“Whatever it takes”, by Andy McNab

I just finished reading McNab’s “Whatever It Takes,” a thriller that follows the story of former soldier James Mercer as he organizes a heist to get his hands on a ledger that keeps powerful secrets hidden from the wealthiest and most influential people on the globe. Andy McNab, the book’s author, is a former SAS soldier whose true identity has never been revealed, despite publishing many bestsellers expressing his first-hand combat experience. He served in various conflicts worldwide, including the Gulf War and the Balkans. McNab’s books are known for their authenticity and realism, drawing on his own military experiences. Many of his books feature the character of Nick Stone, a former SAS soldier turned mercenary. He has also written several non-fiction books about his time in the SAS and served as a military advisor on various films and TV shows.

While I hoped to see Nick Stone in this book, it was still a fantastic read. The book introduces the “cognitive elite,” a concept used for the richest 0.01% people in the world who operate in the shadows, preparing for the upcoming revolutions that the globe will unavoidably face. This gives the reader a chance to see the life of people whose riches and connection to the material world are unlimited. On the other hand, the main character’s family is destroyed by the 2008 economic crisis, and James’ revenge centers around stealing from rich people. American financial leaders living in New Zealand are the targets of James’ heist, and they enjoy special protection.

Without spoiling too much, the book is a page-turner that fully grasps your attention. Though lacking some of the plot twists and military authenticity found in McNab’s other works, particularly those featuring Nick Stone, it is still a great read. I was averaging around 100 pages daily and almost forgot to get off at my train station a couple of times. If you’re looking to escape for a bit, I highly recommend it./*54745756836*/