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Kyle Mills delivers high-octane action, global stakes, and a protagonist who’s as broken as he is dangerous. In Fade In, ex-Navy SEAL Salam “Fade” al-Fayed wakes from a coma to find himself recruited by a shadowy billionaire-run outfit and thrown into a race against a viral catastrophe that could wipe out civilization.
The pace is relentless, the action cinematic, and the villainy chilling. Mills adds emotional depth too—Fade’s inner turmoil and his willingness to keep walking into danger make him a fascinating hero. The writing is taut, the plot twists sharp, and the moral gray zones deliciously murky. On the downside, some of the side characters could’ve used more flesh, and a few billionaire motives felt a tad convenient. But those are small quibbles in an otherwise gripping thriller.
Bottom line: if you enjoy smart, muscular thrillers with a dark edge and a protagonist who doesn’t quit—even when maybe he should—Fade In is worth your time and your earbuds. (Will Damron does a fabulous job narrating.)
** Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.