The Travel Agent

“The Travel Agent” is a gripping espionage and civilian rescue thriller set against the backdrop of a civil war in Syria. Written before the real-world Syrian conflict, this story eerily mirrors some of the events that unfolded. Inspired by the author’s personal wartime experience in Iraq and influenced by the “Bond” and “Bourne” series, as well as “Burn Notice,” this novel follows a contractor as he navigates the treacherous landscape to save civilians from the brewing war.

Where To Get Yours:

eBooks	Printed Books	Audio
Direct Download	Amazon Paperback (+)	Direct Download
Amazon (+)	Independently Published	Audible (+)
Smashwords
Online

Genera:

Science Fiction:

In “The Travel Agent,” R.G. Taark masterfully blends elements of science fiction with real-world geopolitical tensions, creating a narrative that feels both futuristic and grounded in today’s realities.

The story’s setting in a near-future Syria, where technology and espionage intertwine, provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of surveillance, identity, and the manipulation of information. The protagonist’s use of advanced technology to navigate and manipulate his environment adds a layer of speculative intrigue, making readers ponder the potential future of intelligence operations.

If you enjoy stories where technology shapes the world in unexpected ways, you’ll find Taark’s other works in the science fiction genre equally compelling

Thriller:

“The Travel Agent” is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its high-stakes espionage and the protagonist’s perilous journey through a politically unstable region.

The tension is palpable as the main character, a former military man turned security consultant, navigates through a web of deceit, power plays, and personal vendettas. The narrative’s fast pace, combined with the intricate plot involving international intelligence services, delivers a classic thriller experience. Fans of this genre will appreciate Taark’s ability to weave suspense with detailed character development, making it a must-read.

For more heart-pounding adventures, explore Taark’s other thrillers.

Mystery:

At its core, “The Travel Agent” is also a mystery, where the protagonist’s true identity and the real purpose of his mission are shrouded in secrecy.

The story unfolds with layers of mystery, from the protagonist’s dual passports to the hidden motives of the characters he interacts with. The narrative cleverly uses the backdrop of a civil war to explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the search for truth in a world where nothing is as it seems. Readers who love to unravel puzzles and follow the breadcrumbs of a well-crafted mystery will find this book intriguing.

Dive into more mysteries by R.G. Taark to continue the journey of uncovering hidden truths.

Highlights and Fun Sections

A World of Intrigue and Danger

In “The Travel Agent,” the protagonist, a former U.S. Infantry Company Commander turned security consultant, finds himself in the midst of a Syrian civil war. With his unique ability to pick up local languages, he navigates through the complex web of power games and cultural expectations in the Middle East. The story is filled with tense moments, from waiting in the sweltering heat outside Assid al Khalid’s office to dealing with the zealous Samad al Fawzi in a traditional tea house.

Cultural Insights and Humor

The novel offers a blend of humor and cultural insight, as the protagonist often finds himself in amusing situations due to cultural differences. For instance, he notes how Americans instinctively step back when Arabs invade their personal space and the peculiarities of drinking sweet tea in Syria. These moments add a layer of depth and humor to the narrative.

The Power Game

The story delves into the power dynamics of the region, where waiting is a sign of respect and patience is a virtue. The protagonist must play along, respecting the customs while keeping his wits about him. This delicate balance between cultural sensitivity and professional acumen makes for compelling reading.

A Personal Stake

As the protagonist navigates his missions, his personal life becomes intertwined with his work. His marriage to Mary, a Christian missionary, adds a personal dimension to the story, especially when Syrian and Jordanian Intelligence services become aware of her. This personal stake raises the stakes, making the protagonist’s actions even more urgent and dangerous.

Action and Suspense

From chartering aircraft to evading protesters, the novel is filled with action and suspense. The protagonist must use his skills to stay one step ahead of danger, whether it’s navigating through Damascus’s old streets or dealing with fanatical zealots. Each scene is crafted to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

A Reflection of Reality

“The Travel Agent” was written before the Syrian civil war escalated, yet it eerily foreshadows some of the events that would later unfold. This adds a layer of realism to the story, making it both a thrilling read and a thought-provoking commentary on international politics and human conflict.

Comparison of “The Travel Agent” with “Bond,” “Bourne,” and “Burn Notice”

“The Travel Agent” draws inspiration from several iconic espionage and action series, including James Bond, Jason Bourne, and “Burn Notice.” Here’s how it compares to these beloved properties:

James Bond

• Sophistication and Intrigue: Like Bond, “The Travel Agent” involves sophisticated power games and intrigue, particularly in the protagonist’s interactions with figures like Assid al Khalid. However, the protagonist’s background as a security consultant rather than a spy agent adds a different layer of complexity.
• Cultural Immersion: Both Bond and the protagonist in “The Travel Agent” navigate complex cultural landscapes. However, while Bond often relies on gadgets and charm, the protagonist uses his language skills and cultural understanding to navigate Syria.
• Action and Suspense: While Bond films are known for high-octane action, “The Travel Agent” focuses more on the strategic and psychological aspects of espionage, with action scenes serving to advance the plot.

