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Talia Inger #1
The Gryphon Heist
Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe--a department only known as "Other." When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she'll be back in DC within a few days. But that's before she knows where the designs are stored--and who's after them. With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where only criminal minds and unlikely strategies will keep the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault, hovering in the mesosphere.
Even Tyler is more than he seems, and Talia begins to wonder: Is he helping her? Or using her access to CIA resources to pull off an epic heist for his own dark purposes?
In this Ocean's Eleven- meets -Mission Impossible thriller, former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James R. Hannibal offers you a nonstop thrill ride through the most daring heist ever conceived.
Even Tyler is more than he seems, and Talia begins to wonder: Is he helping her? Or using her access to CIA resources to pull off an epic heist for his own dark purposes?
In this Ocean's Eleven- meets -Mission Impossible thriller, former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James R. Hannibal offers you a nonstop thrill ride through the most daring heist ever conceived.
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2019
341 people are currently reading
1737 people want to read
About the author
James R. Hannibal
20 books654 followersJames R. Hannibal an award-winning author of kids fiction, spy and military thrillers, and young adult fantasy. As a former stealth bomber pilot and drone pilot James is no stranger to action or secrets. He has been shot at, locked up by a surface to air missile system, and aided the capture of High Value Targets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
November 14, 2025
The first time I read this book, I was just trying to figure out what in the world—or should I say, what in the mesosphere—was going on. Since then, I’ve read it twice more just for enjoyment. That’s saying something from a discovery reader who doesn’t often re-read books once she knows how they end.
The characters are a blast and the main reason I’ve enjoyed this book more than once. I love the banter and scheming and tension between the team members, as well as all their different personalities and, uh, talents.
I do have to admit that Talia herself isn’t my favorite character, even though she’s the protagonist. I’m not a fan of tough female officers in general, but I knew that going into this. Mainly, Talia seemed like she was either out of the loop or just being stubborn a lot of the time, so she didn’t really feel like the heroine. But her friendship with Eddie was fun to read. I really enjoyed the overall lack of romance—just a couple of potential love interests or crushes that weren’t the focus of the story.
Not that I have anything against romance, but when I want a thriller, I want a thriller, and this delivered. I was afraid the tech would come off with a sci-fi feel, but it stayed realistic. This book does require me to suspend my natural cynicism a few times and say, “Okay, this is crazy, but I’ll roll with it.” But it’s worth it.
The spiritual themes are well done, despite some resolution that happened rather fast, and I appreciate the clear message of redemption on Christ’s merit, not our own. All too often, “Christian” fiction doesn’t reference Christ himself at all, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case here. Talia’s spiritual state isn’t exactly clear, but there’s no doubt she got pointed in the right direction!
This is a thriller, so there is some “battle, murder, and sudden death.” Overall, though, the violence level is not as high as in most thrillers. My only other (minor) objection is that justice sort of got ignored in this world of con artists and burglars and assassins and gray areas. Being a thief for a good cause is still being a thief… But regardless, I highly enjoyed this and had a hard time putting it down. James Hannibal writes like he knows his stuff (which he does; just read his bio).
It should be noted that the second book in the series, Chasing the White Lion, contains a lot more violence and darkness than is to my taste, so I didn’t enjoy that one nearly as much as this one. However, The Gryphon Heist can be read as a stand-alone even if you choose not to continue the series. If you love action-adventure stories with a great supporting cast and just a smidge of impossibility, give this one a try.
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The characters are a blast and the main reason I’ve enjoyed this book more than once. I love the banter and scheming and tension between the team members, as well as all their different personalities and, uh, talents.
I do have to admit that Talia herself isn’t my favorite character, even though she’s the protagonist. I’m not a fan of tough female officers in general, but I knew that going into this. Mainly, Talia seemed like she was either out of the loop or just being stubborn a lot of the time, so she didn’t really feel like the heroine. But her friendship with Eddie was fun to read. I really enjoyed the overall lack of romance—just a couple of potential love interests or crushes that weren’t the focus of the story.
Not that I have anything against romance, but when I want a thriller, I want a thriller, and this delivered. I was afraid the tech would come off with a sci-fi feel, but it stayed realistic. This book does require me to suspend my natural cynicism a few times and say, “Okay, this is crazy, but I’ll roll with it.” But it’s worth it.
The spiritual themes are well done, despite some resolution that happened rather fast, and I appreciate the clear message of redemption on Christ’s merit, not our own. All too often, “Christian” fiction doesn’t reference Christ himself at all, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case here. Talia’s spiritual state isn’t exactly clear, but there’s no doubt she got pointed in the right direction!
This is a thriller, so there is some “battle, murder, and sudden death.” Overall, though, the violence level is not as high as in most thrillers. My only other (minor) objection is that justice sort of got ignored in this world of con artists and burglars and assassins and gray areas. Being a thief for a good cause is still being a thief… But regardless, I highly enjoyed this and had a hard time putting it down. James Hannibal writes like he knows his stuff (which he does; just read his bio).
It should be noted that the second book in the series, Chasing the White Lion, contains a lot more violence and darkness than is to my taste, so I didn’t enjoy that one nearly as much as this one. However, The Gryphon Heist can be read as a stand-alone even if you choose not to continue the series. If you love action-adventure stories with a great supporting cast and just a smidge of impossibility, give this one a try.
Join my newsletter list for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
September 5, 2019
Brand new to the CIA Operations Directorate, Talia Inger is desperate to cut her teeth on a real spy mission. Moscow Station is her dream, but after messing up on her final exam, she’s instead assigned to the purgatory of the Other Europe desk and sent to Moldova to babysit a businessman. When things suddenly turn unexpectedly lethal and Talia realises there’s a highly-placed mole in CIA feeding information to her enemies, she has to put together a team of independents to pull off one of the most daring heists the spy world has ever seen… to save the lives of everyone in Washington, D.C.
It’s Mission: Impossible meets Oceans 11, and it’s honestly great, rip-roaring fun. Eddie, Talia’s techie sidekick who she went through CIA training with, is the only person she’s 100% sure she can trust. Everyone else’s loyalty and motivations are in question, and there are several times in the book where Talia has to make choices between the lesser of two evils, learning that things aren’t necessarily black and white.
One thing I will mention, because it might put some readers off, is that there’s a degree of overt Christianity in the book. A principal character who is eventually revealed to be a ‘good guy’ (mostly) because of his conversion to Christianity after an incident which capped off a very shady past. If that bothers you, you might want to give this one a miss, but if you’re a fan of action-adventure stories with a diverse cast of characters and a really unusual heist at the climax, it’s a terrific read. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
It’s Mission: Impossible meets Oceans 11, and it’s honestly great, rip-roaring fun. Eddie, Talia’s techie sidekick who she went through CIA training with, is the only person she’s 100% sure she can trust. Everyone else’s loyalty and motivations are in question, and there are several times in the book where Talia has to make choices between the lesser of two evils, learning that things aren’t necessarily black and white.
