Critical Space (Hardcover)

Atticus is virtually at the top of success in the professional bodyguard world. His company, KTMH Security, is doing very well especially after the success of stopping Drama in his last book. (See, I told you to read the others.) Drama, a world-renowned assassin in intelligence circles as well as the underworld had a violent encounter with Atticus and both were very lucky to escape with their respective lives. After a year and no retaliation by Drama, Atticus believes the threat has lessened and that one and all should breath easy. He believes that even though she was thwarted in her assignment at great personal cost, she has moved on to other targets.

But, a book has been released, featuring reporting on the incident and there has been a resultant wave of publicity. While that has been good for business, it has brought the shallow celebrity style clients that Atticus does not want. But, there are clients that he does want and adores, such as Lady Ainsley-Hunter from England. Atticus agrees to protect her while her ladyship is in the United States and soon things begin to go wrong.

Lady Ainsley-Hunter is in definite danger and it may all trace back to Drama. Drama has her own problems and is not through with either KTMH or its most famous owner and employee, Atticus Kodiak. She violently makes her presence known and with so much at stake, both professionally and personally, Atticus has no choice but to accede to her demands.

This is a tough, action filled and well written book that will keep you turning the page. In writing there is an old axiom that admonishes writers to "show, don't tell." Greg Rucka is one of the best at that and uses dialogue wonderfully to paint a picture. The pictures he paints through words are complicated and multi layered and full of emotion. Simply put, his books are very good and I would strongly recommend him to anyone.

The story starts out as business as usual for Kodiak and his partners as they go about the job of providing protection for their clients. They have been fortunate of late, guarding some high profile clients and the result has been plenty of publicity which has then generated even more business. The downside is that they have now lost the anonymity they would prefer to perform their job. Adding to their raised profile is the release of a book which roars up the best-seller lists. The book is about the events that took place in one of Rucka's earlier book (SMOKER) when Kodiak fought off repeated attacks by an assassin known as Drama.

Kodiak receives news that Drama is on the move again, making her way towards New York City. Thinking that the release of the book has prompted Drama to strike, this news chills everyone to the core. The thought that Drama could strike at any time should she choose sets everyone on edge and provides for tension packed operations. From this point on the story becomes packed with unexpected surprises and twists that would be ruined if I attempted to describe them here. Suffice to say, I enjoyed every moment of where the story of Atticus Kodiak headed providing a fast-paced thriller that is compelling reading.