Total Power By Kyle Mills (Vince Flynn)

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book through the Mitch Rapp Ambassador Program. I thought it would be tough for Kyle Mills to "Up the Ante" after last year's Lethal Agent. Total Power is the "Real Deal" and is probably his best work, in the six books, he has penned in the Mitch Rapp series. Arguably, one of the best books of the year. I wrote that with Lethal Agent, Kyle had really found his voice in the series, and had hit his stride. With Total Power, he has shifted into overdrive and he is flying! This book hits you from the get go, and I challenge any fan of Mitch Rapp, or the thriller genre, to not read it in one sitting. There is plenty of action, intrigue and lots of Mitch.

It is eerie how close to home Kyle Mills hits with the topics of his stories. With the correlation from last year's Lethal Agent, and the COVID Pandemic we are currently facing, I hope that the topic of this one never comes to fruition. In Total Power, America is under a complete shutdown of the Nationwide electrical grid, brought about by a ruthless individual, who had some help from some external forces. No spoilers, but thank goodness Mitch Rapp is on our side.

This book is frighteningly real in concept, and according to some experts, could be a real-life scenario. I have a hard time if we lose power for a day or two. I can't imagine what it would be like to have it down for a year or more. Makes me want to watch a couple of those "prepper" shows.

Total Power is a great read, with a character we have all come to know and love in Mitch Rapp. Kyle Mills has taken this to a level that Mitch Rapp fans could have never imagined. It is timely, well written and I am so glad that he will continue to do so for, at least, three more books. Don't waste any time people. Go buy this book!

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Collateral By Andrews & Wilson

A good friend got me interested in this series by buying me the first book (Tier One). I proceeded to burn through the four published books in record time. Good thing I didn't have to wait to long for the fifth, Red Specter, when it came out last year. That book saw an attack on the Task Force Ember at the conclusion, and that is where Collateral continues.

After losing several members of the Team to their Russian counterparts (Zetas), Dempsey and the surviving members are out for blood for their fallen teammates. As they roll across Europe, eliminating members of the Zetas, unbeknownst to them, the Russian Spy Master (Arkady) and the top Zeta (Prime) have other plans in mind. With a bunch of "false flag" operations, and an infiltration into Ukraine, the Russians are putting the World on the brink of WWIII.

With intense pacing, phenomenal action and the Military scenes (land, sea and air) that Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson have put on the page, you feel like you are right in the action. I don't know how they do it, book after book, but this series gets better with each entry. I have recommended this series for other readers who have finished the Mitch Rapp, Scot Harvath and other action series. If you love fast-paced military thrillers, with killer action and a cast of characters that you will love and root for, read this series now. Don't delay as they are that good. And as I said, Collateral is the best of the bunch. In fact, it is in my Top 5 books of the year.

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Assassin's Strike By Ward Larsen

This book was my first foray into Ward Larsen’s, David Slaton series. What a great book. This is a white knuckle, ride with enough action for two books.

David Slaton is one of the top Assassins in the world, who happens to be on loan to the CIA, who task him with his latest mission. The catch is he is to rescue a Russian translator, who heard more than she should have in a meeting between the Russian President and the President of Syria.

The action is superb, as we watch Slaton sneak into Syria, search for the missing translator and make an extraction that is destined for the movie screen.

No spoilers, but this is not just a Search and Rescue mission. Slaton gets to do what he does best, and plenty of bad guys find out why he is a legendary assassin

If you like kick-a$$ action, and a great story that reads like a movie, this book is for you. I’m hooked on David Slaton (and Ward Larsen) and plan to read the entire series

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Fly By Night By Scott Shinberg

This is the third book in the Michelle Reagan (Codename Eden) series, but my first encounter with her. Michelle is one of the Government’s covert tactical operators, or an assassin in layman’s terms.

