The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes

Why read the book?

In Terry Hayes’ The Year of the Locust, a sprawling espionage thriller, CIA Denied Access Area spy Ridley Kane ventures into the volatile borderlands of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan to extract an informant with critical intelligence on a rising terrorist threat. His mission spirals into a global hunt for a cunning adversary, known as the Locust, who plans a catastrophic attack.

From covert operations in the Middle East to high-stakes pursuits involving advanced surveillance and cloaking tech, the narrative shifts into unexpected science-fiction territory, exploring Einsteinian physics and apocalyptic stakes. Hayes delivers a tense, genre-defying saga that challenges readers to embrace its bold twists.

Favourite quote

Evil is an equal-opportunity employer, thriving in the shadows of our indifference.

What I Loved

The Year of the Locust captivates with its meticulous pacing and vivid settings, from desolate border regions to high-tech espionage hubs, immersing readers in a world of danger and deception. Ridley Kane is a compelling protagonist, blending tactical brilliance with emotional depth, while the Locust’s chilling cunning elevates the stakes.

Hayes’ detailed spy craft and geopolitical insights ground the story, though the shift to sci-fi in the final quarter—featuring time travel and apocalyptic threats—divides readers. Some find it jarring, others audacious. The narrative’s ambition, layered with personal stakes and relentless action, keeps you hooked, even if the genre pivot stretches plausibility. It’s a bold successor to I Am Pilgrim, rewarding those who embrace its wild ride.

Key Takeaway

Confronting global threats demands resilience and adaptability, even when the battle defies expectations.