The Fifth Internationale [Kindle Edition]

The Fifth Internationale by Jack King is an engaging thriller set in the espionage establishments of Europe, but the story reaches far beyond the boundaries of the Old Continent. Current events are expertly mixed with fiction. The author's writing style is fresh. I particularly enjoyed the lack of long descriptions that are so common in other novels, even my favorite author Ludlum lacks in this area. Thanks to Kings concise writing the story is tense and satisfyingly original. SaraJane

I have read the fifth internationale twice in the past year and what I found extremely interesting about this novel were the true events the author had tied together by weaving a fictional story around them.

To name just a few, and starting with the most obvious: the portrayal of (THE) Zbigniew Brzezinski, the former National Security Adviser. There is also the still ongoing investigation to the mysterious murder of the chief of police, general Papala. Indeed the killing of the general in king's novel could not be mistaken for fiction, down to details I best not mention here.

The true events make me wonder where authors draw the line between fact and fiction in finding inspiration.

Far as the story goes, I found it fresh and exciting. It draws on the peculiar situation in that part of the world: Poland as the bridge between Western Europe and Russia is a hotbed of activities of Russian organized groups, and world's intelligence agencies who wheel and deal here for their own benefit. The race is on for a piece of information that will not only secure control over this region but also the world. Stan Penskie, the FBI agent stationed at the embassy in Warsaw gets a scent of the secret when his friend is killed while fleeing the Polish Secret Service. Stan follows the clues and soon is drawn to conspiracy that might topple US government and cost the lives of his family members. His friends turn into enemies and Stan himself becomes a primary target for assassins. To his help comes a beautiful and mysterious woman. Together they arrive at a dark and forbidding place where a meeting of shadowy characters is taking place. From then on it's a race against time to save the world.

For my tastes jack king is a master crafter of fast-paced intrigue.

FBI agent Stan Penskie is put through terrifying ordeal when he inadvertently learns of a huge conspiracy involving espionage agencies of the USA and countries around the World. Stan is drawn to it by clues left by a friend who is killed in front of his eyes. Bit by bit he dwells deeper into conspiracy, learning secrets that can topple the government of his country and destroy his professional and personal life. Dodging bullets from unseen assassins, Stan finds the truth at a murky medieval castle where heads of States and directors of intelligence agencies tie the final knot on a devilish plan to take over the world.

Pros: Good pace, great intrigue, good dialogs and very likeable hero.

Cons: Would like to see more of the story taking place in the USA, after all Stan is an FBI agent.