Stephen England has quickly become my go-to author when I want to read a thriller that not only entertains but broadens my perspective on different cultures and religions with respectful authenticity. Presence of Mine Enemies is a thriller in the most beautiful and heart-breaking sense. I can’t imagine any other thriller impacting me the way it did.
Harry Nichols is on the run from authorities after his dark revenge spree in London, one that burned all bridges to his friends and companions. On the brink of death, he finds refuge in the Muslim community in Belgium, who welcome him and nurse him back to health. Unbeknownst to them, he’s secretly working to subvert a terrorist attack on his own. With double agents, political clashes, and ideological battles in play, Harry must see his mission through to the end, even if that carves a hole in his soul.
Stephen England once again weaves an expansive yarn of stories that run parallel with distinctive characters and subplots, entangling at the right moments for the right payoffs. England’s ability to masterfully gel together so many moving parts at once while keeping them relevant to the bigger picture is simply marvelous. Characters, dialogues, and action all complement each other in realistic fashion.
One of the best parts that truly distinguish Harry Nichols from every other protagonist you’ll read, is how far England goes with putting his star character through the wringer. The mental scars of undercover work are vividly explored in this book, in ways that would never make it to the mainstream thrillers. Nichols is as deadly with his weapons as he is eloquent about the poetic nature about life, offering heartfelt sentiments from a diverse range of religious scriptures that most writers sadly would gloss over to give a generalized point of view.
Presence of Mine Enemies is a magnificent experience that can’t simply be restricted to a singular genre. It’s a thought-provoking character study as much as it is a fusion of adrenaline-pumping action and intelligent storytelling.
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