Compromised

The Division #2

by Thomas Parrott

Thanks to the Division, hope is finally within reach – until a war between Gulf Coast factions exposes an old, brutal foe in this heart-stopping adventure from  Tom Clancy’s The DivisionEver since the Green Poison epidemic transformed the United States, the Division has worked tirelessly to push the nation back from the brink of collapse. The new food infrastructure brings hope… until Division agent Maira Kanhai finds an alarming disruption in the critical Texan oil a group of environmental extremists set on keeping the transformed world free from fossil fuels. When Maira’s Division cell is dispatched to secure the area, they discover a private military outfit acting as warlords of the hurricane-ravaged communities. As tensions between the factions come to a head, an old enemy emerges intending to destroy the Division, forcing Maira into a choice that will make her a hero or villain, and question what the Division stands for.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic

336 pages, ebook

Published December 6, 2022

Reviews

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

COMPROMISED is the second of the OPERATION: CROSSWORDS series for TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION franchise by Ubisoft. The premise for that series is that the Dollar Flu AKA The Green Poison has spread through the world and wiped-out ninety percent of the planet. The survivors of humanity are fighting over the remainder of the world’s resources with most of them running out within a few months of the events. Humanity, or at least America’s, only hope is the brave soldiers of the Strategic Homeland Division that have been given extraordinary powers to “save what remains.”

RECRUITED was a fun novel for fans of the series with the character of Maira Kanhai being recruited (hence the title) into the Division after the events of THE DIVISION 2. The book resolved some of the larger questions of famine and other issues that needed to be addressed in the semi-realistic world bearing the name of the late Tom Clancy. It also introduced some new factions as well told an interesting story regarding Rogue agents, revenge, and moral compromises. Basically, what fans of The Division like about the games.

Recruited takes place some months after the events of the original book with the characters still recovering from their injuries. Unfortunately, there is no rest for the righteous in the post-apocalypse world and Maira is activated to journey down to Texas in order to try to secure one of the few remaining oil refineries left in the world. It is under attack by eco-terrorists who believe that the Green Poison is the best time to start making a serious effort to start a sustainable lifestyle. This would be more sympathetic if there wasn’t millions of people depending on gas-powered trucks to deliver food.

Honestly, while I enjoyed this book, I feel it is inferior to Recruited. The Reborn and Molassi are interesting new factions but don’t feel as original as the Freighties and Roamers. Plus, eco-terrorists are a questionable villain to begin with before you have most of humanity dead and even the most Malthusian economist going, “Woah there.” It also doesn’t help the Reborn get treated more sympathetically than they probably should be given the atrocities that they carry out as well as the, well, frank stupidity of their arguments. Recruited also has not one but two dead characters show up as surprise reveals as well, including a long-lost brother.

I think the book would have been better if it had continued focusing on the role of fossil fuels as a resource necessary in the post-apocalypse world. The Road Warrior managed to tell a fantastic action movie with much the same plot and never lost sight of how oil was something simultaneously a curse as well as blessing to mankind. Instead, the entirety of the plot is cast aside fairly early for some more Rogue Agent nonsense that is usually entertaining but just doesn’t work here.

Still, I enjoyed this volume, and it is still something I recommend for fans of The Division games. Maira is a great character and seeing her slowly develop into an experienced agent able to negotiate as well as fight is a nice process to see. I like the new characters introduced to their squad as well, though I don’t think either of them is as enjoyable as Brenda or Leo.

[Fruitbat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didnt realize this was *technically* a sequel, but it works just fine as a standalone. There was just enough backstory for both our main povs that nothing was lost and this book wasn't interrupted by it.

For those who played the games, this is so nostalgic. I enjoyed it so much. I love the use of all the SHD tech.

Our main characters, Maira and Colin, were perfect choices for povs. Yeong-Ja was a great character too. She's hilarious, but not in the typical way. I think my favorite part is the way the characters interacted with each other and the way they used the SHD equipment and ISAC.

The ending left me excited for the next book, so I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for that one.

Thank you to Aconyte books and the author for the e-arc to review!

[Chelsea | Mrs Viking Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid gamer, and fan of the Division series, I was excited to see this release and to be asked to take part in the book tour!

For those unfamiliar with the games or books, this is a dystopian tale about a bleak future ravaged by a virus (quite fitting considering the last couple of years we have had really!)

We follow survivors clinging on to some semblance of order in a world ravaged by disease and dealing with localised warfare and battles for supplies and for survival.

