Title: Conflux: Threat from the Troika
Author: William Brazzel
Publisher: BalboaPress
ISBN: 1504391764
Pages: 344
Genre: Military Thriller
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
Conflux: Threat from the Troika begins with Sean Carrol receiving a visit from two detectives who inform him that his niece and nephew were abducted by ex-Special Forces Officer Carl Dietrich, who leads the Deutsche Christen, a right-wing paramilitary group. Dietrich demands Sean conduct an interview with him if he wants to see the children again. When it becomes clear Deitrich has a dangerous plan to overthrow the U.S. Government and has no intention to release the children, Sean turns to his old Special Forces team and his ex-commander to save them and put an end to Dietrich’s terror.
Author William Brazzel has a talent for pacing the action of his novel. The opening scene is very serene and peaceful, completely ordinary, as Sean goes through his usual routine of waking up, taking his dog outside, and politely waving to his neighbor. This calm quickly ends when he learns his niece and nephew were abducted. The story picks up speed with a lot of the action in the classical genre of a thriller, making it a page turner to see what happens next. The intensity builds upon itself until Sean is forced to confront the group to save the children. He’s a commendable character, layered and heroic, with an emotional journey rooted in anger, fear, and confusion, but his love for his family is what drives him and makes him stronger.
He’s defined in his role as a soldier, but he’s also defined by his relationships, specifically with his dog Boynton, his childhood friend Linda, and fellow soldier Stan. His dog is his confidant and partner, who protects him and also acts as a link to his late wife. Boynton is what ties him to his home and his life there, his routine. Linda is one of his oldest friends who keeps him grounded. Stan is described as a mountain of a man, a solider that Sean relies on when he first sets out to save his niece and nephew. These relationships empower him and tie him to a specific part of his life, both his home life and his time as a soldier with each character also tying him to his past. After the attack on his family and the betrayal that follows, his worldview and his perspective of relationships are changed. He sees the dangers of craving power which feels almost like a cautionary tale.
Two characters which stand out are Trexler and Alfred. Trexler was misled by the Deutsche Christen and left when he found out the true violent nature of the group. The brief appearance of Alfred adds another layer to the story. He’s described as having a soft voice and polite mannerisms, with a certain shyness and naiveté about him. He’s a bit of a shocking character who stands out against the violence the group presents, but he shows how easily people can be lured into something corrupt. There’s a defining moment where a Special Forces soldier tells a story of how he lost his son and how he came to help children as a result. Sean comments that he created something positive out of a tragedy. This moment reflects throughout the story as tragedy, anger, and fear are deeply rooted in not just Sean’s personal journey, but in the progression of society under Dietrich’s attacks.
Conflux explores how panic and hatred, power and violence can cause chaos and pain, with real emotional stakes and a spark of hope for a better tomorrow. Brazzel’s skill and style makes for an enjoyable read for a wide audience of readers who enjoy living vicariously through fictional characters exhibiting strength, valor and the commitment to children’s safety.
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