Impending Danger in the Shadows of the National Park

Overview

Cold Burn is the second installment in A.J. Landau’s National Parks Thriller series, characterized by its intricate plot and intellectual depth. The narrative offers readers a gripping exploration of climate change, ancient threats, and humanity’s survival.

Plot Synopsis

The story commences with a harrowing scene in Glacier National Park, where a team of scientists seeks refuge from a devastating avalanche inside a mysterious cave, their fate uncertain.

Simultaneously, a U.S. submarine collides with a dormant explosive device in Alaska’s icy waters, leaving its crew stranded and isolated.

In a parallel storyline, an environmental science intern is found murdered in the Florida Everglades, revealing a twisted conspiracy tied to a top-secret government project.

Interconnected Challenges

The seemingly unconnected events weave together into a narrative of epic proportions. Co-authors Jon Land and Jeff Ayers, writing under the pen name A.J. Landau, skillfully craft a tale where a prehistoric organism, awakened by climate changes, threatens the very existence of life on earth.

Michael Walker, a special agent with the National Parks Service, begins investigating suspected smugglers, only to uncover a drastic truth involving the ancient organism. His journey leads him to solve the mystery of the vanished scientists.

Meanwhile, Gina Delgado, an FBI investigator, is deployed to uncover the motive behind the intern’s murder, gradually revealing the hidden agenda of the aptly titled Operation Cold Burn.

Opposing Forces

The narrative presents two main antagonists whose ambitions complicate the protagonists’ efforts:

• A billionaire businessman intent on harnessing the organism for a revolutionary fuel source, unafraid to resort to betrayal and violence.
• A power-hungry Russian general seeking to exploit the organism as a weapon to secure control over his political adversaries.

Adding to the intrigue, the authors introduce government figures, including those in the White House, each with their own motivations, heightening the stakes and complicating trust among characters.

Scientific Themes and Execution

While the novel delves into complex themes of climate change and ecological balance, it avoids overwhelming readers with excessive information. Each scientific discussion is relevant and enhances the understanding of the plot, keeping the narrative engaging and accessible.

Conclusion

Cold Burn stands out as an intelligent thriller that provokes deep thought long after the last page is turned. The seamless collaboration between authors Land and Ayers creates a cohesive voice, ensuring an engaging reading experience leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Fans can look forward to further adventures featuring Michael Walker and Gina Delgado, keeping the suspense alive for future installments in the series.