Title: Sodium Haze
Author: Jonathan Paxton
Publisher: XlibrisUK
ISBN: 978-1-6698-9023-2
Pages: 291
Genre: Historical Thriller
Reviewer: Gabriella Harrison

Read Book Review

Author Jonathan Paxton’s Sodium Haze is a gripping historical thriller spanning three
significant historical periods; WWII, Post-War England (1958), and the 1996 Internet
Boom. The book begins with a presentation of a top-secret scientific breakthrough
aimed at enhancing the stamina and alertness of soldiers by a military official in Nazi
Germany, setting the pace for the tense scenes which unfold as each side battles for
the upper hand. Much to Nazi Germany’s dismay, the Allied forces deal a staggering
blow through a bombing that leaves them rushing to transport what remains of their
weapon to a new facility. Amid this chaos, a British spy, Thomas Procter, infiltrated their
ranks, causing much damage.

Jumping ahead to 1958, a disturbed youth, Billy Adams, is introduced. Billy’s life reflects
the long-lasting psychological and generational impact of war in post-war England. He
constantly experiences vivid nightmares where he is chased by a faceless, evil figure
that only becomes more detailed and intense as he ages. Next comes Frank Christie,
an opportunist who discovers a small sample of the compound used to create the Nazi
secret weapon of WWII and quickly becomes embroiled in a dangerous web involving
international players. This last portion of the book highlights the transitional period in
which technology began reshaping espionage, commerce, and crime.

Paxton expertly builds suspense from the beginning as Procter tries to avoid discovery
while using a false identity to infiltrate the ranks of the Germans. There is an interesting
balance between high-stakes action and the psychological exploration of the varied
characters, with many having dark sides, exposing various vices. For instance, Procter’s
inner turmoil provides much food for thought. While he is a determined soldier who risks
his life to fulfill his mission, he also displays a sensitive side which is often frowned on
for men, especially during that era, while remembering his family and all the things he
wished he had done differently.

Weaving a tale of desperation, sacrifice, and human resilience, the book offers readers
an immersive dive into the morally gray corridors of wartime espionage. Readers are
transported to historical settings through vivid and evocative prose and attention to
detail in descriptions, such as the coldness of the claustrophobic train compartments.
Also, the book maintains its rawness in capturing the intimate struggles of the
characters. The book’s appeal is further enhanced by authentic dialogues, which reflect
the characters’ personalities. It is an engaging book that shows how individuals become
pawns in a larger, ruthless game.

Jonathan Paxton’s Sodium Haze is a compelling novel exploring humanity’s inability to
learn from its history, even as it adopts new technologies.