One thing I will mention, because it might put some readers off, is that there’s a degree of overt Christianity in the book. A principal character who is eventually revealed to be a ‘good guy’ (mostly) because of his conversion to Christianity after an incident which capped off a very shady past. If that bothers you, you might want to give this one a miss, but if you’re a fan of action-adventure stories with a diverse cast of characters and a really unusual heist at the climax, it’s a terrific read. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
September 23, 2019
Enjoyable espionage thriller. With quick action, tangible danger, and a cast of unique characters the entire novel read like a movie that left me excited to keep reading.
What made this story stand out to me was the unique plot and the dynamic between characters. Mr. Hannibal does a fantastic job giving each character an unforgettable personality bringing them to life on the page. There were some easy guesses on the part of the plot but the action and storyline made it easy to overlook those and simply enjoy the adventurous ride. The chapters are quick, keeping the pace heightened and I like the way the author wove in the faith element.
Overall, this is a great story and perfect for fans of high action thrillers. I'm looking forward to the next book!
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.***
What made this story stand out to me was the unique plot and the dynamic between characters. Mr. Hannibal does a fantastic job giving each character an unforgettable personality bringing them to life on the page. There were some easy guesses on the part of the plot but the action and storyline made it easy to overlook those and simply enjoy the adventurous ride. The chapters are quick, keeping the pace heightened and I like the way the author wove in the faith element.
Overall, this is a great story and perfect for fans of high action thrillers. I'm looking forward to the next book!
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.***
September 25, 2019
Thank you to Revell and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Gryphon Heist
By: James R. Hannibal
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Whenever I get a book in the mail, I always open it to read the first few pages. With The Gryphon Heist, I read the first chapter and the second and the entire book. It's just the kind of book that is difficult to put down, so I didn't! The story begins with what is going on here action and continues that way. Talia is an excellent female lead with strength, perseverance and intelligence. She is a CIA operative sent to nowhere land instead of the great assignment she wanted because she screwed up bad. This nothing place with a crap assignment turns out to be hugely important and very something after all. The cast of characters are likeable, entertaining and complex with their own issues. It's a well balanced group on an important mission. Talia doesn't know who she can trust, and she must rely on her instincts. It's a thrilling well written tale with twists I never saw coming. This story has an authentic feel about it rather than over the top ridiculous. If you like action packed thrillers with unpredictability, this one is for you!
The Gryphon Heist
By: James R. Hannibal
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Whenever I get a book in the mail, I always open it to read the first few pages. With The Gryphon Heist, I read the first chapter and the second and the entire book. It's just the kind of book that is difficult to put down, so I didn't! The story begins with what is going on here action and continues that way. Talia is an excellent female lead with strength, perseverance and intelligence. She is a CIA operative sent to nowhere land instead of the great assignment she wanted because she screwed up bad. This nothing place with a crap assignment turns out to be hugely important and very something after all. The cast of characters are likeable, entertaining and complex with their own issues. It's a well balanced group on an important mission. Talia doesn't know who she can trust, and she must rely on her instincts. It's a thrilling well written tale with twists I never saw coming. This story has an authentic feel about it rather than over the top ridiculous. If you like action packed thrillers with unpredictability, this one is for you!
January 14, 2021
FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me complimentary copies of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Well, that was interesting. Allow me to recap.
THE CHARACTERS:
Sadly, I felt the characterization was lacking. Talia and her co workers all felt like well-worn repeats of standardized (and not very good) stereotypes. Eddie was really the only one that was mildly cute, but there were a few developments with him at the end that I didn't like. The main character, Talia, your typical tough-talking, yet secretly anxiety ridden professional woman and the only thing that made her different was her extreme naivete—which, unfortunately, was hard to except. Didn’t she watch TV or read novels? Even I know the real moral code (or lack thereof) of the CIA—Talia’s foolish belief that she’s going to carry out her career in the agency like a lady Boy Scout feels unbelievably foolish.
Overall, I liked Talia’s back story and character arc (unfortunately, I saw some spoilers for the big reveal a the end, so it kind of ruined the surprise for me) and I thought her personal theme was a unique one, given the usually more plot-oriented genre, however –
THE THEMES:
Most of the Christian elements themselves felt stilted and rushed as characters leap into faith and accepting God with very little foreshadowing. Most of the stories Christian elements were tied to the main plot-lines so you couldn’t remove them entirely (which ALMOST would have been my first preference, since it felt out of place)—but I wish they had been portrayed with a little more authenticity.
THE DIALOGUE:
There are a few scenes and lines that are generally amusing but, for the most part, most of the dialogue is very unnatural and stilted as it makes self-conscious attempts to be witty or deep by turn.
MISCELLANY:
I did appreciate that the author shied away from any romance with Talia, but I was aggravated that
I felt like there were too many token characters in this book. The international cast felt like a weak salute to Star Trek and each nationality represented feels like a bad parody.
THE PLOT (and the tech):
I gave this novel an extra star for plot originality.
The author really pushed the envelope of his niche and genre and, in exchange, we got an interesting and unique blind of adventure novel, heist story, spy thriller, and Christian fiction. The author’s true strengths are definitely coming up with unique concepts and writing technical jargon (ala Tom Clancy). In my opinion, this book would have been far better if it had been ghostwritten and some of the plethora of stereotypes had been removed.
SUMMARY:
While there was nothing stellar about the writing or the characters, this was still a mildly entertaining read with some interesting twists. (It was even educational at times: I learned what an ekranoplan is!).
Well, that was interesting. Allow me to recap.
THE CHARACTERS:
Sadly, I felt the characterization was lacking. Talia and her co workers all felt like well-worn repeats of standardized (and not very good) stereotypes. Eddie was really the only one that was mildly cute, but there were a few developments with him at the end that I didn't like. The main character, Talia, your typical tough-talking, yet secretly anxiety ridden professional woman and the only thing that made her different was her extreme naivete—which, unfortunately, was hard to except. Didn’t she watch TV or read novels? Even I know the real moral code (or lack thereof) of the CIA—Talia’s foolish belief that she’s going to carry out her career in the agency like a lady Boy Scout feels unbelievably foolish.
Overall, I liked Talia’s back story and character arc (unfortunately, I saw some spoilers for the big reveal a the end, so it kind of ruined the surprise for me) and I thought her personal theme was a unique one, given the usually more plot-oriented genre, however –
THE THEMES:
Most of the Christian elements themselves felt stilted and rushed as characters leap into faith and accepting God with very little foreshadowing. Most of the stories Christian elements were tied to the main plot-lines so you couldn’t remove them entirely (which ALMOST would have been my first preference, since it felt out of place)—but I wish they had been portrayed with a little more authenticity.
THE DIALOGUE:
There are a few scenes and lines that are generally amusing but, for the most part, most of the dialogue is very unnatural and stilted as it makes self-conscious attempts to be witty or deep by turn.
MISCELLANY:
I did appreciate that the author shied away from any romance with Talia, but I was aggravated that
I felt like there were too many token characters in this book. The international cast felt like a weak salute to Star Trek and each nationality represented feels like a bad parody.
THE PLOT (and the tech):
I gave this novel an extra star for plot originality.
