One of the most beloved protagonists in today’s fiction is Scot Harvath, a counterterrorism agent who has fought his way through 18 pulse-pounding novels by Brad Thor.
The latest Harvath adventure is “Spymaster,” out today — July 3 — a book as cutthroat and well-researched as Thor’s previous efforts.
In “Spymaster,” Harvath works to prevent all-out war. Throughout Europe, diplomats are being attacked and a foreign ally is demanding to know the identity of a covert asset. After 17 novels, Harvath takes on a role in this adventure that is more intellectual and offensive than before.
The character is also feeling his age as an on-the-ground operative; that weariness is one of the new elements Thor was happy to tackle in this new book.
In an exclusive interview with LifeZette, Thor, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, says his process for writing “Spymaster” was the same as with his other books. The author devours news and describes it as his “fuel” for writing each “white-knuckle thriller” he puts out.
He calls “Spymaster” his most “rewarding” and well-researched novel yet, which is saying something considering it’s from the man who wrote “Hidden Order,” a book famous for shining a light on the controversial and secretive Federal Reserve.
While fans are no doubt excited to see Harvath return in this new literary adventure, many have been begging for years for a big-screen adventure. Each book has been a best seller, but Harvath has not made the jump from page to screen.
In 2016 it was announced a Scot Harvath adventure was being pushed into development, but news on the project has been relatively scarce since then.
Related: ‘We’ve Lost Sight of Things We Have in Common in This Country,’ Says Brad Thor
Thor described the process as “frustrating.”
He added, “I know we have a hit franchise on our hands.”
What’s slowing the process? “Nervous executives,” he said. Novels that tackle modern terrorism in a realistic and unforgiving manner are not “culturally” what many executives in Hollywood feel comfortable green-lighting, despite the success of such hit films as “American Sniper,” “Lone Survivor” and “13 Hours.”
Thor believes Harvath will get his chance on the big screen eventually, though he’s not sure when. “How many Marvel movies can they make?” he said.
For now, fans have a new novel to devour and surely more adventures on the way from Thor. And considering that the novels are only getting better, that should be more than enough.
“Spymaster” is available now.
PopZette editor Zachary Leeman can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter.
(photo credit, homepage and article images: Brad Thor, Twitter)
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