MIDNIGHT BLACK
Gray Man, #14
by Mark Greaney
Berkley, 2025
★★★★✰
Midnight has descended on the Gray Man's soul. Not only has his lover, Zoya Zakharova, fallen into the hands of the Russian intelligence service, but the CIA is convinced she was executed. The one thing keeping Court Gentry going is his repeated belief: She's not dead.I have to admit right off the bat that my excitement for Mark Greaney's work might color my perspective. His exceptional ability to craft vividly intense action scenes is a significant draw for me. The latest installment in the Gray Man series, Midnight Black, hit the shelves this past February. While I may have taken my sweet time getting around to it, I'm now eager to share my thoughts on this thrilling 500+ page ride.
He's spent six months trying to bribe, bully, and kill his way into Russia to rescue Zoya.There's only one move left to him, and it's something only a crazy man would try—seeking aid from an organization of anti-communist believers who once helped political dissidents escape from the Soviet Union. It's a desperate ploy, but if he can reactivate the chain of agents that's been dormant for thirty-five years, he's got a shot.
Crossing the border is only the first of his problems. If Zoya is anywhere, she's in IK-2 Yavas, a former Stalinist gulag that squats in the icy cold more than four hundred miles from the nearest border. It's a place where dreams and prisoners go to die. If he's going to get Zoya out of there, he'll need help. The kind of help that can start a war.
Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: I find myself quite weary of Zoya, Court Gentry's love interest. To be honest, I often wish she’d be written out of the series altogether. This is a Gray Man novel, after all, not a showcase for Zoya Zakharova! With utmost respect, Mr. Greaney, I propose that either Zoya be given her own spin-off series to explore her character in-depth or—dare I say it—meet a dramatic end for the sake of Gentry’s revenge in future plots. This would not only heighten the stakes but also refocus the narrative on our protagonist.
That said, Midnight Black is undeniably an exhilarating read that does not disappoint. The book boasts a brisk pace, cinematic action sequences that leap off the page, and razor-sharp dialogue that has become a hallmark of Greaney's style. The plot, packed full of the familiar clichés typical of a Gray Man adventure, kept me engaged and entertained. I expected the predictability, but Greaney's execution transformed these tropes into something refreshing and exhilarating. The twists and turns ranged from expected to jaw-dropping, showcasing his skill at maintaining suspense while delivering high-stakes moments.
As for the characters—if we didn’t have a soft spot for Court Gentry, would we even be discussing the series? Each character plays their part with precision, adding layers to the story. Even Zoya, despite my reservations about her presence, contributes to the intricate web of relationships that drive the plot forward. Her interactions with Gentry and other characters reveal complexities that give the narrative a richer texture.
In the end, Midnight Black stands out as a stellar action espionage thriller, delivering all the right punches with clear, visceral, and thrilling action moments. Believability? Not really, but that's not the point. I'm here for the entertainment, not a reality check. This book offers a captivating escape into a world of danger and intrigue. So grab a copy, dive in, and relish each moment! You won’t regret it.
⁓B.J. Burgess
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