3 Review(s)

Eastern Light, the third volume of espionage thriller series Across Latitudes, opens during the heady, uncertain first days after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As the deadly war unfolds, Paul Drake’s unlikely alliance with the enigmatic Katerina Volkova escalates to an even greater level of danger as the pair navigate between the West’s confused, imperfect democracies and an autocratic, repressive East. Paul’s younger brother, Max, joins the fight on war’s front lines, while intelligence veteran Jo Richards escalates her efforts to challenge Putin’s brutal war machine in new and unorthodox ways.With his newest tour-de-force, Strange masterfully illuminates critical contemporary issues through the struggles and viewpoints of an unforgettable cast. This latest gripping installment not only delivers a vibrant, engaging story but also deeply engages with the existential meaning of risking all in pursuit of authentic freedom.Critical praise for series’s previous books:Against the DuskVolume I“The novel reveals itself to be an accomplished political espionage thriller...and it’s one that will surely appeal to readers who prefer scene-stealing action to quiet moments of introspection.”Beneath the Purple DawnVolume II“Spanning a bevy of far-flung locations, the book excels at international intrigue and plot points that overflow with bloodshed, obfuscation, and deadly doublecrossing villains.”–Kirkus Reviews