Compromised, the greatly anticipated sequel to Recruited, hooks you immediately with its familiarity and captivating atmosphere. Whilst using characters and situations created by Tom Clancy, this book is brilliant in its own right. Whilst this is a sequel, it works okay as a standalone and so doesn’t necessarily require previous knowledge. There is enough backstory to ensure that nothing is lost.

Compromised is well written, fast paced, and a tantalisingly compelling story, the subject matter of which sound eerily plausible. As you might expect things get tough, maybe even desperate at times. They uncover totally unexpected problems and also make new allies who will work to help them.

Thomas Parrott does a fantastic job at of making the world his own and has absolutely nailed the action in this suspenseful instalment. Our characters are cut throat when they need to be and yet deep down are still humans, flawed and messy with complex emotions.

This is a great read and a must read if you are a fan of The Division!

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, with book tours I want to say I was gifted a copy of this book to review by The Book Network and Aconyte Books as well as on Netgalley. My reviews are always a 100% honest and contain my own opinions. #NetGalley #BookTourReview #TheBookNetwork #ThomasParrott #TomClancysTheDivisionCompromised

The Division Compromised is the second tie-in instalment by Thomas Parrott and arguably might be better than the first. Since the Green Poison pandemic transformed the United States for the worse the Division have been working to help bring the nation back from the brink of collapse. It isn’t easy but for the Division it is worth it. The new food infrastructure is starting to bring hope…until agent Maria Kanhai finds that there is a growing disruption in the critical Texan oil refineries. A group of environmental extremists set on keeping the newly transformed world free of fossil fuels. Maria’s Division cell is dispatched to secure the area they discover yet another issue; a private military outfit have started to act as warlords in the hurricane-ravaged communities. As tensions begin to reach breaking point between the fractions an old enemy emerges intending to destroy the Division for good. Growing pressures mount forcing Maria to make an ultimate choice that will either see her become an hero or a villain and question what the Division stands for.

I want to say first of all that Thomas Parrott has captured the world of The Division universe and brings it to life while also making it his own. Sometimes, although I must confess I have not found it in any Aconyte titles to date, tie in fiction can read a little cut and dry. Almost like a literal retelling of the game, movie or whatever it may be connected to and not really bring anything new to the table. That is not the case here. Parrott’s world is full of action, suspense and well rounded, believable characters who you really become attached to. Call me weird but while Maria is amazing, Leo is my favourite but I digress. The characters are human, believable and it is almost like you are right there in the action with them. We get humour, we get banter, we get conflict and all those good things that make action and close knit teams work. That said even the ‘bad guys’ are likeable and human in some ways. I was in no way routing for them but Parrott makes them rounded so their beliefs and actions make sense when you consider the person themselves.

I have to say the action and suspense is spot on and captures the action of the game perfectly. On top of that it is so easy to visualise while reading. It isn’t the fact that Parrott tells you but writes in such a way it’s easy to visualise just what is happening. Now we know I don’t like putting spoilers but that ending was amazing and I cannot wait to see what Parrott has in store next for the characters and us readers! If you love the Division games or a brilliant action novel this is the one for you after you have read the first one, Recruited.

[Mario · Rating 2 out of 5]

More bland characters with poor character development, mediocre situations, plot devices and character motivations, phrasal repetition from the first book, use of inner monologue is often inappropriate without giving up spoilers. I know the video games did most of the world building, but that shouldn't limit the author, there's so much that can be contributed, and of course, plenty of DE&I.

[JediMind1207 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute fun read from beginning to end. I definitely took my time to enjoy this one. Loved all the call-outs to the game this novel is intertwined with. From the sound of the riot foam to specialization weapons. Thomas Parrot makes reading truly enjoyable and I hope he continues to write in this universe.

[Ryan Carbotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good Division story. Some of the characters, perhaps Colin in particular, were a bit dry at first and took me a while to get into.

[Jessica Eliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved both division games

So was really interested when I seen this on netgalley.

I was not disappointed the characters and world were spot on!

5 ⭐️



Thanks netgalley for the ARC

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compromised is the second book after recruited by Thomas Parrott set in the division universe. It is the first one I've read though. I had no idea what to expect going in - can a book stay true to the games and expand on the universe?

Yes it can. We meet our cell and mainly switch between two perspectives. It isn't done too often though so you get a good amount of time with each character. Our main two are Maria and Colin. Colin is responding to a call to go help a cell of agents and he's a first wave agent from New York. There task is to go and help out an oil refinery but when they get there, it's not going to be a clear cut as they think as a l military like outfit is there too and are refusing to leave.

