The race is
on between China and The United States to be first to develop the super-fast
quantum computer. A major benefit of the
quantum computer is the quick deciphering of any code or encryption and
therefore access to the flow of highly classified, secret information. So, protecting and stealing any information
about quantum computers is high on the priority list of both the CIA and their
Chinese counterparts.
John Vandel
is a long-time CIA operative who has risen to the rank of deputy director. He recruited Harris Chang, a Chinese American
and former U.S. Army Ranger, as a field agent for the CIA. Chang, because of his heritage and his skill
set, is assigned to recruit a Chinese scientist as a spy for the U.S. Chang learns that the Chinese have a mole in
the CIA but cannot identify the traitor.
It all goes wrong when the Chinese scientist kills himself and the
Chinese find out that the Americans know about the mole. The Chinese make a move to recruit Chang,
revealing to him facts about his Chinese ancestors to try and turn his
loyalty. Vandel becomes suspicious of
Chang but the young agent signs up for an extremely dangerous operation against
the Chinese to prove his loyalty to America and Vandel. The future of world dominance hangs on the allegiance of a fourth generation Chinese American.
I know of
David Ignatius from his syndicated political newspaper column and his
appearances on cable news but this is the first of his novels that I’ve read. It is an entertaining read but I found myself
not that attached to the characters. The
plot was linear with few surprises.
Maybe current politics has squelched my appetite for fictional spy
thrillers.
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