Quick-Fire Review: ZERO DAY by Jan Gangsei \\ Mystery-Thriller!

by Andye

ZERO DAY
by Jan Gangsei
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (January 12, 2016)
Language: English
Goodreads | Amazon

Eight years ago, Addie Webster was the victim of the most notorious kidnapping of the decade. Addie vanished-and her high-profile parents were forced to move on.

Mark Webster is now president of the United States, fighting to keep the oval office after a tumultuous first term. Then the unthinkable happens: the president's daughter resurfaces. Addie is brought back into her family's fold, but who is this sixteen-year-old girl with a quiet, burning intelligence now living in the White House? There are those in the president's political circle who find her timely return suspicious.

When a national security advisor approaches Darrow Fergusson, Addie's childhood best friend and the son of the president's chief of staff, he doesn't know what to think. How could the girl he's missed for all these years be a threat to national security? Still, at the risk of having his own secrets exposed, Darrow agrees to spy on Addie.

He soon realizes that his old friend is much more than the traumatized victim of a sick political fringe group. Addie has come home with a mission...but will she choose to complete it?

At a Glance:

ZERO DAY was an exciting, political mystery/thriller that had me guessing from beginning to end.  Though there were times you have to suspend disbelief, the overall fast-pace and mystery make up for lack of plausibility. If you're looking for a fast, fun, and twisty read, I think you'll really enjoy this one.

Cover:

I love the cover! I think it may have a more serious tone than the book actually does, but I love that it gives off the political vibe.

Action:

There's quite a bit of action! Kidnapping, terrorist plots, Secret Service evasions, cyber-hacking and murder abound.

Romance:

The romance isn't front and center, but it is there. It's full of tension and distrust.

Heroine:

Is Addie a heroine? Or is she a villain? Just one of the many questions.

Hero:

How can there be a hero when you can't trust anyone?

Favorite Supporting Character:

I really liked Addie's Secret Service guard, though her name is escaping me. She was pretty funny, though she probably should keep a better eye on her charge...

Something I loved:

I loved how nothing was black-and-white, and how I never quite knew what was going to happen. I also REALLY enjoyed the way Jan took us around D.C. and NOVA. I live in the area and it was so fun to read about characters going to a lot of my favorite spots! (SHAKE SHACK!)

Something(s) I hated:

I really didn't understand why some choices were made at the end, after revelations were made, but I can't really say anything without spoiling.

Cliffhanger? 

The story could be wrapped up, or it could continue. There's definitely some loose ends that aren't all tied in a bow at the end.

Would I recommend it?

Yes! I'd say this is a good in-between book, for those who need a break between "emotionally exhausting" reads, or for those who just like fun mysteries.

Will I buy/keep it/read the sequel:

I'm definitely keeping this one on my shelf, after my daughter finished reading it.

Book Doppelgangers:

PRETENDING TO BE ERICA by Michelle Penchaud, DAUGHTER OF DEEP SILENCE by Carrie Ryan, HEIST SOCIETY by Ally Carter

Content:

• Language: Moderate (10+ S, 2 F)
• Sexuality: Mild kissing
• Violence: Moderate (murder, terrorist plots, suicide attempt - nothing graphic)
• Other notables: Some underage drinking and drug use mentioned. 

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