I really loved that there was a throw back to the days in New York. Longtime fans can appreciate these little bits.

The characters in the Cell were all so different but had one thing in common, their belief in the division and what it can do. This really highlighted and expanded on the environment that the division is set in.

Some new factions are introduced and they actually make sense, in the direction people might choose to go based on their value and beliefs, unfortunately they all go quite extreme.

This book keeps it realistic, from the SHD tech to the world that the division is set in. I liked that element. All throughout reading this, everything was so easy to visualize. There were fights and those were spread out through the book.

I'm Definitely going to be picking up the other books I haven't read.

Thank you to the publisher and author for my e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Chris The Lizard from Planet X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Clancy’s The Division: Compromised By Thomas Parrott, is a media tie-in novel based on Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy spin off video game series “Tom Clancy’s the Division.”

The first book in the new “Operation Crossroads” series of The Division novels, The Division: Recruited, introduced readers to the world of the popular video game where much of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus; as well as the series protagonist Maira Kanhai. Following the events of that book, which our group of heroes barely managed to survive, we return once again as Maira gets sent out on an even more dangerous mission; one that could have repercussions for thousands of survivors.

Following the events of the last book things have begun to get better for the survivors of the Green Poison pandemic. The rogue Division agents have been neutralised, and the fighting between the bandit groups and the Freighties has died down, allowing the altruistic Freighties to use their trucks to deliver much needed food and supplies to survivor communities around the country. However, when Maira learns that there's a growing disruption to fuel supplied in Texas, she and her new team are tasked with travelling there and securing the much needed fuel.

Alongside Maira is Leo, who worked with her in her cell since she was recruited into the Division, as well as former military medic Colin, and a sniper Yeong-Ja, Maira sets out to find out what's causing the issues with the fuel. However, when the team arrive in Texas they find allies under siege, a private military group trying to bring peace through force and control, and environmental extremists wanting to return society to simpler times. As the team try to prevent all out war they end up stuck in the middle, and fighting against another threat lurking in the shadows.

The first book in the series was an enjoyable read, one that introduced those who hadn't played the video game to this post apocalyptic world, and did its best to establish some interesting characters. And whilst it was a good read, this book is probably a better one. Perhaps it's the benefit of it being a sequel, so some of the characters have had a chance to settle in a bit, or maybe the story just works better than the first; whatever the reason, The Division: Compromised is pretty much everything that I could have wanted from the sequel.

The characters that I liked from the first book returned, and whilst one of them was relegated to a support position because of injuries they sustained in the previous entry, Maira and Leo were good characters to bring back. They had an easy rapport with each other, and the focus on Leo in this book was a really clever move for building on the one one character from the first book that was probably served least there. The new characters were also welcome additions. Yeong-Ja was almost a bit too much like Leo to begin with, a character to didn't speak much, but as the book went on and we saw more of her it was clear that she was a very different kind of person; one whose quiet exterior was hiding a bit of a joker. Colin, as well as becoming the teams medic, became our secondary protagonist, and several of the chapters were written from his point of view. Adding this new POV was interesting, and it gave us some insight into important characters and events that would hold a lot of weight for the rest of the book. It also could make the next book in the series (if there is one) more interesting to have two POV characters based on how this one ends.

As well as a better focus on characters the action in this book felt a lot tighter than the first. There was less of it, and the times where the characters were forced to pick up their weapons and take lives were given more importance in the story. The first book had the team being assaulted from all directions multiple times, but here the team are more proactive, and often end up choosing to go into battle, rather than having it thrust upon them. They get to choose the fields of battle, they get to make the sudden strikes, and whilst it doesn't always mean that they win it does give it a very different feel.

As mentioned before, the book has an interesting ending. I'm not going to go into that for spoiler reasons, but I will say based upon how things wrap up at the end of this book any future book is quite possibly going to be the most intriguing yet. Having very much enjoyed both books in the series I'm hoping that we do get at least one more.

All in all, Whether you've played the games or not, or whether you've read the first book or not, The Division: Compromised is a entertaining and enjoyable read that people are going to love. It works brilliantly as an addition to the games, and as a sequel to the first book, but if you're coming to this completely fresh it stands well enough on its own to keep you entertained throughout.

