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Travis Brock #2
Fatal Domain
When the past scratches its way into the present, it can leave deep scars.
A series of cryptic clues leads Department of Defense redactor Travis Brock to suspect that a grim chapter from his past is not yet over. With the help of his eidetic memory and his newly formed team, he must unearth the truth and stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military’s most highly guarded technological breakthroughs. With it, the group plans to commit a daring act of espionage that could upend the work of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms and impact millions of people worldwide.
In a high-stakes story of action and intrigue that reaches from a refugee settlement in Uganda to the shores of the Potomac in Washington, DC, shattering secrets from the past will be revealed, loyalties tested, and intimate betrayals brought to light as Brock is forced to decide how to forgive what he cannot forget.
From a novelist that Publishers Weekly has called a “master storyteller” comes an intricate and taut thriller that will have you guessing until the final page.
Relevant, contemporary spy thrillerFast-paced suspenseIssues of terrorism and espionageThe central theme is the power of forgiveness
A series of cryptic clues leads Department of Defense redactor Travis Brock to suspect that a grim chapter from his past is not yet over. With the help of his eidetic memory and his newly formed team, he must unearth the truth and stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military’s most highly guarded technological breakthroughs. With it, the group plans to commit a daring act of espionage that could upend the work of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms and impact millions of people worldwide.
In a high-stakes story of action and intrigue that reaches from a refugee settlement in Uganda to the shores of the Potomac in Washington, DC, shattering secrets from the past will be revealed, loyalties tested, and intimate betrayals brought to light as Brock is forced to decide how to forgive what he cannot forget.
From a novelist that Publishers Weekly has called a “master storyteller” comes an intricate and taut thriller that will have you guessing until the final page.
Relevant, contemporary spy thrillerFast-paced suspenseIssues of terrorism and espionageThe central theme is the power of forgiveness
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
24 people are currently reading
3067 people want to read
About the author
Steven James
141 books1,760 followersSteven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 12, 2024
Fatal Domain is the second Travis Brock book and it was such a thrilling read!
I originally read book one, Broker of Lies, last year and reread it shortly before starting Fatal Domain...both times it was an amazing read and I definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Book one ended with a major twist, so I was eager to see how this story continued that element. It was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters were amazing. I loved the main ones (Travis and Adira), but Gunnar was also a favorite. I like how the romance is progressing and am curious to see what happens next. The story had a heavy theme of forgiveness and I loved that - it was a deep subject, but well done.
All in all, I loved Fatal Domain and the ending has me excited about the next book, whenever it releases. I can hardly wait!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I originally read book one, Broker of Lies, last year and reread it shortly before starting Fatal Domain...both times it was an amazing read and I definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Book one ended with a major twist, so I was eager to see how this story continued that element. It was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters were amazing. I loved the main ones (Travis and Adira), but Gunnar was also a favorite. I like how the romance is progressing and am curious to see what happens next. The story had a heavy theme of forgiveness and I loved that - it was a deep subject, but well done.
All in all, I loved Fatal Domain and the ending has me excited about the next book, whenever it releases. I can hardly wait!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
April 9, 2024
Travis Brock, Gunnar Bane and Adira Halprin are once again racing to save the United States security from terrorists bent on breaching that security to create havoc. This time the terrorists are after the Project Symphony prototype. This could allow them to have access to all of the FDA security information. The head of this terrorist group is a woman billionaire that thinks using any means(including terrorism) is alright as long as it is for the greater good. Travis and his team are out to stop her.
Author Steven James writes an exciting story that keeps the reader moving along as fast-paced as the characters in the story. Fatal Domain was an action-packed read from start to finish. Sometimes the action was so intense that I had to put it down for a few minutes to wrap my head around what was happening! Now that's a good read! This is the 2nd book in the Travis Brock Thriller series and I can't wait until the next in the series. As with the first book Broker of Lies this one left us with another cliff-hanger. If you enjoy thriller's and strong characters you should give this a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
Author Steven James writes an exciting story that keeps the reader moving along as fast-paced as the characters in the story. Fatal Domain was an action-packed read from start to finish. Sometimes the action was so intense that I had to put it down for a few minutes to wrap my head around what was happening! Now that's a good read! This is the 2nd book in the Travis Brock Thriller series and I can't wait until the next in the series. As with the first book Broker of Lies this one left us with another cliff-hanger. If you enjoy thriller's and strong characters you should give this a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
June 12, 2024
Steven James follow up to Broker of Lies starts out with a bang and ends with questions. Can’t wait for the next book!
March 14, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes; opinions expressed are honest and mine alone.
Picking up right where book one, “Broker of Lies”, finishes, FATAL DOMAIN, by Steven James, is book 2 in the Travis Brock series. Travis, Adira and Gunnar are much busier hunting down baddies in this installment which kept the action level high. Each of the three main characters has their own personal story arc woven into the main plot. Themes that gather around forgiveness, family and subtle faith with moral considerations add to the complexity of the storyline.
Where I had difficulty with this lengthy tale was the timeline and frequent bouncing around. Normally, I’m a fast reader with good comprehension but I found it awkward to pickup the notations for time changes which could be anywhere from minutes to years and back again, in just a few pages.
There’s much more science and technology talk in this book than in the first of the series. It gave me flashbacks of Patrick Bowers, but not nearly as gruesome. All of the trigger warnings, (language, violence and sexual content), are gentle for this genre; PG rated.
Altho’ this is book 2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone. James does a good job of filling in the necessary information so readers won’t be wondering what’s happened before. This volume does end with an open question that will have readers who liked this story anticipating the next one. It’s not quite a cliffhanger but it is
definitely going to get me to read the next book📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
Picking up right where book one, “Broker of Lies”, finishes, FATAL DOMAIN, by Steven James, is book 2 in the Travis Brock series. Travis, Adira and Gunnar are much busier hunting down baddies in this installment which kept the action level high. Each of the three main characters has their own personal story arc woven into the main plot. Themes that gather around forgiveness, family and subtle faith with moral considerations add to the complexity of the storyline.
Where I had difficulty with this lengthy tale was the timeline and frequent bouncing around. Normally, I’m a fast reader with good comprehension but I found it awkward to pickup the notations for time changes which could be anywhere from minutes to years and back again, in just a few pages.
There’s much more science and technology talk in this book than in the first of the series. It gave me flashbacks of Patrick Bowers, but not nearly as gruesome. All of the trigger warnings, (language, violence and sexual content), are gentle for this genre; PG rated.
Altho’ this is book 2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone. James does a good job of filling in the necessary information so readers won’t be wondering what’s happened before. This volume does end with an open question that will have readers who liked this story anticipating the next one. It’s not quite a cliffhanger but it is
definitely going to get me to read the next book📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
March 11, 2025
It’s been to long for me to remember book 1. I did read my review of it before diving into book 2. I have a slight memory of book 1 while reading/listening. I remember more of the character and less of the storyline. I fear I won’t remember this storyline when I get to book 3 and this book builds on a larger arc that may pertain to book 1. Overall, except the fact that I barely remember anything about this series and its characters, I found this story entertaining. It wasn’t bad or great. The narrator was good. It’s more like a 3.5 because I was listening to about the back story, but I rounded up.
July 20, 2024
I have read many Steven JMES BOOKS and always end them thinking they would make a good movie. or series. They bring fantastic imagery to my mind and I like the characters. Dialogue is great and I love how the characters grapple with issues. (forgiveness, vengeance, life after death etc)
April 27, 2024
“There is always a cost to doing what’s right. Sometimes it costs you everything you have. But it should not cost you everything you are.”
“‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’”
This book takes place about a month after book one—Broker of Lies. It can probably be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the first book first for background and context. He reminds us about part of what happened but I think it will be more cohesive for you to have all the information.
It was a great sequel that leaves you on a cliffhanger so I’m ready for book three to be out!
Similar to Broker of Lies, there are a lot of characters and there is some complexity to the plot. Hopefully my review can help you keep it straight (or myself when I go to read the third one and can’t remember what was going on.)
[There was a fun Easter egg referencing Patrick Bowers and if you haven’t read Steven James’ Patrick Bowers series and you enjoy serial killer thrillers, definitely check that one out!]
Plot Basics
Our main character is Travis Brock, redactor with a photographic memory who works at the Pentagon. After stopping the Pruninghooks Collective from detonating a bomb in Knoxville, TN last book he and his team are still chasing the woman behind it— Janice Daniels.
His team is made up of Adira (former secret service and executive protection at Homeland Security) who is also a love interest for Travis, and Gunnar (military and private security consultant who also happens to be writing a romance novel).
Their boss is Clarke and they’re running a somewhat off-books operation running down leads on Daniels and what she is planning next.
Turns out she’s after the Project Symphony device which is focused on “surreptitious ways of exfiltrating data from air-gapped computers to obtain administration privileges, record keystrokes, detect or hash passwords, upload files, discover log-in credentials, or obtain access to closely guarded root system files.”
