My Review:

 

Another great Beck Casey story that pivots in various directions, until multiple strings meet and intertwine for an explosive conclusion. Followers of the series would expect nothing less. The story melds many political threads, foes and allies. The reader will get a close look at the threats and motivations of the characters as the plot pushes forward. Never a dull moment, from assassinations, buildings blown up, to computer viral threats. Even though a genre spy story, there are some unique characters in this book, using friends to fill in the ranks needed to pull off this complex story; like mine, a bomb tech, shows up in chapter 63! The plot uses all forces, from CIA, FBI, Mossad, MI6 and more . . .

 

Definitely an insane political ride with surprises at every step. A great political thriller for the serious reader.

 

 

Book Blurb:

 

"In the world of espionage, it’s accepted that if you think the worst has already happened, you’re about to be proven dead wrong.

A nuclear bomb has rendered Washington, D.C. a wasteland. ‘Lone wolf' shootings erupt throughout the Heartland, striking at an unprotected public And the President has been assassinated. It is the most coordinated, and devastating attack ever on U.S. soil. And while political vultures circle, no one yet is certain on who to blame.

Beck Casey has been a CIA agent for too long, privy to too many secrets. He knows how the game is played, how governments play chess when disaster strikes, how terrorists get caught, or get away. This time, the stakes are raised even higher than his country’s future—his own daughter is caught in the crossfire.

This dizzying espionage thriller starts in fifth gear and does not let up."

 

 

 

 

An intriguing, fast paced thriller!!

What I liked: Fallout is full of action as it takes place over a 3 day period of time. A lot happens in those three days. Mr Merkel is a gifted writer and takes pains to ensure the reader is totally aware of each character and his descriptions seem spot on.

In most political thrillers I read there is a sense of distance as there is a completely imaginary President, Vice President and other leaders. Mr. Merkel doesn't follow that trend. He intimates based on his characters that this whole scenario is happening in "our" time with real people.  This made the story more believable to me and actually had me chuckling with some of the actions of the characters.

Don't get bogged down with the minutia of characters and timeframe.  Go into Fallout knowing it's a three day period of time and view points keep changing. Some of the chapters and view points seem to come out of left field but there is a tie in with all the info the author is providing. He's just doing it in a way that's it not a huge info dump.

There are many twists and turns in this story and the majority I did not see coming which to me, is the measure of a good thriller!

What I didn't like:  Fallout is billed as a Beck Casey thriller but from my observations, it's more of an ensemble cast and not just a main one. I felt Beck Casey has less leading lines than some of the other characters but it really didn't impact my enjoyment of the book.

The other thing readers might have a hard time with is ALL the different point of views and there are many and spread all over the map.  I initially had an extremely hard time keeping track of all the different characters and where they were and what they were doing. I hung in there and it became easier as I went along.  

While I would not say Mr. Merkel is on par with Tom Clancy or Vince Flynn, I would say, he's an excellent writer with great potential!!

I thoroughly enjoyed Fallout and would recommend it to lovers of political thrillers!!

Recommended!!!

Pow! The opening chapter is a shocker, and you are immediately swept into a scenario that keeps the reader wanting to know more. Vivid scenes, like in an action film, take you into the story that is relevant to current topics of today. Earl Merkel brings the reader close to the action, of what could be real life situations, and your worst nightmare come true! He uses his words to paint realism into the story, a candid and raw picture, entirely human.

The characters are developed with great insights into the daily life and business of journalism, politics and the military. Tense, suspenseful, nerving, and nail biting action, fill the pages. The author uses powerful words, and visual symmetry, while keeping the story timeline organized and easy to follow along, with multiple viewpoints and plots that are all part of the bigger picture. The flow from place to place, person to person, is done well.

Merkel brings unique flavor when he writes about the military side of the equation. A clear picture of the trauma and urgency, the men and women in active duty must endure every day, brought a new appreciation for our brave soldiers. Touching scenes of families reaching out to each other are emotional and heartfelt.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes action, spy plots and a good look at the humanity (or lack of by terrorists) behind the scenes. I thank you Earl Merkel for writing this wonderful tale. This book will surely be a story you will remember.

http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/fire-prophet