The Thanksgiving Bombing was just the beginning. The danger now is not from conventional weapons, but a cunning cyberattack affecting all aspects of American life. The terrorists possess advanced technology and the confidence to unleash a devastating attack on America.
Can America survive the latest cyberattack? Only time will tell.
George K. Mehok delivers a thrilling reading experience in his new novel, Going Dark.
There are two competing stories in this novel. The first is set during the American Revolution and the second is contemporary—set in the modern era, two decades after 9/11. There is very little that connects these two stories, although there is a coin (a ’73 guinea) and perhaps an ancestry link, although this is not made clear. It therefore reads like two very different books, and in fact could easily be split into separate stories, which would have made more sense as the stories would have flowed better without the constant interruption of the narrative to jump timelines.
The desperation of Jack Jouett’s famous 40-mile ride from Louisa to Charlottesville, his destination Monticello, to warn Thomas Jefferson of the British cavalry approach, is vividly portrayed. Similarly, Jack’s annoyance with Jefferson’s delay in leaving for safety is palatable. As the novel continues, though, Mehok’s historical accuracy falters, veering into thriller territory more than historical truth. Although he depicts many historical characters, they do not act historically accurately. Lund Washington may well have deeply embarrassed and disgusted his cousin, General George Washington, by his actions to save Mount Vernon from the British flames, but he was never accused of treason, poor judgment perhaps, but not treason and he was certainly not in calibration with the British to ambush and murder his cousin. Although a degree of fictionalization is expected, and fictional characters are to be expected, the author’s departure into fiction when it came to historical characters in this instance is too extreme for those acquainted with the era and described events. Historical Fiction readers look for historical accuracy in the portrayal of historical characters. Likewise, Mehok portrays horses as tireless machines, capable of endless galloping without rest or sustenance. Of course, this is total nonsense. A horse can only maintain a gallop for a very short period before it tires and must stop.
It is in the modern world that the author’s skills as a writer really come into his own. Mehok has written a highly engaging thriller about a terrorist organisation that is well-organised, well-funded and determined to bring the Western world, in particular America, to its knees.
The modern tale unfolds across three storylines, starting with the terrorist, Hassan Hamadei. Completely devoted to the cause, Hassan is a calculating character willing to commit fratricide. Nothing will stop him from achieving his and his group’s aims. His loyalty to his commander, Khalid Ahmed Ghlam, is absolute. He will neither question Khalid’s motives or actions. The story’s menace is masterfully conveyed through Hassan, a chillingly cold and calculated character whose depiction is exceptionally well-written. Hassan’s control of the narrative always leaves the reader in dreadful anticipation of his next move. While Hassan is a threatening figure, the novel provides a well-rounded portrayal, exploring his past and the events and horrors that shaped him. Hassan, despite his abhorrent behaviour, is the character that drives this story forward.
Paul Knox, a seasoned NSA cybersecurity expert and former Air Force communications officer, is a field veteran. The world has changed significantly since the 9/11 attack. Well-funded and well-connected terrorists possess the skills to launch deadly attacks against buildings, public areas, and cyberinfrastructure. With a high threat level and the potential for technological failure, the rise of cyber hackers heightens the danger of communication technology being abused or weaponised for extortion. If the technology were to fall into the wrong hands, what could that mean for a country and its citizens? The question is, can Paul stop the terrorists before it is too late? Paul is another complex character. Like Hassan, Paul has known personal loss, but not quite in the same way. As Hassan seeks vengeance, Paul drowns his sorrows in work and alcohol, thus alienating his daughter. But as Paul’s investigation into the terrorists cyberattack continues the stakes escalate dramatically when he discovers his daughter might be the terrorist’s next victim. Though Paul is a meticulous worker, his character is marred by his bereavement - he still sees his dead wife. Early subtle hints of his agonizing psychological state are overshadowed by the dominant terrorist storyline, receiving only sporadic mention thereafter. Paul’s persona, his past, and the development of his character are vividly depicted. Though deceased for a considerable time, Paul’s father exerted a powerful influence on his life, a rather callous one by modern standards. However, the unwavering perseverance he developed as a child is invaluable in his upcoming head-to-head with the terrorists. Despite his flaws, Paul’s humanity shines through in the narrative.
The other character deserving of mention is Chicago Police Sergeant Mike “Mack” Johnson. On the front lines of a terrorist attack, Mack selflessly jeopardizes his safety to save others. Mack’s ongoing heroism provides a sense of security for the reader; while less developed than Hassan and Paul, he remains a firm favourite with the reader.
George K. Mehok’s Going Dark, a modern thriller, is unfortunately hampered by its historical elements, which impede the otherwise gripping plot concerning terrorist organizations, their attacks, and the individuals working to thwart them. If you love modern-day thrillers, then this book comes highly recommended.
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