Darkness at Dawn
A Tense Cold War Spy Thriller Set in the Shadow of Resurgent Nationalism
📘 Published: 1993
✍️ Author: John Hands
🔬 Genre: Political Thriller | Espionage | Geopolitical Suspense | Cold War Fiction
🏆 Critical Acclaim: “A moving, remarkable book… the suspense is sustained to the very last page.” – The Independent
The Looming Threat of War: A Thriller Rooted in Reality
At a time when global tensions are on the rise, Darkness at Dawn emerges as a chillingly prophetic novel that explores nationalist resurgence, espionage, and political manipulation.
Set against the backdrop of post-Soviet Russia and an unstable Ukraine, this gripping Cold War-era thriller follows a covert intelligence operative caught between loyalty, love, and survival.
SYNOPSIS:
Taras Stepaniak is a ruthless yet deeply conflicted agent. Born to a Russian father and Ukrainian mother, he has spent his life walking the tightrope between two nations.
As the Soviet Union crumbles and Ukraine gains its independence, the Kremlin launches a secret operation to destabilize the newly formed state, ensuring it never escapes Russian control. Stepaniak is recruited to infiltrate pro-democracy movements, sabotage their efforts, and help Russia reclaim its influence over Ukraine.
But everything changes when he meets Maria Bondar, an idealistic journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth. Unlike anyone he has ever encountered, Maria is not easily deceived. Her unwavering integrity and devotion to democracy begin to crack the carefully constructed walls of Stepaniak’s deception.
For the first time in his life, he is faced with a terrifying realization:
Does he truly believe in the mission he was assigned, or has he been a pawn in a larger game all along?
When Maria comes dangerously close to exposing a plot that could reignite full-scale conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Stepaniak must make the ultimate choice:
Betray his country, or betray the woman who opened his eyes to the truth.
Time is running out. The world is on the brink of war. And one man holds the key to stopping it.
Why Darkness at Dawn is an Essential Read
- A Riveting Thriller That Feels Disturbingly Real From the tactics used to destabilize governments to the psychological warfare between intelligence agencies, Darkness at Dawn feels ripped from today’s headlines.
- Deeply Researched and Historically Accurate
- Real-World Geopolitical Strategies – The novel reflects declassified Cold War intelligence tactics.
- Authentic Ukrainian and Russian Perspectives – Hands captures the complexity of a divided nation.
- Complex, Well-Developed Characters
- Taras Stepaniak: A double agent torn between duty and conscience.
- Maria Bondar: A fearless journalist who believes in truth above all else.
- The Kremlin’s Secret Operatives: A chilling look at the real puppeteers behind political warfare.
- A Cinematic, Fast-Paced Story That Never Lets Up
Taut, suspenseful, and unpredictable – A thriller with twists at every turn.
Perfect for fans of John le Carré, Robert Ludlum, and Tom Clancy.
Critical Acclaim & Reviews
- Hums with the realism of tomorrow’s headlines and the suspense is as sharp as a scalpel. —Michael Hartland, The Daily Telegraph
- Well researched, compellingly plausible…the climax is explosive. —Askold Kruschelnycky, The European
- The suspense is sustained to the very last page. —Mary Dejevsky, The Independent
- The author’s artistry means that the book succeeds not only at the adventure tale level—gripping as the plot line is—but more profoundly… A moving, remarkable book. —Vera Rich, The Tablet
- A plot to destabilize the newly independent Ukraine is realistic thanks to the slick writing of John Hands… It all comes together in a stirring climax which exposes the heart of post-Soviet society. —David Hall, Oxford Times
- A tale of growing nationalism in the nuclear-armed former Soviet republics [that] has the true whiff of danger and drama. —Manchester Evening News
- Lurid descriptions of torture and violent death coupled with explicit sexual encounters are redeemed by a plot that grips and a final outcome which surprises and satisfies. —Maureen Vincent Mullally, The Universe
- John Hands, an exciting and clever storyteller, delivers a good plot…an interesting and timely novel. —Chris Barclay, Aberdeen Evening News
- Hands does not go in for long explanations, but such explanations as are necessary are beautifully handled—clearly, concisely, accurately and for the most part, in the course of conversations that do not impede the action… In short, both factually and artistically this book deserves the highest commendation. —The Ukrainian Review
Where to Buy Darkness at Dawn
Available in Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook
Purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and Independent Bookstores
Found in major libraries and academic institutions worldwide
Final Thoughts: Why This Book is a Must-Read
If you enjoy high-stakes thrillers, espionage fiction, and realistic portrayals of political conflict, Darkness at Dawn is a must-read.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Spy Thriller Enthusiasts: Fans of John le Carré, Tom Clancy, and Robert Ludlum.
- History & Geopolitical Buffs: Those interested in Russia-Ukraine relations and Cold War espionage.
- Journalists & Political Thinkers: Anyone fascinated by media manipulation, intelligence warfare, and propaganda.
- Readers Looking for Real-World Suspense: If you love thrillers based on true geopolitical strategies, this book is for you.
The struggle for Ukraine’s independence is more relevant now than ever—read Darkness at Dawn today.
