The Apostle by Brad Thor

Scot Harvath is a man on a mission. Brought in to rescue the daughter of a well-connected supporter of the President of the United States, he grudgingly travels to war torn Afghanistan in a bid to bring the woman home.

Right off the bat I realised that “The Apostle” by Brad Thor was going to be an intelligent read. A stranger to his Scot Harvath novels (this is his eighth by the way) I was curious to see how an ex member of the Department of Homeland security would bring his knowledge to print. Would it be exciting? Would it be a thriller?

The answer to both questions is a categorical Yes!

As I delved deeper I discovered an intelligent and consuming plot that entertained from start to finish. Not only is the book a fast paced rollercoaster but Brad Thorn educates the reader with a plethora of Afghan words for clothing, greetings and food, not to mention the military acronyms – The Apostle truly is a knowledgeable and all-encompassing ride. Available from The Book Depository & Amazon

Although part of a well-trodden series, I’d certainly class “The Apostle” as a standalone story despite clear references to past relationships and events. Humorous in parts, I found the narrative compelling and easily held my interest throughout. Intense at times the book follows two clear paths; that of the kidnapped doctor (Julia Gallo) in Afghanistan and President Alden in Washington. A new administration, an old enemy.

I thoroughly enjoyed both halves of the book but for me the atmospheric storytelling in Afghanistan won the day, it just had that little extra. We learn the shocking attitude and upbringing of the Taliban where children as young as three are subjected to videos of suicide bombings, beheadings, torture and rape. No shock therefore when we find Julia at one point, stuck in a mud cell, facing four young boys who have no respect for women.

For most of us, our only connection with Afghanistan, slim though it may be, is via the news and internet. Thor manages to bring a different side to the country, its people and traditions. We discover the inner workings of the Taliban and how attitudes towards the Americans and Taliban terrorists can differ from kilometre to kilometre, district to district.

Simple traditions like making and offering a cup of tea to a visitor take on a whole new meaning in Afghanistan and Thor’s prose captures the significance effortlessly.

In America, female secret service agent Elise Campbell overhears a private conversation and it changes her world. Torn between doing the right thing and keeping quiet she has a huge decision to make. Protecting the President has become her life and if she acts on this new found information she jeopardises it all.

The Apostle is a pulsating thriller. Full of political intrigue and fast paced action it most certainly hits all the rights spots. Thor is at his explosive best. Highly Recommended

Published by Hodder “The Apostle” is available to buy from The Book Depository & Amazon