Tag: Conspiracy Thrillers

‘The Collaborators’: A Tale of Ambition and Survival by Michael Idov

‘The Collaborators’ is the exciting new political and espionage thriller by Michael Idov. Photo: Amazon

Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. His new book “The Collaborators” is an electrifying, cutting-edge spy thriller featuring a brilliant young intelligence officer and a troubled heiress who stumble into a global conspiracy that pits Russia against the CIA. (Simon & Schuster, 2024)

“The Collaborators” –  Anton Basmanny is the Kremlin’s least favorite blogger with a bullseye on his back. He is aboard an airplane on the way to meet Ari Falk, a cynical CIA agent whose cover is to help Russian opposition journalists run stories that could be damaging to the Kremlin. Anton knows any day could be his last, so he isn’t too surprised when his flight is forced to land. He is detained in a cell along with a couple, an American and his wife, and when they are taken away and he hears two gunshots, he fears the worst. The man happened to be Russian American billionaire Paul Obrandt whose suicide later makes international headlines. Falk eventually crosses paths with LA heiress Maya Chou, a.k.a. Paul Obrandt’s daughter. Their globe-trotting adventures will not only put them in danger, but will reveal secrets neither one of them saw coming and will forever change Maya’s view of her father.

This novel is a gripping exploration of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of life in contemporary Russia. Idov skillfully combines personal and political narratives, creating a vivid backdrop that captures the tensions of life as an intelligence officer in an ever changing political landscape. The narrative is non-linear and the prose is both sharp and haunting, immersing readers in a chaotic atmosphere, where friendships can be as fragile as the truth. The deep character development adds depth to the narrative and the author’s ability to blend humor with darker themes provides a balanced and engaging read. Laced with wit, the dialogue provides a refreshing contrast to the underlying seriousness of Falk and Maya’s situation. One of the highlights is the intense car chase towards the end of Chapter 5 when they are being chased and every second counts as they race towards the US embassy.

Overall, “The Collaborators” is more than a thrilling espionage thriller, it’s a tale of survival and profound meditation on the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a compelling must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy and politics. Idov’s work resonates powerfully, offering a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the human condition. Readers who enjoy similar works from Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and Brad Thor will find it just as gripping.  

*The author received an ARC for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Modern Espionage and Intrigue: ‘The Collaborators’ by Michael Idov

‘The Collaborators’ by Michael Idov will be released November 19, 2024. Photo: Amazon

Spy thrillers immerse readers in a world of espionage, intrigue, and high-stakes adventure. These gripping tales often feature skilled agents navigating a web of deception, betrayal, and covert operations. Classic elements include clandestine meetings, sophisticated technology, and unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Authors like John le Carré and Robert Ludlum masterfully explore the psychological complexities of their characters, blending action with moral dilemmas. From Cold War conspiracies to modern cyber threats, spy thrillers captivate audiences by revealing the shadowy underbelly of international relations and the personal sacrifices made for the greater good. There’s a new espionage/political thriller by Michael Idov that will be released in November, “The Collaborators,” that is sure to become a classic.

Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. Michael’s writing career began at New York magazine, where his features won three National Magazine Awards, and he has also been the editor-in-chief of GQ Russia. He is also the author of “Ground Up” and “Dressed Up for a Riot.” Michael has worked on numerous film and TV projects, including Londongrad, Deutschland 83, Leto, and The Humorist. His new book “The Collaborators” is an electrifying, cutting-edge spy thriller featuring a brilliant young intelligence officer and a troubled heiress who stumble into a global conspiracy that pits Russia against the CIA. It will be released on November 19 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Simon & Schuster, 2024)

“The Collaborators” – Combining realistic thrills with sophisticated spycraft and witty dialogue, it delivers a gut-punch answer to the biggest geopolitical question of our time: How, exactly, did post-Soviet Russia turn down the wrong path?

Crisscrossing the globe on the way to this shocking revelation are disaffected millennial CIA officer Ari Falk, thrown into a moral and professional crisis by the death of his best asset, and brash, troubled LA heiress Maya Chou, spiraling after the disappearance of her Russian American billionaire father. The duo’s adventures take us to both classic and surprising locales—from Berlin and Tangier to Latvia, Belarus, and an abandoned technopark outside Moscow.

Dynamic, fast-paced, and filled with captivating details that provide a window into a secretive world, “The Collaborators” is a first-rate thriller that pays homage to both meanings of “intelligence.”