Pretty powerful. Obviously very bad to get into the wrong hands.
Pretty early on in the first book I suspected that Travis’s wife, Sienna, didn’t really die in the house fire 18 months ago. By the end of that book (SPOILER- she didn’t) we find Sienna speaking to Janice saying she was “preparing for what’s next. With Ivan.”
In Fatal Domain, Travis discovers this hard truth. That if Sienna didn’t die in the fire, she lied to him and she very well could be his enemy.
Not only do we have Janice, Sienna, and Ivan as players, we are introduced to a man named Soren who Daniels blackmails into doing some of her dirty work. He was probably the most disorienting part of the book because I wasn’t sure how he was going to connect with everything. I also wasn’t sure if I felt like the circumstances around his blackmailing made sense to lead to that point. I don’t know why he wouldn’t have just called the police and said he wasn’t sure what he hit and couldn’t find it. At least there would be a record of him trying to help. I guess I don’t know if you can still get prison time for that. But anyway, his chapters were the most disconnected until the end. I don’t know what his deal was. I guess James was taking a character and showing us in real time the progression from ‘normal’ to a choice to descend into darkness.
“When we play God, there are always unintended consequences that make it clear we’re not up to the task. He creates life in his own image. We create monsters in ours.”
We also have Maia Odongo, a doctor researching cognitive function and memory at a humanitarian refugee camp in Uganda.
“Ever since she agreed to do the procedures she’d been struggling to convince herself that she was making choices that were aligned with what she believed in, with what was right.”
Maia is the counter to Soren, someone who has made the descent, though with good intentions, and seeking to come back to the light knowing the destruction darkness causes and knowing it’s not the right path.
From South Carolina to Wisconsin, all paths eventually collide in Washington D.C..
I will say, it felt a bit strange that Janice was invested in anti-nuclear escapades in the first book but here in the second book she is also invested in tech and pharmaceutical industries. I guess she can have diverse interests and can shift between them so fluidly while she is being hunted by the DOD…
I thought it was interesting how we don’t really know what Janice Daniels is up to until the end. We have the pieces but we’re not entirely sure what the endgame is. So it was hard to tell how close Brock and his team were to thwarting her plans.
Sienna’s part was also vague. It seemed like Sienna and Ivan had other plans with the device than Janice. They were working together for the moment, but Sienna had a different ultimate plan. We never do find that out in this book. I suspect that we are gearing up for an ultimate showdown between Travis and Sienna, husband and wife, lovers to enemies? There is not much closure for her here so there has to be something more on the horizon.
There is also more to happen between Travis and Adira. Now that Sienna is still alive, that puts a pause on their romance. So the showdown with Sienna will also be the indicator of what direction Travis goes.
Deeper Thoughts
I love that Steven James always wrestles with deeper questions when he writes his thrillers. This one is no different.
In Fatal Domain, one of the characters ponders the difference between humans and animals. The traits we don’t share with animals: worship, prayer, guilt, culture, art, regret. I think this is really interesting to think about. Especially for evolutionists. These traits don’t jive with that. There is something special about humanity that points to a Creator God who desires relationship with us. Those things are important to our nature.
Another character reflects on the verse that says “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…” (Rev 21:4). He points out, “If God wipes away our tears in heaven, it means some people will arrive there with tears still in their eyes, that maybe their lives were so full of pain that some of their tears spilled over into paradise.” I don’t know how theologically accurate this thought it, but it is interesting to think about.
James also explores what we are willing to sacrifice for the good of others.
“Sometimes we keep secrets to protect interests greater than our own, and sometimes we have to carry the burden of our secrets as the price for extending compassion to others.”
This isn’t an obscure moral dilemma and is explored in many books. It is a tricky one because every life is precious. It’s easy to see how the ends justify the means and how we draw lines around what we are willing to do or allow to reach those ends.
I also think it’s different from an individual perspective vs a governmental perspective. What a country must do to protect its citizens is different than what an individual should do. God gave governments the sword of justice to wield— rewarding good and punishing bad— that is not right for us as individuals to undertake on our own.
There is also the tricky aspect of accountability vs national security. What can we do to keep our powerful government accountable without divulging secret information that puts our country at risk? This book also explores that a little bit. Morals and ethics are complex when it comes to things like that and I’m not sure where I stand. I like seeing different scenarios with this at play to think about how I view it.
Lastly there is a big theme of forgiveness. What does it mean to forgive? Especially when someone has done something so egregious and repeatedly.
“Revenge is being honest about the action but not loving toward the person. On the other hand, if you just excuse their behavior you might be showing them love, but you’re not being honest about the pain they caused. Denial has no place in forgiveness.”
“… it’s about freeing yourself.”
I have just come off of reading Homecoming by Kate Morton where I did not like how she handled the concept of forgiveness. To me it felt like excusing the behavior which like this quote says, feels dishonest. I really like how James makes this distinction and writes this complexity into his characters where they can wrestle with knowing forgiveness is the way but also dealing with the real and deep hurt that person caused.
It’s less about letting the person off the hook as much as allowing yourself to be free from the “cage of unforgiveness.”
Learning Corner
When you read a Steven James novel, you can tell that he does his research. I would love to meet some of his sources!
So here are some of the interesting things I learned while reading this book!
The NSA has a National Crytoplogic Museum in D.C. and it’s now on my list of places to visit. If this part is true there is an Enigma machine there where you can enter and create your own code. Sign me up!
Apparently it’s a thing for people to soak magazines in drugs and dry them up and send them to inmates in prison to either ingest or smoke or use as currency. Some prisons test for this.
If you Google the word Illuminati backwards the NSA website comes up. I’m not sure what the significance of this is but I’m sure there’s some people that could get some mileage out of that information.
There was a blurb about dark matter in this book which is interesting because I just recently read the book Dark Matter. In Fatal Domain he talks about the scientists who are researching dark matter. This is done by building a chamber a mile underground to block out cosmic rays. It also requires a lot of Xenon. “Whoever controls the Xenon controls the future of this type of research.” I’m still not entirely sure if I need to care about this kind of information or what I think about this mysterious substance, but I’ll keep an eye on it.
I had no idea that coffins were put in burial vaults— cement vaults to protect the coffin from the pressure of the ground and machinery above them. I’m wondering how common these are.
There is a riddle in the book: “What is the only word in the English language that starts with what we desire most and ends with what we want to avoid becoming.” You’ll get the answer if you read the book but if you want to know ahead of time, share any review from my website to your social media and message me a screenshot of it and I’ll give you the answer to the riddle! :)
Recommendation
Fatal domain is “the dominion of darkness and death and self-imposed chains.” This book continues the suspenseful saga of Travis Brock and how his team fights against this fatal domain, saving people and understanding humanity in deeper ways.
It’s a little more complex than your average thriller but still one I would definitely recommend to any reader!
The main characters are loveable, the stakes are high, the opponent formidable, the pursuit of justice and compassion on every page.
Steven James is one of my favorite authors and I will always recommend his work because he is a fantastic storyteller that can weave in deeper concepts into a thrilling story without any language or sexual content. Can’t beat that!
**Received a complimentary ARC via Tyndale House Publishers**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
“‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’”
This book takes place about a month after book one—Broker of Lies. It can probably be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the first book first for background and context. He reminds us about part of what happened but I think it will be more cohesive for you to have all the information.
It was a great sequel that leaves you on a cliffhanger so I’m ready for book three to be out!
Similar to Broker of Lies, there are a lot of characters and there is some complexity to the plot. Hopefully my review can help you keep it straight (or myself when I go to read the third one and can’t remember what was going on.)
[There was a fun Easter egg referencing Patrick Bowers and if you haven’t read Steven James’ Patrick Bowers series and you enjoy serial killer thrillers, definitely check that one out!]
Plot Basics
Our main character is Travis Brock, redactor with a photographic memory who works at the Pentagon. After stopping the Pruninghooks Collective from detonating a bomb in Knoxville, TN last book he and his team are still chasing the woman behind it— Janice Daniels.
His team is made up of Adira (former secret service and executive protection at Homeland Security) who is also a love interest for Travis, and Gunnar (military and private security consultant who also happens to be writing a romance novel).
Their boss is Clarke and they’re running a somewhat off-books operation running down leads on Daniels and what she is planning next.
Turns out she’s after the Project Symphony device which is focused on “surreptitious ways of exfiltrating data from air-gapped computers to obtain administration privileges, record keystrokes, detect or hash passwords, upload files, discover log-in credentials, or obtain access to closely guarded root system files.”
Pretty powerful. Obviously very bad to get into the wrong hands.
Pretty early on in the first book I suspected that Travis’s wife, Sienna, didn’t really die in the house fire 18 months ago. By the end of that book (SPOILER- she didn’t) we find Sienna speaking to Janice saying she was “preparing for what’s next. With Ivan.”
In Fatal Domain, Travis discovers this hard truth. That if Sienna didn’t die in the fire, she lied to him and she very well could be his enemy.
