Reviewed by Patricia Reding for Readers' Favorite

Author Steve Wilson delights readers with his fourth Michael Neill Adventure in Eye of Charybdis. When Marine Corps Lieutenant Michael Neill and his love interest, Marine Staff Sergeant Christina Arrens, struggle to find a way to come together in an organization that forbids their union (at least as things stand), Neill prepares for another clandestine operation. He is named part of a team that seeks to solve the mystery of a downed commercial airliner. Given the resulting death of all of its passengers, governments around the world, including the U.S. government, wonder who is responsible, and what political and/or military actions may be appropriate to take in response. Before long, evidence suggests that the Russians are experimenting with a massive airplane that flies just above the ocean, and that is outfitted with a weapon that can send an electro-magnetic pulse to disrupt, or even to destroy, the electronics used to operate surrounding air- and sea-craft.

As is the case with the earlier Michael Neill Adventures, Steve Wilson offers readers in Eye of Charybdis interesting historical details, a peek into the workings of the U.S. military, a variety of interpersonal relationships, and a man of faith at the center of it all. Also, as he has done before, Wilson brings together players from various backgrounds, each of whom hopes to thwart the Russians' efforts, including Dr. Taylor Brisbane, an Australian physicist; Bailee Russo, her research assistant; a few Ukrainians with an historical relationship to Neill; and Neill himself, along with his team. Once it is determined that the flying weapon they seek may be hidden along the Russian coast, Neill’s team sets out to find it and, hopefully, to destroy it. Soon, they are faced with a dilemma. Will they get the assistance they need from the brains behind the weapon, the Ukrainian scientist, Dr. Zhukov, and his daughter, Tanya?

Eye of Charybdis by Steve Wilson offers numerous examples as to why Americans can be proud of their military and grateful for the sacrifices of its members. Men are sure to enjoy the background and the military mission. But women, too, will enjoy this book, as Wilson introduces a number of critical female leads. These characters are scientists, military specialists, and more. It is a tribute to the author that he has done this, as women play such crucial roles in so many areas in this day and age. Of that, we can all be proud—and of this installment of the Michael Neill Adventure stories, Wilson can certainly be proud.