Tom Clancy' s Splinter Cell by David Michaels.

Being a huge Splinter Cell fan myself after having finished all three games available for the Xbox, I thought I could delve deeper inside the world of this favourite of mine shadowy spy by reading the novel written by David Michaels, an author I had never heard about before but who does a great job at expanding the Tom Clancy universe beyond the family, technology, acolytes and abilities of the first ever Splinter Cell, Sam Fisher.

First of all, you' ll be amazed at the recent events the book references, such as the arrest of Saddam Hussein and the Madrid bombings, I thought it was published way before any of that stuff ever happenned yet the book is firmly rooted in reality and the current state of international politics.

Most of the storyline happens in the Middle-East, with episodes spanning the Asian and European continents as well as the U.S of course. The plot features an upcoming terrorist organization on the international scene calling themselves the Shadows but also a Russian band of arms dealer only known as "the Shop". While uncovering ties between the two factions, Sam will have to infiltrate and sabotage many facilities or pose as a diplomat and interact in the face of his most fearsome enemies without them even knowing it. As the story progresses, he will find himself engaged in a mission far more important, dangerous and personal than what he ever faced...

Funny fact: everyone in the book, including the leaders of both groups, seem to be 50 years old or more (even Sam is said to be 47!). Although there are a couple of youngsters here and there, such as Sarah and her good friends, most main characters are about to make Viagra use one of their daily habits! :P

So, I' ve always been disappointed towards the lack of exposure that Sarah, Sam' s daughter, has beneficiated from in the Splinter Cell games. I was happy to read more about her and discover that she is quite the naughty one (not at all the "daddy' s little girl" that I expected) but also very courageous in some of the most difficult situations she faces. She was a in a good portion of cut-scenes in the orignal masterpiece only to disappear in the next two versions for finally being hit and killed by a drunk driver in the upcoming release of Double Agent. Needless to say, I am a bit saddened by the fact that "they" decided to get rid of her because I' ve always found to her a certain charm, kinda like Sam' s soft side; an unusual weakness for an otherwise gruff and robust character...

I' d recommend this book, even if I went through it only one or two chapters at a time; it was very enjoyable, although some of the writing will have you figuring out the true identity of certain characters before they are even revealed; but you' ll get your dose of suspense and intrigue, I promise! I' m looking forward to reading the second book from the same name: "Operation Barracuda".

I' d give it 8.5/10.