Not only do we have Janice, Sienna, and Ivan as players, we are introduced to a man named Soren who Daniels blackmails into doing some of her dirty work. He was probably the most disorienting part of the book because I wasn’t sure how he was going to connect with everything. I also wasn’t sure if I felt like the circumstances around his blackmailing made sense to lead to that point. I don’t know why he wouldn’t have just called the police and said he wasn’t sure what he hit and couldn’t find it. At least there would be a record of him trying to help. I guess I don’t know if you can still get prison time for that. But anyway, his chapters were the most disconnected until the end. I don’t know what his deal was. I guess James was taking a character and showing us in real time the progression from ‘normal’ to a choice to descend into darkness.
“When we play God, there are always unintended consequences that make it clear we’re not up to the task. He creates life in his own image. We create monsters in ours.”
We also have Maia Odongo, a doctor researching cognitive function and memory at a humanitarian refugee camp in Uganda.
“Ever since she agreed to do the procedures she’d been struggling to convince herself that she was making choices that were aligned with what she believed in, with what was right.”
Maia is the counter to Soren, someone who has made the descent, though with good intentions, and seeking to come back to the light knowing the destruction darkness causes and knowing it’s not the right path.
From South Carolina to Wisconsin, all paths eventually collide in Washington D.C..
I will say, it felt a bit strange that Janice was invested in anti-nuclear escapades in the first book but here in the second book she is also invested in tech and pharmaceutical industries. I guess she can have diverse interests and can shift between them so fluidly while she is being hunted by the DOD…
I thought it was interesting how we don’t really know what Janice Daniels is up to until the end. We have the pieces but we’re not entirely sure what the endgame is. So it was hard to tell how close Brock and his team were to thwarting her plans.
Sienna’s part was also vague. It seemed like Sienna and Ivan had other plans with the device than Janice. They were working together for the moment, but Sienna had a different ultimate plan. We never do find that out in this book. I suspect that we are gearing up for an ultimate showdown between Travis and Sienna, husband and wife, lovers to enemies? There is not much closure for her here so there has to be something more on the horizon.
There is also more to happen between Travis and Adira. Now that Sienna is still alive, that puts a pause on their romance. So the showdown with Sienna will also be the indicator of what direction Travis goes.
Deeper Thoughts
I love that Steven James always wrestles with deeper questions when he writes his thrillers. This one is no different.
In Fatal Domain, one of the characters ponders the difference between humans and animals. The traits we don’t share with animals: worship, prayer, guilt, culture, art, regret. I think this is really interesting to think about. Especially for evolutionists. These traits don’t jive with that. There is something special about humanity that points to a Creator God who desires relationship with us. Those things are important to our nature.
Another character reflects on the verse that says “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…” (Rev 21:4). He points out, “If God wipes away our tears in heaven, it means some people will arrive there with tears still in their eyes, that maybe their lives were so full of pain that some of their tears spilled over into paradise.” I don’t know how theologically accurate this thought it, but it is interesting to think about.
James also explores what we are willing to sacrifice for the good of others.
“Sometimes we keep secrets to protect interests greater than our own, and sometimes we have to carry the burden of our secrets as the price for extending compassion to others.”
This isn’t an obscure moral dilemma and is explored in many books. It is a tricky one because every life is precious. It’s easy to see how the ends justify the means and how we draw lines around what we are willing to do or allow to reach those ends.
I also think it’s different from an individual perspective vs a governmental perspective. What a country must do to protect its citizens is different than what an individual should do. God gave governments the sword of justice to wield— rewarding good and punishing bad— that is not right for us as individuals to undertake on our own.
There is also the tricky aspect of accountability vs national security. What can we do to keep our powerful government accountable without divulging secret information that puts our country at risk? This book also explores that a little bit. Morals and ethics are complex when it comes to things like that and I’m not sure where I stand. I like seeing different scenarios with this at play to think about how I view it.
Lastly there is a big theme of forgiveness. What does it mean to forgive? Especially when someone has done something so egregious and repeatedly.
“Revenge is being honest about the action but not loving toward the person. On the other hand, if you just excuse their behavior you might be showing them love, but you’re not being honest about the pain they caused. Denial has no place in forgiveness.”
“… it’s about freeing yourself.”
I have just come off of reading Homecoming by Kate Morton where I did not like how she handled the concept of forgiveness. To me it felt like excusing the behavior which like this quote says, feels dishonest. I really like how James makes this distinction and writes this complexity into his characters where they can wrestle with knowing forgiveness is the way but also dealing with the real and deep hurt that person caused.
It’s less about letting the person off the hook as much as allowing yourself to be free from the “cage of unforgiveness.”
Learning Corner
When you read a Steven James novel, you can tell that he does his research. I would love to meet some of his sources!
So here are some of the interesting things I learned while reading this book!
The NSA has a National Crytoplogic Museum in D.C. and it’s now on my list of places to visit. If this part is true there is an Enigma machine there where you can enter and create your own code. Sign me up!
Apparently it’s a thing for people to soak magazines in drugs and dry them up and send them to inmates in prison to either ingest or smoke or use as currency. Some prisons test for this.
If you Google the word Illuminati backwards the NSA website comes up. I’m not sure what the significance of this is but I’m sure there’s some people that could get some mileage out of that information.
There was a blurb about dark matter in this book which is interesting because I just recently read the book Dark Matter. In Fatal Domain he talks about the scientists who are researching dark matter. This is done by building a chamber a mile underground to block out cosmic rays. It also requires a lot of Xenon. “Whoever controls the Xenon controls the future of this type of research.” I’m still not entirely sure if I need to care about this kind of information or what I think about this mysterious substance, but I’ll keep an eye on it.
I had no idea that coffins were put in burial vaults— cement vaults to protect the coffin from the pressure of the ground and machinery above them. I’m wondering how common these are.
There is a riddle in the book: “What is the only word in the English language that starts with what we desire most and ends with what we want to avoid becoming.” You’ll get the answer if you read the book but if you want to know ahead of time, share any review from my website to your social media and message me a screenshot of it and I’ll give you the answer to the riddle! :)
Recommendation
Fatal domain is “the dominion of darkness and death and self-imposed chains.” This book continues the suspenseful saga of Travis Brock and how his team fights against this fatal domain, saving people and understanding humanity in deeper ways.
It’s a little more complex than your average thriller but still one I would definitely recommend to any reader!
The main characters are loveable, the stakes are high, the opponent formidable, the pursuit of justice and compassion on every page.
Steven James is one of my favorite authors and I will always recommend his work because he is a fantastic storyteller that can weave in deeper concepts into a thrilling story without any language or sexual content. Can’t beat that!
**Received a complimentary ARC via Tyndale House Publishers**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
November 13, 2024
4.5 stars
Excellent follow-up to book 1.
Excellent follow-up to book 1.
June 19, 2025
Excellent. I love the way the author threads the gospel in his story. .
January 7, 2024
As usual, the author delivers an excellent thriller with characters that are totally believable. The story is well developed, but the message delivered is even better. I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley and the people and voluntarily provided an honest review.I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
February 20, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Steven James for the opportunity to read your book. This was an incredible read. This is the second book of the Travis Brock series. After the major twist revealed at the end of book 1, we get to continue the story in book 2. I thought the book was well written and the plot was engaging and compelling. This series feels like every time you read the book you will feel like the story is still new and engaging. I thought this book had that quality and it had me on the edge of my seat. Also, I loved the characters. I love the relationship between Adira and Travis. Their chemistry was perfect. Travis is an amazing character. I thought his character was relatable and brave. He was a great character to read. Adira is another amazing character to read. She is my type of heroine. In my eyes, she is feisty and fierce. She is not willing to go down without a fight and those are the types of characters that I love. Gunner also was an exceptional character. The mystery and suspense was awesome. I thought that the ending was fantastic and I am curious to see if the story will continue on book 3. I cannot wait to see what the next instalment has in store for me. Overall, an amazing read.
Thank you Steven James for the opportunity to read your book. This was an incredible read. This is the second book of the Travis Brock series. After the major twist revealed at the end of book 1, we get to continue the story in book 2. I thought the book was well written and the plot was engaging and compelling. This series feels like every time you read the book you will feel like the story is still new and engaging. I thought this book had that quality and it had me on the edge of my seat. Also, I loved the characters. I love the relationship between Adira and Travis. Their chemistry was perfect. Travis is an amazing character. I thought his character was relatable and brave. He was a great character to read. Adira is another amazing character to read. She is my type of heroine. In my eyes, she is feisty and fierce. She is not willing to go down without a fight and those are the types of characters that I love. Gunner also was an exceptional character. The mystery and suspense was awesome. I thought that the ending was fantastic and I am curious to see if the story will continue on book 3. I cannot wait to see what the next instalment has in store for me. Overall, an amazing read.
