The Island

The War of the Cave Sun, Book 1

By: Maria Ian

Narrated by: Maria Ian

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Attorney Craig Malcault has survived an assassination plot over his possession of top-secret intelligence. He thought he had rebuilt his life at his new law firm in New York City, with a tycoon's taboo divorce case to pay the bills. But when the provocative, hypnotic lady client refuses to desert her cruel, blood-thirsty husband, Craig knows his enemies are a step ahead in the game.

Business has been lucrative in the code-named territory in Latin America that Craig saved from annihilation a decade ago. A tinder box of mercenaries, a clandestine army, and international spy rings, the territory holds the key to armed combat in global conflict hotspots. It is worth its name, Ara Pacis, Altar of Peace, in gold. No wonder Craig's client hunts for answers with a secret agent whose audacity pits him against the military trades of governments. Craig knows the man to be too high risk for anyone's good.

Then Craig's closest colleague is murdered in a mutiny instigated to protect the classified leadership of Ara Pacis. That leadership's concealed army can be assembled anywhere, at any time. Especially now. Craig returns to Ara Pacis to investigate if the recent killings that have alerted the Department of Defense are a battle for valor and freedom or revenge executions for hire. But he must start there where politics end. His client's naked devotion to the fearless leader of Ara Pacis and her ruthless husband's know-it-all lies about that army’s wars spell hostilities on a plane higher than the law can punish.

©2022 Dr. Maria Ian (P)2024 Dr. Maria Ian

Intriguing characters, scenarios and settings; it has it all.

In essence it's a political thriller featuring unconventional characters in exotic tropical locales thrown into harrowing situations. This is accomplished in no small part by drawing the reader into each circumstance with meticulous depictions of the noble Craig and his surroundings. I found it remarkable that a straight woman could know such details surrounding the psyche of gay men so I was instantly invested in finding out more. The story takes its time revealing itself but when it does there is an overall sense that it is building toward danger. Overall a good read that is expertly crafted particularly in describing sets and circumstances. Give it a look see.

Highly entertaining

A very human spy thriller with unexpected twists, unique locations, insightful cultural nuances, and mercurial characters. A must have for who likes humor in politics without detracting from the serious stuff.