Summary: More than a decade after the end of the cold war has chilled the Marxist rebel movements around the world, one hot spot remains: Colombia. Why a democratic country with a growing economy should still feel the brushfires of a civil war is a mystery to U.S. analysts, but not to certain parties on the other side of the world.
The inexplicable loss of three major U.S. assets draws the attention of the world to the Colombian demilitarized zone. Are the local Colombian rebels responsible? Or is a deadly Middle Eastern secret cloaked by the jungle canopy of the DMZ?
Among the contingent of politicians and media headed for the DMZ seeking answers is reporter Julie Baker, whose parents had been missionaries in Colombia. Old hurts and terrors surge as she revisits the place of her birth… and her parents’ deaths. When Julie’s own abduction by guerrillas triggers a time bomb that has been ticking under the feet of the U.S. for a decade, she is left with more questions than answers.
My Thoughts: This was a fabulous, engaging read. It starts out a little slow, because there is so much background information shared, but it’s all relevant. The stage is set very well, and when the action really gets rolling, it’s easy to follow what’s going on. There are a couple of unexpected twists and turns, and others that I could see coming. (In fact, in one particular instance, I couldn’t believe Julie hadn’t figured it out by the time of the “big reveal”!)
I’m finding it hard to fully share my thoughts without spoiling this for anyone else. Let’s just say that Rick is awesome. Swoon! And I had suspicions about him before Julie did …
Again, the beginning was a bit on the slow side. Not hard to read, just full of explanations and information that are pertinent throughout the story. When the action gets going, though, watch out! It will grab onto you and it won’t let you go! Normally that means I’d finish the book in a day. But, well, this is 500+ pages, so I had to FORCE myself (however painful it was) to put it down so I could sleep, eat, take care of the kids, etc. (Man, was that hard!)
Yes, there is some talk of God, faith, and Christianity, but hardly any at all. It reads like a mainstream action/suspense book, not at all like a faith-based fiction book. If you love action-packed, suspense-filled books, then you’ll love this – regardless of your thoughts regarding religion.
Favorite Quotes: This book is full of great quotes. I just picked a couple to share.
“… freedom has never been won without a willingness to shed your own blood …” ~ page 353
“… those who do not care enough to bleed and die for what they hold dear will always be held hostage by those who do.” ~ page 353
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Received as part of a promotion with Litfuse Publicity Group.
Read It: Get your own copy of The DMZ HERE.
Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 and the Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011.
FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
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