January 12, 2024
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Spiritual Themes
There’s a significant thread about what it means to forgive someone. Is it the same as agreeing with their actions? Does forgiveness entail reconciliation?
Travis has a meaningful conversation with a stranger about purpose in life and about God wiping away our tears in Rev. 21:4 (which is part of my very favorite passage of Scripture!).
Although Travis, himself, is not a Christian, his eidetic memory reminds him of Scriptures he encountered, growing up.
In a moment of honest prayer, Adira, who is also not a Christian, prays for the safety of her teammates. I really liked how authentic this moment feels.
What I Liked
Pacing and Perspectives
James is an excellent storyteller. I was very impressed with how he wove so many different threads together into a fascinating, robust plotline. We read a lot of perspectives in addition to Travis’, with multiple secondary characters receiving their own scenes.
I really liked the variety of perspectives, which strongly contributed to the (masterful) pacing of the story. The many shifts made for a clipped read that captured and held my interest. There’s just so much happening, and each perspective is necessary in bringing an additional piece of the puzzle and establishing the chronology.
Motive and Means
The novel implicitly explores questions of motive and method: the why of characters doing what they’re doing. Different perspectives illustrate varying motives and rationalizations. While one character is lured into crime by the promise of benefitting a loved one, other characters are motivated (or claim to be motivated) by principle and the desire to effect the greater good (underscored by actions that are very clearly not achieving that end).
These character insights also tie into the large and prevalent question: “Does the end justify the means?” There are a number of conversations, as well as personal reflections, that contemplate this question. While several of the characters justify their actions on the basis of end result, one of the antagonists is presented as exclusively mercenary. Another character is motivated, at first, by compulsion, but begins to enjoy the criminal lifestyle.
I like that James targets these questions/themes from various perspectives, contributing to a robust discussion on actions and justification.
Juxtapositions
I don’t often have occasion to comment on something like this, but something that caught my attention in this book was the author’s use of juxtaposition, where a sentence or sentences builds to a sudden twist. I observed this in a passage about Travis’ dad (p. 146), and juxtaposition also plays a role in the plot through the inclusion of a word puzzle that Travis is trying to solve.
In another instance, a sentence is redivided to create new meaning, as Travis’ thoughts about the numbness in his face turns to a different kind of introspection (p. 41). These surprises are so well-placed and demonstrate James’ skill in packing significant meaning into unassuming passages.
Content Notes / Respectful Discussion
I encountered some content early on that led me to question whether or not I would finish the book. I proceeded with caution, but this did lower my rating of a title that could have easily been five stars.
We learn that Travis’ coworker, Gunnar, writes fiction, with “memorable” (and “cringeworthy”) love scenes and that Gunnar needs to stick with adult fiction so that his descriptions can be anatomical. A little bit later, Gunnar reads a brief excerpt from the novel and, while the excerpt turns out to just be about kissing, it sounds more inappropriate because we have been primed with the knowledge that Gunnar writes really weird stuff. (At least that was my experience).
Thankfully, this is the only excerpt from Gunnar’s novel, and Gunnar’s writing did not turn out to be a big part of the book.
With that said, this part of the story felt unnecessary to me, overall. There are allusions to Gunnar writing so that he can help his sister financially and restore their relationship, so I understand that characterization. However, overall, it felt like Gunnar’s novel was meant to contribute humor/wit, and I felt that these parts weren’t particularly clever.
Aside from Gunnar, there’s a bit of discussion about Travis and his relationship with his girlfriend, Adira. He does not sleep with her, because he wants to guard their relationship, but he is tempted at one point. At another point, he holds her to comfort her.
There’s also a brief reference to a “gender-nonconforming” artist, when Adira sees a piece of artwork at an exhibit. After reading the artist statement, Adira decides that she does not “get the modern ‘art’ world at all.”
Finally, there’s some disturbing content in terms of what the criminals are willing to do in order to get what they want.
Recommendation Status / Concluding Thoughts
Fatal Domain has a lot of content notes. I was most bothered by Gunnar’s book, although I also wasn’t very fond of Travis’ temptation in his relationship with Adira. (It was realistic, though). Due to the amount and nature of the “content,” this is a title that I would recommend with a lot of reader discretion.
With that said, it is also a very well-written book, which I immensely enjoyed reading. The storytelling is stellar. I’m very impressed with James’ weaving together so many different threads and themes into a single story, and the ending has left me quite curious as to what will happen next.
If I were rating storyline alone, this would be a five star book. But, because content is a big consideration for me, I’m giving this a “low” four. Recommended, with generous reader discretion, to those who enjoy suspense and espionage.
Spiritual Themes
There’s a significant thread about what it means to forgive someone. Is it the same as agreeing with their actions? Does forgiveness entail reconciliation?
Travis has a meaningful conversation with a stranger about purpose in life and about God wiping away our tears in Rev. 21:4 (which is part of my very favorite passage of Scripture!).
Although Travis, himself, is not a Christian, his eidetic memory reminds him of Scriptures he encountered, growing up.
In a moment of honest prayer, Adira, who is also not a Christian, prays for the safety of her teammates. I really liked how authentic this moment feels.
What I Liked
Pacing and Perspectives
James is an excellent storyteller. I was very impressed with how he wove so many different threads together into a fascinating, robust plotline. We read a lot of perspectives in addition to Travis’, with multiple secondary characters receiving their own scenes.
I really liked the variety of perspectives, which strongly contributed to the (masterful) pacing of the story. The many shifts made for a clipped read that captured and held my interest. There’s just so much happening, and each perspective is necessary in bringing an additional piece of the puzzle and establishing the chronology.
Motive and Means
The novel implicitly explores questions of motive and method: the why of characters doing what they’re doing. Different perspectives illustrate varying motives and rationalizations. While one character is lured into crime by the promise of benefitting a loved one, other characters are motivated (or claim to be motivated) by principle and the desire to effect the greater good (underscored by actions that are very clearly not achieving that end).
These character insights also tie into the large and prevalent question: “Does the end justify the means?” There are a number of conversations, as well as personal reflections, that contemplate this question. While several of the characters justify their actions on the basis of end result, one of the antagonists is presented as exclusively mercenary. Another character is motivated, at first, by compulsion, but begins to enjoy the criminal lifestyle.
I like that James targets these questions/themes from various perspectives, contributing to a robust discussion on actions and justification.
Juxtapositions
I don’t often have occasion to comment on something like this, but something that caught my attention in this book was the author’s use of juxtaposition, where a sentence or sentences builds to a sudden twist. I observed this in a passage about Travis’ dad (p. 146), and juxtaposition also plays a role in the plot through the inclusion of a word puzzle that Travis is trying to solve.
In another instance, a sentence is redivided to create new meaning, as Travis’ thoughts about the numbness in his face turns to a different kind of introspection (p. 41). These surprises are so well-placed and demonstrate James’ skill in packing significant meaning into unassuming passages.
Content Notes / Respectful Discussion
I encountered some content early on that led me to question whether or not I would finish the book. I proceeded with caution, but this did lower my rating of a title that could have easily been five stars.
We learn that Travis’ coworker, Gunnar, writes fiction, with “memorable” (and “cringeworthy”) love scenes and that Gunnar needs to stick with adult fiction so that his descriptions can be anatomical. A little bit later, Gunnar reads a brief excerpt from the novel and, while the excerpt turns out to just be about kissing, it sounds more inappropriate because we have been primed with the knowledge that Gunnar writes really weird stuff. (At least that was my experience).
Thankfully, this is the only excerpt from Gunnar’s novel, and Gunnar’s writing did not turn out to be a big part of the book.
With that said, this part of the story felt unnecessary to me, overall. There are allusions to Gunnar writing so that he can help his sister financially and restore their relationship, so I understand that characterization. However, overall, it felt like Gunnar’s novel was meant to contribute humor/wit, and I felt that these parts weren’t particularly clever.
Aside from Gunnar, there’s a bit of discussion about Travis and his relationship with his girlfriend, Adira. He does not sleep with her, because he wants to guard their relationship, but he is tempted at one point. At another point, he holds her to comfort her.
There’s also a brief reference to a “gender-nonconforming” artist, when Adira sees a piece of artwork at an exhibit. After reading the artist statement, Adira decides that she does not “get the modern ‘art’ world at all.”
Finally, there’s some disturbing content in terms of what the criminals are willing to do in order to get what they want.
Recommendation Status / Concluding Thoughts
Fatal Domain has a lot of content notes. I was most bothered by Gunnar’s book, although I also wasn’t very fond of Travis’ temptation in his relationship with Adira. (It was realistic, though). Due to the amount and nature of the “content,” this is a title that I would recommend with a lot of reader discretion.
With that said, it is also a very well-written book, which I immensely enjoyed reading. The storytelling is stellar. I’m very impressed with James’ weaving together so many different threads and themes into a single story, and the ending has left me quite curious as to what will happen next.
If I were rating storyline alone, this would be a five star book. But, because content is a big consideration for me, I’m giving this a “low” four. Recommended, with generous reader discretion, to those who enjoy suspense and espionage.
