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In the sequel to Satan's Stronghold, Travis Weld (the leader of a covert governmental team) enlists Chesney Barrett (an environmental science grad student turned spy) to locate a bomb that a Russian agent smuggled into the US. Chesney's job is to connect with the agent's granddaughter posing as a judge in a school science fair. A statement—almost like a TV jingle—that Maria keeps repeating during her presentation grabs Chesney's attention and leads her into another direction. After searching TV networks, Chesney recognizes a portion of the statement used by an environmental activist group against a petroleum company. Although it would be highly unlikely for there to be a connection between the group's leader and the missing bomb, Chesney can't help but wonder if he's not telling the whole story, and certainly one that is more deadly than she imagines.
The second book in a four-part thriller series, Gallant's narrative follows in the same action-packed format as in book one, but only more complex. Key to Gallant's writing style is the way he weaves an element of elusiveness not only with his supposed antagonists, but also with his supposed protagonists—namely Travis and Chesney, his principal characters. The result is a flurry of red herrings. To further complicate matters, Gallant throws in a continual chain of unexpected nail-biting scenes. Gallant includes a bit of romance and sexual tension to break up the suspense by sprinkling in scenes focused on Travis and Chesney's love/hate relationship. Laced with sarcasm and lightly punctuated with black comedy, Gallant keeps their interactions tight and engaging through the use of dialogue. Closing on an intriguing cliffhanger, Gallant aptly prepares his suspense and thriller enthusiasts for book three, The Armageddon Virus.
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