Gideon's War: A Novel

Becoming a writer has ruined me as a reader. I have set the bar so high for myself with writing that I can’t read anyone who doesn’t work as hard as I do. I’m very happy to report, though, that I’ve added a new author to my “must-read” list. His name is Howard Gordon and his debut novel, Gideon’s War blew me away.

When I heard the advance buzz going around about Gideon’s War and then learned that Howard was the Exec Producer of the television series 24, I figured his book had to be good. Secretly, though, I wondered if it could be better than “24.” If so, Howard Gordon was going to have another huge hit on his hands.

The question I began reading with was whether or not Howard could take the exciting, edge-of-your-seat, please-don’t let-it-end-yet elements that have worked so well in the television world and apply them to a novel. My question was answered instantly. He has – and he has done it in spades. Gideon’s War is every bit as good as you would expect it to be and a whole hell of a lot more.

While Howard’s debut will undoubtedly (and deservedly) be compared to thriller luminaries like Ludlum, Le Carré, and Forsythe, his rich writing style, pacing and exceptional character development reminded me of another dean of the thriller genre – Michael Crichton.

If it isn’t obvious, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I’m still haunted by the novel’s magnificent juxtaposition of a brother who makes peace vs. a brother who makes war. This was an incredibly compelling and incredibly entertaining story. Simply put, it has been a long time since I have had such a rewarding read.

Howard Gordon might have forever been known as the Executive Producer of 24, but I suspect he will leave that behind as Gideon’s War earns him the honor of being crowned one of America’s hottest new thriller authors.