August 12, 2024
I was left with a bunch of questions from Broker of Lies and hoping to get right back into it in book two of the series.
This book started out really slow with a lot of build up, and information.
.
The last half of the book picked up and the ending did have that characteristic fast paced action that I expect from Steven James book.
For me though, when I pick up a thriller I expect more tension to keep me invested. I found the whole first half felt like the author did a ton of research on the topics mentioned and wanted to squeeze in as much as he could.
Now I love learning, but this felt like info dump of too much data, and slowed the story imo.
The last half was good, but I had still hoped for some kind of closure, perhaps I'll pick up the next one. Not sure at this point.
This book started out really slow with a lot of build up, and information.
.
The last half of the book picked up and the ending did have that characteristic fast paced action that I expect from Steven James book.
For me though, when I pick up a thriller I expect more tension to keep me invested. I found the whole first half felt like the author did a ton of research on the topics mentioned and wanted to squeeze in as much as he could.
Now I love learning, but this felt like info dump of too much data, and slowed the story imo.
The last half was good, but I had still hoped for some kind of closure, perhaps I'll pick up the next one. Not sure at this point.
June 24, 2024
I began my review of Broker of Lies, the first Travis Brock novel, with the line “Steven James never disappoints.” This is what writers call foreshadowing. Fatal Domain released in April 2024 and I had an advance copy, meaning that I’ve had this book for about five months now. The moment I got it, I dug straight in, ready to see where Brock’s story would go. And, frankly, it disappointed.
I thought maybe it was me. I put the book aside for a bit and returned to it later. After the book released, I borrowed the audiobook from my library and listened to it. And maybe it is still just me, but as someone who has read every other Steven James novel and loved the majority of them—I just didn’t find myself drawn in. Fatal Domain has an interesting overarching premise with intriguing characters. Travis Brock is a Pentagon redactor with an eidetic memory. Now, the investigator-with-an-eidetic-memory trope has been around for forever. It’s a fun trope when used correctly. Instead, while that talent was underutilized in Broker of Lies, it feels especially absent (except when the plot requires) in Fatal Domain. Brock, who has spent his life mostly in his mind instead comes across as another generic action hero—Bourne, Bond, Bowers, and the like.
James really leans into the tech side of things in this book, often taking time out to explain to his audience what all the tech-gizmo-wizardry is. This is probably a calculated decision on the basis of James sees as his primary readership, but while James’s passion for and knowledge of the tech does come through, that exposition sometimes feels inorganic within the story. (Tom Clancy also had this problem, so I guess this isn’t too damning a complaint.)
Fatal Domain also ratchets up the tension in Brock’s personal life, particularly the storyline concerning his parents. This section of the book almost seems like a different genre that involves his dad getting out of prison and maybe having found Jesus and possibly trying to reconnect with Brock’s mom. The whole storyline feels out of place within the overall plot, which would be forgivable if it was good or connected to the larger story, but it never quite does that except to give Brock even more to worry about.
Then there are the moments where James offers various conservative dog whistles that aren’t necessary for the characters or their story. For example, one character finds herself in the Metro Museum of Art. We get three whole pages about how she does get the modern “art” world, with an entire paragraph devoted to describing the fictional art of Willow Granai, a “gender-nonconforming artist.” What purpose does this serve? Does it offer us any insight into the character? Is it important to their development? Or is it just a way of inserting a “culture war” issue? This also pops up with the main storyline, which I won’t elaborate on to avoid spoilers, but it really felt to me like the same thing that Marvel had to do with Falcon and Winter Soldier—the villains are making a bit too much sense, so they better do something evil to get to their goals.
So yeah, this one disappointed. James appears to have confused complexity for nuance. His protagonist only rarely uses his main skill, morphing into just another generic hero. There are needless side plots that seems to be telling a completely different story. The drama is sometimes melodramatic enough that a telenovela would get jealous. Maybe after twenty-some novels, one has to falter.
I thought maybe it was me. I put the book aside for a bit and returned to it later. After the book released, I borrowed the audiobook from my library and listened to it. And maybe it is still just me, but as someone who has read every other Steven James novel and loved the majority of them—I just didn’t find myself drawn in. Fatal Domain has an interesting overarching premise with intriguing characters. Travis Brock is a Pentagon redactor with an eidetic memory. Now, the investigator-with-an-eidetic-memory trope has been around for forever. It’s a fun trope when used correctly. Instead, while that talent was underutilized in Broker of Lies, it feels especially absent (except when the plot requires) in Fatal Domain. Brock, who has spent his life mostly in his mind instead comes across as another generic action hero—Bourne, Bond, Bowers, and the like.
James really leans into the tech side of things in this book, often taking time out to explain to his audience what all the tech-gizmo-wizardry is. This is probably a calculated decision on the basis of James sees as his primary readership, but while James’s passion for and knowledge of the tech does come through, that exposition sometimes feels inorganic within the story. (Tom Clancy also had this problem, so I guess this isn’t too damning a complaint.)
Fatal Domain also ratchets up the tension in Brock’s personal life, particularly the storyline concerning his parents. This section of the book almost seems like a different genre that involves his dad getting out of prison and maybe having found Jesus and possibly trying to reconnect with Brock’s mom. The whole storyline feels out of place within the overall plot, which would be forgivable if it was good or connected to the larger story, but it never quite does that except to give Brock even more to worry about.
Then there are the moments where James offers various conservative dog whistles that aren’t necessary for the characters or their story. For example, one character finds herself in the Metro Museum of Art. We get three whole pages about how she does get the modern “art” world, with an entire paragraph devoted to describing the fictional art of Willow Granai, a “gender-nonconforming artist.” What purpose does this serve? Does it offer us any insight into the character? Is it important to their development? Or is it just a way of inserting a “culture war” issue? This also pops up with the main storyline, which I won’t elaborate on to avoid spoilers, but it really felt to me like the same thing that Marvel had to do with Falcon and Winter Soldier—the villains are making a bit too much sense, so they better do something evil to get to their goals.
So yeah, this one disappointed. James appears to have confused complexity for nuance. His protagonist only rarely uses his main skill, morphing into just another generic hero. There are needless side plots that seems to be telling a completely different story. The drama is sometimes melodramatic enough that a telenovela would get jealous. Maybe after twenty-some novels, one has to falter.
March 23, 2024
“With the help of his eidetic memory and his newly formed team, he must unearth the truth and stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military’s most highly guarded technological breakthroughs,” the back jacket states in Steven James’s novel, Fatal Domain.
~ What ~
The second book in A Travis Brock Thriller series, this three-hundred-and-ninety-six-page advanced-reader paperback targets those who like a Christian contemporary thriller about espionage and intrigue involving the U.S. government. Containing the word Hell being used as a swear word, topics of injury, torture, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Thirty-seven-year-old Travis Brock’s photographic memory has always been an asset to him, but now it is more so to America’s Department of Defense, where he is a redactor trying to locate Janice Daniels, a billionaire convinced she is able to change the world for the better. With his team of a highly trained sharpshooter who wants to be a romance novelist and an ex-Secret Service agent developing feelings for him, Travis must step out of his comfort zone to uncover his past relationships to stop Janice. By learning what forgiveness truly is, Travis hones in on what is important to his mission.
~ Why ~
Having not read the first book in the series, I found this one engaging from the get-go without knowing its backstory. Although there were multiple narrators, Travis’s first person explanations were interesting and showed his character, fears, and frustrations. I appreciated the handling of the protagonists’ insecurities and how the team dealt with their pasts, each other, and hunting down their targets. The added Bible verses were not overdone or preachy.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a series involving espionage and terrorism, but scenes were not too graphic in content. Those who do not care for the ins and outs of the military and accessing personal data and information may find it intrusive.
~ Wish ~
There is no mention that Jesus is our one and only savior, who died and shed His blood on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you like a fast-paced series about terrorism that involves a team having to work together while it deals with day-to-day life, this is a thriller about forgiveness that begs you to race to its ending.
Thanks to Tyndale and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
~ What ~
The second book in A Travis Brock Thriller series, this three-hundred-and-ninety-six-page advanced-reader paperback targets those who like a Christian contemporary thriller about espionage and intrigue involving the U.S. government. Containing the word Hell being used as a swear word, topics of injury, torture, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Thirty-seven-year-old Travis Brock’s photographic memory has always been an asset to him, but now it is more so to America’s Department of Defense, where he is a redactor trying to locate Janice Daniels, a billionaire convinced she is able to change the world for the better. With his team of a highly trained sharpshooter who wants to be a romance novelist and an ex-Secret Service agent developing feelings for him, Travis must step out of his comfort zone to uncover his past relationships to stop Janice. By learning what forgiveness truly is, Travis hones in on what is important to his mission.
