The Gryphhon Heist by James R. Hannibalstarts out with an intense scene and the action just gets more intriguing and amazing as the story develops.  This book is the first in the Clandestine Service series and what an opening it is!  Espionage abounds and it is hard to tell who is on which side and which side the characters should be supporting.

The initial introduction of the character Talia Inger was that of a girl trying to prove something to herself and outrun her past.  She has such an attitude that it seems as though the story is going to be one of those where a person turns out to be a genius, new CIA case officer, but then things start to head a different direction.  That change of direction is where the story really pulls readers into it.

Colorful characters of all kinds are introduced.  They are so varied and quirky that one can’t help but enjoy them.  The unique personality traits and eclectic nature of the characters adds to the enjoyment of the read.

James R. Hannibal writes a fast-paced story full of all sorts of interesting and detailed technological tricks.  Somehow, he manages to give all the details without boring the reader or bogging down the story.  One of the best aspects of this story is an intriguing plot line that is not heavily laced with romantic innuendos and distractions. 

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Revell

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Many scenes in which shots are fired, some with fatalities, blood is mentioned; person is abducted and shocked with a cattle prod; multiple scenes in which buildings explode, few casualties are described; a character recalls a car accident resulting in a fatality.

Sex/Nudity:  A character jokes that someday a person will be his girlfriend; characters mention that other characters are attractive.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a parent, espionage, traitors, greed.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adult characters consume various alcoholic beverages.