Review of Waterworks

[John Owen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Waterworks" by Jack Winnick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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After the polonium attack at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant by Iranian terrorists, agents Lara Edmond and Uri Levin were summoned and given an assignment by the Department of Homeland Security to infiltrate Iranian military intelligence in anticipation of another attack. They would both seek employment in strategic positions in Tehran, under false identities and modified facial features, with Lara as Daria Haddad and Uri as Heydar al-Nabi. Lara got a job as a cryptologist for General Gharoub and was transferred to "the Castle," which was the command center for Iranian military operations, especially the planned jihad attack on American waterways, which they called "Project Neptune." Uri, on the other hand, was contracted as an IT specialist at the Ministry of Defense Auxiliary. This was all made possible by an inside job from undercover agents and coordination with Homeland Security under Tom Buckley. Their main role was disinformation, leading the Iranians to attack certain points, hence leading them to a trap, while also feeding intelligence from Iranian operations back home. However, there were so many things that put their entire mission in jeopardy, including the imminence of detection and betrayal from double agents. Would they pull it off? Grab a copy of the book for a suspense-filled counterterrorism thriller.

I had come to know of Jack Winnick's works sometime last year when one of his books was featured as the "Book of the Day" on Onlinebookclub.org, and I purchased the first three installments in the series. From a handful of reviews, his reputation preceded him, and I wasn't disappointed. It was a welcome surprise to find a review opportunity for the last two installments. Like the previous books, the focus of the story is on the heroic secret agents Lara and Uri, now a married couple. It was nice to see it connect to the previous books but still be standalone. Jack Winnick's series is among the best I've read in this genre, with this last installment being the "grand finale." Even though I had a few minor reservations, this book was just as intense and enjoyable as the previous ones. It is amazing how Winnick is good at putting his best into each of his books.

Throughout this series, I've continually rooted for Lara and Uri. I'm so glad they had other characters like Tom from Homeland Security who did so too. While I knew something about Tala was off, I was frustrated when Uri totally failed to see through her veil for what she really was. It was pretty obvious from the onset that she had some mischief up her sleeves. However, Uri's trust in his hosts totally blinded him, which constantly put their entire mission at risk. On the other hand, I was impressed at how careful and cautious Lara was. She always had her guard up and ensured she boarded and alighted in different places to and from her undercover job to avoid detection. They both made a great team, both as a couple and colleagues.

However, the pacing in the parts where Lara and Uri were doing their undercover assignments seemed to drag on for me. I think it's because the author put every effort into detailing all activities as they were. While the amount of detail was impressive, it felt like it lacked the action I had already gotten used to until then. The ending also felt somewhat abrupt to me. I know it may be in part due to the sad feeling of an amazing book eventually ending, but I also think the author didn't take his time to end the book well. I wish I knew if Lara and Uri eventually had a baby, but sadly, this is the last book. These were the only areas I had second thoughts about, but they were not significant enough to affect my overall enjoyment.

I will definitely be looking for more books by Jack Winnick, but this is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Its overall excellent quality, despite the areas mentioned above, makes it worthy of the perfect score. If you are a fan of CIA, FBI secret operations-like plots, especially with counterterrorism, Waterworks is for you.

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Waterworks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[NetMassimo]

I read the first two Lara and Uri thrillers and I liked Jack Winnick's fantasy in developing plots inspired by the real terrorist threats to the USA and Israel. I'm glad to see that the other sequels are great as well, so I'll keep on reading this series. Thank you for your great review!

[Cheshta Sharma]

The plot of this book seems quite intriguing and this is an amazing review. I think I will give this book a chance. I do enjoy a good crime and mystery book.

[Marina Flisvou]

Your recommendation for fans of CIA and FBI secret operations-like plots, especially in the realm of counterterrorism, is a helpful endorsement. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and provide such a comprehensive review. Your feedback is valuable.

[Chris Agbara]

"Waterworks" by Jack Winnick: A thrilling counterterrorism story featuring agents infiltrating Iranian military intelligence. Despite some pacing issues and an abrupt ending, it's a solid 5 out of 5 stars for fans of CIA and FBI operations.

[Aleena Augustine]

Thanks for the review, John. It's always great to come across books that keep you on the edge of your seat. I appreciate your honest assessment of the pacing and ending. It sounds like "Waterworks" offers a thrilling experience for readers who enjoy espionage and counterterrorism stories. I'll definitely consider adding it to my reading list.

[Meghan Soderholm]

Wow, this book is the BOTD AGAIN! How many times has this series been awarded BOTD? Congratulations to the author, Jack Winnick. The series and this book seem compelling, but it's still not for me. However, you did a spectacular job with your review, John!

[Leen282]

I love the reviewer's comment that he wishes to find out if Lara and Uri have a baby together. I have the same feeling sometimes when a book ends, but on the other hand I love such open endings and let my own creativity fill in the blanks. FBI-counterterrorism thrillers: I am the right audience for those. With two main characters, one trusting one and one cautious one, it gives different viewpoints and makes it interesting.

[Victory Ositaorah]

I would like to know how their mission in Tehran was and it's interesting reading few pages of this group as I didn't even know that this marvelous book is also in the Lara and Uri series.

[Michael Benedict Lincoln]

This review is quite helpful, cause it will certainly help any lover of thriller novels and novels about CIA, spy novels etc. The book Waterworks, sound quite interesting, I'll be considering taking a look at it in the future.

[Maltida Jane]

This series by Jack Winnick are beautiful book with great storylines. Lara and Uri work together and they don't allow their love lives to interfere with their job. I recommend this book so people will learn that your love life and your occupation are different. Thank you for the great review. Congratulations on BOTD

[Michael Benedict Lincoln]

Great review. Great book.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

Jack Winnick's 'Waterworks' is a must-read for fans of CIA and FBI secret operations. The intense story of Lara and Uri's mission in Iran and the grand finale make it a must-read novel for thriller fans.

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

Just like the other installments in the series, this presents an interesting plot of terrorism. They threaten to contaminate the water of the entire city of Los Angeles with the element polonium. Sounds interesting.

[Ayushi_Chaudhary]

The book seems so interesting as it relates to John’s series of Lara and Uri. It is amazing to know how Lara and Uri fought for their nation.
Congratulations on the BOTD!!