The Spy Devils is a refreshing change of storytelling in the spy action genre with creative action sequences, dark humor, and witty good guys and gals who go to rather extreme antics in their missions of battling the worst mankind has to offer. The smart and slick narrative gets better by the page, and it makes you wonder if truth really is stranger than fiction when you remember that the foreword mentions the story is based on true events.
The Spy Devils are a lethal ragtag group of former spies who put their skills to use against exposing nefarious criminal and meddling espionage organizations. This idea is executed brilliantly by Joe Goldberg who balances both the gritty and violent nature of the business with the satirical and darkly humorous nature of The Spy Devils to create a fun environment that is not found in many thrillers today. The team, even as a force of good, feels more of an anti-heroic team as it battles fire with fire. There are moments where if not for the complete context, you’d think The Spy Devils were the antagonists with the way they interrogate the bad guys like it’s just another day at the office. It’s beautiful.
The action sequences are some of the more brutal, vicious, and stylish I have read in the genre, with authentically detailed weaponry in shootouts and hand-to-hand combat sequences. The Spy Devils use high-tech gadgets in addition to the conventional weaponry, particularly the ‘Stick’; a telescoping baton, that also acts as a taser and an aerosol dispenser of toxins, and augmented mini-drones nicknamed ‘Devilbots’ that are capable of shooting 9mm bullets accurately over a decent range in addition to being pretty hand for recess. The creative technology utilized in The Spy Devils feels right at home in a Mission Impossible movie crossed with The Expendables-styled shootouts and knife fights.
The story itself is a big deviation from the usual Middle-Eastern themed narratives, instead focusing on grayer than gray shadowy personal vendettas in a corporate espionage setting that is tied expertly to foreign states and dangerous criminals. There is an aura of mistrust in every page, keeping readers guessing wildly as to who to believe all the way to the ending. Gripping subplots are woven seamlessly to work their way simultaneously to the climax where the bigger picture hits you in the face and you can’t help but be impressed.
If I could sum up the vibe of the book, I’d ask you to imagine the talents behind The Expendables movies, The Mission Impossible movies, and Archer TV series all joining together for one grand witty spy action thriller that is The Spy Devils!
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