The beginning of the book has Michelle rescuing a kidnapped CIA agent, who has been held and sold by a couple of bad guys in Iraq.  After being repeatedly beaten and raped for two years, Bella is liberated from her captors and brought home by Michelle and her team.  A bond forms between the two women on the way back Stateside, and Michelle agrees to hang around Bella, and help her, as she tries to assimilate back to some semblance of a normal life.  Everything is going well until the unspeakable happens.  On a girl’s trip to New York City, Bella is kidnapped again; by the same guy who took her in Iraq.  There is plenty of “cat and mouse” after that, when it is discovered that the bad guy, Wasif, has plans for some sort of attack on the City.  After acquiring the location where Bella is being held, Michelle goes from being a clandestine assassin to being an Agent Handler, as they try and figure out when, where and what type of attack Wasif is planning.  All of this culminates in a dramatic conclusion that will keep you turning the page, to see how it ends.

This book is a departure from the usual portrayal of Michelle, than Scott Shinberg has shown in his earlier books in the series.  The book is actually more about spy craft and good old fashioned detective work.  Michelle also goes through a change in this book.  She realizes that, despite her occupation as an assassin, she can also show empathy, patience and friendship.

I plan to go back and read the first two books in the series to see how Michelle began her career and evolved into the character we see now. If you like a strong female character, action, and a good old fashioned spy story, I would give Fly By Night a whirl. It’s a pretty good tale.

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Blacktop Wasteland By S.A. Cosby

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby is a crime thriller who's main character, Beauregard "Bug" Montage, is a man thinking about his past while worrying about his future. Bug is a reformed criminal, who, at one time, was one of the best "wheel men" around. He was very adept at planning different jobs, but where he shined was behind the wheel. Bug has been on the straight and narrow for the past 15 years, but the state of his current affairs has him contemplating getting back in the game. With rent due on his mechanical garage, his daughter needing braces and the threat of his Mother being thrown out of her retirement home, unless he pays her undue balance, the struggle is real.

When he gets the chance for one last job, that seems like a sure thing, Bug jumps at the chance to get his finances in order. With his best friend, a crazy cast of partners and the ghost of his Father riding shotgun, what could go wrong. Best laid plans and all that.....

This is a superbly written story, with some of the best descriptive scenery, that somewhat reminds me of Greg Iles or CJ Box, in how they write the landscape. Cosby makes you feel like you are actually a passenger in the car speeding down the road. But not only is it a great tale, it is a really well crafted heist story. There is plenty of action and twists that will keep you right on the edge of the passenger seat until the very end. Can't wait to read more of S.A. Cosby, and hopefully, more Bug Montage.

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Deep State By Chris Hauty

As a reader of Thriller novels, it is a rarity to find, not only a great new author, but a kick-ass main character who grabs your attention from the very first page. Deep State begins with our protagonist, Infantry soldier, and boxer, Hayley Chill, fighting for the 6th Army Welterweight title. Even this early on in the book, we see the depth and will of Hayley's personality.

Fast forward six months, and Hayley is reporting to a new job as an Intern for the White House Chief of Staff. What follows is enough action, and intrigue, that will keep you reading late into the night. I am not one to reveal ANY spoilers, so suffice it to say that Deep State will keep you guessing the whole time, and then "gut punch" you with an ending you didn't see coming.

Chris Hauty has written an incredible debut novel and introduced us to a great new protagonist. Mr Hauty has had a career in Hollywood as a Screenwriter, and this book reads like a studio blockbuster. If you like mystery, intrigue and plenty of action, I cannot recommend this book enough. Hayley Chill is a refreshing new character and I hope we see more of her in the future. Read this book people, and remember, TRUST NO ONE!

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Savage Son By Jack Carr

I received an advance copy of this book and I finished it, the first time, right before it came out. I wanted to read it a second time (it's that good) and gather my thoughts, before I posted a review.

