Review: Deep Sky

Deep Sky
Patrick Lee
Science Fiction/Suspense
Travis Chase Trilogy/Book 3
Harper/December 27, 2011

As the U.S. President addresses the nation from the Oval Office, a missile screams toward the White House. In a lightning flash, the Chief Executive is dead, his mansion in ruins, and two cryptic words are the only clue to the assassins' motives: "See Scalar."

Now Travis Chase of the covert agency Tangent - caretakers of the Breach and all its grim wonders - along with partner and lover Paige Campbell and technology expert Bethany Stewart, have only twenty-four hours to unearth a decade-old mystery once spoken of in terrified whispers by the long since silenced. But their breakneck race cross-county - and back through time and malleable memory - is calling the total destructive might of a shadow government down upon them. For Travis Chase has a dark destiny he cannot be allowed to fulfill...

After reading and loving Deep Sky, I was left wishing Mr. Lee had an extensive back list I could dive into.  Unfortunately, I will have to wait (impatiently) for his next release.  If you've been reading my blog lately you know how much I enjoyed the first two novels of this trilogy.   Its fast-paced, complex world will keep you on the edge and just when you think you have it figured out, Lee will surprise you.  I do like that the more technical aspects of the novels are not over simplified but explained in a way that even the non-technical can understand.  

Travis Chase is back with Tangent. Living primarily underground has become familiar to him, allowing him to establish a routine in the year he's been back.  But nothing is ever routine when it comes to Tangent and what they guard.  When the missile strikes the White House, Travis is pulled into the race for answers and the reader is right there with him.  Travis is a character who tries to keep his life as uncomplicated as possible in a very complicated world.  The more Travis is on the page the more I can see how complex he is.  It's not in just what he does but what he doesn't do and why.  His logic regarding his actions makes perfect sense and yet I found myself wondering if I would make the same choices he does.  He's a character that makes you think, which I loved!

Paige Campbell is right there with Travis as they sort through data and track down clues to what happened so many years ago.  Paige is still the guiding force and the voice of reason.  But Paige and Travis do work well together even though both are leaders.  They have a unique balance and a trust that allows them to defer to the other when necessary rather than playing a game of control.  Their relationship has become their anchor, giving them both more stability and confidence in their actions.  The way their relationship has grown over the three books is a testament to Lee's writing skills for being able to work in this satisfying relationship within the framework of the suspense and technical aspects of the plot.

The last member of the trio is Bethany Stewart, computer expert who is still gun-shy when it comes to the more perilous action.  Bethany is far more comfortable in front of a computer screen than being chased by men bent on killer her.  For all her mad computer skills I felt she was the least developed character of the three.  Maybe it was because she was late to the party, having missed out on the fun of the first book.  She is the mobile tech support, other than that I didn't feel like I truly knew her.

The mystery and suspense still had a techno feel to them with the alien devices playing a large role in the outcome.  The plot also has the trio playing detective and I found I really enjoyed analyzing the clues and coming with possible scenarios for what and who is behind the evil plot to take over the country.  The action is once again edge of your seat, keeping you wondering how the heroes will get themselves out their latest dangerous situation. 

As the final novel in the trilogy, Deep Sky answers the questions we've been asking since the first book and has a feeling of completeness to the trilogy.  Would I like to read more in the world Patrick Lee has created?  Most definitely.  But if there are no more Travis Chase novels, this trilogy ended on a high note, leaving this reader not only satisfied but thrilled to find a new author to read. 

Rating: A-

Travis Chase Trilogy

The Breach
Ghost Country
Deep Sky