Due or Die Reviews Are In
Glen Hellman
Executive Coach & Faculty @ CxO Elevate & University of Maryland | Lean-Startup & Leadership Development
A Dance with Danger: Glen Hellman’s Due or Die
Glen Hellman’s Due or Die, the fourth installment in the Greg Newsome saga, is a riveting cocktail of high-stakes action, intricate espionage, and raw human emotion. In a series known for its sharp wit and relentless pacing, Hellman takes a daring step into darker, uncharted territory—swapping the polished veneer of corporate intrigue for the wild, untamed backdrop of Arizona’s Prescott National Forest and the shadowy world of religious cults. The result? A thriller that grabs hold and refuses to let go.
Greg Newsome, Hellman’s charismatic yet deeply scarred protagonist, is at a crossroads. His recent brushes with death have left physical and emotional scars, but his unyielding magnetism toward danger remains intact. The novel opens with Newsome hiking the rugged slopes of Spruce Mountain, seeking solace in nature and attempting to reconcile a life defined by chaos. However, this temporary reprieve is short-lived. When Newsome stumbles upon a horrific scene involving a dying girl, he’s thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the Apostles, a fanatical cult led by the grotesque and syphilitic Lucas Guthrie.
Hellman’s portrayal of Guthrie is a masterstroke. A grotesque amalgam of decaying physicality and twisted charisma, Guthrie commands both fear and pity. His compound, a dystopian mix of medieval savagery and desperate faith, serves as the perfect stage for Hellman’s exploration of power, control, and the fragility of belief systems. Guthrie’s followers are as much prisoners as his victims, and their plight adds a chilling layer of realism to the narrative.
But Due or Die is not merely a tale of survival; it’s also a testament to the complex relationships that drive Newsome’s journey. Benny “The Knife” Santini, the grizzled patriarch of an East Coast crime family, plays an integral role in the search for Newsome. Santini’s loyalty to Greg, forged in past exploits, humanizes a character often relegated to the shadows of organized crime. His brusque demeanor and moral code, however twisted, provide an intriguing counterbalance to the cult’s moral void.
Equally compelling is Izzy Rossi, a fiery and resourceful ex-FBI special agent whose connection to Newsome transcends professional boundaries. Izzy’s unwavering determination to find Greg underscores the personal stakes of the narrative. Her investigative tenacity and emotional vulnerability add depth to the story, highlighting the ripple effect of Newsome’s perilous choices.
Hellman’s prose is both cinematic and visceral. His descriptions of the Prescott wilderness evoke a sense of both awe and foreboding, while his action sequences crackle with urgency. The dialogue, laced with Hellman’s signature wit, keeps the tension high without sacrificing character development. Newsome’s sardonic humor, even in the face of imminent danger, offers moments of levity that balance the novel’s darker themes.
The pacing is relentless, yet Hellman masterfully controls the narrative’s rhythm. He juxtaposes intense scenes of confrontation with quieter moments of introspection, allowing readers to catch their breath while delving deeper into Newsome’s psyche. The shifting perspectives—from Newsome’s harrowing escape attempts to the machinations of his allies—add layers of complexity and keep the reader engaged.
Due or Die stands as a testament to Hellman’s evolution as a storyteller. It’s a novel that grapples with themes of redemption, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit. For fans of the series, this latest installment offers a deeper, darker dive into the world of Greg Newsome. For newcomers, it’s a gripping entry point that will leave them hungry for more.
In an era where thrillers often feel formulaic, Due or Die stands out as a bold and unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness. Hellman delivers a story that is as thought-provoking as it is pulse-pounding—a rare feat in modern fiction. Simply put, Due or Die is a must-read for anyone seeking a thriller with both brains and brawn.
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A Thrilling Descent into the Heart of Darkness
Due or Die is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a wild ride through the dark underbelly of Arizona. The book is the fourth installment in the Greg Newsome series, and it's a must-read for fans of the genre.
The story begins with Greg Newsome, a successful entrepreneur and investor, attempting to get his life back on track after a series of personal and professional setbacks. He decides to embark on a solo hiking and camping trip in the Arizona wilderness, but his plan goes awry when he gets captured by a group of criminals known as the Apostles of the New Science Church.??
The Apostles are a twisted cult that kidnaps people and forces them into prostitution. They are led by a charismatic but demented figure named Lucas Guthrie, who rules with an iron fist and a warped sense of morality.??
Greg's captivity is just the beginning of his troubles. He must use all his skills and cunning to escape from the Apostles and bring them to justice. Along the way, he teams up with a colorful cast of characters, including Benny "The Knife" Santini, a powerful mob boss with a heart of gold, and Isabella Rossi, a former FBI agent who is now a private investigator.
The book is a fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns. It's also a story about redemption and second chances. Hellman's writing is sharp and witty, and he does a masterful job of creating suspense. The book is filled with humor, often dark and sardonic, which provides a counterpoint to the often violent narrative.??
One of the things that makes Due or Die so compelling is the complex relationship between Greg and Izzy. They are both strong and independent individuals, but they are also drawn to each other. Their relationship is tested throughout the book, but ultimately they come to rely on each other for support and strength.
Due or Die is a must-read for fans of thrillers. It's a well-written, suspenseful, and often humorous book that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
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Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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