Heart-pounding, suspenseful thrillers are some of the most popular books enjoyed by readers. Sometimes, digging into a page-turner is just a great way to take our minds away from whatever might be going on in life.
Local author Gregory Shepherd (professor of music and drama at Kaua‘i Community College) has penned an international espionage thriller, “Sea of Fire,” that is captivating and worth the read.
With settings and characters that span from North Korea, Japan, and even Washington, DC, “Sea of Fire” spins a riveting, fast-paced story that would make Tom Clancy, Daniel Silva and Lee Child proud.
Former-sniper-turned Buddhist Patrick Featherstone learns that a CIA agent has defected to North Korea with highly sensitive information which would make the United States vulnerable to attack.
Given his expertise, he is tapped to track down this defector, but secretly decides to also search for the love of his life, who is being held in a North Korean prison. To complicate matters, Featherstone also becomes aware of a hidden coup to overthrow the North Korean regime from within, which has the potential to escalate into all-out war. No one is immune from Featherstone’s new mission or his decisions, not even the president of the United States.
Shepherd’s in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and Korean culture (especially North Korean culture) shows throughout the story, giving a sense of realism to the story that makes “Sea of Fire” all the better. The grim reality of the conditions to which the North Korean regime subjects it people could not be more keenly related in reading this novel, and yet is seamlessly woven throughout. Most impressive.
Congratulations, Mr. Shepherd. You’ve got yourself a winner here, guaranteed to find a wider audience for future novels.
•••
Ed Justus is the owner of Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe. Yuriko and Ed Justus are Kalaheo residents. Talk Story Bookstore is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. Fridays.
Congratulations Greg!
Thanks, Glen!