The author really pushed the envelope of his niche and genre and, in exchange, we got an interesting and unique blind of adventure novel, heist story, spy thriller, and Christian fiction. The author’s true strengths are definitely coming up with unique concepts and writing technical jargon (ala Tom Clancy). In my opinion, this book would have been far better if it had been ghostwritten and some of the plethora of stereotypes had been removed.
SUMMARY:
While there was nothing stellar about the writing or the characters, this was still a mildly entertaining read with some interesting twists. (It was even educational at times: I learned what an ekranoplan is!).
June 7, 2022
Characters: All the characters were quite interesting. Just the type you need in a spy/action/adventure novel.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The moral of this novel was forgiveness. This moral has been done many times, but the author did a great job with it. Still, I'd have appreciated Talia taking a little more time to forgive whom she needed to. I'm being purposely vague so I don't give any spoilers. :)
Plot: I'm happy to report the plot didn't have boring moments! The author definitely kept the story moving from one high-stakes scenario to the next. I did get a little confused a couple times, but that could've been my own fault for reading late at night.
Romance: Clean. Only the side characters had a little romance going on.
Writing: James Hannibal's writing style worked great for this book.
Overall: I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would which is always a pleasant surprise. It reminded me of some of Davis Bunn's books, both in plot and in characters. The author obviously knew what he was talking about, and that showed in the story. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction, suspense, or action/adventure novels.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The moral of this novel was forgiveness. This moral has been done many times, but the author did a great job with it. Still, I'd have appreciated Talia taking a little more time to forgive whom she needed to. I'm being purposely vague so I don't give any spoilers. :)
Plot: I'm happy to report the plot didn't have boring moments! The author definitely kept the story moving from one high-stakes scenario to the next. I did get a little confused a couple times, but that could've been my own fault for reading late at night.
Romance: Clean. Only the side characters had a little romance going on.
Writing: James Hannibal's writing style worked great for this book.
Overall: I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would which is always a pleasant surprise. It reminded me of some of Davis Bunn's books, both in plot and in characters. The author obviously knew what he was talking about, and that showed in the story. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction, suspense, or action/adventure novels.
November 9, 2019
The Gryphon Heist is an exciting espionage/heist novel. The story is filled with action and adventure, taking in multiple destinations around Europe. I don’t want to say too much about the plot because it is full of twists and turns. I was left guessing who were the good guys and who were the criminals.
This book reminded me of James Bond or Ocean’s Eleven but without the sex or swearing.
Despite the high action and the ongoing mystery, the main character, Talia Inger, does develop throughout the book. She has to confront issues from her past as well as where she stands on matters of faith.
I enjoyed meeting all the different characters involved in the heist and I’m looking forward to reading more about some of them in the sequel.
This book kept me guessing who to trust. It was an entertaining read.
4.5/5 stars
This book reminded me of James Bond or Ocean’s Eleven but without the sex or swearing.
Despite the high action and the ongoing mystery, the main character, Talia Inger, does develop throughout the book. She has to confront issues from her past as well as where she stands on matters of faith.
I enjoyed meeting all the different characters involved in the heist and I’m looking forward to reading more about some of them in the sequel.
This book kept me guessing who to trust. It was an entertaining read.
4.5/5 stars
March 9, 2020
Warning: you do not want to read book two before book one. I read the first four chapters of book two before I realized there was a book one, and it made book one way less suspenseful—because it answered some questions that drove the mystery and suspense in book one.
That being said, wow. It has been a long time since a book has captured my fascination like this book. I didn’t want to put it down (though I obviously had to, because it took me a week to read it). After about 65%, I’ll admit that the constant action of the book got a little redundant, or maybe it was just a tad difficult to keep up with the “why” they were doing everything. It felt like the MC, Talia, was dragged about the mission absolutely clueless.
The “team” for the series is gathered in this book under the guise of working for a renowned criminal—or... is it a guise? Adam Tyler is a side character of mystery. Talia Inger is the main character with a painful past that she is trying to get over by becoming a CIA agent. Eddie is Talia's CIA tech guru sidekick. Mac is a burly criminal who excels in piloting. Finn is a cat burglar who uses balloons and flight gear to make his burglaries. Darcy is a chemist who believes explosions should be an art. And then there is Val, the con artist. Having a variety of interesting characters is definitely one of the major pluses of this book. They were fascinating. I’d have to admit that Talia was less interesting than the rest, which is sad, because she’s the MC. Her role in the mission wasn’t as clearly defined as the others—even though Tyler said they couldn’t have done it without her.
It is a clean read with a Christian lean; not as much of a theological message as some books, but it is definitely there and honestly, the book wouldn’t be nearly as strong without that Christian thread woven through.
There may have been a few romantic innuendos, but besides a “crush” of sorts and a side-character romance, there really wasn’t that emphasis. Personally, I found the lack of romance to be refreshing, but I realize I’m one of the rare readers like this. ;)
I’m greatly looking forward to reading book two, which I saved for my spring break so I can read it in as close to “one sitting” as possible!
(more of a 4.5 stars, due to a few "meh" mentions above, but I liked it a lot...)
That being said, wow. It has been a long time since a book has captured my fascination like this book. I didn’t want to put it down (though I obviously had to, because it took me a week to read it). After about 65%, I’ll admit that the constant action of the book got a little redundant, or maybe it was just a tad difficult to keep up with the “why” they were doing everything. It felt like the MC, Talia, was dragged about the mission absolutely clueless.
The “team” for the series is gathered in this book under the guise of working for a renowned criminal—or... is it a guise? Adam Tyler is a side character of mystery. Talia Inger is the main character with a painful past that she is trying to get over by becoming a CIA agent. Eddie is Talia's CIA tech guru sidekick. Mac is a burly criminal who excels in piloting. Finn is a cat burglar who uses balloons and flight gear to make his burglaries. Darcy is a chemist who believes explosions should be an art. And then there is Val, the con artist. Having a variety of interesting characters is definitely one of the major pluses of this book. They were fascinating. I’d have to admit that Talia was less interesting than the rest, which is sad, because she’s the MC. Her role in the mission wasn’t as clearly defined as the others—even though Tyler said they couldn’t have done it without her.
It is a clean read with a Christian lean; not as much of a theological message as some books, but it is definitely there and honestly, the book wouldn’t be nearly as strong without that Christian thread woven through.
There may have been a few romantic innuendos, but besides a “crush” of sorts and a side-character romance, there really wasn’t that emphasis. Personally, I found the lack of romance to be refreshing, but I realize I’m one of the rare readers like this. ;)
I’m greatly looking forward to reading book two, which I saved for my spring break so I can read it in as close to “one sitting” as possible!
(more of a 4.5 stars, due to a few "meh" mentions above, but I liked it a lot...)
August 8, 2019
I recently read this wonderful, great and heart-stopping, race against time novel James Hannibal wrote. The Gryphon Heist is one heck of a read, albeit in my opinion. But opinions do not go well in a world that is in need of facts. So, here are some facts readers ought to be aware of when it comes to picking up this book to read it. James Hannibal, from the back of the book, "is no stranger to secrets and adventure." From the moment I started reading this book, I absolutely could not put it down.
