Much like the previous novel Checkmate, Fallout feels more in line with the games that the previous novels, Checkmate included do. More locations, more bad guys and more gadgets. This time however, the stakes are raised as the enemy is much more dangerous and well-connected and Sam has a much more personal involvement in this story. Also, Sam doesn’t seem to get a break here as there is a time constraint working against him. Because of this, he is placed is more danger than ever before and takes much greater risks.

I enjoy that the author has a keen sense of consistency as the characters, while noticeably more fleshed out with four books of writing behind them, are the same from story to story. This gives Sam a solid supporting cast as his missions and circumstances change from chapter to chapter. It lets the focus stay on him while filling in the blanks on the details that fill the spaces between one mission and the next.

With that admirable consistency comes the same level of meticulous attention to detail as the research the author does in order to bring realism to the story makes these books largely believable and even eerily parallel to the real world and its global conflicts.

Superbly written combat, realism and interesting characters, especially enemies, make these books fun to read. With each novel, Sam’s career and personality becomes more detailed which adds to the enjoyment of these novels. This has an added side effect of making the games even more fun to play if that’s even possible!

This is just the kind of novel I like to read when I need a break from sci-fi or fantasy. And unlike other spy/espionage novels I’ve read, it doesn’t come off like a 1980s over the top campy action movie.