This is the third book in the James Reece series. The first book, The Terminal List, is probably the most recommended/gifted book that I have read. It was the best book of 2018. The second book, True Believer, was in my top 2 for 2019. This book, blows the other two away, and IS the best book I've read this year. The progression of the James Reece story, the growth of his character and the writing by Jack Carr, just keeps getting better and better with each outing. The themes of the books in order are: Revenge, Redemption and The Dark Side of Man. This book will take you on an incredible journey from page one, up until the (no spoilers) last page. It is a dark journey, but what a ride. In fact, this book reads like you are watching a movie. You can totally see each scene in your mind. That's how good the story, and the writing, is in Savage Son.

Jack Carr has created a character, in James Reece, that you would be hard pressed to not become totally invested in. You find yourself pulling for him throughout the book. Even when there are scenes that may make the more timid reader squirm, I found myself actually cheering out loud. To me, there is a lot of Jack in James Reece. Both are stand up guys, they treat their men and people with respect and though I've never met Jack, They are both teammates that I would definitely want on my team if I was heading downrange.

Jack Carr said that this is the book he has wanted to write since he was a teenager. If you listen to him speak (which you should) he tells that he had to write the first two books to develop James Reece's character, to get to the point where he could write Savage Son. Definitely worth the wait. This is an outstanding novel with, not only a great character in Reece, but an incredible story that will grab you and not let go. Don't miss this one. Go out and grab it. It's Time To Hunt!

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Without Sanction By Don Bentley

Every once in a while you find a four-leaf clover, or a debut novel that blows you away. First it was The Terminal List by Jack Carr, then Deep State by Chris Hauty and now Without Sanction by Don Bentley. As I did with the others, this will fast become one of my "GO-TO" recommendations for anyone looking for a new read.

This is the first, in what we hope will be a long series, featuring Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Operative, Matt Drake. Matt is on a mission to, not only stop the release of a very powerful weapon, but to rescue an American asset, who has been abducted by a terrorist cell. Not to give away any spoilers, but some of the things that make this book amazing, is not only a great story, but the action scenes keep you on the edge of your seat until the dramatic conclusion. Plus the believability of Matt Drake, who doesn't come across as an invincible "Super Agent", but as an average guy; with skills. Matt shows doubt, has vulnerabilities and when he gets injured, he feels it.

Don Bentley has said that he previously wrote 3 novels that he tried to get published. I am glad that he persevered and graced us with this one. It is definitely worth it. So if you are looking for an outstanding read, with a very believable character, dive into Without Sanction, one of the best books of the year.

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Raven One By Kevin Miller

Living in SE Virginia, near the largest naval base in the Country, I have had many friends in the Navy.  I have been regaled with some great stories over the years, and it is rare if you go to Virginia Beach that you don’t hear, or see, a Navy jet on a fly over.  But after all the stories I have heard, even from a former pilot, I have never fully understood what it felt like to be stationed on a carrier or what it is like to be in a Navy jet; until I read this book.

Raven One takes place during a deployment on the Carrier USS Valley Forge, en route to combat in the Persian Gulf.  It is told through the eyes of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Jim “Flip” Wilson.  Flip is the Operations Officer for a Strike-Fighter Squadron (call sign Raven), and an aviator who flies the FA-18 Hornet.

During the deployment, LCDR Wilson shows us the many facets of being a naval aviator.  From being a mentor to the junior officers, being the Operations Officer for his squadron and having to deal with a very antagonistic Executive Officer (XO), to dealing with a wife who just wants him to come home.  But we see him at his best when he’s behind the stick of his FA-18 Hornet. I am not going to spoil anything but suffice it to say, there is enough action and nail-biting moments when Flip is on his missions, to keep you on the edge of your seat.

From the opening scenes, Miller grabs you in, and gives you a front row seat to the action aboard an aircraft carrier.  With his first-hand knowledge, and very descriptive narrative, the reader is literally the “Fly on the wall” in the story.  There were times I almost gave myself a call sign.  Kevin Miller says that this story is not autobiographical, but with the years he spent on carriers, there has to be a little of his story in here.  So first of all, I would like to say “Thank you” for your service, and congratulations for writing a damn good book.

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