Julian Black has an extraordinary gift, or a curse, in his ability to touch a person with his hand and see their most vivid memories. It isn't one he enjoys and he has become somewhat of a recluse, hanging out in his room, playing online video games and avoiding human contact. Until he meets Lela Mars and she convinces him to use his ability for the greater good. Then Julian is kidnapped by a very suave and urbane man with an equally astounding gift, who drags him into a dangerous intrigue with an international criminal organization called VIPER. And they certainly don't care about the greater good.

This is an enjoyable, fast-paced spy thriller with lots of action and science fiction elements. The main character of Julian Black is very likeable, as is his counterpart and nemesis, a likeable rogue named Sebastian Blaine. The glamourous London locations of the Shard and the London Eye add a little Ian Fleming flair. A couple of times I did have to backtrack due to confusion with the plot twists, but perhaps that was just me. Overall, a solid spy/action read for the spy thriller enthusiasts.