Out of the Far North

Nir Tavor, a former undercover Israeli military agent, is a member of Unit 504, the state security system, and is determined to do whatever it takes to protect his people. During a mission in Syria while Russia was wreaking havoc in Ukraine, Nir demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. Amidst the chaos, he found himself drawn to Nicole, a skilled team member and popular model. When news of a potential attack on Israel reached Nir’s ears, he decided to take matters into his own hands and defend his homeland.

Meanwhile, Russia, led by the formidable Vladimir Putin, was gaining power and plotting revenge against Western countries that had turned away from Russian gas in favor of Israeli resources. Amid political intrigue, betrayals, and conspiracies, it became clear that anyone who dared to oppose Putin was in grave danger. Nir and his team embarked on a daring undercover operation, with Nicole using her beauty and conversational skills to gain access to influential figures. At times, they even had to pose as a couple to maintain their cover.

Religion and politics have long been catalysts for conflict, and it is disheartening to see innocent lives endangered due to the selfish desires and disagreements of leaders. This book sheds light on how governments can manipulate the media, drawing inspiration from true events and seamlessly blending them with the story. It exposes the disregard some leaders have for the well-being of their people, prioritizing personal gain and ego over the safety of others. Additionally, it delves into the age-old issue of religious strife while also incorporating elements of ancient history and Middle Eastern culture.

While I found the book enjoyable, I believe that toning down the action would have allowed me to fully immerse myself in the story. Furthermore, numerous characters make minimal contributions, and the excessive use of technical military terminology, especially on weapons, can be overwhelming. Trimming these unnecessary parts would greatly enhance the reading experience. It took me some time to fully grasp the intricacies of the plot, but once I did, I was captivated. Nir is an exceptional character who possesses intelligence and selflessness. His relationship with Nicole adds an enjoyable dynamic to the book.

Out of the Far North by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn evokes memories of the war movies I watched growing up. The vivid descriptions and intense action kept me engrossed, and despite being a work of fiction, it felt incredibly real. I highly recommend this book to fans of action-packed thrillers that explore themes of war, politics, and religion.