Laura B. (doorman-to-the-cats) reviewed on 12/18/2014 + 8 more book reviews

If you like Tom Clancy novels and similar reading material, I think you'll enjoy this book. It is a speculative-future tale, based upon some unfortunate facts in our modern world, namely, that the Communist government of mainland China is increasingly persecuting non-State sanctioned Christian/Catholic groups and clergy instead of allowing more liberty in belief and worship. While the fictional 30-year imprisonment of Bishop Yu is an extreme case it serves to illustrate the continuing human rights abuses and crisis for religious liberty and diversity in China. I think it is helpful that the author included a section in the back of the book detailing recent developments in the very real and relevant nature of this problem. It is this basis of grim reality upon which the fantasy of the story is woven: the narrative details a commando operation to free the imprisoned Bishop, undertaken by US Special Forces at the behest of the Vatican, and a show of courage by the College of Cardinals, for voting in the imprisoned Yu as putative Pope in the face of powerful opposition by Communist China while spies and assassins allied with China and the Mafia attempt to sabotage the operation at every step of the way because of their common interest in perpetuating the profitable (but illegal) heroin trade. It is set in what is now the near future/near past, clearly inspired by the Papal election which took place after the death of John Paul II, but having to change the names. Some current technology plays a role in the story, such as smartphones which can upload video footage. However, there is some speculative technology used by the American Special Forces members and others such as ultra-small microphones, etc. and a small, highly-mobile sort of aircraft called the B.A.T. which is essentially and artificial bat. Though the hero of this and the other books in Tom Grace's series is an Irish-American Catholic, this is the only book in the series which deals directly with the affairs of the Vatican City-State and contains a well-researched level of factual detail concerning Vatican City. It is a very good book for our time, and one that perhaps our politicians should read.

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