[Amy Walker - Trans-Scribe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the new series of The Division novels, The Division: Recruited, introduced readers to the world of the popular video game where much of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus; as well as the series protagonist Maira Kanhai. Following the events of that book, which our group of heroes barely managed to survive, we return once again as Maira gets sent out on an even more dangerous mission; one that could have repercussions for thousands of survivors.

Following the event of the last book things have begun to get better for the survivors of the Green Poison pandemic. The rogue Division agents have been neutralised, and the fighting between the bandit groups and the Freighties has died down, allowing the altruistic Freighties to use their trucks to deliver much needed food and supplies to survivor communities around the country. However, when Maira learns that there's a growing disruption to fuel supplied in Texas, she and her new team are tasked with travelling there and securing the much needed fuel.

Alongside Maira is Leo, who worked with her in her cell since she was recruited into the Division, as well as former military medic Colin, and sniper Yeong-Ja, Maira sets out to find out what's causing the issues with the fuel. However, when the team arrive in Texas they find allies under siege, a military group trying to bring peace through force and control, and environmental extremists wanting to return society to simpler times. As the team try to prevent all out war they end up stuck in the middle, and fighting against another threat lurking in the shadows.

The first book in the series was an enjoyable read, one that introduced those who hadn't played the game to this world, and did its best to establish some interesting characters. And whilst it was a good read, this book is probably a better one. Perhaps it's the benefit of it being a sequel, so some of the characters have had a chance to settle in a bit, or maybe the story just works better than the first; whatever the reason, The Division: Compromised is pretty much everything that I could have wanted from the sequel.

The characters that I liked from the first book returned, and whilst one of them was relegated to a support position because of injuries they sustained in the previous entry, Maira and Leo were good characters to bring back. They had an easy rapport with each other, and the focus on Leo in this book was a really clever move for building on the one one character from the first book that was probably served least there. The new characters were also welcome additions. Yeong-Ja was almost a bit too much like Leo to begin with, a character to didn't speak much, but as the book went on and we saw more of her it was clear that she was a very different kind of person; one whose quiet exterior was hiding a bit of a joker. Colin, as well as becoming the teams medic, became our secondary protagonist, and several of the chapters were written from his point of view. Adding this new POV was interesting, and it gave us some insight into important characters and events that would hold a lot of weight for the rest of the book. It also could make the next book in the series (if there is one) more interesting to have two POV characters based on how this one ends.

As well as a better focus on characters the action in this book felt a lot tighter than the first. There was less of it, and the times where the characters were forced to pick up their weapons and take lives were given more importance in the story. The first book had the team being assaulted from all directions multiple times, but here the team are more proactive, and often end up choosing to go into battle, rather than having it thrust upon them. They get to choose the fields of battle, they get to make the sudden strikes, and whilst it doesn't always mean that they win it does give it a very different feel.

As mentioned before, the book has an interesting ending. I'm not going to go into that for spoiler reasons, but I will say based upon how things wrap up at the end of this book any future book is quite possibly going to be the most intriguing yet. Having very much enjoyed both books in the series I'm hoping that we do get at least one more.

Whether you've played the games or not, or whether you've read the first book or not, The Division: Compromised is a entertaining and enjoyable read that people are going to love. It works brilliantly as an addition to the games, and as a sequel to the first book, but if you're coming to this completely fresh it stands well enough on its own to keep you entertained throughout.

[Tim Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent Maira Kanhai is broken. She struggles with the previous fallout of her last mission with the Division. Her body is burnt and sore but she recovers slowly but not left without scars, physically and mentally. She focuses on her recovery and then a new mission presents itself.

Brenda, the cell leader for Maira’s Division cell approaches her and offers her another chance. She sends her on a mission to stop another rogue faction from destroying a necessary and much needed facility. But all is not as it seems.

Maira, paired with Leo, one of her old Division Cell partners, gets some new agents. Yeong-Ja, a female sniper with shooting skills unmatched by most and Colin, a medic and veteran agent with a cool head and a pension for helping everyone even at the expense of his own safety. Together they go after the new Faction. A group of Zealots led by Cassandra Raines who names themselves the Reborn.

Also another hostile military-like group named the Molossi threaten the agents and make their mission difficult. But again, not all is as it seems. The Molossi have their own plans.

I was very entertained and happy to be back in Parrott’s Divison world. I had read “Recruited” last year and found it to be one of the most Canon worthy reads related to a Video Game I have read. His character work and pacing is spot on. The banter between them often left me chuckling while I read and found it to be enjoyable. But where Parrott really shines and I’m sad to say I wish we had more of it because he is that good at it, is his action writing.

