In Bond and DeFelice's fast-paced, complex thriller, the team of elite operatives introduced in the authors'Larry Bond's First Team
(2004) takes on a group of apocalyptic terrorists known as the Seven Angels, who aim to set off a religious war. Team leader Bob Ferguson and his cohorts jump all over the Middle East in search of arms dealers who might be supplying Russian missiles to the Angels as well as an elusive Iraqi politician who may be the key to the Angels' plot. They must also deal with threats to the U.S. president as he visits Baghdad. The shifting viewpoints can be confusing, but the authors skillfully use dialogue to animate their characters, as in the flirtatious exchanges between Bob and Middle East expert Thera Majid. Further to the authors' credit, the book explores the intricacies of Muslim faith and culture with more sensitivity than many similar thrillers. (Jan.)