The first thing I did when I received this book to review it was to read the back of the book to get a feel for James Hannibal. He is a former pilot, as is my own father. That's where the comparison stops. For my own dad did not get shot at in his life. While his life had been in mortal danger at least once in his life, he did not have the kind of life James Hannibal has. And that is ultimately where a full comparison ends. James Hannibal has led a fully interesting life, not only being shot at, or chased down by an armed terrorist. He's also won awards for the stories his written.
The lead character in this book, Talia Inger, I would say is the female version of Ethan Hunt off the Mission: Impossible movies. In that sense, her co-star in the book reminds me of a cross of James Bond meeting a possibly charismatic and scheming bad guy. Or so it seems. Over the course of the book she realizes the truth of her unique place and position in the intelligence community. On that note, that ends my assessment of the book. All I can say is it's worth the read. It's exhilarating. It's continuous action from front to back. And above all, it's just simply a wonderful read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review.
The first thing I did when I received this book to review it was to read the back of the book to get a feel for James Hannibal. He is a former pilot, as is my own father. That's where the comparison stops. For my own dad did not get shot at in his life. While his life had been in mortal danger at least once in his life, he did not have the kind of life James Hannibal has. And that is ultimately where a full comparison ends. James Hannibal has led a fully interesting life, not only being shot at, or chased down by an armed terrorist. He's also won awards for the stories his written.
The lead character in this book, Talia Inger, I would say is the female version of Ethan Hunt off the Mission: Impossible movies. In that sense, her co-star in the book reminds me of a cross of James Bond meeting a possibly charismatic and scheming bad guy. Or so it seems. Over the course of the book she realizes the truth of her unique place and position in the intelligence community. On that note, that ends my assessment of the book. All I can say is it's worth the read. It's exhilarating. It's continuous action from front to back. And above all, it's just simply a wonderful read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review.
November 6, 2020
2.5 stars
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So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
August 31, 2019
As soon as I saw this cover I was intrigued! I was really excited to try a new author, especially one who has a military background.
The book blurb sounded like exactly what I was looking for!
While the book was definitely fast paced, it was not the book for me.
I had really hoped for the CIA angle to be realistic, coming from an author who has had military experience.
Unfortunately the main character got on my nerves from the beginning.
I have read biographies of people who go through the Farm and become agents with the CIA, I am no expert, but Talia was just an over the top character.
I could not stop rolling my eyes at how many times she complained about her position or assignment as soon as she became an agent! I can't count how many times she threatened people, some had done nothing to her, and others were her superiors! Sorry, but from what I know, nobody like that would be kept on as an agent.
I actually think I might have liked the book if Tyler or Eddie was the main character. Eddie made me laugh out loud and Tyler was the real brains of the operation.
Seriously, the book could have done without Talia. To me she came across as a teenager who would throw a temper tantrum whenever someone wouldn't obey her.
Not impressed.
I really don't like leaving a negative review, but I must be honest.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, all my opinions are my own.
The book blurb sounded like exactly what I was looking for!
While the book was definitely fast paced, it was not the book for me.
I had really hoped for the CIA angle to be realistic, coming from an author who has had military experience.
Unfortunately the main character got on my nerves from the beginning.
I have read biographies of people who go through the Farm and become agents with the CIA, I am no expert, but Talia was just an over the top character.
I could not stop rolling my eyes at how many times she complained about her position or assignment as soon as she became an agent! I can't count how many times she threatened people, some had done nothing to her, and others were her superiors! Sorry, but from what I know, nobody like that would be kept on as an agent.
I actually think I might have liked the book if Tyler or Eddie was the main character. Eddie made me laugh out loud and Tyler was the real brains of the operation.
Seriously, the book could have done without Talia. To me she came across as a teenager who would throw a temper tantrum whenever someone wouldn't obey her.
Not impressed.
I really don't like leaving a negative review, but I must be honest.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, all my opinions are my own.
September 24, 2019
The Gryphon Heist is an action-packed thriller of a novel! One that should require a seatbelt warning 😊. The synopsis aptly references Ocean’s 11 meeting Mission: Impossible, and I must agree. I’d also add a comparison to the high stakes, globe-trotting, and gadgetry of a James Bond film with a few more espionage and psychology elements.
We’ll get to Talia and Tyler in a moment, but first I want to talk about the cast of characters! The supporting characters are some of the most vivid and memorable I can recall from an ensemble cast in the vein of Ronie Kendig or Susan May Warren. I enjoyed getting to know their quirks and skillsets! Hannibal’s style balances such a large cast admirably, complete with accents I could “hear” through the succinct phrasing.
Even with all the action, the story is deep and layered. Talia is a compelling heroine whose emotions and personal journey to grace are handled extremely well and realistically. The secrets and twists she deals with unfold in surprising ways, and Tyler plays a significant role as an enigmatic leader in all of it. I couldn’t predict ANYTHING about the finally-revealed villain or real plot behind the subterfuge. The end is intriguing, to say the least, and I anticipate another surprising and high stakes story with the sequel releasing early next year!
Thank you to Revell for the review copy. This is my honest review.
We’ll get to Talia and Tyler in a moment, but first I want to talk about the cast of characters! The supporting characters are some of the most vivid and memorable I can recall from an ensemble cast in the vein of Ronie Kendig or Susan May Warren. I enjoyed getting to know their quirks and skillsets! Hannibal’s style balances such a large cast admirably, complete with accents I could “hear” through the succinct phrasing.
Even with all the action, the story is deep and layered. Talia is a compelling heroine whose emotions and personal journey to grace are handled extremely well and realistically. The secrets and twists she deals with unfold in surprising ways, and Tyler plays a significant role as an enigmatic leader in all of it. I couldn’t predict ANYTHING about the finally-revealed villain or real plot behind the subterfuge. The end is intriguing, to say the least, and I anticipate another surprising and high stakes story with the sequel releasing early next year!
Thank you to Revell for the review copy. This is my honest review.
set-aside
July 5, 2019I don't recall how far I got (or didn't get) with skimming this book's blurb ahead of time. Mainly, I saw the title, a new-to-me author, the bold and suspenseful cover, Revell, and I was in. The author's bio is quite interesting, too.
Unfortunately, after more than 100 pages in, the story isn't gripping to me. Perhaps I'm missing something, but it feels like the plot is still trying to get warmed up, and it hasn't held my interest.
I won't be continuing this novel, but I must say I did enjoy some of the character interactions, especially in the scenes with Franklin.
___________
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Unfortunately, after more than 100 pages in, the story isn't gripping to me. Perhaps I'm missing something, but it feels like the plot is still trying to get warmed up, and it hasn't held my interest.
I won't be continuing this novel, but I must say I did enjoy some of the character interactions, especially in the scenes with Franklin.
___________
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
This is one of those books that take a hold of you and drags you down a bumpy and twisting mountain road in the middle of a thunder storm. That's how it felt reading this story. As with all storms, this book starts off with a slow brooding build. I always appreciate finding a good suspense/thriller that is squeaky clean with a decent faith thread woven throughout, because they tend to be few and far between. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am looking forward to reading more. If you enjoy a good suspense/thriller, then highly recommend that you check this one out.
