“Turning Pro” by M.J.S. House is a gripping thriller that focuses deep into the high-stakes world of professional basketball and international espionage. This novel follows the life of Jake Delaney, a talented senior point guard poised to make a splash in the NBA draft. However, Jake’s promising future on the basketball court is shadowed by a dangerous past involving his father, Chuck Reardon, a former Navy SEAL spy.
From the outset, readers are drawn into Jake’s dual struggle. On one hand, he is a standout player at Seton Hall University, aiming to lead his team to the NCAA championship. His skills on the court have not gone unnoticed, with NBA scouts keeping a close eye on him. On the other hand, Jake’s life is complicated by his father’s history. Chuck’s career in the military involved a botched operation twenty years ago, resulting in the death of the son of an arms dealer known as The Crimson Scimitar. This past event sets off a chain reaction that threatens Jake’s life just as he is on the brink of achieving his dreams.
The novel expertly blends the excitement of college basketball with the suspense of a revenge thriller. As Jake prepares for the biggest game of his life against Michigan in the “Sweet 16” round of March Madness, he is unaware of the deadly plot unfolding around him. The Crimson Scimitar, driven by the principle of “an eye for an eye,” sets his sights on Jake as the target of his vengeful scheme. This looming threat adds a layer of intensity to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Chuck Reardon’s character is pivotal in “Turning Pro.” His strained relationship with Jake is a recurring theme, showcasing the difficulties of balancing a life of service and personal commitments. Chuck’s military background and the unresolved tensions from his past missions add depth to his character. As he realizes the danger his past actions have brought upon his son, Chuck is thrust back into a world he thought he had left behind. The urgency to protect Jake and redeem himself drives Chuck’s actions throughout the novel.
The settings in “Turning Pro” shift between the vibrant, competitive atmosphere of college basketball and the dark, covert operations of international espionage. This contrast highlights the duality of Jake’s life, where the innocence of his sporting ambitions collides with the lethal realities of his father’s world. The author’s vivid descriptions of game-day excitement and the tense, action-packed scenes of espionage create a compelling narrative that engages readers from start to finish.
The relationship between Jake and Chuck evolves as the story progresses. Initially characterized by distance and misunderstanding, their bond is tested and ultimately strengthened as they confront the threats together. Chuck’s past mistakes and his determination to make things right add emotional weight to their interactions. Jake’s resilience and focus on his basketball career, despite the danger, illustrate his strength and determination.
“Turning Pro” also focuses on themes of redemption, loyalty, and the impact of one’s past on the present. Chuck’s journey towards protecting Jake and confronting his past mistakes mirrors the broader theme of facing the consequences and striving for redemption. The novel raises questions about the cost of vengeance and the lengths one would go to protect loved ones.
“Turning Pro” by M.J.S. House is a master blend of sports and spy thriller genres. With its well-developed characters, intense plot, and emotional depth, the novel offers a thrilling reading experience. Jake Delaney’s path to becoming a professional basketball player is fraught with danger and suspense, making “Turning Pro” a captivating tale of ambition, revenge, and redemption. Whether you are a fan of sports dramas or espionage thrillers, this book is sure to keep you hooked until the very last page.
