Julie's Review: Rogue

Summary: Two years ago, Robin Monarch was a top level CIA operative—perhaps the best they had when it came to black bag operations. Then one day, in the middle of an operation, with his team around him in the field, Monarch walked away, leaving his old life and friends behind without a word of explanation. Now this ex-soldier, ex-operative, and orphan with a murky past is a thief, stealing from the super-rich and has surfaced in St. Tropez. But when a complicated, high profile jewel heist goes wrong, Monarch is led into a carefully woven trap designed to force him to complete the very same mission he walked away from years ago. It will take all of his skills (as well as those of the team he burned) and all of his cunning, if Monarch is to thwart the violent and deadly goals of the very powerful cabal who will do whatever it takes to bring the very dangerous "Green Fields" technology under their control. ~amazon.com

Review: Robin Monarch: Thief, CIA Agent, Friend, Lover, modern day Robin Hood. Sure his past is a bit shady but he steals to make life easier for those who don't have much but he's also a well trained agent who does the right thing in the end.

I love books about spies, mobsters, and the Russians. I mean I grew up during the Cold War, how can you not still think of the Russians as the enemy? (Only in fiction of course). Mr. Sullivan has done a bang up job of making Monarch a likable character even if he is a bit questionable at times. As you edge towards the end of the book, you know that he's a good guy trying to do the right thing, even if he makes millions by doing that.

Rogue starts with an adrenaline shot and then gives you a boost of it on the last line! Not only is Monarch a great character but the rest of his team is as well. Tatupu, Fowler, Chavez and Barnett go to bat for Robin even if he left them in the wind during an operation. Those are true friends and people who really have your back.
A lot of people are comparing Monarch to Bourne and while I love Jason Bourne (Matt Damon movie versions), there are definite differences between him and Monarch. Sure they have the special training but Monarch knows who he is and where he came from. Those are the demons he wrestles with and eventually comes to terms with.

I can't wait to see what Mr. Sullivan has for us readers next and I really hope it involves Robin Monarch.

Final Take: 4.25/5

Thanks to Minotaur Books and Kaye Publicity for my copy!