The Kingdom of Assassins

The Kingdom of Assassins opens with Sahrazad, on whose life a murder is attempted as she investigates money laundering in her company, Amarco. Daughter of the Saudi King, she is a firm supporter of her father’s efforts as he plans the kingdom’s transition to a secular state. Her brother Sayf, on the other hand, is a romantic. He idolizes the glory days of the Ottoman Empire, especially the fourteenth-century rulers Changez Khan and Taimuur. Sayf intends to restore the glory of the kingdom, whatever it may cost.

Enter Mike Maclaymore, an ex–Special Ops agent and an Afghan war veteran. After the death of his mother and son, compounded with his crumbling marriage, he’s lured into the field as an NYPD detective. A raid on a suspected terrorist hideout leaves him injured, but more curious is the murder of the Saudi diplomat to the U.S. Mike sparks a friendship with the diplomat’s cousin, Sahrazad, who is also interested in finding who attempted to assassinate her. Further attempts on Mike’s life confirm that he is a hurdle in the bigger picture. Together Mike and Sahrazad uncover a terrorist attack, while Mike is haunted by the shadows of his past.

This novel is a cross between Digital Fortress and the more recent I Am Pilgrim. It has history, intrigue, and a plot that spans continents. The multiple story arcs make for a gripping storyline, which keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Mike, unfortunately, comes off as a man tired of his time in the world, with nothing left to lose. But, without a doubt, Mike’s thoughts about his life, this world, and how corporate slavery has made us ghosts of our actual selves have been brilliantly penned. The antagonist is probably the most excellently portrayed character; with his determination and immaculate planning, he disarms most of his adversaries. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a page-turning, stay-up-till-I-find-out-what-happens novel.