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The Siege

Book 17 in the series:Alan Gregory

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'The Siege' by Stephen White is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a high-stakes journey involving the kidnapping of high-profile individuals associated with Yale secret societies. The novel follows ex-cop Sam Purdy as he navigates through a complex crisis involving hostages, terrorists, and the FBI. The plot unfolds through multiple points of view, including Sam, FBI and CIA agents, and a hostage negotiator, offering a tense and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. White's writing style is praised for its skillful dialogue, strong characterization, and ability to weave a thrilling story within the contemporary American landscape without being preachy.

Through a series of unexpected twists and turns, 'The Siege' delves into the audacious actions of the kidnappers, the challenges faced by the protagonists, and the mystery surrounding the terrorists' motives. The novel keeps readers engaged with its fast-paced storytelling, intricate plot, and compelling characters, making it a truly absorbing and captivating read that showcases White's talent for crafting suspenseful narratives.

Characters:

Characters are diverse with deep contrasts; primary figures face personal issues while embodying different societal roles.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and suspenseful, featuring sharp dialogue and thematic layers without overt politicization.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows a hostage situation instigated by terrorists, revealing complex motivations and perspectives from various characters.

Setting:

The setting spans urban areas, reflecting both contemporary issues and elite institutions.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and gripping from the start, effectively maintaining reader engagement.
Although the structure’s Ionic columns suggest the imperial, like a treasury, or evoke the divine, like a temple, the word “tomb” is the tag attached by the community. The building puts out no mat and...

Notes:

The story involves a hostage situation with terrorists, making for a thrilling plot.
The first 25 pages are highly engaging and captivating.
Critics noted that the characters are contrived and idealized, leading to a somewhat humorous depiction.
The book features a diverse cast of characters, with specific emphasis on racial and gender identities.
Alan Gregory, the usual main character, plays only a minor role in this book, which surprised some readers.
Stephen White, the author, is a psychologist from Denver, which influences his writing.
The narrative includes perspectives from a hostage negotiator and agents from the FBI and CIA.
Set partially in locations like Yale, Miami, and New Haven, implications of secret societies are woven into the plot.
Readers found the ending unrealistic due to a reluctance to depict mass casualties, yet still deemed the story exciting.
Despite flaws, many readers appreciated White's writing style and suspenseful storytelling.
The protagonist, Sam Purdy, is a former cop on suspension and best friend to the main character of previous books.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of trauma, violence related to terrorism, and some instances of political commentary that could be triggering for certain readers.

Has Romance?

The book includes romantic elements, particularly through the characters and their relationships, but romance is not the main focus.

From The Publisher:

New York Times bestselling author of Dead Time

Disgraced Boulder detective Sam Purdy, FBI counter-terrorism specialist Christopher Poe, and CIA analyst Deirdre Drake are drawn to Yale University to investigate the disappearances of several students- including the sons of both the Secretary of the Army and a Supreme Court Justice. An unseen enemy is playing by no rules, making no demands, somehow anticipating every FBI move-and executing hostages, one by one…

About the Author:

Stephen White is a clinical psychologist and the New York Times bestselling author of the Alan Gregory novels. He lives in Colorado.

 
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