October 1, 2019
Part spy novel, part mission impossible, and all speed ahead, The Gryphon Heist from James R. Hannibal is an entertaining ride that’s akin to watching a suspense movie.
Talia Inger is uber-intelligent (annoying at times but also what makes her an excellent CIA agent). The rest of the team is diverse and eclectic enough to keep readers on their toes.
Hannibal takes you through twists and turns, sometimes leading to surprises and gotcha moments. I love those in books and I’m glad we’ll get to see more of this group in another book. There’s a little bit of cliffhanger (at the end of the novel) that leads readers into the next release, but the heist is resolved in this one. I guess you could look at it like a movie franchise. The first release is out, and now we’re all awaiting the next.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Talia Inger is uber-intelligent (annoying at times but also what makes her an excellent CIA agent). The rest of the team is diverse and eclectic enough to keep readers on their toes.
Hannibal takes you through twists and turns, sometimes leading to surprises and gotcha moments. I love those in books and I’m glad we’ll get to see more of this group in another book. There’s a little bit of cliffhanger (at the end of the novel) that leads readers into the next release, but the heist is resolved in this one. I guess you could look at it like a movie franchise. The first release is out, and now we’re all awaiting the next.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 12, 2020
This was a fun spy thriller filled with twists and turns. Lots of action and adventure, great characters and not knowing who is good and who is bad till the end. And even then, do you still really know? It was a fun ride from the get-go and kept going until the end.
This one suspended belief a bit for me and I struggled with Talia being this stellar agent at the beginning and end, but being taken in as a mark through the middle and falling prey to feelings. I was also frustrated with some of the sci-fi pop culture references that weren't explained, but my husband is a geek, so I had a translator. :) But overall, it was a good book. It's one that I'd really enjoy seeing as a movie!
This one suspended belief a bit for me and I struggled with Talia being this stellar agent at the beginning and end, but being taken in as a mark through the middle and falling prey to feelings. I was also frustrated with some of the sci-fi pop culture references that weren't explained, but my husband is a geek, so I had a translator. :) But overall, it was a good book. It's one that I'd really enjoy seeing as a movie!
June 20, 2020
Great espionage and plenty of action! Talia Unger is a strong heroine. It took me about 100 pages or so before I could really get into this. I was hoping I would have enjoyed it even more though. I do plan on reading the next book.
August 12, 2023
I just could not get motivated to get through this book. You know when you watch a B movie…you know it’s not an A, but you can’t really say why…that’s this book.
The dialog is horrible. The plot far fetched. The “chemistry” between the characters is non-existent. Impossible action. Tooth pulling pain to get through. Ugh. Sorry.
He tries to add some Christian themes and does it so poorly, I am embarrassed as a Christian. Doubt I’ll read any following books in the series.
The dialog is horrible. The plot far fetched. The “chemistry” between the characters is non-existent. Impossible action. Tooth pulling pain to get through. Ugh. Sorry.
He tries to add some Christian themes and does it so poorly, I am embarrassed as a Christian. Doubt I’ll read any following books in the series.
November 19, 2019
I honestly couldn't decide if I want to rate this a 4 or a 5. If Goodreads allowed 1/2 stars I'd go right down the middle. What kept me from giving this an automatic 5 is Talia. She was a little hard to like in some portions of the book and I really wanted to shake her during those times. However, I'm on the outside looking in from this story and she has a backstory that makes the decisions she made understandable.
What makes me want to rate it a straight 5 is the cast of secondary characters, the twists and turns, and the awesome Ocean's 11/Mission Impossible vibe going on. I love spy, missions, and intrigue and I can totally picture this as a movie.
I will definitely be reading book 2 when it hits and probably try my best to score an early copy. For that reason I'll tip the scales to a 5.
What makes me want to rate it a straight 5 is the cast of secondary characters, the twists and turns, and the awesome Ocean's 11/Mission Impossible vibe going on. I love spy, missions, and intrigue and I can totally picture this as a movie.
I will definitely be reading book 2 when it hits and probably try my best to score an early copy. For that reason I'll tip the scales to a 5.
December 10, 2019
Talia Inger is a CIA rookie who thinks she's received a 'dud' posting into an Eastern European backwater. She's had a tough upbringing having been orphaned as a child and doing the rounds of a series of foster homes. She's an interesting character from the outset even though I was a little unconvinced by her at the beginning.
After a relatively slow build, the action takes off once the 'shady' Adam Tyler arrives on the scene. He's in his 40's I'm guessing and has quite the resume, one that never gets fully revealed. He's smart, surprisingly generous for a man in his business and very well connected. Oh, and he's wealthy.
Tyler and Inger join together on a mission to stop a genius inventor from blowing up Washington D.C. They'll need a team of maverick superstars in their own designated fields to help them. A good third of the story involves the recruitment of these players. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of an Aussie, Finn. And it's clear Hannibal knows some Aussies because he does a great job drawing out some of the qualities one associates with Aussies plus their unique laidback style of talking.
The cast of characters is excellent. No one, with the exception of perhaps Eddie, the geek, is who they seem which adds to keeping the reader on their toes. Who really are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Nothing really becomes clear until the end but even then Hannibal sets up the sequel leaving the reader guessing about Talia and Eddie's new boss, Mary Jordan, who recruited them into the Agency.
Lots of unbelievable actions and heroics that Hannibal makes believable. Reminded me a bit of Matthew Reilly's hair-raising stories. Coupled with some fabulously picturesque European scenery and the latest technology and spy-stuff, the story is continually compelling to read.
There's a strong theme of forgiveness which I appreciated reading together with some interesting thoughts on goodness and evil. Tyler is a great character as is his chef sidekick, Conrad, and I'd love to see Hannibal write a series with these two as a dynamic spy duo. I'm still a little unsure about Talia ... she's a good mix of contradiction and unpredictability and I'm looking forward to seeing how she develops in Book 2.
Overall, a surprising delight to read. And I'm glad the second story is only a few months away to being released as I'm keen to get my hands on it.
After a relatively slow build, the action takes off once the 'shady' Adam Tyler arrives on the scene. He's in his 40's I'm guessing and has quite the resume, one that never gets fully revealed. He's smart, surprisingly generous for a man in his business and very well connected. Oh, and he's wealthy.
Tyler and Inger join together on a mission to stop a genius inventor from blowing up Washington D.C. They'll need a team of maverick superstars in their own designated fields to help them. A good third of the story involves the recruitment of these players. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of an Aussie, Finn. And it's clear Hannibal knows some Aussies because he does a great job drawing out some of the qualities one associates with Aussies plus their unique laidback style of talking.
The cast of characters is excellent. No one, with the exception of perhaps Eddie, the geek, is who they seem which adds to keeping the reader on their toes. Who really are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Nothing really becomes clear until the end but even then Hannibal sets up the sequel leaving the reader guessing about Talia and Eddie's new boss, Mary Jordan, who recruited them into the Agency.
Lots of unbelievable actions and heroics that Hannibal makes believable. Reminded me a bit of Matthew Reilly's hair-raising stories. Coupled with some fabulously picturesque European scenery and the latest technology and spy-stuff, the story is continually compelling to read.
