Review of East Wind, 2nd edition

[Kayla Archer]

[Following is a volunteer review of "East Wind, 2nd edition" by Jack Winnick.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Undercover agents, nuclear bombs, and romance: Jack Winnick’s East Wind (Lara and Uri Book 1) fills the pages with thrilling events that keep the reader on edge from start to finish.

The story follows the tensions between Arab and Israeli nations. An FBI computer software agent named Lara Edmond works to uncover terrorist plots against America brought on by its support of Israel. While working through coded messages, she exposes the possibility of an attack – but where? Enter Uri Levin, a Metsada member, the Special Operations arm of Mossad. With Uri’s knowledge of the Arabic lifestyle and Lara’s expertise in computer software, the team sifts through thousands of digital messages to uncover where the potential threat will occur.

Although their efforts get them close to the answer, a nuclear bomb detonates in a Los Angeles marina, killing thousands and putting the country on edge. A threat is announced to the US: cease supporting Israel, or a nuclear bomb will go off each week until it does. Instantly the team is tasked with finding where the next bomb will detonate. Can the team get there in time and track down the madman behind these threats?

East Wind is the first of the Lara and Uri books by Jack Winnick. Winnick’s knowledge of international affairs concerning the US is outstanding. He exercises a Dan Brown approach in presenting these potential threats through his fictional stories involving two FBI agents. Each book presents a potential act of terrorism against the US and uses incredible facts to support those ideas. The protagonists, Lara and Uri, help unlock key details to unfold the plots and rescue Americans.

I have not read a Winnick book that I have not enjoyed. Winnick uncovers government schemes that only a well-versed political enthusiast would understand and writes in a coherent, concise way that is enjoyable to read. This book lays out how Uri and Lara meet each other and leaves an epilogue of the next adventure they will embark on together. There is some profanity, but nothing excessive or distracting to the plot. The book is well edited, and the plot is easy to follow.

The only negative comment I could offer is the number of characters introduced. I recognize the first book of a series needs to build a foundation of characters and backgrounds. This one possessed many characters introduced and then not mentioned again. Trying to decipher who was important and not important was a bit challenging, but aside from that, the book was well executed.

I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. This fictional novel holds facts that entices the reader to think about what could happen to the US involving terrorism. It offers a glimpse of what FBI agents face on a day-to-day basis. It’s a thriller that moves swiftly.

Those who enjoy history, politics, and foreign affairs, especially those with Israel and Iran, will find this book engaging. The details Winnick includes about various countries' tensions make this story believable and intriguing. There’s a smidge of romance for those who like a good love story, but it’s not as deep as one may wish. Those who struggle with conspiracy theories may find this interesting, but I would caution you not to consider these writings too seriously.

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East Wind, 2nd edition
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[Christell Lindeque]

From what I read about the sample. This is an action packed thriller and something I would read. I like the way the author writes and describes how terrorists think and act, which makes the reader aware of what they are like. I also liked that the author explained the backgrounds of some characters to better understand them. Great review.

[Cheryl Erickson]

I have not read any of Winnick's books yet. But I have heard so many positive things about this book series. I commend you on your clearly written summary filled with helpful details. I look forward to reading about where it all started with Lara and Uri and accompanying them on their intense escapades to save Americans. Well done!