I couldn't put down 'Never' once I started—it's one of those rare books where every character feels like they leap off the page. The protagonist, Paul, is this gritty diplomat with a moral compass that constantly wavers, making him fascinating to follow. Then there's Maya, a resourceful journalist who's way sharper than people give her credit for, and her dynamic with Paul adds so much tension. The villain, Kessler, is terrifying because he's not some cartoonish evil mastermind; he's calculated, almost relatable in his warped logic. Supporting characters like Paul's mentor, D.C., and Maya's hacker friend, Jin, round out the cast beautifully.
What I love is how each character's backstory ties into the bigger geopolitical thriller vibe. Paul's past in war zones, Maya's relentless pursuit of truth—it all collides in this high-stakes game where no one's purely good or bad. Even minor characters like the cynical CIA operative, Greer, leave an impression. The way their arcs intertwine makes 'Never' feel like a chessboard where every move matters. Honestly, I finished the book and immediately missed them all—that's how you know it's well written.