The Medusa Game

"The Medusa Game" is the second book I've read by Cindy Dees (I have also read "The Medusa Prophecy") and it's the second in the series (coming before "Prophecy" in the series timeline). Like the other book it's an enjoyable and light read with some interesting characters, situations and an engaging overall premise. Isabella Torres is a member of the Medusas, a female-only Delta-force-type Special Operations group. The Medusas are working hard to be accepted by the men of different Special Ops groups; they know that they can't compete in strength with men but believe that there are other occasions where their all-female team might come in handy. And they're exactly what is needed to guard a young Arab athlete at the winter Olympics. Anya Khalid has lived in Australia for the last ten year and isn't a practising muslim but her country are supporting her participation in the Olympics as a figure skater. Unfortunately the tradition figure-skater costume of a flimsy leotard doesn't work very well with the muslim requirement for a headscarf and other body coverings. The staff of the Olympics expect trouble but don't want to exacerbate it so the Medusas are taken on to provide bodyguarding duties for Anya but in a surreptitious way. Isabella instantly finds herself in conflict with Major Dexter Thorpe, the Delta force operative in charge of the different security teams. As Anya starts to find herself the target of extremists and Isabella and the other Medusas uncover a more serious terrorist plot she has to work with Dexter Thorpe and try to convince him of the value of the Medusas. Although a fairly short book this is a really enjoyable read. I loved the background information about ice skating - the hard work and athleticism involved, the ways in which the competitors relate to each other, the planning and training that is involved in producing a world-class skater. The special forces background details were also very interesting and the romance that takes place throughout the book is also rather nicely written. My only criticism is the author's worldview on Islam. The wearing of the veil is written throughout as a bad thing that Anya and Isabella need to avoid and there isn't really any discussion of the opposite view, that some muslim women find it liberating. It felt rather like "US good, Muslims bad" as an overall theme - which I am sure the author didn't strictly intend - and I found that sometimes rather uncomfortable. Especially as, of course, the terrorists in this book have to be muslim suicide bombers. Still it was a fun read and it's good to read about women who aren't simpering misses but who can work hard and professionally.

The Top Secret Medusa Group is assigned to protect Anya Khalid at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Born in the Emirate of Bhoukar, but raised in Brisbane, she has become a world class figure skater who with the blessing of the Emir represents her birth country in the games. However, instead of being a heroine, many of the Bhoukar residents believe she is an abomination flaunting her sexuality and defying Islam. Medusa Isabella Torres is assigned as the lead to protect the skater because there is a viable assassination threat including a suicide bomber who could take out innocents as well as Anya. Delta Force Commander Dex Thorpe leads the overall security to quietly insure Munich does not happen in upstate New York. He detests working with a female, but soon changes his mind as he observes how competent Isabella is. As they team up to protect a skater carrying the world on her shoulders, the two operatives fall in love; but each knows keeping Anya safe and preventing a tragedy takes priority over their personal needs. Timed perfect with the Olympics in Torino in February and with the Spielberg movie, the latest Medusa tale is a strong novel that will excite the audience at any time of the year. The thriller stars a strong proficient female and a chauvinistic male who quickly becomes a born again supporter of women in dangerous missions due to the brave skillful work of Isabella. Part of the fascination in this novel resides with Anya who has pressures few if any (perhaps Jesse Owens in 1936 or Israeli athletes after Munich) have ever faced. The story line is driven by this wonderful support character as Cindy Dees provides the deepest best Medusa thriller yet because of Anya. Harriet Klausner