By Edwinnie Einstein Unji
Book Title: Operation Stealth
ISBN: 9781912049783
Author: JP Cross
Publisher: Monsoon Books Ltd
Price: RM49.90
Reality doesn’t always give us the life that we desire, but we can always find what we desire between the pages of books.
– Adelise M Cullens
When it comes to titles combining “operation” or “stealth” in a single sentence, you know it is likely to be a great read, especially for avid spy-action fans.
“Operation Stealth” immediately hooked me with its settings and characters, and I initially believed it was based on actual events during World War II.
Before delving deeper into the book, let’s introduce it properly because this is one ride I refuse to forget.
JP Cross’ characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own backstories and motivations. Reading it felt like moving from one character to another seamlessly.
First, we have Colonel Jason Rance, a Gurkha officer whose loyalty to duty and connections to the Lao Moles were entirely expected.
Speaking of the Lao Moles, these four informants play crucial roles, as their presence introduces themes of loyalty and betrayal — key elements in this story.
Next are the KGB operatives, who operate behind the scenes, posing significant danger to Rance.
Lastly, the enigmatic Thai spy adds further complexity. Even after finishing the book, readers will still be guessing whose side he’s on, as befits a spy thriller. One thing is certain: the spy complicates everything.
The setting is post-World War II Laos, where a secret and underground battle unfolds. Vietnamese communists operate covertly, aiming to infiltrate the kingdom.
Enter the four Lao moles, risking their lives to intercept these infiltrators.
Colonel Jason Rance, our hero, becomes entangled in this conflict between the two parties.
When one of the moles is captured, Rance comes to their rescue.
As a reward for saving the mole’s life, Rance receives a mysterious ring, seemingly ordinary but holding deeper significance than he realises.
What is the ring? Why is it important to Rance and his operation? That is the true secret of this book, keeping readers like myself guessing until the very end.
Speaking of which, I will not spoil it here, but I can say this much: the conclusion is highly satisfying and quite unexpected.
The tension that builds throughout the novel reaches its peak, leaving my mind thoroughly blown.
Cross’ creativity and storytelling skills ensure that the emotional impact lingers long after the last page.
The most memorable experience while reading this book was constantly guessing whom to trust among the KGB operatives, Vietnamese communists, and Lao moles, each with their hidden agendas.
This uncertainty led me to question which agenda was true, as each seemed beneficial to every party involved. Even Rance doubted his actions, leaving readers similarly uncertain.
I would rate this book a solid eight out of 10 because, firstly, it starts very slowly into the story.
Twenty pages in and I still have no idea who is who or what is important to the story, but I guess that is what Cross intended — guessing until the very end.
Secondly, some readers prefer books that directly tell them what is going on instead of leaving them guessing even after finishing the book.
While some may enjoy this approach, others who expected clear answers by the end may not appreciate it as much.
Nevertheless, this book delivers a roller coaster of emotions and challenges readers to make assumptions based on what they have read.
This book is the fourth instalment in JP Cross’ Operation Janus series.
While I wish to read all of them, I have doubts about diving in again if the pacing and confusing characters persist once the story starts.
If you prefer a faster pace of storytelling, this book may not be for you.
However, if you are a fan of spy thrillers, espionage, and history, then this book is definitely for you.
