I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Kyle Mills. He rejuvenated Mitch Rapp and kept a powerful legacy motoring full steam ahead. I was quite saddened when Mills’ departed from the series, but now I’m glad that he did because Fade In is the most fun I’ve had reading a thriller in a while. It’s creative, unorthodox and just what the doctor recommends if you’re looking for something new in the genre.
Ex-navy SEAL Salam al-Fayed, a.k.a. Fade, wakes up in a hospital, cheating death for yet another time after he stepped in the path of a sniper’s bullet to save a woman. He has dwindling prospects as a wanted man, until a shadowy organization reaches out to him with a new lease on life - rehabilitating him with mysterious science before unleashing him on his first mission: dealing with the power vacuum stemming from governments being rendered all but useless in the face of a handful of powerful entities controlling global interests. It’s a tall order, but for a man like Fade, it’s just another day at work.
Kyle Mills utilizes a completely distinctive writing style from his days with Mitch Rapp. Where he was previously writing legacy characters, he sets off on his own with Fade: an invigorating, witty, and highly-likable protagonist who you want in your corner when the going gets tough. He’s a sarcastic killing machine and he achieves his goals with a healthy blend of efficiency and style. His ethnicity enhances the narrative - adding some flavor to this fresh experience.
The action sequences are fast paced and wonderfully succinct in conveying Fade as a force to be reckoned with, providing readers with all the necessary information in tactics and technical aspects while creating a cinematic and immersive experience without bogging down the pace. Very Kyle Mills indeed!
I believe a great thriller balances cool action with a fresh and exciting narrative that doesn’t feel like a rehash of something you’ve read way too many times. Fade In embodies that energy with cool twists and morally-gray character motivations that add a charismatic dimension to the story, ensuring you're invested all that much more. Kyle Mills’ take on a shadowy cabal with somewhat noble and highly pragmatic intentions hits you in the gut and will make you think a little harder about how this world has evolved over the recent years.
The global stakes make me super excited for all the possible adventures Kyle Mills can pursue in his future Fade adventures, and if there’s anything I can say with certainty after reading Fade In, it’s that he’s creating one of the most fascinating protagonists in the thrillerverse.
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