Jack Blaine runs a restaurant-dive bar below his downtown motel in Alizian. Despite his sleazy hotel rooms, Jack's barbeque sauce is world-famous. Unbeknownst to others, however, Jack is a spy for the enemy and has laced his barbeque sauce with poison, intending to assassinate the Emmanuel himself. President-Emperor Heinrich Stilaner is attending the upcoming celebrations organized to honor the victory of Diergenia over the world of Multerra, which has been completely destroyed. Dane Sullivan's After All Other Options follows Jack as he suddenly finds himself torn when his ex-lover Ilsa reserves a room at his hotel with her husband, Commander Vic Bournehauser, who led the Dieregnian Navy fleet. Meanwhile, Ilsa's meeting with Jack rekindles their old spark. Will Jack follow through on his plan? Or will he lose himself to love?

Part dystopian sci-fi and part espionage thriller, After All Other Options is a gripping tale of love, duty, and revenge. Author Dane Sullivan's absorbing narrative draws cautionary parallels with some real-world issues, making the stakes feel even higher. The setting and the atmosphere were the highlights of the book for me. Sullivan really excels in making Jack's motel feel like a cheap, dingy establishment, adding much realism to the dystopian setting. I have no doubt Stilaner will remind readers of one of the most famous political figures in America right now. I was rooting for Jack to accomplish his goals. However, I must say I found Ilsa a bit naive, especially about her relationship with Vic. All in all, it's an entertaining espionage/dystopian thriller layered with political intrigue, suspense, and romance.

After All Other Options by Dane Sullivan follows Ilsa Bournehauser, a woman caught between her husband, Commander Victor Bournehauser, a decorated military leader complicit in the war and authoritarian regime under Emperor Stilaner, and Jack Blaine, Ilsa’s former lover and motel owner who is secretly plotting to poison a fascist military banquet with botulinum toxin. As Victor returns home under suspicion of infidelity with Ensign Anita Silvers, Ilsa must wade through issues of personal betrayal, loyalty to Victor, and the moral weight of Jack’s assassination plan designed to cripple the regime. Jack’s conflicted motives, torn between love for Ilsa and his revolutionary zeal, clash with Victor’s pride and political ruthlessness. The story tracks the intersecting secrets among the three, culminating in an agonizing decision that will alter the course of their lives, no matter which path they take.

After All Other Options by Dane Sullivan is a fantastic novel with strong, polished writing and a plot that totally stands out with regard to its originality. The point of view is omniscient, which works really well. Through this vantage point, we can see just how flawed Vic, Ilsa, and Jack are—and trust me, they all have plenty of baggage. We have a complicit wife, an addict who owns a sleazy bar, and a five-star murderer. Sullivan's ability to make them all feel natural and believable is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. Emily, however, shines brightest as my favorite character, with such intriguing qualities and enough mystery that she could easily carry her own novel. The plot moves steadily and surprises the reader with an ending that delivers a three-pronged shocker, and I did not see anything coming from a galaxy away. This is a fresh take on a classic science fiction model, with enough teeth to pick up where it leaves off in a sequel. Very highly recommended.