There's a strong theme of forgiveness which I appreciated reading together with some interesting thoughts on goodness and evil. Tyler is a great character as is his chef sidekick, Conrad, and I'd love to see Hannibal write a series with these two as a dynamic spy duo. I'm still a little unsure about Talia ... she's a good mix of contradiction and unpredictability and I'm looking forward to seeing how she develops in Book 2.
Overall, a surprising delight to read. And I'm glad the second story is only a few months away to being released as I'm keen to get my hands on it.
September 19, 2019
** “My redemption, and Paul’s, are not about what we did. Redemption is about what Christ did. Paul’s actions are an outgrowth of his newfound faith. He served out of love and gratefulness.” **
James R. Hannibal’s “The Gryphon Heist” is a fast-paced, action-packed espionage thriller that also deals with deeper topics like forgiveness and redemption.
Former foster kid Talia Inger is trying to work her way into the CIA’s Clandestine Service when she finds herself assigned to the Agency’s “Other” department out of the Eastern European Division. She is assigned to asset Adam Tyler who has knowledge of a plot to steal information from Avantec, a company that supplies the U.S. government with missile parts.
As Talia and Tyler build a team of criminals to steal the information before the mysterious criminal mastermind Lukon can, they must learn to overcome past trials and mistakes while saving America from an imminent missile strike.
Filled with twists and turns, “The Gryphon Heist” will keep the reader guessing until the very end — just who can Talia trust and who are the players’ true identities.
Besides being an incredible and intriguing thriller, “The Gryphon Heist” also deals with topics like overcoming a sense of inadequacy and lack of identity (“a blade reforged from broken pieces is always stronger than the original”); redemption; forgiveness (“clinging to unforgiveness is the same as clinging to any other habitual sin”); remember Who (God) is in control; and the fact that the greater good is malleable, but morals are not.
This novel is filled with a number of violent scenarios, but also has several moments of comedic relief. Fans of authors like Joel C. Rosenberg, characters like Jason Bourne and Alias’ Sydney Bristow, and movies like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” will enjoy this novel.
I’m looking forward to see what happens next with the team in “Chasing the White Lion,” due out in Spring 2020.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
James R. Hannibal’s “The Gryphon Heist” is a fast-paced, action-packed espionage thriller that also deals with deeper topics like forgiveness and redemption.
Former foster kid Talia Inger is trying to work her way into the CIA’s Clandestine Service when she finds herself assigned to the Agency’s “Other” department out of the Eastern European Division. She is assigned to asset Adam Tyler who has knowledge of a plot to steal information from Avantec, a company that supplies the U.S. government with missile parts.
As Talia and Tyler build a team of criminals to steal the information before the mysterious criminal mastermind Lukon can, they must learn to overcome past trials and mistakes while saving America from an imminent missile strike.
Filled with twists and turns, “The Gryphon Heist” will keep the reader guessing until the very end — just who can Talia trust and who are the players’ true identities.
Besides being an incredible and intriguing thriller, “The Gryphon Heist” also deals with topics like overcoming a sense of inadequacy and lack of identity (“a blade reforged from broken pieces is always stronger than the original”); redemption; forgiveness (“clinging to unforgiveness is the same as clinging to any other habitual sin”); remember Who (God) is in control; and the fact that the greater good is malleable, but morals are not.
This novel is filled with a number of violent scenarios, but also has several moments of comedic relief. Fans of authors like Joel C. Rosenberg, characters like Jason Bourne and Alias’ Sydney Bristow, and movies like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” will enjoy this novel.
I’m looking forward to see what happens next with the team in “Chasing the White Lion,” due out in Spring 2020.
Five stars out of five.
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
September 24, 2019
The Gryphon Heist
If you enjoy mysteries, thrillers and high-stake suspense novels, then you’ll want to add The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal to your must-read list!
In The Gryphon Heist, you’ll become immersed in the world of Talia Inger – a rookie CIA agent who has just been assigned to Transnistria, a forgotten country in Eastern Europe. It’s not Moscow – a failed test cost her that assignment – but Talia figures that once she completes her first task (securing revolutionary defense technology designs for Avantec, a Moldavan tech company), she can move on to greener pastures.
Talia soon discovers that protecting these designs is going to be more challenging than she originally thought. Against her better judgment, she finds herself closely working with Adam Tyler – a somewhat shady asset who has actionable knowledge about the threat against Avantec. Soon, she is immersed in an action-packed, adrenaline-laced adventure that has her and her team racing against the clock to uncover a mole and steal the very thing she is sworn to protect in order to save lives.
This Mission Impossible/Ocean’s Eleven-like book has a lot going for it, including interesting characters who are flawed, broken, and struggling with issues like forgiveness, redemption and faith.
The Gryphon Heist is the first book in a new series that will feature Talia Inger. I’m looking forward to following her career and reading about her future adventures!
This review was originally published at The Book Nook at Create With Joy. Please join us and share your family-friendly book reviews!
If you enjoy mysteries, thrillers and high-stake suspense novels, then you’ll want to add The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal to your must-read list!
In The Gryphon Heist, you’ll become immersed in the world of Talia Inger – a rookie CIA agent who has just been assigned to Transnistria, a forgotten country in Eastern Europe. It’s not Moscow – a failed test cost her that assignment – but Talia figures that once she completes her first task (securing revolutionary defense technology designs for Avantec, a Moldavan tech company), she can move on to greener pastures.
Talia soon discovers that protecting these designs is going to be more challenging than she originally thought. Against her better judgment, she finds herself closely working with Adam Tyler – a somewhat shady asset who has actionable knowledge about the threat against Avantec. Soon, she is immersed in an action-packed, adrenaline-laced adventure that has her and her team racing against the clock to uncover a mole and steal the very thing she is sworn to protect in order to save lives.
This Mission Impossible/Ocean’s Eleven-like book has a lot going for it, including interesting characters who are flawed, broken, and struggling with issues like forgiveness, redemption and faith.
The Gryphon Heist is the first book in a new series that will feature Talia Inger. I’m looking forward to following her career and reading about her future adventures!
This review was originally published at The Book Nook at Create With Joy. Please join us and share your family-friendly book reviews!
September 28, 2019
For Fans of Action, Suspense, CIA Stories, and Spies
The Gryphon Heist isn’t a novel, it’s a wild, action-packed thrill ride. James R. Hannibal writes a thriller that weaves an intricate story line with memorable yet quirky characters, plus all the high-tech spy tools readers can nerd out to.
The story centers around Talia Inger as she is assigned her first mission as the CIA. She’s sent to Eastern Europe, with her tech opp, Eddie, and less than savory civilian contact, Adam Tyler. In order to stop a terrorist attack, she winds up working with a team of professional criminals to steal the technology before the real terrorists can get a hold of it.
If you love action stories, this novel delivers. High on suspense, the story has so many twists and turns readers will get whip lash. Talia’s story is intriguing and readers will enjoy her adventures with the CIA. I loved the audio version and thought the narrator added to the intrigue. This novel is definitely worthy of the title “Best in Suspense!”
The Gryphon Heist isn’t a novel, it’s a wild, action-packed thrill ride. James R. Hannibal writes a thriller that weaves an intricate story line with memorable yet quirky characters, plus all the high-tech spy tools readers can nerd out to.