Parrott writes firearms action with the best of them. The way he describes a firefight rivals some of the best in the business including such authors as Mr Clancy himself. The fights are brutal and fast paced, perfectly described in real world situations with real world consequences of what would happen if a person was actually shot. I wanted so much more of this writing. While the action and pacing of the novel was fantastic, this action writing was so good I couldn’t help wanting more and wished for more gunfights.

I can see more stories being told in this universe. There is so much potential here and I hope Thomas Parrott is the guy to write any future novels.

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published on NetGalley.com. I was given an ebook freely by NetGalley and the book’s publisher in return for a voluntary and honest review.

This is the second book in a Tom Clancy Dystopian adventure series. Thomas Parrott writes great action. The book starts off in Kansas City with the cell of agents recovering from their last mission. The leader lost a leg and got promoted to a desk. The newest Division recruit Maira, becomes the unofficial leader.

Division gets word that one of the last working oil refineries is being threatened by a radical environmental cult. With the help of the Freighters, a nation wide truck driver group. The cell makes a journey south to Texas. On the road the cell gets to know each other with two new members joining the mission.

Colin is one of the new members and field medic. He also serves as the second POV character. He’s got his own ghosts trailing him from New York, one of the biggest failures for the Division. It takes some time for the new Division cell to mesh but once they do, they gel and take on several different enemies.

Parrott really grabs you and takes you on a journey through a future wasteland of America. I love good dystopian fiction and the Tom Clancy brand does it right. I plan on grabbing the first book and hope there’s a third.

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published on NetGalley.com. I was given an ebook freely by NetGalley and the book’s publisher in return for a voluntary and honest review.

This is the second book in a Tom Clancy Dystopian adventure series. Thomas Parrott writes great action. The book starts off in Kansas City with the cell of agents recovering from their last mission. The leader lost a leg and got promoted to a desk. The newest Division recruit Maira, becomes the unofficial leader.

Division gets word that one of the last working oil refineries is being threatened by a radical environmental cult. With the help of the Freighters, a nation wide truck driver group. The cell makes a journey south to Texas. On the road the cell gets to know each other with two new members joining the mission.

Colin is one of the new members and field medic. He also serves as the second POV character. He’s got his own ghosts trailing him from New York, one of the biggest failures for the Division. It takes some time for the new Division cell to mesh but once they do, they gel and take on several different enemies.

Parrott really grabs you and takes you on a journey through a future wasteland of America. I love good dystopian fiction and the Tom Clancy brand does it right. I plan on grabbing the first book and hope there’s a third.

[Robert H · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have played The Division games then this world is familiar to you. Set in a timeframe somewhere not too long after The Division 2, the book details the travels of a Division Cell sent to the south to ensure that the supply of oil continues to the survivors of the green poison attacks that happened some 9 or so months previously. Parrott captures very well the setting, the struggles of the characters, and the odds that they are fighting against. There is also overlap between the events in the games and the books which I look forward to hearing more about as the series hopefully continues. Highly recommend for those who want to read more about The Division universe.

[Addam Dallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Journey Continues

The Division Compromised is a fun and great continuation of the the first one. I really enjoyed seeing Myra becoming a great agent while at the same time still being human and making mistakes and learning and growing as a person. I also liked how we get to see more about Leo in this one. As well as the new members to the cell. The overall story was excellent and never a dull moment. The narrator did a fantastic job at bringing this story to life. I definitely recommend this one.

[Roy Van Den Brande · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cliffhanger was interesting, but I found the story arc a little bit lacking. I'm a huge The Division video game fan, so it was nice read mentions of important characterd and events in the video game.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the Division games and the novels have been good up to this point but the main protagonist is quite annoying. The combat scene at the end saved the novel.

[Craig Carignan · Rating 3 out of 5]

No really that great of a story.

[Vladislav Tishakov · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

Amazing book with a great story progression and plenty of action. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series

[Alfredzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Ramped up with Maria skilling up as an agent and tinkering with SHD (!DHS, no spoilers) tech.

[kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise this was part of a series and so I haven't read the first one and read this as a standalone which worked perfectly well for me. I have also played the videogame so I kind of knew the world and so forth already, and some backstory was included in this book which worked well enough to be able to read the book and not feel lost.
The writing was engaging, the storyline was compelling and for me the best thing was the characters that were all well developed and all worked really well.
An enjoyabe read and I look forward to reading more