Stephen A. Pharo presents an international conspiracy thriller that brims with tension, political intrigue and powerful leaders making tough decisions for the future of their country.
Hong Kong Redux opens in the midst of a deadly international conspiracy. President Xi Jinping stares down a red folder with a large white star — it contains a plan that has been in the works for decades.
“With this operation, we will take a big step forward to ensure China will once again take her rightful place in the heavens — as the ‘Bright Star’ that will outshine all others,” he declares.
Stephen A. Pharo’s Hong Kong Redux: China’s Ultra Secret Plan for Taiwan jumps between what appears, at first, to be several unrelated plots. Chinese politicians and businessmen carry out an international plan; American agencies and leaders investigate crimes; South Philly drug dealers carry out a heist for a little extra cash. But soon, the threads that bind these plots come together, and the greater picture reveals itself.
Uncovering an International Conspiracy
Deputy Director of the NSA’s China Unit, Major Steve North of the US Marine Corps, is determined to uncover any threat to his country or allies. When North’s Australian friend and colleague is murdered alongside his family, things get personal. Clues point towards China as the perpetrator, and North realizes that the murders are one piece in a much larger game.
For China to achieve its goal, every move must be calculated. Major North will soon learn that operation Bright Star, inspired by The Art of War, has one goal: “To win the battle before it begins.”
Decades ago, a team of skilled Chinese operatives were planted in deep cover, immersing themselves in American society. At the orders of PRC’s Chief Advisor Leong, the plan is launched. But chief North American operative Wei is ready to take matters into his own hands to ensure success.
As the undercover operatives move forward, the storylines become entangled, connecting the Chinese plot with the American drug trade. When a heist goes wrong, and dozens of bodies pile up at multiple crime scenes, police are hot on the tail of the perpetrators — but the story is just beginning.
Threats of bio and climate terrorism, large-scale massacres, an influx of border crossings and cyber attacks show that Leong, Wei, their leaders and allies are willing to do anything to ensure America falters and China rises to power. And that’s only phase one of the plan.
Major North sets off to investigate on his own, unsure of who he can trust. From diverting planes, to running large-scale deceptions, to disobeying orders, pulling off this victory is not going to be easy for North. What started as a cat-and-mouse game soon becomes an international game of chess.
Will operation Bright Star succeed? Or will the combined forces and intelligence of North and his allies win out?
Formidable Lead Characters
Major Steve North doesn’t just see the pieces on the chessboard — he sees the board itself, the players, the atmosphere of the room and the entire game. He is expertly crafted by author Stephen A. Pharo, a retired reserve U.S. Marine Corps Colonel.
North is confrontational, ready to fight for anything that will give him an advantage. He refuses to falter and let the bad guys win. “I just can’t bring myself to give less than 110% every day. Sometimes that means pushing back against or challenging the people or thoughts that try to take us down.”
By following his personal moral code above all else, North does what he knows is right in the face of danger and difficult dilemmas, no matter the risk.
Of course, any protagonist needs the perfect foil. Wei, even more than Leong, is ruthless and murderous, with no moral code that prevents him from breaking a promise or killing an “innocent”. He pursues his agenda, without consideration for the people who get in his way. Blackmail and threats are no obstacle for these villains, who are willing to take down anyone who compromises their plot.
Calculated and Gripping Military Thriller
Stephen A. Pharo presents an international conspiracy thriller that brims with tension, political intrigue and powerful leaders making tough decisions for the future of their country. Pharo thinks through each scenario’s possible outcome and has an impressive knowledge of international politics and the delicate balance between peace and war. Filled with technical terms and military jargon, Hong Kong Redux feels like the reader is part of an elite team with enough high-level clearance to witness these events.
Time stamps mark every scene so the story runs like clockwork, increasing the urgency of every situation, leaving the reader wondering, Will they make it in time? With high-stakes suspense, an ensemble cast, and commentary on international relations, the episodic structure of each chapter would make for an excellent television series.
Will justice be served? Will deaths be avenged? And will an international crisis be avoided? Read Hong Kong Redux to find out.
About Stephen A. Pharo:
Stephen A. Pharo is a retired reserve U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, with a total of 31 years of service. During that time frame he had the opportunity for duty in many of the areas in the Far East, principle focus in this work of fiction. Of his last assignments, particular to the Far East, included exercise liaison and team leader between U.S. Marine Corps operational exercise command and Generals, including staff, in command of South Korean Army units. His exposure to differing conflict scenarios greatly assists in his interpretations of likely outcomes.
He grew up on Long Beach Island, on the New Jersey shore. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and George Fox University, where he received his MBA. He has held managerial and executive positions in both private business and state government. A longtime resident of the Northwest, married with two children, he and his family currently reside in Washington State. This is his first effort as an author.
Publish Date: 8/1/2024
Genre: Politics, Thrillers
Page Count: 282 pages
Publisher: Defiance Press & Publishing
ISBN: 9781963102291