Book Review of Chris Hadfield’s latest thriller, The Defector
The one-eyed pilot, Kaz Zemeckis, returns as the main character. This time Zemeckis is called in when a Russian pilot flying a MiG-25 is believed to have defected the same day as the Yom Kippur War of 1973 begins.
The story starts with Zemeckis in Israel on what ends out being a short-lived holiday with his girlfriend. Through a bargain between the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the United States, Zemeckis returns to the U.S. with very precious cargo. Whether that cargo is beneficial or not is for the reader to discover.
Throughout the story you get glimpses into what Russia’s astronaut program was like during the Cold War period compared to the United States’. The story also touches on a collaboration between the Russian and U.S. space programs. I can’t help but wonder if Hadfield is teasing us with another story based on that collaboration. If so, I’m very much looking forward to reading it.
This might be the first time you learn some of the secrets of Area 51, an integral part of the story. Hadfield also sits you inside a MiG-25 Foxbat, an F-15 Eagle, and a stealth helicopter nicknamed The Quiet One.
If you love stories written by people who know what they’re writing about (Colonel Hadfield is a Canadian retired astronaut, fighter pilot, and currently a musician and writer). Hadfield takes you on a thrill ride that has the realistic detail to bring you right beside each character. You’ll feel as though you’re participating in everything the characters are going through.
I have underplayed Colonel Hadfield’s credentials and numerous accomplishments. But you can look up his resume yourself. This is the third book of his I have read. I also highly recommend: The Apollo Murders and An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. I have not read his The Darkest Dark yet, but it’s on my list of books to read.
Chris Hadfield is on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Dan Watt, PT, Tutor, and author of the BARD series
Caedar Writing & Artwork 