"Marionette"

(An Agent Ko Spy Thriller #1)

by A. J. Terry

Description

Because good spies aren't born. They're created. The Agency has charted Ko Min-Jung’s progress for years until it finally extends her a formal invitation to join their ranks of elite recruits. Ripped from her family, plucked from her familiar Pyongyang lifestyle, Ko is thrust into Academy existence. Her handlers are determined to wield her into an efficient, professional agent, equipped to protect North Korea from a wide array of threats and foreign aggression. The only question is how much of Ko’s real self will remain after the training ends. An engrossing new spy thriller series from A. J. Terry, who has won awards from IndieFab, Readers’ Favorite, The Book Club Network, and more. All royalties will be donated directly to Liberty in North Korea and their underground railroad for refugees.

Biography

A. J. Terry writes from her home in rural Alaska where she raises goats, chickens, and boys. Her debut novel, "The Beloved Daughter," won awards from Readers' Favorite, IndieFab, The Book Club Network, Grace Awards, and more. She writers inspirational suspense novels under the name Alana Terry, while her A. J. Terry thrillers are meant for readers who enjoy a grittier, edgier read with colorful characters and intense story lines. Be prepared to stay up late! 

My thoughts ~

Removed from her home and family, Ko Min-Jung has been recruited to attend the elitist Academy for intensive training as a professional agent for North Korea. Training is brutal as Ko is forced to push her body beyond her limits in order to prove herself worthy of becoming an expert agent. Considerable indoctrination, savage and inhumane training is the Academy's method of creating strong and capable agents.

My heart broke for Ko as she was wisked away from her family and the only life she knew. She had no idea what she would be up against. With only a small bag of personal items she was thrust into a primitive room with no bed. Midnight runs and grueling physical training as well as intense mental indoctrination made me ache for this young girl. Her roommate was her only support, and she had her own battles to fight.

Marionette is very intense, and at times quite gruesome. The author obviously researched her topic intensively in order to create this heart-racing thriller. Due to the raw subject matter this must have been a very difficult book to produce. I commend Ms. Terry for taking a step out of her boundaries to bring this book to life. 

I highly recommend Marionette to those who aren't overwhelmed by brutality and bloodshed. This is not a book for the weak at heart. The reader must have an open mind to truly appreciate the authenticity this book portrays. One must keep in mind that North Korea is a location filled with violence.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.