army, working for the Americans. He's been silent for years, but with the new hostilities between China and the US, he sends a message through the American embassy that he wants to meet.
That's where Wells comes in. The thing is, no one knows if it's just a trap.
This is the second book in Alex Berenson's John Wells series, and in my opinion, it's a much stronger effort than his first book, The Faithful Spy. The writing is sharper, there are fewer cliches, and the metaphors don't make my teeth hurt. He tells an exciting, crisp, timely story that keeps driving until the end. As with his first book, he introduces several minor characters that really bring a human element to the story, making them feel real even when they're only in the story for a brief time.
Another thing I really liked is the way Berenson handles John Wells. After saving the world in the first book, Wells is now back living in America full time, and the learning curve has been steep. Not to mention, he is also suffering an agonizing crisis of conscience as the memories of all the people he's killed keep him awake at night. He has found a bit of domestic stability with Jennifer Exley, his former handler who is now his lover, but he can't seem to stop taking risks with his life, much to her worry. But Wells' edginess and grit are part of what make him a great spy and a compelling character.
Overall, a fun, exciting book. And the ending gives the reader a good glimpse into the crux of the next book.
But first, he goes back to Afghanistan to figure out just why the Taliban fighters are suddenly more effective. The answer, surprisingly, takes him to the Hamptons and Pierre Kowalski, an international arms dealer living the good life off of other people's misery. He's part of a chain of events that's helping provide Russian mercenaries to train the Taliban.
What does this have to do with China? Turns out, a lot, actually. The money for the mercenaries is coming from China. And there's a coup in the works in China's Standing Committee, with General Li Ping - the chief of the People's Liberation Army - making plans to "save" China by snatching the power for himself. His plans have been years in the making, and everything's in place to see all his scheming finally come to fruition. His latest move: making a secret deal with Iran. China will provide Iran with the manpower and machinery needed to make a nuclear bomb; in exchange, Iran will make China its favored oil trading partner. A win-win, right?
Well, for everyone but the United States. Upon learning of China's deal with Iran, the USA sends a stern warning to the Chinese, backing it up with naval might. However, the move backfires as an American destroyer accidentally rams a Chinese fishing trawler, killing several students. And just like that, America's on the brink of war with China.
How does all this take Wells to China? One word: mole.
There's one in the People's Liberation Army, working for the Americans. He's been silent for years, but with the new hostilities between China and the US, he sends a message through the American embassy that he wants to meet.
That's where Wells comes in. The thing is, no one knows if it's just a trap.
This is the second book in Alex Berenson's John Wells series, and in my opinion, it's a much stronger effort than his first book, The Faithful Spy. The writing is sharper, there are fewer cliches, and the metaphors don't make my teeth hurt. He tells an exciting, crisp, timely story that keeps driving until the end. As with his first book, he introduces several minor characters that really bring a human element to the story, making them feel real even when they're only in the story for a brief time.
Another thing I really liked is the way Berenson handles John Wells. After saving the world in the first book, Wells is now back living in America full time, and the learning curve has been steep. Not to mention, he is also suffering an agonizing crisis of conscience as the memories of all the people he's killed keep him awake at night. He has found a bit of domestic stability with Jennifer Exley, his former handler who is now his lover, but he can't seem to stop taking risks with his life, much to her worry. But Wells' edginess and grit are part of what make him a great spy and a compelling character.
Overall, a fun, exciting book. And the ending gives the reader a good glimpse into the crux of the next book.