Back-Up As Far As the World Stretches: A Review

Plot Summary and Initial Impressions

“Back-Up As Far As the World Stretches” by Holtes & Sietsma plunges the reader into a fast-paced thriller that begins with an assassination attempt in front of the Peace Palace in The Hague. The target is the director of UNBI, who was scheduled to testify at the International Criminal Court regarding an international criminal organization. Investigator Lémarc Tasker is tasked with leading the investigation, setting off an international manhunt filled with unexpected twists and turns. Throughout the pursuit, he encounters a mysterious woman who becomes an integral part of the unfolding events. The central question driving the narrative is: Can Tasker unravel the mystery behind the attack and its complex web of connections? The story promises action, plot twists, and surprises.

The initial impression based on the provided summary is that this book delivers on the classic thriller elements: a high-stakes situation, a compelling protagonist with a clear mission, and a mystery that promises to keep the reader engaged. The inclusion of an “unexpected” woman hints at potential romance, partnership, or perhaps even deception, adding a layer of intrigue to the plot.

Detailed Analysis

Writing Style and Imagery

While no direct examples of the writing style are available from the summary, the description implies a focus on creating a thrilling and fast-paced experience. The authors appear to favor a style that emphasizes action, plot twists, and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. This would likely involve concise sentences, a focus on dialogue and events, and a gradual unveiling of information to maintain suspense. The description doesn’t suggest a heavy reliance on poetic language, but rather a direct and engaging approach.

Character Development

The character development described in the summary seems centered around Lémarc Tasker, the investigator. He’s presented as a dedicated individual thrown into a complex and dangerous situation. The introduction of the mysterious woman suggests the potential for further character development for both characters. The success of this thriller hinges on how well the authors create both suspense and character relatability.

Themes and Motifs

The primary theme appears to be justice and the fight against international crime. The attack on the UNBI director, the subsequent investigation, and the international manhunt all point to a central conflict between good and evil, or perhaps, different competing ideas of justice. The “nothing is what it seems” aspect also suggests themes of deception, betrayal, and the hidden layers of truth.

Pacing and Structure

The structure likely follows a classic thriller pattern: setting the stage with an inciting incident (the attack), introducing the protagonist and their goal (Tasker’s investigation), building tension through a series of events, and revealing the truth through a climax and resolution. The pacing is expected to be fast-paced to maintain reader engagement, with plot twists strategically placed to keep the reader guessing.

Emotional Impact and Memorable Moments

The book’s emotional impact should stem from the suspense and the high stakes of the plot. The potential danger faced by Tasker and the uncertainty of the investigation could create moments of tension and excitement. The involvement of the mysterious woman might add emotional layers, possibly involving romance, betrayal, or the establishment of an unlikely team. The resolution of the mystery should bring a sense of satisfaction.

Social and Cultural Commentary

The book’s social commentary is likely centered on international crime, the role of international organizations like the UN and the International Criminal Court, and the complexities of global politics. It might offer a critical perspective on corruption, power dynamics, and the challenges of pursuing justice across borders.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • The compelling premise of an investigation into an assassination attempt.
  • The promise of plot twists and a complex mystery.
  • The setting in The Hague, home of the International Criminal Court, suggests interesting background elements.
  • The central conflict revolving around fighting international crime, and the theme of justice.

Weaknesses:

  • Without reading the book, it’s difficult to assess its weaknesses. However, potential weaknesses might include predictable plot twists, underdeveloped characters, or a lack of depth in the social commentary.
  • The summary provided does not specify the length of the story, which might be a weakness if the story moves too quickly for the characters and themes to be fully developed.

Recommendation

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy thrillers with action, mystery, and international settings. Fans of authors like Dan Brown, or Lee Child will most likely find this book engaging. The target audience is readers who appreciate fast-paced plots, unexpected twists, and suspenseful narratives. The book would be perfect for a long trip or reading during downtime.

Rating

Based solely on the provided summary, and assuming the authors deliver on the promises of a suspenseful thriller, I would give “Back-Up As Far As the World Stretches” a tentative rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The potential for an engaging plot and thrilling narrative makes it a promising read.

Where to Get It

For more detailed information or to find out how to obtain a copy of “Back-Up As Far As the World Stretches”, I recommend visiting My Ebook to discover more details regarding the book.