Review of Devil Among Us

[NetMassimo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Devil Among Us" by Jack Winnick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Devil Among Us by Jack Winnick is the second book in the Lara and Uri series. The investigation of a suicide bombing at a New York synagogue that caused hundreds of casualties points to members of a Jewish family as the culprits. FBI Special Agent Lara Edmond is part of the team checking up on the suspects' lives and discovers that some of them were hiding something crucial to their understanding of the bombing. Help by the Mossad is requested, leading Mossad agent Uri Levin to go to the USA to work with Lara again a few years after the terrorism case they solved together.

I read and reviewed East Wind, the first book in the Lara and Uri series, and I liked how Jack Winnick developed a storyline inspired by the terrorist threats against the USA. I was happy to have the chance to read and review this sequel, which turned out to be much more than a spy thriller. I should add spoilers to explain how this novel is developed with elements that belong to other genres, so I'll just say that the plot's ramifications include a threat against Israel.

The story is full of action with Lara and Uri often risking their lives while they're trying to uncover a terrorist plan that involves many extremists. Jack Winnick includes members of different organizations who are enemies of the USA and Israel in a story full of twists, surprises, and revelations.

This novel is more action-oriented than the first of the series: in her investigation, Lara works almost exclusively as a field agent while she was originally introduced as a specialist in using computers for intelligence-gathering. In my opinion, that's not a problem because it makes sense that Lara's job changed over time as she gathered experience.

I appreciated the sophisticated plot, in which Lara and Uri find themselves at the center of a complex plan against the USA and Israel. I'm not surprised to see that Jack Winnick is described as a Middle East scholar, as he shows the different positions that exist in Arab countries, which are sometimes their own worst enemies. He skillfully depicts those complexities without slowing down the pace too much by adding details here and there and through quick conversations.

One thing I didn't appreciate about this novel is the negative depiction of the European Union, seen as weak in its position towards Israel and terrorist threats. A complete explanation would be longer than the actual review, so I'll just point out that strong statements of support for Israel came from European countries after the most recent attacks suffered by the Jewish country. In my opinion, support doesn't only mean supplying weapons.

Overall, I think that Devil Among Us is another terrific novel in this series. It has a proper ending, so you can read it as a standalone story even if it's part of a series. It includes some developments in Lara and Uri's personal relationships, though only some kissing is told explicitly. I appreciated that their relationship and its development are not cheesy.

I recommend Devil Among Us to grown-up readers because of some complexities connected to the social and political situations in various countries and some violent bits connected to fights depicted in the story. There are a few errors that didn't detract from my enjoyment, so I happily rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars. I think it's a must-read if you like spy thrillers and plots that include big plans at an international level.

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Devil Among Us
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Devil Among Us" by Jack Winnick.]

I read and reviewed East Wind, the first book in the Lara and Uri series, and I liked how Jack Winnick developed a storyline inspired by the terrorist threats against the USA. I was happy to have the chance to read and review this sequel, which turned out to be much more than a spy thriller. I should add spoilers to explain how this novel is developed with elements that belong to other genres, so I'll just say that the plot's ramifications include a threat against Israel.

I appreciated the sophisticated plot, in which Lara and Uri find themselves at the center of a complex plan against the USA and Israel. I'm not surprised to see that Jack Winnick is described as a Middle East scholar, as he shows the different positions that exist in Arab countries, which are sometimes their own worst enemies. He skillfully depicts those complexities without slowing down the pace too much by adding details here and there and through quick conversations.

One thing I didn't appreciate about this novel is the negative depiction of the European Union, seen as weak in its position towards Israel and terrorist threats. A complete explanation would be longer than the actual review, so I'll just point out that strong statements of support for Israel came from European countries after the most recent attacks suffered by the Jewish country. In my opinion, support doesn't only mean supplying weapons.

I started reading this series towards the end, a testament to the fact that they "can" be standalone books. However, I wish I would have started at the very first book! I still need to read this one and the first one I love the way this author packs his pages full of action, and for the most part, I find the plots he presents realistic. With everything going on in the Middle East today, these books are a reminder of the impermanence of peace and the persistent conflicts facing some nations. I am curious to read what you mentioned in terms of the politics of the European Union. I enjoyed reading your review; thanks so much for sharing it with us. Until next time...

[NetMassimo]

I started reading this series towards the end, a testament to the fact that they "can" be standalone books. However, I wish I would have started at the very first book! I still need to read this one and the first one I love the way this author packs his pages full of action, and for the most part, I find the plots he presents realistic. With everything going on in the Middle East today, these books are a reminder of the impermanence of peace and the persistent conflicts facing some nations. I am curious to read what you mentioned in terms of the politics of the European Union. I enjoyed reading your review; thanks so much for sharing it with us. Until next time...

Reading this series out of order can be confusing concerning Lara and Uri's personal relationship, otherwise, there are some references to their past work together but each novel tells its own story. The current event in Israel show how peace is indeed impermanent, sadly.

[Leen282]

It's the first review that I read, mentioning that Lara's role has changed from computer intelligence to field agent. Given the recent situation, I will find it more difficult to read this book mentioning a threat against Israel - it suddenly becomes very real while it is a novel and while certain aspects may be based on reality, it remains a work of fiction.

[NetMassimo]

It's the first review that I read, mentioning that Lara's role has changed from computer intelligence to field agent. Given the recent situation, I will find it more difficult to read this book mentioning a threat against Israel - it suddenly becomes very real while it is a novel and while certain aspects may be based on reality, it remains a work of fiction.

Reading this novel, you might "hear" echoes of the current situation. Jack Winnick wrote it ten years ago...

[Ganeefa Karan]

All the books in the series are well articulated in terms of literature; however, the fact that these topics are based on many hypothetical situations and imagined events, causes many misconceptions. I, therefore, find it really distressing to read.

[Cynthia Mumbi 1]

Supplying weapons might not be the only support needed, but given the circumstances on terrorist threats I dont think there will be any other way on showing support. As they say, "give to scissors what belong to scissors." But I really enjoy your review cant wait to read the book.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

Jack Winnick's Devil Among Us, the second in the Lara and Uri series, delivers relentless action and intricate plotting. Winnick's deep insights into Middle Eastern dynamics add a layer of authenticity to the story.

[Irene Nyaoro]

I am developing interest in reading and this book seems quite interesting for an action minded person, hopefully will be able to enjoy and see how she will investigate.

[Anyinjieh obenson]

The storyline of the book is interesting and intriguing because of the action it portrays especially about conflicts which somehow relates with Israel, Europe , middle east and America. Lara's sense of power and control caught my attention though it was kind of blurry at one point.

[Chris Agbara]

Devil Among Us: Intense spy thriller, intricate plot, action-packed. FBI's Lara and Mossad's Uri tackle a global terrorist threat. Despite a negative view of the European Union, the book earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for mature readers into international espionage.

[eva1979]

The current event in Israel show how peace is indeed impermanent, sadly.Its a goog thriller book which somehow reflects reality now .

[Brittany Arendse]

Although not my typical read, having read this review and the one for East Wind I am slowly being converted. The book seems action packed and a continuous thrill. It will also be interesting to see how a book written 10 years ago about threats to Israel relates to the current unrest in the Middle East. Well done to the author on #BOTD and thank you for a wonderfully thorough review.

[SweetSourSalty AndSpicy]

Lara and Uri reunite for the second installment of this action-packed international espionage thriller. The agents must apprehend the culprits of the terror that began with a synagogue bombing.

[Amy Luman]

What a shock! You’re just innocently going to church and then, “Boom!” you’re dead. You can’t trust anyone, can you? Congratulations on BOTD!