The story centers around Talia Inger as she is assigned her first mission as the CIA. She’s sent to Eastern Europe, with her tech opp, Eddie, and less than savory civilian contact, Adam Tyler. In order to stop a terrorist attack, she winds up working with a team of professional criminals to steal the technology before the real terrorists can get a hold of it.
If you love action stories, this novel delivers. High on suspense, the story has so many twists and turns readers will get whip lash. Talia’s story is intriguing and readers will enjoy her adventures with the CIA. I loved the audio version and thought the narrator added to the intrigue. This novel is definitely worthy of the title “Best in Suspense!”
June 29, 2020
3.5 stars
This is going to sound weird but I wish I had started reading this book with the ending. Right, who wants to start at the end and finish with the beginning. I am saying this because I would've (I think) understood more of the characters. I like to connect with the characters and understand where they are coming from, and I have to say in the beginning I was mighty confused, and I wanted more information. BUT! I stuck with The Gryphon Heist and I am glad I did. I finally warmed up to Talia's demeanor and her gradual warmth towards Tyler despite his connections to her Dad. There was a lot going on, lots of characters, but it wasn't whiplashing that I couldn't keep up. This is an author that I think could really enjoy if I read more of his books and get more of a feel for his style of writing. I will definitely look to reading the second book in this series.
This is going to sound weird but I wish I had started reading this book with the ending. Right, who wants to start at the end and finish with the beginning. I am saying this because I would've (I think) understood more of the characters. I like to connect with the characters and understand where they are coming from, and I have to say in the beginning I was mighty confused, and I wanted more information. BUT! I stuck with The Gryphon Heist and I am glad I did. I finally warmed up to Talia's demeanor and her gradual warmth towards Tyler despite his connections to her Dad. There was a lot going on, lots of characters, but it wasn't whiplashing that I couldn't keep up. This is an author that I think could really enjoy if I read more of his books and get more of a feel for his style of writing. I will definitely look to reading the second book in this series.
September 24, 2019
I was a little wary going into this book because I'd never read a book by this author before. Thankfully, my worries were for nothing.
Starting with the plot, I really liked it. The travel, intrigue, and race against time all combined to create this novel that I couldn't put down.
Despite everything I liked, I felt that some of the secondary characters were two-dimensional with names that were a bit too similar for me to keep apart. I would often stop because I ended up confused by the names.
All this said, Hannibal is definitely an author that I want to read more of.
Rating: 4 Stars
Content: 4 Stars
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
Starting with the plot, I really liked it. The travel, intrigue, and race against time all combined to create this novel that I couldn't put down.
Despite everything I liked, I felt that some of the secondary characters were two-dimensional with names that were a bit too similar for me to keep apart. I would often stop because I ended up confused by the names.
All this said, Hannibal is definitely an author that I want to read more of.
Rating: 4 Stars
Content: 4 Stars
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
July 25, 2024
Five beautiful shining stars! This book took me for a wild ride. It’s like Mission Impossible meets National Treasure but up the action and make it Christian. Does that make sense? Anyways, the first time I picked up this book, I quickly dnfed due to confusion. But I’m so glad I gave it another try. This was so action packed! Also, the faith content was beautiful. It didn’t feel preachy, but it placed perfectly. Kind of like a perfectly salted dish. Eeek!! So excited for book 2
2024: again, a lovely five stars. I love the cia suspense book. The original view is the best way to see my opinion.
Content: violence (not gory), loss of family
2024: again, a lovely five stars. I love the cia suspense book. The original view is the best way to see my opinion.
Content: violence (not gory), loss of family
October 7, 2019
An interesting read with a female CIA operative as the lead character. She’s surrounded by a host of strong secondary characters. The story is filled with plot twists that left me guessing and wondering who was truly behind the evil. In lines of Ocean’s Eleven meets the Italian job. Wonderful read for those who enjoy an international thriller/heist
October 4, 2019
“WE’RE TALKING THE MOTHER of all heists.”
James R. Hannibal welcomes readers to the world of espionage in Book One of the Talia Inger series, The Gryphon Heist, where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted.
Talia has just failed a practical exercise to test whether she should become a CIA case officer, yet in spite of this she isn’t dismissed from the Agency but placed in an obscure Eastern European department known only as “Other,” and given what appears to be a routine, boring assignment. It is far more than that involving the theft of revolutionary defense technology and a race against time to stop an attack on Washington, D.C. Did her handlers deliberately mislead her? Is this somehow a con within a con? Hannibal drives the action and excitement with interesting characters, edge of your seat as well as humorous situations, and a plot that will keep the reader guessing right along with Talia.
Two men vie for Talia’s loyalty. Adam Tyler is a former CIA operative with a secret past tied to the death of Talia’s father in an automobile accident. Pavel Ivanov is the dashing director of Avantec, a Moldovan Aerospace Corporation. Either may be the infamous Lukon, a former MI-6 assassin now in business for himself in the regional arms trade and known for pulling off high-level heists. Who should Talia trust? If she makes the wrong assessment it could cost her her life and the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians living in the nation’s capital.
Reminiscent of Mission Impossible, a team of specialists is put together to go after the Gryphon, a mesospheric airship with an impregnable vault where the stolen data is stored. Eddie Gupta is a technology whiz capable of hacking into any platform. Michael Finn is an Australian high-flying cat burglar internationally famous for his daredevil stunts. Valkyrie is a grifter with connections to the Italian Mafia and a gift for reading people. Macauley Plucket is a former RAF pilot and EU astronaut candidate able to drive or fly any kind of vehicle or airframe; he’s also a Scottish brute whose loyalty can be bought if the price is right. And, Darcy Emile is a French demolitions expert who prides herself in the art of precise explosions.
There are plot twists and surprises galore as this odd assortment of con artists, thieves, hackers, current and former CIA operatives bond as a team and jet set across Europe to find real answers to the identity of Lukon and stop him from carrying out his plans.
James R. Hannibal transcends the typical spy novel writing not only a fast-paced, exciting and entertaining story, but one that looks into deeper underlying questions of faith and redemption, “the greater good,” and the moral ambiguities of covert operations.
“Sometimes the moral ambiguities of covert work are hard. We do the job with the legal blessing of one government, acting against the laws of another…. Don’t focus on the greater good. Focus on a higher power — the higher power [God]. That’s how we put what we do to a moral test.”
Hannibal’s book ends with a sneak peek into the continuing story. Chasing the White Lion is due out in the spring of 2020. If it’s anything like Book One, it will have readers anxiously awaiting its release!
James R. Hannibal welcomes readers to the world of espionage in Book One of the Talia Inger series, The Gryphon Heist, where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted.
Talia has just failed a practical exercise to test whether she should become a CIA case officer, yet in spite of this she isn’t dismissed from the Agency but placed in an obscure Eastern European department known only as “Other,” and given what appears to be a routine, boring assignment. It is far more than that involving the theft of revolutionary defense technology and a race against time to stop an attack on Washington, D.C. Did her handlers deliberately mislead her? Is this somehow a con within a con? Hannibal drives the action and excitement with interesting characters, edge of your seat as well as humorous situations, and a plot that will keep the reader guessing right along with Talia.