~ Why ~
Having not read the first book in the series, I found this one engaging from the get-go without knowing its backstory. Although there were multiple narrators, Travis’s first person explanations were interesting and showed his character, fears, and frustrations. I appreciated the handling of the protagonists’ insecurities and how the team dealt with their pasts, each other, and hunting down their targets. The added Bible verses were not overdone or preachy.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like a series involving espionage and terrorism, but scenes were not too graphic in content. Those who do not care for the ins and outs of the military and accessing personal data and information may find it intrusive.
~ Wish ~
There is no mention that Jesus is our one and only savior, who died and shed His blood on the cross for our sins and rose the third day. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you like a fast-paced series about terrorism that involves a team having to work together while it deals with day-to-day life, this is a thriller about forgiveness that begs you to race to its ending.
Thanks to Tyndale and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
March 18, 2024
Another great thrill ride from Steven James! This is book 2 in the Travis Brock series, and though this story can easily stand alone, there are quite a few spoilers for book 1 included in this book, so I definitely recommend reading this series in order. This book was one where, at the 65% mark, I still wasn't sure where things were headed, which is always a great way for a suspense novel to be. This book follows Travis, Adira and Gunnar, on their new task force of sorts. The bad guys are still sorta the same as they were in book 1, but the suspense is in what their overall plan is and how they're going to achieve those objectives. There's also a continued story arc regarding Sienna, Travis's wife, which I was very glad for after how book 1 ended. This book has an extremely intricate plotline (as do this author's other works). There are lots of moving parts that come together at just the right moment. I enjoyed how the team played into each member's strengths and how they worked together. I also enjoyed the personal side-stories that came through, with Travis's parents and Gunnar's ex (for whom is gun is named). There was a somewhat subtle faith thread throughout as Travis ponders the meaning of forgiveness and has discussions with others about that theme. There are other mentions of Christianity and morality in general. I always enjoy the deep inner-workings and thoughts of James's characters as they ponder and process the deeper subjects like faith and forgiveness. If you don't care for the faith thread, but just want the thrill ride, I believe you would still enjoy this book as the thoughts and conversations are not over-powering, nor are they unnatural. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable thriller and one I can heartily recommend. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was not obligated to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
April 26, 2024
** “Just don’t forget that holding onto resentment only harms you; it doesn’t punish the other guy. Unforgiveness is a cage you build around yourself.” **
Steven James continues his Travis Brock saga immediately after the series’ first book ended with “Fatal Domain.”
Pentagon redactor Travis Brock and his teammates Gunnar Bane and Adira Halprin are continuing their mission to seek out those wanting to commit domestic terror against the United States. Those they are seeking are hoping to use a new device that will hack into a computer that isn’t connected to any other computers, a secretive cybersecurity initiative, that will enable the device to steal passwords and other vital intel.
As they encounter a number of people working against them, Travis realizes some of those people come with ultimate betrayal.
Will the three of them be able to stop the attack and protect national security?
Once again, James does an incredible job of developing a complicated plot filled with twists and turns, as well as inventive characters — some that readers will love to root for, and some they will hate.
He also fills “Fatal Domain” with several great themes, like light versus darkness (“We have torturous desires and we have holy ambitions. Both. We are as much drawn to the light as we are lured by the darkness”); dealing with scars and remnants of the past; finding empathy; betrayal; and forgiveness (“I’d say that to forgive doesn’t mean that you suddenly trust that person; it doesn’t mean you’re now reconciled with them; it doesn’t mean that you excuse what they did. Mostly, I’d say it’s about holding them accountable, but not holding the act against them.”)
Fans of authors like James R. Hannibal, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, and Mike Dellosso with his “Jed Patrick” series will love “Fatal Domain.”
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Steven James continues his Travis Brock saga immediately after the series’ first book ended with “Fatal Domain.”
Pentagon redactor Travis Brock and his teammates Gunnar Bane and Adira Halprin are continuing their mission to seek out those wanting to commit domestic terror against the United States. Those they are seeking are hoping to use a new device that will hack into a computer that isn’t connected to any other computers, a secretive cybersecurity initiative, that will enable the device to steal passwords and other vital intel.
As they encounter a number of people working against them, Travis realizes some of those people come with ultimate betrayal.
Will the three of them be able to stop the attack and protect national security?
Once again, James does an incredible job of developing a complicated plot filled with twists and turns, as well as inventive characters — some that readers will love to root for, and some they will hate.
He also fills “Fatal Domain” with several great themes, like light versus darkness (“We have torturous desires and we have holy ambitions. Both. We are as much drawn to the light as we are lured by the darkness”); dealing with scars and remnants of the past; finding empathy; betrayal; and forgiveness (“I’d say that to forgive doesn’t mean that you suddenly trust that person; it doesn’t mean you’re now reconciled with them; it doesn’t mean that you excuse what they did. Mostly, I’d say it’s about holding them accountable, but not holding the act against them.”)
Fans of authors like James R. Hannibal, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, and Mike Dellosso with his “Jed Patrick” series will love “Fatal Domain.”
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
March 4, 2026
Steven James proves once again why he’s a master of the "thinking man’s thriller." In Fatal Domain, the second installment of the Travis Brock series, the stakes shift from high-octane action to a deeply personal cerebral puzzle that connects a refugee camp in Uganda to the inner circles of Washington, D.C.
The Hook
The story centers on Travis Brock, a Department of Defense redactor cursed (and blessed) with an eidetic memory. When cryptic clues surface suggesting a dark chapter of his history isn't actually closed, Brock is forced to revisit scars he thought were permanent. This isn't just about a terrorist threat; it’s about the haunting realization that the past is never truly dead—it’s just waiting for the right moment to strike.
Why It Works
The Tech Factor: James expertly weaves in high-stakes espionage involving military breakthroughs and pharmaceutical giants. The scale of the threat feels massive, impacting millions of lives, which keeps the tension taut.
The "Team" Dynamic: Brock isn’t a lone wolf this time. Watching his newly formed team navigate his unique psychological landscape adds a fresh layer of complexity to the procedural elements.
Emotional Weight: Beyond the explosions and political maneuvering, the core of the book is about forgiveness versus forgetting. It explores the heavy burden of a mind that can’t let go of a single detail.
"A high-stakes chess match where the board spans continents and the pieces are fueled by old secrets and new betrayals."
The Verdict
If you enjoy thrillers that demand your full attention and reward you with intricate plotting, Fatal Domain is a must-read. It’s a sophisticated blend of technological dread and raw human emotion.
The Hook
The story centers on Travis Brock, a Department of Defense redactor cursed (and blessed) with an eidetic memory. When cryptic clues surface suggesting a dark chapter of his history isn't actually closed, Brock is forced to revisit scars he thought were permanent. This isn't just about a terrorist threat; it’s about the haunting realization that the past is never truly dead—it’s just waiting for the right moment to strike.
Why It Works
The Tech Factor: James expertly weaves in high-stakes espionage involving military breakthroughs and pharmaceutical giants. The scale of the threat feels massive, impacting millions of lives, which keeps the tension taut.
The "Team" Dynamic: Brock isn’t a lone wolf this time. Watching his newly formed team navigate his unique psychological landscape adds a fresh layer of complexity to the procedural elements.
Emotional Weight: Beyond the explosions and political maneuvering, the core of the book is about forgiveness versus forgetting. It explores the heavy burden of a mind that can’t let go of a single detail.
"A high-stakes chess match where the board spans continents and the pieces are fueled by old secrets and new betrayals."
The Verdict
If you enjoy thrillers that demand your full attention and reward you with intricate plotting, Fatal Domain is a must-read. It’s a sophisticated blend of technological dread and raw human emotion.
March 10, 2024
4.5 stars
"I am thinking of denial and second chances and the cages of unforgiveness that are strewn across the landscape of my past. That place is a dominion of darkness and death and self-imposed chains. Yes, it is my choice - and also my hope - to leave that fatal domain."
Endowed with an eidetic memory, Department of Defense redactor Travis Brock remembers many things that he would rather forget. On the other hand, his skill set is a tremendous asset to a team of three whose assignment is to protect one of the military's highly guarded secrets and explains why this story opens with Travis and one of his co-patriots perched on the top of a building while monitoring the movements of a drone that was imaging the dots and dashes from a computer across a ravine. Unfortunately, Travis would have to remember those sequences in order to translate them into usable data, because . . . . . there may have been a five story plunge involved . . . . which meant plan B.
This story twisted and turned within itself one chapter at a time. Tangles turned into tentacles which straightened into trails that stumbled back into twists. . . .. but there was a definite design if you stood back far enough. . . . and became as sticky as a spider web if you ventured too close. The formatting was brilliant, short chapters kept the complexity from becoming suffocating, allowing multiple characters to appear and disappear from behind their self-imposed curtains.
Ultimately, the final outcome became rather murky before clearing up just long enough to satisfy justice. . . . and to usher in forgiveness . . . . plus, there's more to come.
