There is a top secret organization within the U.S. government known as Third Echelon. This organization operates by deploying a solitary, highly trained spy, referred to as a splinter cell, who will stop at nothing to accomplish his mission. The book in question focuses on one such splinter cell named Sam Fisher. He endeavors to bring down a rapidly ascending terrorist army, shut down a group of weapons dealers, and prevent a madman from destroying Baghdad.
The story unfolds across the globe, from London to Cyprus, in the near future. The majority of the action takes place in Europe and the Middle East. It commences in Hong Kong, where Sam Fisher is attempting to unearth more information about a group of weapons dealers known as the “Shop.” The narrative concludes in Jerusalem following some intense personal events.
The main protagonist is Sam Fisher. He has a dark complexion and dark hair, which aids him in blending in when in the Middle East. He is divorced and has a 19-year-old daughter, whom he raised after his ex-wife's tragic passing. Due to the nature of his work, he is anti-social and reluctant to get close to people, except for his daughter. He is among the most highly trained spies in the world.
One of the principal villains in the book is Tarighian, the Iranian leader of a terrorist organization called the “Shadows.” He is extremely wealthy and has assumed the identity of a Turk named Mr. Basaran. Ironically, Mr. Basaran is the head of a charity that assists victims of terrorism. Tarighian's family was killed in an Iraqi air raid on his hometown, and he has spent the remainder of his life fixated on exacting revenge against Iraq.
The book is replete with intrigue, action, and adventure. Sam Fisher is like a more technologically advanced James Bond. He is equipped with numerous amazing gadgets that enable him to remain undetected by his adversaries. All in all, this is an outstanding book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of a captivating spy novel.