Our modern-day protagonist, Paul Knox, is a seasoned NSA cybersecurity expert grappling with personal loss and a strained relationship with his daughter, Emma. His struggle to cope with his wife's death and the growing distance from Emma adds emotional depth to the story. Emma, though somewhat underdeveloped, isn't just a plot device; she serves as a crucial link to the unfolding events. Still, I hope her character and backstory get more attention in future installments in the Liberty Unit series.
In the historical segments, Captain John "Jack" Jouett and his close friends, Julius and Ben, bring the origin of the Liberty Unit to life. Jack’s interactions with figures like Thomas Jefferson, Daniel Boone and General Henry Knox enrich the historical context, showcasing the early foundations of this secretive organization. These dual timelines offer a rich backdrop, though the character development in the past sometimes overshadows the present-day figures.
Mehok explores themes of loyalty through the unwavering dedication of Revolutionary War soldiers and the fanatical commitment of modern-day terrorists. The novel delves into society's heavy reliance on the Internet and electrical infrastructure, highlighting the intricate relationship between technology and security. However, the book tends to overemphasize technical details - particularly regarding firearms and car engines - which can detract from the narrative for readers less interested in these specifics. Additionally, family dynamics are portrayed through broken relationships, adding an emotional layer, but lacking in positive familial interactions.
Going Dark's narrative effectively reveals the protagonists' thoughts and motivations. Detailed descriptions of guns, cars, and historical uniforms enhance the story's realism, but sometimes border on excessive. For readers who aren't gearheads, these passages can feel like when you're watching a car chase scene in a television show, when suddenly the protagonist starts delivering a technical monologue extolling the virtues and benefits of the Modified 5.0 liter Coyote V8 Engine with 500 horsepower, drift brake, TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission with Rev Matching and a TORSEN differential with 3.73 axel ratio, not to mention the MagneRide damping system in the latest top-tier Ford Mustang* she's using to catch the bad guys. You know, that "product placement" vibe.
I found the pacing of Going Dark to be generally well-balanced, maintaining momentum through both the historical and contemporary storylines. However, the frequent shifts between the American Revolution era and the present-day cyber-terrorist crisis can be distracting at times. Despite these occasional hiccups, the narrative builds effectively toward a climactic convergence of both timelines, keeping you engaged until the end.
Overall, Going Dark is an enjoyable read, and I'm interested in exploring the next installment in the series. While the book leaves some questions unanswered, the foundation it sets is compelling enough to recommend. However, my recommendation comes with a bit of caution; If you don't mind some open-endedness and enjoy jumping into series from their beginnings, dive right in. But if you prefer to wait until a series has a few installments under its belt, perhaps hold off a bit ...and maybe test drive a new Ford Mustang* while you wait.
* NOTE: This is a Laughiliate link. We do not receive any compensation for including this link and this is not meant to imply any endorsement of or by the Ford Corporation or the latest Ford Mustang. Our only hope is that someone will find the inclusion of this link amusing. Your mileage may vary. Void where prohibited. Take only as directed. Not for the other use. Ask your doctor if the latest Ford Mustang is right for you.
