“Rise of the Beast” is a multi-layered, action-packed thriller about a disillusioned ex-Army Ranger turned black-ops private contractor named Burke who was once a man of great faith. Perhaps that’s why hiring the alluring and naive Pauline to spy on Jonathan Alexander, a maniacal billionaire bothered him. She would be killed if Jonathan knew what she was up to.
However, Pauline, who looked like a tall, statuesque beauty queen, “was perfect for what needed to be done,” he thought. She had agreed to play the part of a greedy, superficial mistress to gain Jonathan’s trust and he had been completely honest with her about the danger. Yet Burke liked her and suspected she didn’t understand how cunning, dangerous and ruthless Alexander would be if he caught her betraying him.
Add naive country preacher Dwight Garrison, dedicated research doctor and scientist, Dr. Claire Stevens, an intimidating bodyguard named Jules and an assortment of other fascinating characters and you have a story that demands to be read in one sitting.
My one small criticism is with the overly long prologue that would be better understood once the first book is read.
