Spy Thriller with Current Issue Relevancy
Aya de Leon has written a complex and stunning fictional look at spy work, racial issues, and government, all while focusing on the story of one woman. While this is an in-depth read, it managed to be quick as well. Yolanda Vance, our main character, is unexpectedly working for the FBI and sent to infiltrate an "extremist" environmental group manned mostly by black youth. She soon discovers that not all the FBI is telling her is adding up. When there are suspicious murders happening near an FBI backed company, it's a question to whether the mystery will be solved or not.
I enjoyed reading through Yolanda's perspective. Though she is also an African American, she still goes through certain racial prejudices and superiority that I was surprised and impressed to read about. It's interesting to see the complexities and contradictions. I thought that Leon did such a good job in making this novel current. It doesn't just tackle one topic, it tackles many including: racism, classism, police violence, environmentalism, capitalism, government abuse of power, etc. It even briefly mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic.
My only critique was some of the romance. I loved the steamy parts and Leon didn't fade to black which I appreciate. However, I felt like I was missing some of the "getting-to-know-you" parts. It mentioned long walks and the like, but I wanted to see the connection develop.
If you want a combination of a spy thriller and current racial injustices, with a dash of romance, this is the perfect read for you!
I enjoyed reading through Yolanda's perspective. Though she is also an African American, she still goes through certain racial prejudices and superiority that I was surprised and impressed to read about. It's interesting to see the complexities and contradictions. I thought that Leon did such a good job in making this novel current. It doesn't just tackle one topic, it tackles many including: racism, classism, police violence, environmentalism, capitalism, government abuse of power, etc. It even briefly mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic.
My only critique was some of the romance. I loved the steamy parts and Leon didn't fade to black which I appreciate. However, I felt like I was missing some of the "getting-to-know-you" parts. It mentioned long walks and the like, but I wanted to see the connection develop.
If you want a combination of a spy thriller and current racial injustices, with a dash of romance, this is the perfect read for you!