The US Review of Books commended Cara Saylor Polk’s “Code Koral” for being “skillfully plotted and packed with action and intrigue”
Cara Saylor Polk, the author of “Code Koral,” is a long-time student of the undercover realms, having worked as a model, actress, author, artist, and instructor. She calls “Faction, the art of taking rumor or inside information and writing what could have happened” in her books “Her Mother’s Daughter” and “Images”. She adds the Faction “Code Koral” to the list, which is a work of fiction. Like most fiction, the characters are based on real individuals. Her mission is to be both fair and interesting. Ms. Polk is married to award-winning CNN Senior Producer James Ray Polk, who sticks to the truth in his films.
In this story of a Russian ice hockey team that intends to defect while touring the United States in 1976, the Cold War intensifies. With this action, a discreet effort to remove a spy from Russia together with hockey team family members begins. The US government is working behind closed doors in the corridors of influence to put everything in place to protect the players and their families.
In this gripping and exciting book, the political gamesmanship and escalating tensions between two superpowers take center stage. Nothing is assured as people are utilized as players in a game of political power and personal gain by unscrupulous actors attempting to achieve their own political victories. This gripping story of athletes and an undercover operative, whose lives become embroiled in an epic game of power and superiority in the eyes of the world, alternate between the United States and Moscow and brings the Cold War era to life.
Michelle Jacobs from the US Review of Books commended Cara Saylor Polk’s book, “Code Koral,” saying that “Skillfully plotted and packed with action and intrigue, Polk’s Cold War thriller will keep readers spellbound until the finale.”
Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:
“The scenes are brilliantly paced, and uncertainty abounds as the complex moving parts of the government work on this secret mission to win one small fight in the ideological war for influence and dominance. Polk doesn’t get bogged down in the geopolitical minutiae of the Cold War. Instead, she lets the story do the work of capturing history through credible characters and authentic action and plotting. With realistic settings from the Oval Office to KGB Headquarters, readers will have eyes on the inner workings of two powerful governments on a collision course that always feels on the verge of catastrophe.”