The world is a corrupt and cruel place but more than that it’s being led by those who cultivate this through the exploitation of others as a business. This is the premise of Mark Gagnon’s book where an organisation called the Council of Continents ensure that they and all their associates are profiting from crime, in particular, drugs. This isn’t robbing your local grocery store: this is a slick operation with continental divisions being run by those who show that they are worthy through their loyalty, and dedication to the practices that the Council gains from. Valentine Fuchs is its current leader and greed is his motivator, above and beyond all else.
What is clear from being a crime lord is that it is difficult to know who to trust so it’s best not to trust anyone too much and if the trust you’ve apportioned is ever in doubt, the best thing to do is get rid of the opponent as soon as possible. Fuchs’ need to hold on to power is mercenary and there are many who covet his position.
It’s a tense environment. Enter into this Frank, the main character who we follow throughout the book. Frank is a survivor. He’s been hardened by life although he still has the remnants of humanity in him at times but if he’s threatened, he’ll come out fighting. We learn of Frank’s life before he enters the Council of Continents and meanness has left its mark and led him to a life of crime, where he is thriving. But is Frank destined to succeed or will life deal him one last blow?
The narrative centres for the first part of the book on Frank as he builds the North American side of the Council’s business through the purchase of chartered bus operators, designed to transport “product” right under the noses of everyone.
And then the characters of Mike and Sasha are introduced, people who have encountered the Council before and not in good circumstances. With their arrival, the story shifts, bringing a cat-and-mouse angle which I liked to an already tense book.
This is a well-paced novel, the plot of which unfolds effortlessly, taut throughout. I liked the characters although I felt sometimes like the dialogue could have been made more by of showing characters’ movements and expressions while they were talking to flesh them out.
But this is a minor comment. It’s a good book and I enjoyed it very much!
Rachel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I was lucky enough to read this book as a beta reader. Thanks, Mark, for asking me!
Scuffed Granny 