The Gia series from Kristi Belcamino combines the best of the thriller genre with a character that can vacillate from caring to not giving a, well, I'll just say not caring quickly depending on the object of that attention. Yet this does not represent a person unsure of her beliefs, in fact, it is the opposite. She is so focused on doing what she considers the right thing that what she cares or doesn't care about makes perfect sense from her worldview.

In this, the first volume of the series, we are given more back story than absolutely necessary for this particular story but it all works very well to give us insight into her personality and establish who she is for the following volumes.

The writing moves right along and you are swept up into the action. When something happens and she doesn't have time to do anything except react, you feel the same way. In some novels you understand a character because you can ponder what they think about and even decide casually whether you agree or not. Here, you understand Gia because you feel like you're there and as you inhabit her mind (leave a trail of crumbs, trust me on this) what she does makes perfect sense at the time she does it. Later, well, time to unwind.

I would highly recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced adventure with a strong character. Gia is flawed, is more than one way, which really just makes her more human. The world she lives in likely isn't like the one you live in, so enjoy the scenery and the action. You can catch your breath when you've finished the book. ( )