Welcome to Litsy!

This library hold came in, + I started the book, as the current events in Syria hit the headlines. A very good spy thriller set in the country 10 years ago as revolution threatens the Assad regime who are experimenting with poison gas. A cia operative runs a mole + falls for her as she spys on the regime. The hunt for the mole, discovery of the hidden weapons is well done. The news + revelation of horror, however, made it an uncomfortable read

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This is a CIA spy thriller set in Syria, in the early days of the ongoing civil war. It is riveting, very detailed, cleverly plotted and very violent with several torture scenes. There is also a romance element that reminded me of “Red Sparrow“. In spite of the violence, I really enjoyed the book, and it had me Googling Syria to learn more. While certainly a different type of escapism reading than a rom-com, it worked for me. 4.25/5 stars

I suspect this book features very accurate and realistic depictions of CIA spycraft, acronyms, etc. and the setting in Syria felt very detailed and real. The characters, on the other hand, were mostly two-dimensional or even cartoonish. If you are reading strictly for spy stuff, a Syrian setting, or just plot, this book is worth it. If you are particularly sensitive to cliches and occasional clunk, skip it and read Alma Katsu's Red Widow instead.