Review of Waterworks
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Pawan Arya
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- Latest Review: Waterworks by Jack Winnick
Review of Waterworks
[Following is a volunteer review of "Waterworks" by Jack Winnick.]
Official Review: Waterworks by Jack Winnick
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Jack Winnick's Waterworks provides the type of thriller that'll keep you awake at night not in fear, but in contemplation. It's a tale that's disturbingly realistic, a what-if situation that edges up close enough to real life to get you hesitating each time you fill a glass with water. The novel combines science, espionage, and national security with action that never flags, yet without resorting to cheap plot turns or tired hacks.
The tale starts in Los Angeles, where there is a bizarre, unexplained ecological event at a water treatment facility. Even on paper, everything appears to be okay, but something obviously is not. A tiny, seemingly insignificant detail a lone foreign-made sock leads to something much more sinister and larger. When Lara and Uri, two veteran agents who have expertise in managing global crises, are called in to investigate, the game is on in a hurry.
What's more impressive is how Winnick roots his story in actual science and geopolitical fact. The danger feels plausible not only in a fictional way, but a real-world one. He obviously did his research regarding chemistry, nuclear substances, and the way that infrastructure systems such as water treatment facilities could be hijacked. But none of that ever feels insurmountable or boring. The scientific detail serves the story, not the reverse.
Lara and Uri are good, realistic characters. Their relationship isn't over-romantic or melodramatic it's smart, down-to-earth, and honest. They function well together and sound like people who've been in danger before. There is a quiet strength about the way that they navigate every obstacle, and their presence grounds the story.
Although the novel is the fifth in a series, you do not need to have read the previous ones to appreciate this one. Everything is well explained, and the plot is able to stand alone. That being said, supporters of the previous novels will likely appreciate seeing how much the characters have developed.
If you’re into thrillers with brains books that lean into international strategy, terrorism, biological threats, and political tension this one will hit the spot. It’s like a modern Michael Crichton novel with the soul of a Daniel Silva book.
There is nothing excessively graphic in here, although the themes are serious. Terrorism, radiation sickness, and biosecurity hazards are handled responsibly, but not flippantly. There is some mild profanity, but nothing disgusting. It's suitable for older teens and adults who can handle current-event-based fiction.
Bottom line? Waterworks is intelligent, quick-moving, and frighteningly plausible. It's the type of book that you can both enjoy and find yourself pondering the world around you. I'm giving it 5 out of 5 stars and recommending it to anyone who enjoys thrillers based in reality, with people who do the job—no flair, lots of brimstone.
******
Waterworks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Official Review: Waterworks by Jack Winnick
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Jack Winnick's Waterworks provides the type of thriller that'll keep you awake at night not in fear, but in contemplation. It's a tale that's disturbingly realistic, a what-if situation that edges up close enough to real life to get you hesitating each time you fill a glass with water. The novel combines science, espionage, and national security with action that never flags, yet without resorting to cheap plot turns or tired hacks.
The tale starts in Los Angeles, where there is a bizarre, unexplained ecological event at a water treatment facility. Even on paper, everything appears to be okay, but something obviously is not. A tiny, seemingly insignificant detail a lone foreign-made sock leads to something much more sinister and larger. When Lara and Uri, two veteran agents who have expertise in managing global crises, are called in to investigate, the game is on in a hurry.
What's more impressive is how Winnick roots his story in actual science and geopolitical fact. The danger feels plausible not only in a fictional way, but a real-world one. He obviously did his research regarding chemistry, nuclear substances, and the way that infrastructure systems such as water treatment facilities could be hijacked. But none of that ever feels insurmountable or boring. The scientific detail serves the story, not the reverse.
Lara and Uri are good, realistic characters. Their relationship isn't over-romantic or melodramatic it's smart, down-to-earth, and honest. They function well together and sound like people who've been in danger before. There is a quiet strength about the way that they navigate every obstacle, and their presence grounds the story.
Although the novel is the fifth in a series, you do not need to have read the previous ones to appreciate this one. Everything is well explained, and the plot is able to stand alone. That being said, supporters of the previous novels will likely appreciate seeing how much the characters have developed.
If you’re into thrillers with brains books that lean into international strategy, terrorism, biological threats, and political tension this one will hit the spot. It’s like a modern Michael Crichton novel with the soul of a Daniel Silva book.
There is nothing excessively graphic in here, although the themes are serious. Terrorism, radiation sickness, and biosecurity hazards are handled responsibly, but not flippantly. There is some mild profanity, but nothing disgusting. It's suitable for older teens and adults who can handle current-event-based fiction.
Bottom line? Waterworks is intelligent, quick-moving, and frighteningly plausible. It's the type of book that you can both enjoy and find yourself pondering the world around you. I'm giving it 5 out of 5 stars and recommending it to anyone who enjoys thrillers based in reality, with people who do the job—no flair, lots of brimstone.
******
Waterworks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Waterworks by Jack Winnick
