Caspian Anderson is a translator for the United Nations. His girlfriend, Liesel Bergmann, is an accountant. Together, they share a quiet, uneventful life.
What could possibly go wrong?
Well, for starters, Caspian, code name “Elias,” has spent the last decade working for Onyx, a black program deep within the Department of Homeland Security. You wouldn’t know it looking at him, give his relatively average stature—he’s a hair below six feet and weighs under 180 pounds—but Caspian is actually one of the United State government’s most feared assassins with more than thirty-three kills under his belt. He’s a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” An apex predator trained to blend into his surroundings.
Liesel doesn’t know about her lover’s secret life, which is only fitting because she, too, has a well of secrets, something Caspian knows nothing about.
Opening with a breathless game of cat-and-mouse in Switzerland, readers become acquainted with Caspian as he tracks a banker by the name of Leonard Alrich. Onyx sent him to remove a target from the board, a target with deep ties to human trafficking.
Meanwhile, in New York, it becomes clear that Liesel is far more than just an accountant. At times, she comes across as both Cathy—beautiful, whip-smart, with a smile to die for—and Jack Ryan—an “accountant” with ties to an intelligence agency, though perhaps not the one you’d expect.
Immediately, readers are immersed in both character’s worlds. Caspian recognizes that his long work hours and steady traveling could be a turn-off for someone like Liesel. She’s changed his perspective on life, and he fears losing her. Liesel, meanwhile, feels like a meeting between her boss and Caspian went well. It’s the usual kind of back-and-forth between two characters readers are used to seeing, at least until it becomes clear that both Caspian and Liesel are working on different sides of the same problem . . . though neither one of them knows it.
But when Caspian’s mission in Switzerland goes sideways, he accidentally unearths another conspiracy implicating high-level political figures, and from that moment forward, Gervais takes readers on a high-powered, high-concept ride through a tangled web of lies, secrets, and nonstop, balls-to-the-wall action.
Gervais, best known for his Clayton White and Pierce Hunt series, is certainly no stranger to action. Over the years, he’s made a name for himself by treating readers to many firefights and exciting, heart-thumping sequences. Even so, he seems to have found a new gear here, with his pacing and action feeling similar to recent works from Brad Thor and Mark Greaney, and it’s safe to say that there’s a little Harvath and Gray Man in Caspian, an exceptional new hero who slots in towards the top of the genre’s best.
High-flying action aside, the character development here is particularly noteworthy, with Caspian presented as a multifaceted protagonist, a man who is grappling with the moral ambiguity of his profession while navigating the complexities of his personal relationships. It all just works. Moreover, the chemistry between Caspian and Liesel crackles on the page early, adding a palpable tension to their interactions as they navigate the treacherous waters of a burgeoning romance against the backdrop of danger and deception, all of which creates a compelling and layered dynamic that drives the narrative forward. Toss in a smart, cleverly plotted storyline, and you have all the fixings for a star-studded blockbuster.
Think Jason Bourne meets Mr. And Mrs. Smith . . . From the pulse-pounding action sequences to the quieter moments of introspection, The Elias Network maintains a steady rhythm that keeps readers engaged throughout, and Simon Gervais, who comes out swinging with this one, knows exactly what buttons to press to ensure that there is never a dull moment. Get your pre-orders in early because this one is not to be missed!
Book Details
Author: Simon Gervais
Series: Caspian Anderson #1
Pages: 351 (Paperback)
ISBN: 1662518536
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Release Date: September 17th, 2024
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.