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New book release: ‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ by Aaron Ryan

‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ is book number one in the Dissonance Trilogy. It is available now. Photo: Amazon

Dystopian sci-fi thrillers take place in societies in decline where the characters are battling environmental ruin, technological control, and government oppression. These are some of the most imaginative novels out there and are one of my favorite genres. If you are ready for your next dystopian sci-fi thriller, consider today’s new release: “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” by Aaron Ryan. It is the first in the Dissonance Trilogy and promises plenty of thrills and is defined as Aliens meets A Quiet Place. “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” is available through the author’s website. More about the author here.

Aaron Ryan is the author of the Dissonance series, several business books on multimedia production penned under a pseudonym, as well as a previous fictional novel, “The Omega Room.” He has always had a passion for storytelling. When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, “The Electric Boy” was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron’s desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.

He enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment. Aaron’s favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King. Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry and Pippin, the finches.

“Dissonance Volume I: Reality”

Plug your ears. Don’t look. The war for humanity has begun. Cameron “Jet” Shipley was there when they arrived in 2026. He, and everyone else, lived through the next decade and a half, learning to hide. Learning to never make a sound. Learning the most important rule of all: You just…don’t…look.

The year is now 2042, and humanity is eking out an existence in the shadows. Cameron and his team are sent out on a recon mission in Clarksville Tennessee, with events and developments that may alter the trajectory of Earth’s fate…and his own.

Joined by newcomers Bassett and Trudy, Cameron and his brother Rut will have to contend with a powerful force that has laid waste to the planet and annihilated over eighty-five percent of civilization. Will Jet’s expeditions lead him on a slippery slope of discovery that demands accountability and answers? Or will it plunge the earth, and everything in it, into further dissonance?

Coming soon: “Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning” and “Dissonance Volume III: Revenge”

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New book release: ‘The Founders’ Plot’ by Frank Victoria

‘The Founders’ Plot’ is the new political thriller from Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is perfect for readers who like political thrillers full of action, suspense, and conspiracy theories. “The Founders’ Plot” by Frank Victoria weaves together intricate layers of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, the story offers a gripping story that not only sheds light on the dark underbelly of politics and immigration but also challenges the audience to question the true intentions behind the exercise of power. What happens when the newly elected California Governor Mike DiGrasso defies the Supreme Court? No one would ever know the meeting took place. Sounds intriguing? Find out for yourself and pick up a copy of this exciting thriller today. It is a masterful political thriller and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award and it is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. (Frank Victoria, 2023)

Frank Victoria was born and raised in Chicago, but now lives in Orland Park IL, a suburb of that city. He served in the Marine Corps, graduated from Northern Illinois university with a B.A. in Journalism, and was a writer and editor for several business magazines for more than twenty-five years. Then he made a career change into Education and taught American history and government in the Chicago Public Schools for sixteen years. In his new book “The Founders’ Plot,” Afghanistan war hero Mike DiGrasso has just been elected Governor of California by an overwhelming majority and immediately sets out to work on keeping his campaign’s primary promise – to create a strict immigration law.

“The Founders’ Plot” – In the wake of Mike Digrasso’s (50s) election as California governor, the sordid and dangerous world of illegal immigration becomes a central focus. DiGrasso, a decorated Afghan war veteran, initiates a stringent immigration law, which later faces opposition as the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional. Despite the Court’s ruling, DiGrasso chooses to continue enforcing the law, igniting a collision of federal, state, and judicial powers. This clash not only jeopardizes the country’s political and justice systems but also tests the limits of authority.

United States President Martin W. Ballard (50s), a long-time friend of Governor DiGrasso, is faced with a pivotal decision – whether to federalize the California National Guard in order to enforce the Court’s ruling. As tensions escalate, Senate Minority Leader Elizabeth Stern, a cunning member of the opposition party, emerges as a formidable adversary. Stern is relentless in her pursuit to make DiGrasso comply with the Court’s decision, even resorting to tactics such as planning impeachment proceedings and blackmailing the governor over a past affair. The strain on DiGrasso’s personal life is undeniable, as his wife learns of his infidelity and temporarily leaves him.

Amid this turmoil, the lives of two Mexican families living in the country illegally are deeply affected by the hyperintense atmosphere brought about by the new immigration law. Their struggles underline the human toll of such policies, revealing the heartbreaking consequences for those caught in the crossfire.

Behind the scenes, several political players share the belief that federal courts have amassed excessive power, operating beyond the bounds of authority outlined in the Constitution. They orchestrate a clandestine plot that is rooted in a desire to recalibrate the balance of power and reflects their conviction that their actions align with the principles of the Founding Fathers. Thus, the title “The Founders’ Plot” takes on a deeper meaning, encapsulating the audacious plan to reshape the nation’s legal landscape.

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Author Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.