Review: "The Protected Agent", by James Nava

The protected agent, James nava, is an entertaining and exciting novel, in which we can find different genres united in a very current story. This novel is a contemporary western that mixes thriller, intrigue, espionage, episodes in the purest style of the romantic novel and even a spark of fantasy.

The novel narrates the story of a CIA agent hiding on a Montana ranch, next to the Rocky Mountains. Wolves and ancient Indian legends are the resources that Nava uses to give him that fantastic point that embodies the story. So far, it probably reminds you a lot of another Nava book that I reviewed a few months ago, Grey Wolf. But history has nothing to do with it. In fact, when Sniper Books sent it to me, I had to wait to read it, since the mark it had left on me Grey Wolf it prevented me from reading this new title without remembering the other one. However, the story is very different, in every way. Below I will tell you a little about this fantastic story, full of action, but also of sensitivity and good taste.

The protected agent David Crow tells the story of a CIA agent who takes refuge on a ranch in Montana, where he goes to work as a cowboy. David, one of the best CIA agents of the moment, hides by fleeing from a fatwa that a jihadist group has thrown on him.

At first everything goes well, but when his cover is compromised, from the CIA they propose to Crow to be the decoy of a death trap to end the terrorists, who have in their sights not only the protected agent, but a few others. more.

Among all this, David finds love. And when the terrorists find out, they find the perfect way to take down Crow.

But Crow has a secret weapon, an ability with which he did not expect. Somehow, our protagonist manages to see what is going to happen, thanks to a special harmony he has with the wolves.

The story is full of brilliant descriptions, in which Nava lets out all the passion he feels for this land of Montana, as well as the admiration he professes for the wolves. We already saw it in Grey Wolf, but that does not stop surprising. The point of fantasy that incorporates with the role that the wolves play in this story is very original, and is treated in such a way that you can even believe in it.

The story begins slowly. Nava takes pleasure in showing us the environment, in internalizing people and characters, customs, events, personal relationships. The first half of the book is a part to enjoy.

However, as the story progresses, when the action begins, the narration is much faster and more dynamic, full of emotion, with fragments of great violence, but treated with excellent taste, where Nava brings out his most military side.

Nava's style is characterized by using a very effective language, very "American", if I may say so. He likes to delve into details, show the reactions and feelings of the characters. In addition, their language is direct and clear, and the story is very easy to read.

I especially liked the treatment of the end, in which, through short fragments, the story progressed offering the point of view of the protagonist, and then the antagonist. This gives great depth to the story, which enters the realm of the psychological, and allows to enhance the moments of greatest tension.

As for what refers to the treatment of everything related to the CIA, used as I am to see it in movies and television series, reading the processes, the description of the technology and other matters related to it has fascinated me.

Regarding the edition, it should be noted that this, like all Sniper Books books, are perfectly edited, with high quality materials. The cover, in two textures, is especially interesting, with a beautiful design and a preview of something that has been especially interesting in the treatment of the character: the mystery. Because at no time does Nava make a complete description of the character, who is always accompanied by his cowboy hat and rifle (as we see on the cover). In general, the book handles very well and reading is very comfortable.