4.5 stars
I love finding authors I’ve never read before, and James R. Hannibal is the real deal!
The Paris Betrayal is a fast-paced spy thriller that hooked me from the start. The story follows Ben Calix, a skilled operative whose life spirals out of control after a mission in Rome goes wrong. Tasked with uncovering a deadly bioweapon, Ben barely escapes, only to return to Paris and find his world in ruins. Disavowed by his agency, cut off from all support, and hunted by unknown enemies, Ben’s situation couldn’t be worse.
The action is nonstop as Ben races across Europe to piece together the conspiracy against him. Along the way, he’s joined by a woman caught in his misfortune, and together they hunt down key figures from Ben’s past. But as he fights to stay ahead of his pursuers, he faces a terrifying reality: the agency’s mission to stop the bioweapon is moving forward without him, and a mysterious infection is spreading within him.
This book is a thrill ride, with breathtaking action in every chapter. Hannibal’s military intelligence background adds authenticity, and I appreciated the well-researched details, including fascinating info on the bubonic plague.
Though published in the Christian space, this novel is pure adrenaline-pumping espionage. If you’re a fan of high-stakes thrillers, hang on for the ride! 4.5 stars, rounded down to 4.
** The publisher provided a copy of the book for review. This is my opinion.