The main character Kamran, was just an average high school student. He played on the football team, had a girlfriend and was prom king. Okay fine, he was a lucky high school student. He had always dreamed of being in the Military like his brother Darius. Darius was older than him and had been training for the military. They had grown up together and Karman had always looked up to him. In a crazy turn of events his whole world is turned upside down. His brother is said to be a terrorist! A threat to his own country and part of an attack on the US Embassy. Kamran is shocked as he watches the video on TV of a still undetermined figure about the same height as his brother Darius. In this video the figure is taking part in an attack on the US Embassy! As more time goes by it's determined that yes, it is Darius. Kamran and his family's house is inspected and all their stuff is gone through. Then more videos come out of just Darius where he makes threats and foreshadows future attacks. Kamran’s friends begin to turn against him and his family even as he assures them Darius would never do this. The brother he knows was always loyal, it was one of the main rules written in their childhood “Code of Honor” they both swore to follow. Now Karman is left to decide what to believe for himself. His gut tells him Darius would never do this, so is someone forcing him? If so, who and why? Through the secret clues his brother gave him in the videos Karman decides he must find and save his older Brother.
I really liked this book! It was definitely a page turner that kept me interested and engaged throughout. I enjoyed the characters and how creative and descriptive the author was. Especially if you have siblings you will be able to relate to Kamran's feelings and emotional connection to his brother. I could totally picture the characters sneaking around during certain scenes. This book made me feel a wide range of emotions from feeling anxious and worried to excited. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an action and adventure type book. For me it was a super-fast read because it left me wondering what would happen next. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. If you had read and enjoyed any of Alan Gratz’s books like Grenade, Refugee or Prisoner 3-3087 I would recommend that you read this fantastic action-packed thriller.
Reviewed by Emma S., Grade 10