Note: a few expletives uttered in context.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"I am thinking of denial and second chances and the cages of unforgiveness that are strewn across the landscape of my past. That place is a dominion of darkness and death and self-imposed chains. Yes, it is my choice - and also my hope - to leave that fatal domain."
Endowed with an eidetic memory, Department of Defense redactor Travis Brock remembers many things that he would rather forget. On the other hand, his skill set is a tremendous asset to a team of three whose assignment is to protect one of the military's highly guarded secrets and explains why this story opens with Travis and one of his co-patriots perched on the top of a building while monitoring the movements of a drone that was imaging the dots and dashes from a computer across a ravine. Unfortunately, Travis would have to remember those sequences in order to translate them into usable data, because . . . . . there may have been a five story plunge involved . . . . which meant plan B.
This story twisted and turned within itself one chapter at a time. Tangles turned into tentacles which straightened into trails that stumbled back into twists. . . .. but there was a definite design if you stood back far enough. . . . and became as sticky as a spider web if you ventured too close. The formatting was brilliant, short chapters kept the complexity from becoming suffocating, allowing multiple characters to appear and disappear from behind their self-imposed curtains.
Ultimately, the final outcome became rather murky before clearing up just long enough to satisfy justice. . . . and to usher in forgiveness . . . . plus, there's more to come.
Note: a few expletives uttered in context.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
April 17, 2024
I've loved Steven James' work for years, and was thrilled to be offered an ARC copy of his latest book, continuing the story of Travis Brock, a Pentagon redactor. There's a lot going on here, and I'll admit I didn't reread book 1 before starting this, but in this case I think it worked out, since it has been less than 2 years since I last read Broker of Lies. I will say that, unlike with the Bowers Files books, these books don't work well as stand-alones, at least not so far. There is a lot in this book building on what was established in book 1, so keep that in mind. James writes great tension and mysteries with characters I actually care about. There were so many cool character moments in this novel that didn't really have to do directly with the main plot, but they really gave me a feel for the characters. Travis and Adira seem very sweet, and Gunnar is probably one of my favorite buddy-cop sidekicks. The storylines involving Travis's mom and his estranged father, his deceased (?) wife Sienna, and his struggles with forgiveness were some character highlights for me. As always, James includes some mild theological musings in his novels as his characters grapple with morality and how to behave in an oftentimes violent and morally murky profession. I've always found these portions of the novels to be less jarring and abrupt than in many mainstream Christian novels, but it does still sometimes jolt me out of the story. All in all, this is a very solid and enjoyable new offering from one of my favorite thriller authors!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 9, 2024
I need a neck massage and back rub after running through this book with the Red team, as I feel as if I have lived in this story for the past two days. This was one tense story. A harrowing, complex tale encompassing all the things we all worry about on a daily basis, but are happily unaware. Travis Brock is a Department of Defense redactor and is brilliant. He is not your average hero in a story. He does not use his brute strength, but he uses his sharp mind to battle unseen enemies. Someone is trying to steal a piece of military technology, which if in the wrong hands could cause harm they do not even want to think about. There are known enemies, and then those who you think you can trust, but soon realize you cannot trust them.
The mystery is very complex with a lot of moving parts and pieces, but it will all make sense in the end. The characters in this story are so incredibly interesting. Their lives have intersected due to their expertise, but also due to their past. Apparently you would do well to read book #1 in this series first. However, I believe the author does a good job of laying the foundation so you can see where these characters have been. There is a lot of geek speak, but even if you do not understand that language, you will still understand the premise of the story. I certainly understood it and enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The mystery is very complex with a lot of moving parts and pieces, but it will all make sense in the end. The characters in this story are so incredibly interesting. Their lives have intersected due to their expertise, but also due to their past. Apparently you would do well to read book #1 in this series first. However, I believe the author does a good job of laying the foundation so you can see where these characters have been. There is a lot of geek speak, but even if you do not understand that language, you will still understand the premise of the story. I certainly understood it and enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 21, 2024
Another fabulous thriller by Steven James that is full of intertwined moments making for a complex and amazing story.
Travis Brock works as a redactor at the Pentagon and with his eidetic memory he is able to remember everything he reads which makes him very valuable to the wrong people. Travis is still working on getting over the pain of his wife dying in the fire at their house that left him with burns on his body. When evidence surfaces that his wife might actually be alive and be the one behind the fire, Travis and his team are pulled into a bigger plot that could mean trouble for the whole country.
Steven James has been called a “Master Storyteller” for a reason. He has a way of crafting amazing stories that are twisted and full of puzzle pieces that all fit together nicely at the end for an amazing story. His stories are not the kind you can read haphazardly and not pay attention to every detail; you will definitely miss key details needed for the rest of the story. I love the way he drops crumbs throughout that may not make sense until you get to the end and when they fit together puts a smile on my face. James is the kind of author that as soon as I know he has a book coming out I am waiting by the mailbox for it to come in and start devouring the pages. I would recommend reading the first book in this series before starting this one for sure. Fans of Steven James and anyone who loves a good suspense book will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Travis Brock works as a redactor at the Pentagon and with his eidetic memory he is able to remember everything he reads which makes him very valuable to the wrong people. Travis is still working on getting over the pain of his wife dying in the fire at their house that left him with burns on his body. When evidence surfaces that his wife might actually be alive and be the one behind the fire, Travis and his team are pulled into a bigger plot that could mean trouble for the whole country.
Steven James has been called a “Master Storyteller” for a reason. He has a way of crafting amazing stories that are twisted and full of puzzle pieces that all fit together nicely at the end for an amazing story. His stories are not the kind you can read haphazardly and not pay attention to every detail; you will definitely miss key details needed for the rest of the story. I love the way he drops crumbs throughout that may not make sense until you get to the end and when they fit together puts a smile on my face. James is the kind of author that as soon as I know he has a book coming out I am waiting by the mailbox for it to come in and start devouring the pages. I would recommend reading the first book in this series before starting this one for sure. Fans of Steven James and anyone who loves a good suspense book will not want to miss this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
March 10, 2025
Fatal Domain by Steven James exceeded my expectations for a fast-paced suspense/thriller.
One reviewer said book one should be read first to grasp this story fully, but I say go ahead and feast on this book if you happen to pick it up first. The fictive waters are warm. I have not read book one yet (yes, I will go back and read it), but James' masterful writing easily welcomed me into Travis Brock's world
Travis Brock's superpower is his memory. Gifted with the ability to memorize, not necessarily comprehend, but store a wealth of information, Brock is an asset for the government, especially when cyber hacks destroy vital information. But Brock is human. Torn when his beloved wife is killed in a fire, consumed when evidence points to the body in her grave is not really her. He is not the A-team super-fighter. He is the brainiac, and so when asked to jump off a building into water to escape gunfire, his ability to fall with Barbie feet to keep from smashing every bone in his feet is uncertain.
This story is packed with action, uncertainty, questions, themes of forgiveness, and questionable choices, all things we face in varying degrees. It is sure to touch everyone where they are.
Having sat under Steven James's teachings on how to write twists in books, I was on the watch for clues, ready to predict the outcome. But, as I also expected, James supplied the perfect yet unexpected answer, once again eluding me. Kudos.
Someday, I'm going to figure out the answer before the story tells it. Game on, Steven James.
Highly recommended
One reviewer said book one should be read first to grasp this story fully, but I say go ahead and feast on this book if you happen to pick it up first. The fictive waters are warm. I have not read book one yet (yes, I will go back and read it), but James' masterful writing easily welcomed me into Travis Brock's world
Travis Brock's superpower is his memory. Gifted with the ability to memorize, not necessarily comprehend, but store a wealth of information, Brock is an asset for the government, especially when cyber hacks destroy vital information. But Brock is human. Torn when his beloved wife is killed in a fire, consumed when evidence points to the body in her grave is not really her. He is not the A-team super-fighter. He is the brainiac, and so when asked to jump off a building into water to escape gunfire, his ability to fall with Barbie feet to keep from smashing every bone in his feet is uncertain.
This story is packed with action, uncertainty, questions, themes of forgiveness, and questionable choices, all things we face in varying degrees. It is sure to touch everyone where they are.
Having sat under Steven James's teachings on how to write twists in books, I was on the watch for clues, ready to predict the outcome. But, as I also expected, James supplied the perfect yet unexpected answer, once again eluding me. Kudos.
Someday, I'm going to figure out the answer before the story tells it. Game on, Steven James.
Highly recommended
August 7, 2024
This is a new author for me, but a bestselling and Christy Award winner so I was excited to dive into a new suspense series. The novel begins as a slow buildup of the plot and it almost lost me there, but stick with it because it is incredibly good. The storyline is cleverly crafted, delving deep into terrorism, espionage and the shadowy figures of our covert teams that keep our country safe. Be prepared to enjoy an on the edge of your seat book that is astonishingly intense. It will keep you guessing who the shadow figures are until the bitter end. This is book two of the Travis Brock Thriller series and I think that I would have been much more familiar with the main characters and felt more at ease with the situations they find themselves in if I had read them in order.