Two men vie for Talia’s loyalty. Adam Tyler is a former CIA operative with a secret past tied to the death of Talia’s father in an automobile accident. Pavel Ivanov is the dashing director of Avantec, a Moldovan Aerospace Corporation. Either may be the infamous Lukon, a former MI-6 assassin now in business for himself in the regional arms trade and known for pulling off high-level heists. Who should Talia trust? If she makes the wrong assessment it could cost her her life and the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians living in the nation’s capital.
Reminiscent of Mission Impossible, a team of specialists is put together to go after the Gryphon, a mesospheric airship with an impregnable vault where the stolen data is stored. Eddie Gupta is a technology whiz capable of hacking into any platform. Michael Finn is an Australian high-flying cat burglar internationally famous for his daredevil stunts. Valkyrie is a grifter with connections to the Italian Mafia and a gift for reading people. Macauley Plucket is a former RAF pilot and EU astronaut candidate able to drive or fly any kind of vehicle or airframe; he’s also a Scottish brute whose loyalty can be bought if the price is right. And, Darcy Emile is a French demolitions expert who prides herself in the art of precise explosions.
There are plot twists and surprises galore as this odd assortment of con artists, thieves, hackers, current and former CIA operatives bond as a team and jet set across Europe to find real answers to the identity of Lukon and stop him from carrying out his plans.
James R. Hannibal transcends the typical spy novel writing not only a fast-paced, exciting and entertaining story, but one that looks into deeper underlying questions of faith and redemption, “the greater good,” and the moral ambiguities of covert operations.
“Sometimes the moral ambiguities of covert work are hard. We do the job with the legal blessing of one government, acting against the laws of another…. Don’t focus on the greater good. Focus on a higher power — the higher power [God]. That’s how we put what we do to a moral test.”
Hannibal’s book ends with a sneak peek into the continuing story. Chasing the White Lion is due out in the spring of 2020. If it’s anything like Book One, it will have readers anxiously awaiting its release!
October 1, 2019
"The greater good is shifting sand. You can't trust it."
The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal is an incredible mix of espionage and spy craft that bombards the reader with explosions, betrayal, high-density ceramic bullets, high-tech capers, and a hefty dose of humor. While many spy thrillers are steeped in complicated narrative discussions and explanations, The Gryphon Heist relies more on character interaction and is only minimally mired in scientific jargon and complexities. That does not mean Hannibal's fantastic story is any less entertaining. In fact, The Gryphon Heist turns the traditional spy novel on its head by interspersing fun, lighthearted banter throughout the serious action as well as injecting a bit of contemporary Christianity that lends some impressive intricacy to at least two of the main characters.
Talia Inger is a new CIA recruit, eager for her first assignment that, at first glance, appears to be less than interesting. With her teammate, Eddie Gupta, in tow, they set out for Transnistria near Ukraine in what they hope will be a brief stint. What follows is rip-roaring international high jinks, involving a deadly plan, high-stakes greed and subterfuge, and a motley team of diverse characters that offers shades of Dewey Gram’s Ocean's 11.
Aside from some fragmented flirtation and a sweet case of puppy love, The Gryphon Heist lacks any steamy romance, and no character comes even close to spouting strong language. But these missing elements prove to be unnecessary because Hannibal's remarkable plot, varied characters, and action scenes that deserve to be on the big screen will keep you fully engaged in pondering each character's level of trustworthiness, laughing full belly laughs (oh, that Eddie), and quickly flipping the pages as the action picks up and the danger goes from a simple thrill of the hunt to a fast-paced and quite deadly race against the clock.
As a former stealth pilot, Hannibal clearly knows his business and has skillfully brought a fantastical plot to life, filled with immense energy, surprising twists, and unforgettable personalities. Hannibal's writing is sharp, precise, and easily navigated, which is perfect because the characters are constantly on the move, and the action never lets up. Hannibal's character development is spot on. For example, Talia is smart right out of the CIA training gate, but she's a rookie on her first assignment. Her character often feels unapproachable; however, her backstory provides a good reason for that. Other than trusting her loyal-to-a-fault sidekick, Eddie, Talia struggles with trust issues and is still haunted by the mysterious death of her father when she was a small child. As the story progresses, some likability seeps through the cracks in her self-imposed armor. She is a good protagonist because her character experiences tremendous growth, but it takes awhile to warm up to her. On the other hand, Eddie will steal your heart from the first page.
The Gryphon Heist ends with a glimpse at the beginning of book two that appears to be on the horizon. Although, waiting even one day for Chasing the White Lion will be one day too long.
The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal is an incredible mix of espionage and spy craft that bombards the reader with explosions, betrayal, high-density ceramic bullets, high-tech capers, and a hefty dose of humor. While many spy thrillers are steeped in complicated narrative discussions and explanations, The Gryphon Heist relies more on character interaction and is only minimally mired in scientific jargon and complexities. That does not mean Hannibal's fantastic story is any less entertaining. In fact, The Gryphon Heist turns the traditional spy novel on its head by interspersing fun, lighthearted banter throughout the serious action as well as injecting a bit of contemporary Christianity that lends some impressive intricacy to at least two of the main characters.
Talia Inger is a new CIA recruit, eager for her first assignment that, at first glance, appears to be less than interesting. With her teammate, Eddie Gupta, in tow, they set out for Transnistria near Ukraine in what they hope will be a brief stint. What follows is rip-roaring international high jinks, involving a deadly plan, high-stakes greed and subterfuge, and a motley team of diverse characters that offers shades of Dewey Gram’s Ocean's 11.
Aside from some fragmented flirtation and a sweet case of puppy love, The Gryphon Heist lacks any steamy romance, and no character comes even close to spouting strong language. But these missing elements prove to be unnecessary because Hannibal's remarkable plot, varied characters, and action scenes that deserve to be on the big screen will keep you fully engaged in pondering each character's level of trustworthiness, laughing full belly laughs (oh, that Eddie), and quickly flipping the pages as the action picks up and the danger goes from a simple thrill of the hunt to a fast-paced and quite deadly race against the clock.
As a former stealth pilot, Hannibal clearly knows his business and has skillfully brought a fantastical plot to life, filled with immense energy, surprising twists, and unforgettable personalities. Hannibal's writing is sharp, precise, and easily navigated, which is perfect because the characters are constantly on the move, and the action never lets up. Hannibal's character development is spot on. For example, Talia is smart right out of the CIA training gate, but she's a rookie on her first assignment. Her character often feels unapproachable; however, her backstory provides a good reason for that. Other than trusting her loyal-to-a-fault sidekick, Eddie, Talia struggles with trust issues and is still haunted by the mysterious death of her father when she was a small child. As the story progresses, some likability seeps through the cracks in her self-imposed armor. She is a good protagonist because her character experiences tremendous growth, but it takes awhile to warm up to her. On the other hand, Eddie will steal your heart from the first page.
The Gryphon Heist ends with a glimpse at the beginning of book two that appears to be on the horizon. Although, waiting even one day for Chasing the White Lion will be one day too long.
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