Attention tech-thriller fans: Hancock has delivered a propulsive, of-the-moment sequel to The Hawk Enigma, skillfully merging pulse-pounding military action with advanced technology and surprising emotional depth. The story opens as Major Igor Orlov investigates a puzzling international incident on Kunashir Island, quickly immersing readers in a tangled web of espionage and betrayal. Voodoo and his team of elite operatives are once again drawn into the center of an international crisis. With the stakes escalating, China’s Belt and Road Initiative makes headway into Central Asia, revealing hidden agendas and a covert laboratory pioneering AI-driven warfare. A standout feature of Hancock’s work is his multidimensional characters, especially Voodoo—a tech-savvy operative whose resourcefulness and loyalty are pushed to the brink throughout the mission. Voodoo’s interactions, particularly his strained dynamic with Mason, add layers of tension and depth. Hancock also delves into the psychological toll of warfare, exploring Mason’s heart-wrenching backstory and eventual sacrifice, while weaving current geo-political concerns in the larger narrative, which helps ground the action. Hancock’s attention to local color, like a purported five-star hotel in Kazakhstan, also keeps it all feeling real, as does his characters’ tendency to think through the possibilities of how a scenario may unfold. The climactic battle at the Yining Vocational Training Center stands out, showcasing Hancock’s talent for blending intense combat with tactical precision.
While the novel occasionally slows with dense technical explanations that may challenge readers unfamiliar with military terminology, its emotional underpinnings—especially Voodoo’s experiences of betrayal and grief—keep the narrative compelling. The Spear and the Sentinel is a welcome addition to the military thriller genre. Hancock’s deft ability to weave intricate plots with a deep emotional core makes this book memorable, offering thought-provoking explorations of loyalty, sacrifice, and the ethical questions raised by advanced technology long after the last page is turned.
Takeaway: Superior tech thriller with cutting edge AI tech and real feelings.
Comparable Titles: Jack Carr’s The Devil’s Hand, Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis’s 2034.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
