2001: Declare

Set in World War II and during the 1960's during the height of the Cold War, the story takes place in Europe and the Middle East. While Declare is at first glance a spy novel, there is an interesting and appealing twist of sorcery.It was probably ordained from the day Andrew Hale was born that he would eventually sign up with His Majesty's Secret Service in the war against the Nazi's. But, if the perfect spy had a weakness, it would have to be a woman –Elena. She seems to be everything he could ever want, except she also happens to be a Communist from Vichy-controlled France.After the war, believing his days as a spy were over, Andrew returns to England to a life of academia. But then, in 1963, he gets a phone call reactivating him. It seems like the Soviets are trying to obtain the Ark and all Andrew needs to do is travel to Mount Ararat in the Middle East and protect the world from darkness and evil. How hard can that be for an aging university professor who was once the world's greatest spy?Why it's on the listDeclare is part espionage novel, part fantasy, and part thriller. Although it requires a lot of focus on the part of the reader, those who pay attention will get drawn into the compelling and rewarding story. Powers' writing displays remarkable credibility in these multiple genres, and he swirls them together into a strong and cohesive work.Declare is especially notable because it is part science fiction, part espionage thriller, and part fantasy. It is actually doubtful that you have ever read anything like Declare before.Read if you likeSpy stories, Historical Fantasy