Jason Bourne

• Realistic Espionage: Both “The Travel Agent” and the Bourne series offer a more realistic portrayal of espionage, focusing on the gritty aspects of intelligence work rather than the glamour.
• Personal Stakes: Like Bourne, the protagonist in “The Travel Agent” has personal stakes, particularly with his marriage and the involvement of his wife in the plot. This adds a layer of urgency and emotional depth to the story.
• Action and Suspense: Both series feature intense action sequences, but “The Travel Agent” tends to emphasize strategic maneuvering over high-speed chases.

“Burn Notice”

• Character Dynamics: Similar to Michael Westen in “Burn Notice,” the protagonist in “The Travel Agent” is a skilled operative who uses his wits and experience to navigate complex situations. Both characters have a strong sense of humor and often find themselves in amusing cultural misunderstandings.
• Personal Life Entanglements: Both series involve the protagonist’s personal life becoming intertwined with their professional missions. In “The Travel Agent,” the protagonist’s marriage adds a personal dimension to the plot, similar to how Michael Westen’s relationships complicate his life in “Burn Notice.”
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Both series feature protagonists who are adept at solving problems creatively, often using unconventional methods to achieve their goals.

Overall, “The Travel Agent” combines elements of this series with its unique blend of cultural insight, strategic espionage, and personal stakes, creating a compelling narrative that stands on its own while paying homage to these beloved franchises.

Comparison of “The Travel Agent” with Other Book Authors

“The Travel Agent” compares several notable authors in the espionage and thriller genres, focusing on their styles, themes, and the realism they bring to their stories.

David McCloskey

• Realism and Experience: Like David McCloskey, who draws from his CIA experience in novels like Damascus Station, “The Travel Agent” benefits from the author’s personal wartime experience in Iraq. Both works offer a gritty, realistic portrayal of espionage and conflict.
• Setting and Context: McCloskey’s novels often explore the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, similar to how “The Travel Agent” delves into the Syrian civil war. Both authors use real-world settings to create compelling narratives.
• Character Development: Both McCloskey and the author of “The Travel Agent” focus on well-rounded characters, often with complex motivations and personal stakes.

Paul Vidich

• Espionage Tradecraft: Paul Vidich’s novels, such as Beirut Station, are known for their detailed espionage tradecraft and realistic portrayals of intelligence operations. “The Travel Agent” also explores the intricacies of security consulting and intelligence gathering.
• Moral Ambiguity: Vidich’s works often feature morally complex characters and situations, similar to the protagonist in “The Travel Agent,” who navigates a dangerous landscape with both personal and professional risks.
• Cultural Insight: Both authors provide deep cultural insights, with Vidich focusing on historical contexts and “The Travel Agent” exploring Middle Eastern customs and politics.

Mick Herron

• Satire and Humor: Mick Herron’s Slow Horses series is known for its blend of humor and satire in the spy genre. While “The Travel Agent” is more serious, it does incorporate moments of humor and cultural misunderstandings.
• Character Dynamics: Herron’s ensemble approach to storytelling, featuring a group of misfit spies, contrasts with the solo protagonist in “The Travel Agent.” However, both works highlight the human side of espionage.
• Realism and Critique: Both authors critique aspects of their respective worlds—Herron focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies in MI5, and “The Travel Agent” exploring the complexities and dangers of international security consulting.

Joseph Kanon

• Historical Context: Joseph Kanon’s novels often explore espionage in historical settings, such as post-WWII Europe. “The Travel Agent” is set in a contemporary conflict but shares a similar focus on the human impact of political upheaval.
• Character-Driven Stories: Both Kanon and the author of “The Travel Agent” create narratives driven by character development and personal stakes, making the stories more relatable and engaging.
• Moral Complexity: Kanon’s works, like “The Travel Agent,” often feature characters navigating morally complex situations, adding depth to the stories.

Overall, “The Travel Agent” shares elements of realism, character-driven narratives, and moral complexity with these authors, while maintaining its unique blend of cultural insight and action.

General Information:

I wrote The Travel Agent while working on the Guardsman Series Book 1 in late 2010.  I was stuck on something, I can’t remember what was holding me up with Guardsman 1.

When I wrote this book in 2010, under the R.G Taark pen name, I was watching a lot of the USA series ‘Burn Notice‘.  That series is one of my all-time favorite pieces of brain candy!  I saw something on the news and those two wires, ‘Burn Notice‘ and the news story, crossed some wires for me and out popped this fun Spy story!

This short story is set in Syria.  So, it was really unsettling to watch that civil war kick off in all of its horrors.  And then I got to sit here knowing that I had already written this story before those events subsumed anything I could have written.

Book Back:

What happens when citizens are trapped overseas in a nation that turned hostile? Why the change? How did they get there and how did they get out?

(a short story)

(The Travel Agent: +12,700 words)

(+) Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer:

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this website. This means I may receive a commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. To learn more about how this works and how we maintain transparency, please read our full Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer. Your trust is important to us, and we appreciate your support!