Reciprocity by D.C. Gilbert is a high-stakes action thriller that throws retired Navy SEAL JD Cordell into a deadly rescue mission. When two young women are kidnapped by human traffickers while on their way to start new lives in America, JD is pulled into the dark underbelly of Manila's crime-ridden Tondo district. There, he must track down a fallen ex-Special Forces sniper who may be their only hope of survival. As the clock ticks down, JD and his team face ruthless criminals, corrupt forces, and their past demons in a desperate race to bring the victims home. Brimming with tension, sharp action sequences, and moral complexity, Reciprocity is a gripping installment in the JD Cordell Action Series.

D.C. Gilbert uses cinematic language and description to make an authentic and gritty world of danger, sacrifice, and redemption come to life on the pages. I feel this is just the kind of high-stakes, fast-paced storytelling that fans of military thrillers will love, but it's also elevated above the typical thriller tale with daring heroes and pretty damsels being rescued because it treats the characters as real people. More than just an action novel at its core, this book highlights the horrors of human trafficking with gripping realism and powerful conversations about very real and traumatic things that happen to women just like those JD is trying to recover. Overall, Reciprocity is a pulse-pounding thriller with relentless action and a hero you can't help but root for, and I would highly recommend it.

Reciprocity by D.C. Gilbert follows JD Cordell, a former US Navy SEAL, who married Ellen after returning from Vietnam, where he had gone to rescue his mother, Mai, after she was kidnapped. This event led to the death of a crime boss’s cousin. William Taylor, a former soldier, struggles with memories of his experiences in Afghanistan, which drove him toward self-destructive behavior and the dangerous world of underground fighting. An organization called Spring Lotus works to save Asian children from dire situations and assists them in starting anew with a chance for success. On their way to begin their new life, two women were kidnapped by human traffickers. One of the women was instrumental in Mai’s rescue, while the other is related to Mai. JD suspects the crime boss wants revenge for the death of his cousin. JD asks Taylor for help to rescue the two women from a terrible fate.

Reciprocity by D.C. Gilbert is a thrilling and action-packed read. The excitement carried through from start to finish without a pause. Numerous surprising twists kept me guessing about what would happen next. The suspense gripped me, causing me to nervously chew my nails. I found it impossible to stop reading even for a moment, fearing I might miss something. The writing style was captivating, and I quickly found myself absorbed in this dangerous world. Events were described in such detail that nothing was left to the imagination. The plot was outstanding and held my interest the entire time. Issues like prostitution, human trafficking, and the self-blame surrounding Afghanistan were approached with great sensitivity. I struggled to return to reality after getting so immersed in the story.