The Operator (The Peri Reed Chronicles)

by Kim Harrison

[kimbacaffeinate]

PPoor Peri finds herself in hiding after leaving Opti fearing her handlers will erase her memories. Both Opti and the CIA want her on their team, but both have their own agendas making Peri very much a pawn. Peri may be the ultimate weapon, but she isn't going down without a fight.

While Harrison does an excellent job of refreshing readers, I recommend reading the titles by order of their release. The beginning started a little slow for me, but it was neat seeing what our girl Peri has been doing without Opti. The story began to take off at the thirty percent mark when Bill and his newest Drafter, Michael try to bring Peri back into Opti. Bill tries to lure her in with the promise of not being dependent on an Anchor. After a near escape, she reaches out to Silas, and the two soon find themselves unwillingly assisting the CIA. Peri wants out but both sides are determined to have her. Neither would be beneficial and both spell an end to her freedom. The tale that unfolds has twists, turns and hold your breath moments. Peri must use her wits against both opponents and time is running out.

I found the storylines to the Operator to be more intense than those of The Drafter. We have intrigue, treachery and action-packed scenes that will leave you breathless. Peri interacts with friends and co-workers from the past, and we meet new acquaintances as she tries to determine who is her ally and who has their own agenda. Allen, Bill, Helen and Michael are pretty obvious but then there is Jack. Jack the hallucination and Jack the man, her former Anchor, betrayer, and lover. Secondary characters are developed enough that readers will become emotionally involved. I found myself fearing, caring or utterly loathing them. Harrison provides some of their points of view which help validate Peri's concerns.

Peri is tested when Opti dangles a big carrot in front of her offering something she desires. We get a taste of Peri's strengths and her brilliant mind. The obstacles she faces only prove how truly badass she is. The last three-fourths of the book had me holding my breath as we faced trials, deceit, and danger. Harrison also fed my inner nerd with medical advancements, the Mantis, and drafts but she kept it simple enough that even non-science fiction fans will delight in the thrills of this suspenseful storyline.

Fans of the Hollows will be excited to learn there is a sneak peek at the back of the book of The Turn scheduled for 2017 release. The Operator wrapped up nicely but has me eager to return for more.

Copy provided by Publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer