Star of the North

D. B. John

(review written on 13^th December 2020)

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started Star of the North, and if I’m honest I wasn’t sure if it was going to be my cup of tea. I’m not really sure why, but something kept putting me off starting it. I am glad I finally did though, and I soon found myself immersed in the story.

Based on true events this story starts with the disappearance of a young American woman from a beach on a Korean Island. She is presumed dead, but this young woman has a twin sister who is convinced she is still alive and refuses to give up hope of finding her. What she goes through, and what she learns, in her pursuit of finding her sister is nothing short of horrifying.

This book is quite difficult to read at times to be quite honest, but the spirit and determination of some of the characters is quite inspirational. It is a compelling read which I would recommend. The way some people have to live, if you can even call it living, in other parts of this world is shocking and heart-wrenching. I have learned a lot by reading this story and it’s one I doubt I will forget any time soon.

The author obviously did extensive research whilst writing this book and he really knows his stuff. This shows throughout this book.

He does provide an overview, at the end, of which parts of the story are actual fact and provides extra reading recommendations for those wishing to know more about some of the events explored throughout this book.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via Netgalley.

‘Extraordinary…smart, sophisticated, suspenseful – and important. If you try one new thing this year, make it Star of the North’ LEE CHILD

North Korea and the USA are on the brink of war.

A young American woman disappears without trace from a South Korean island.

The CIA recruits her twin sister to uncover the truth.

Now, she must go undercover in the world’s most deadly state.

Only by infiltrating the dark heart of the terrifying regime will she be able to save her sister…and herself.

‘Tense and compelling.’ James Swallow, Sunday Times bestselling author of NOMAD