This is my first novel by Steven James and I do want to go back and read Broker of Lies which is the first in this series. I have no idea how he was not on my radar, but he’s won numerous awards and is a bestselling novelist of over nineteen books. I definitely need to check out his backlist!
I received a copy of this book from a blog give-away and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
This is my first novel by Steven James and I do want to go back and read Broker of Lies which is the first in this series. I have no idea how he was not on my radar, but he’s won numerous awards and is a bestselling novelist of over nineteen books. I definitely need to check out his backlist!
I received a copy of this book from a blog give-away and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
March 7, 2024
** Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an ARC of this book! These thoughts are entirely my own.**
Fatal Domain started off a little bit slow for me, but it picked up right after the first book, which was nice. I loved the aspects of medical research; that plotline was so interesting! Travis and Adira are still really compelling characters and very interesting to follow. However, I don’t love Gunnar, mostly because of his book-writing plotline. It feels like a convenient afterthought, and Gunnar’s excerpts are borderline inappropriate, which I don’t like.
However, something I consistently love about Steven James’s novels, Fatal Domain included, is his exploration of Christian themes without the themes being overly sappy, over-the-top, or poorly written. The themes of forgiveness and the deep questions Travis asks are so great, and they made me stop and think, which I loved.
I gave this book four stars because the pacing at the beginning was really slow, which made it hard for me to get into the novel. However, it definitely picked up, and after the beginning 15% (ish) I was hooked. I loved the writing style and subtle Christian themes. Overall, Fatal Domain is a great, compelling Christian suspense novel that I highly recommend reading.
Fatal Domain started off a little bit slow for me, but it picked up right after the first book, which was nice. I loved the aspects of medical research; that plotline was so interesting! Travis and Adira are still really compelling characters and very interesting to follow. However, I don’t love Gunnar, mostly because of his book-writing plotline. It feels like a convenient afterthought, and Gunnar’s excerpts are borderline inappropriate, which I don’t like.
However, something I consistently love about Steven James’s novels, Fatal Domain included, is his exploration of Christian themes without the themes being overly sappy, over-the-top, or poorly written. The themes of forgiveness and the deep questions Travis asks are so great, and they made me stop and think, which I loved.
I gave this book four stars because the pacing at the beginning was really slow, which made it hard for me to get into the novel. However, it definitely picked up, and after the beginning 15% (ish) I was hooked. I loved the writing style and subtle Christian themes. Overall, Fatal Domain is a great, compelling Christian suspense novel that I highly recommend reading.
April 13, 2024
*Be loved. Betrayed*
Wow what a rollercoaster of a story full of intrigue and danger. DOD agent Travis Brock has a remarkable memory that he uses at the Pentagon. He is a widower who was scarred when a fire burned him and took the life of his wife. Travis is a man trying to do his job and having life throw things at him along the way.
Lots of criminals in this one who are crafty and evil. Get into the mind of people who will do anything to advance their agenda. *We are as much drawn to the light as we are lured by the darkness. Both. Always both.* A few unique scenarios keep this spy thriller very interesting. Add in some family drama and an impending threat and this was a great page turner.
This can be raw in some scenes but completely believable and current. The author infuses his story with characters who are searching for spiritual answers and a reformed convict who is asking for forgiveness. *When we play God, there are always unintended consequences that makes it clear we are not up to the task, He creates life in His own image. We create monsters in ours.*
Some things are not resolved in this story but the promise is there of more to come from Travis Brock in book 3.
* I received a complimentary book from Tyndale via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Wow what a rollercoaster of a story full of intrigue and danger. DOD agent Travis Brock has a remarkable memory that he uses at the Pentagon. He is a widower who was scarred when a fire burned him and took the life of his wife. Travis is a man trying to do his job and having life throw things at him along the way.
Lots of criminals in this one who are crafty and evil. Get into the mind of people who will do anything to advance their agenda. *We are as much drawn to the light as we are lured by the darkness. Both. Always both.* A few unique scenarios keep this spy thriller very interesting. Add in some family drama and an impending threat and this was a great page turner.
This can be raw in some scenes but completely believable and current. The author infuses his story with characters who are searching for spiritual answers and a reformed convict who is asking for forgiveness. *When we play God, there are always unintended consequences that makes it clear we are not up to the task, He creates life in His own image. We create monsters in ours.*
Some things are not resolved in this story but the promise is there of more to come from Travis Brock in book 3.
* I received a complimentary book from Tyndale via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
May 18, 2024
Fatal Domain by Steven James
Travis Brock, redactor for the Department of Defense, discovers that parts of his past have now returned to haunt his present. He and his newly-formed team must determine why a terrorist group wants to steal some very valuable military technology. As they dig deeper, the conspiracy grows larger sweeping from a refugee camp in Uganda to the doors of the Pentagon and involving a pharmaceutical giant, as well as a villain from a previous book.
As Travis struggles to know who to trust, he must also come to grips with his past while grappling with forgiveness. His budding relationship with Adira is put to the test. At the same time, the author puts a new villain in place and sets up a new challenge for Brock, Adira and Gunnar.
This book had a good mix of action and pondering. The characters were further developed by this story and I could easily see another book in the series. I would likely read another book because the characters were intriguing and the conclusion left me wondering.
This is the second book of the series and would be better understood by reading the first, Broker of Lies. I am grateful to the publisher for this book in return for this, my honest review.
Travis Brock, redactor for the Department of Defense, discovers that parts of his past have now returned to haunt his present. He and his newly-formed team must determine why a terrorist group wants to steal some very valuable military technology. As they dig deeper, the conspiracy grows larger sweeping from a refugee camp in Uganda to the doors of the Pentagon and involving a pharmaceutical giant, as well as a villain from a previous book.
As Travis struggles to know who to trust, he must also come to grips with his past while grappling with forgiveness. His budding relationship with Adira is put to the test. At the same time, the author puts a new villain in place and sets up a new challenge for Brock, Adira and Gunnar.
This book had a good mix of action and pondering. The characters were further developed by this story and I could easily see another book in the series. I would likely read another book because the characters were intriguing and the conclusion left me wondering.
This is the second book of the series and would be better understood by reading the first, Broker of Lies. I am grateful to the publisher for this book in return for this, my honest review.
August 17, 2024
Travis Brock is an extraordinary person with his eidetic memory and his desire to stop evil. He works in a world that is full of secrets, always searching for truth. With all that he has seen and experienced, it would seem that he would never trust anyone. The story is fast paced, with high energy, great suspense, lots of action, and loads of tension. Somehow, Steven James manages to include multiple threads to the story that keeps the reader guessing about what comes next. The over-arching theme deals with an effort to develop a drug that will combat dementia. I have finished reading the book, but I have a feeling the story is not yet over. I look forward to reading more about Brock and his team. One of the interesting aspects of the book is the way some deep philosophical thoughts are interjected at various points in the story as the hero mulls over the impact of various potential actions that he is contemplating. Most of us may never be in many of the situations in which he found himself, but he certainly provides food for thought.
April 8, 2024
“When we play God, there are always unintended consequences that make it clear we’re not up to the task. He creates life in his own image. We create monsters in ours.”
“We have torturous desires and we have holy ambitions. Both. We are as much drawn to the light as we are lured by the darkness. Both. Always both.”
“That place is a dominion of darkness and death and of self-imposed chains. Yes, it is my choice—and also my only hope—to leave that fatal domain.”
Another really good Travis Brock book by Steven James. I enjoyed this one as much, and maybe a little more, than the first book Broker Of Lies. I’ve enjoyed seeing some of the characters fleshed out even more, including not only Travis but also Adira and Gunnar. Steven James has created a nice political thriller that weaves in some techno thriller as well.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
“We have torturous desires and we have holy ambitions. Both. We are as much drawn to the light as we are lured by the darkness. Both. Always both.”
“That place is a dominion of darkness and death and of self-imposed chains. Yes, it is my choice—and also my only hope—to leave that fatal domain.”
Another really good Travis Brock book by Steven James. I enjoyed this one as much, and maybe a little more, than the first book Broker Of Lies. I’ve enjoyed seeing some of the characters fleshed out even more, including not only Travis but also Adira and Gunnar. Steven James has created a nice political thriller that weaves in some techno thriller as well.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
April 13, 2024
What an excellent novel! This book has it all: suspense, surprises and doing what is right. Despite the evil in the novel it was all about forgiveness. Good vs evil. God wiping away our tears with a loving hand. “Forgiveness is not about retribution. It’s not about punishing others, but about freeing yourself.” The choice. Sometimes the choises people/governments make are terribly wrong. We know what is right and what is wrong, but people do not always make the correct decisions. Though the book can be heart breaking, it is well worth the read. I tend to look for the best and the times it touched on God and forgiveness made the book for me. I look forward to the next Travis Brock adventure. What to see where Travis, Adria, Gunnar and Colonial Clarke end up. I will recommend this book to all my suspense readers who come into our church library.
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