Firestorm

Firestorm by Taylor Moore is a crime thriller and action-adventure novel that barely gives readers the chance to breathe deeply periodically. It has action, suspense, and an intensity that kept me fully engaged throughout the novel.

However, this second book in the Garrett Kohl series also shows character development that isn’t always present in these types of novels. While most of the novel is set in west Texas, there are also scenes taking place in Mexico and Virginia.

DEA Special Agent Garrett Kohl is on medical leave from the DEA, but that hasn’t stopped the CIA from enlisting his help in taking down a cartel boss. Upon his return home, he finds a mining operation threatens to destroy his family’s ranch. When threats and violence occur, Garrett starts investigating the Talon Corporation and enlists help from old friends and family.

Garrett Kohl is a warrior and is determined to protect those he loves. He is someone that you would want to back you up if you needed help. He has been struggling with whether he wants less dangerous assignments. While he likes bringing criminals to justice, he also wants to be there for his girlfriend, her two children, and the boy he is working to adopt. One of the fascinating things that I realized as I read this novel was the character development was not limited to the main character. For instance, Lacey Capshaw (Garrett’s girlfriend), Asadi Saleem (a foster child), and Ray Smitty (a confidential informant) have depth and show significant character growth over the course of the story.

Diverse characterization, exciting scenes, and great world-building details also helped pull this reader into the conflicts in the novel. The author captures the characters, as well as the cultural lifestyles and traditions and brings them to life. Fluid writing and fantastic world building, as well as an excellent, fast-paced plot will keep readers engaged. The well-plotted story stays at a high level of intensity throughout most of the novel. Was the action over-the-top at times? Yes. Did I care? No. Danger, assaults, deaths, teamwork, love, corruption, family, legal battles, and friendship are woven into the story line.

Overall, this was an intense novel with suspense and action. If you enjoy crime thrillers, then I recommend that you check out this one. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next in this series as well as reading the first book.

William Morrow and Taylor Moore provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 16, 2022.