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Andrew Britton is the surprise of the month and maybe the year. British-born and American-raised Britton served in the Army as a combat engineer and is presently pursuing a double major in psychology and economics. At the tender age of 24, he has penned a riveting and compelling debut novel.
THE AMERICAN introduces Ryan Kealey, who is retired from the military and CIA when he receives the call he's been dreading. Jason March, a former U.S. soldier and Kealey's one-time student, is on an extended mission of terror against the United States. March nurses a pathological hatred against the U.S. and all it stands for. He is also an assassin of the highest order, being a master of explosives, firearms and unarmed combat. He is, in short, Kealey's mirror image. The last time they met, March came to within a hairs breadth of killing Kealey. When March's presence reveals itself in a dramatic and deadly fashion, Kealey is brought back into the service of the CIA.
Teamed with the brilliant and beautiful Naomi Kharmi, Kealey finds himself constantly a step behind March, who has aligned himself with Middle Eastern terrorists whose goal is nothing less than the destruction of western civilization in general and the United States specifically. Britton follows both men on twin tracks as their opposing goals slowly and inexorably head toward a collision. Kealey attempts to balance the newfound peace of his personal life with the horrors of his past and a job that must be done, while March, being followed by Kealey, pursues a mission that is as brilliant in its execution as it is terrifying. Both men, as the book races toward its cataclysmic conclusion, shall find reason for revenge.
Britton writes with true authority --- there were times when I felt as if I was a fly on March's shoulder watching the proceedings --- and within the space of one novel demonstrates that he has the chops to become a master of the thriller genre. And the ending of THE AMERICAN? Whoa. More is coming. In the meantime, don't miss this one. Highly recommended.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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