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Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“The fight didn't end when Harrison died. It started.” No, it isn't a fight that starts in The Shadow Gentleman, a novel by Robin Alden Howard; it's nothing less than a full-blown war. The story begins when Eli Mercer, a brooding individual, takes control of a private security company following the death of his mentor, Harrison. Mercer quickly assembles an elite, tight-knit paramilitary unit and reenters the shady world of black ops, with a man named General Briggs as his contact to the government and legitimacy. As the team trots around the globe searching for answers and an enemy thought long perished, they discover deception and ambushes instead. Determined to eliminate the threat, Mercer and his team engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse, only to discover that someone else is playing the role of the cat.
Explosive and edgy, with scenes that reminded me of La Femme Nikita, The Shadow Gentleman by Robin Alden Howard is a contemporary espionage thriller that ticks all the boxes. The plot begins with a group of contractors conducting covert missions, but quickly evolves into something more personal and sinister as the narrative unfolds. Character development is solid, but Cap the dog and some individuals with minor roles (particularly Lex) steal several scenes. I was also surprised by the numerous underlying themes in the novel, which include the cost of ambition, betrayal, sacrifice, and emotionally stunted individuals struggling with relationships. The pace is not only fast but it is also frenzied, resulting in reading that can be difficult at times, despite Robin's unique writing style, of which I'm quickly becoming a fan. Overall, this story is a perfect fit for fans of action galore and intrigue.
