Trinity Icon

MWSA Review

The story begins with an historical prolog teaser. It’s Christmas Eve in Poland in the year 1683. Sweden has invaded Poland and bands of Swedish soldiers are pillaging their way back to Sweden loaded with loot. Krystophor Nilsovic is pushing his tired horse toward the village of Olm bearing a warning of the approach of the worst of the worst Swedish brigands. The Catholic Church in Olm is the home of a priceless artifact, the target of the Swedish captain. Upon arrival, Nilsovic discovered the icon was gone, hidden by the priest, and would remain so for the next 300 years.

Trinity Icon is the author’s third novel in an adventure series featuring Michael Neill, a U.S. Marine Corps officer, who is chosen by the national security advisor to the president for a new mission to Poland. The president is attempting to revive the European missile shield. Neill, accompanied by the beautiful Marine staff sergeant, Cristina Arrens, depart for Eastern Europe.

The Soviet Union had crumbled in the early 1990s, and now history is repeating itself; the beast is rising from the ashes as the Russian Federation.

Viktoriya Gavrilenko, a stylish, redhead, journalists is leading the crusade for free journalism. Her efforts have resulted her being placed on an assassination list. The water level in the River Vistula is falling, allowing recovery of some of the stolen Polish treasures lost in the river by the Swedes three centuries ago. Viktoriya is there to report on the finds.

Iran is reading a test of its new intercontinental ballistic missile. Initial flights of a new missile are always fraught with danger, but would Allah allow the test to fail? Insha’Allah.

The author skillfully blends these story lines together, creating a plausible tale. His ability to describe locations adds realism. As the story unfolds, the reader discovers a previous relationship of sorts between Neill and Viktoriya, something that does not sit well with the staff sergeant, and spark begin to fly. Can romance trump Marine Corps fraternization regulations?

There is plenty of history, action, assassinations, politics and romance.

New readers, this reviewer included, who have not read the previous two novels of the series are at a disadvantage because the author did not provide sufficient background. Some linkage is provided, but more is required. Authors cannot assume readers of a book in a series have read the previous books, and this reviewer was left wondering about past events mentioned but not explained.

Reviewed by: Lee Boyland (2015)

Author's Summary

Poland has rejected plans for an anti-missile shield—until a threat from beyond their borders causes disaster. During testing, an Iranian ICBM veers off course with tragic results, and the Polish government turns to NATO—and the United States—for protection.

With the defensive shield now back on the table, National Security Advisor Willis Avery envisions an even broader network of emplacements. His strategy depends on the cooperation of the breakaway states—and the help of Captain Michael Neill. Tasked as a liaison, it’s Neill’s job to convince the republics. He enlists the aid of an old friend, General Andrei Ulyanov—and, if he can keep her alive, dynamic and beautiful journalist Viktoriya Gavrilenko.

The stage is set for increased tension when the Russians threaten an arms race. Avery is targeted, and along the way, Neill becomes caught up in the search for a lost religious icon, foretold by legend to restore the faith of a disheartened people.