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Recommend this book:
 by Scott R Hofmann is a spine-chillingly realistic terrorist thriller, directly based on the infamous schoolgirl kidnappings in Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014. When the world was horrified by the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians in Syria by the ISIS terrorists of the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Sy...){kind=link}
Sambisa Sunrise
Olive and Arrow
Scott R Hofmann
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Sambisa Sunrise (Olive and Arrow) by Scott R Hofmann is a spine-chillingly realistic terrorist thriller, directly based on the infamous schoolgirl kidnappings in Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014. When the world was horrified by the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians in Syria by the ISIS terrorists of the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, far away in northern Nigeria, another jihadist warlord was preparing to create his own Islamic State for Nigeria. When Boko Haram raided a local girls’ school in Chibok, looking primarily for supplies, their leader, Yusuf, and his trusted lieutenant, Mohammed, saw a value in these schoolgirls both as ransom hostages for much-needed funds and as potential wives for Yusuf’s men. As the world procrastinated and threatened action but did nothing, a decision was made at the top governmental level to send in a private team of skilled professionals with no clear links to any government to rescue the girls and, more importantly, to destroy the head of the snake that was Boko Haram. Plausible deniability was key for the government, but the intelligence, support, and funds necessary would be supplied.
Sambisa Sunrise is an incredibly well-written and believable novel. More than once, I had to remind myself that this is a story based on those events and not an actual non-fiction recounting of what occurred. This believability lends the entire book a gravitas that elevates it above and beyond the typical terrorist thriller. I appreciated the complexity of the plot, with so many competing story arcs that the author managed to seamlessly weave into a satisfactory conclusion. That the author was even able to blend in some aspects of Nigerian folklore and supernatural beliefs gives the story depth and breadth. Although the story arcs are not short on action and violence, none of it is gratuitous and moves the adventure forward. The author doesn’t pull any punches in his descriptions of the fighting and action. I enjoyed the intrigue, spying, double-dealing, and betrayal inherent in any good thriller, and there is no end of twists and turns to surprise readers. This is one of the best thriller/terrorist stories I’ve read, and I highly recommend it.
Sambisa Sunrise (Olive and Arrow) by Scott R Hofmann is a spine-chillingly realistic terrorist thriller, directly based on the infamous schoolgirl kidnappings in Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014. When the world was horrified by the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians in Syria by the ISIS terrorists of the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, far away in northern Nigeria, another jihadist warlord was preparing to create his own Islamic State for Nigeria. When Boko Haram raided a local girls’ school in Chibok, looking primarily for supplies, their leader, Yusuf, and his trusted lieutenant, Mohammed, saw a value in these schoolgirls both as ransom hostages for much-needed funds and as potential wives for Yusuf’s men. As the world procrastinated and threatened action but did nothing, a decision was made at the top governmental level to send in a private team of skilled professionals with no clear links to any government to rescue the girls and, more importantly, to destroy the head of the snake that was Boko Haram. Plausible deniability was key for the government, but the intelligence, support, and funds necessary would be supplied.
Sambisa Sunrise is an incredibly well-written and believable novel. More than once, I had to remind myself that this is a story based on those events and not an actual non-fiction recounting of what occurred. This believability lends the entire book a gravitas that elevates it above and beyond the typical terrorist thriller. I appreciated the complexity of the plot, with so many competing story arcs that the author managed to seamlessly weave into a satisfactory conclusion. That the author was even able to blend in some aspects of Nigerian folklore and supernatural beliefs gives the story depth and breadth. Although the story arcs are not short on action and violence, none of it is gratuitous and moves the adventure forward. The author doesn’t pull any punches in his descriptions of the fighting and action. I enjoyed the intrigue, spying, double-dealing, and betrayal inherent in any good thriller, and there is no end of twists and turns to surprise readers. This is one of the best thriller/terrorist stories I’ve read, and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Action This Day
The New Britannia Trilogy Book 1
Ernesto H Lee
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Action This Day by Ernesto H Lee is the first book in the New Britannia Trilogy. Britain is on the edge of catastrophe. Terror attacks are getting worse, people are terrified, and the government can’t do a thing about it. But there’s an even bigger threat on the horizon, something that could change the country completely, and it’s down to a couple of hardened detectives to figure it out. Conspiracies and false flag events are just the tip of the iceberg, and the deeper they dig, the more they find and the worse Britain’s future looks.
Action This Day by Ernesto H Lee is a fantastic, action-packed, political conspiracy thriller. You’re dropped straight into the action on the first page, and it’s off and running – no time to catch your breath here. As the first book, this kicks the trilogy off to a very promising start, and if the other two are half as good, I’d like to say this will be a winning series. The characters are excellent, and you learn more about them as the story goes on, each one crafted with their flaws and personalities. You'll make your mind up very quickly if you love or hate who they are, but each one is likable in their own way. This is actually so close to the truth of what could so easily happen that it’s a frightening tale, a cautionary one of how easily power can be seized and exploited with very little effort. I loved this edge-of-your-seat thriller and am definitely looking forward to reading the next one.
Action This Day by Ernesto H Lee is the first book in the New Britannia Trilogy. Britain is on the edge of catastrophe. Terror attacks are getting worse, people are terrified, and the government can’t do a thing about it. But there’s an even bigger threat on the horizon, something that could change the country completely, and it’s down to a couple of hardened detectives to figure it out. Conspiracies and false flag events are just the tip of the iceberg, and the deeper they dig, the more they find and the worse Britain’s future looks.
Action This Day by Ernesto H Lee is a fantastic, action-packed, political conspiracy thriller. You’re dropped straight into the action on the first page, and it’s off and running – no time to catch your breath here. As the first book, this kicks the trilogy off to a very promising start, and if the other two are half as good, I’d like to say this will be a winning series. The characters are excellent, and you learn more about them as the story goes on, each one crafted with their flaws and personalities. You'll make your mind up very quickly if you love or hate who they are, but each one is likable in their own way. This is actually so close to the truth of what could so easily happen that it’s a frightening tale, a cautionary one of how easily power can be seized and exploited with very little effort. I loved this edge-of-your-seat thriller and am definitely looking forward to reading the next one.
Recommend this book:
The Placebo Agenda
Forrest Jones
2026 Bronze Medal
532 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Placebo Agenda by Forrest Jones is a fast-paced, action thriller that will make you sit on the edge of your seat. Street Brewer is a reporter who joined a startup as a reporter. For Street, this was a good opportunity for him to make a comfortable enough living to be satisfied. Nothing was too challenging for him until Street was asked to go to Venezuela for a new story. He was the perfect person for the job, having already lived in Caracas before. However, setting foot in the country proved to be far more dangerous than he expected. Street was somehow a magnet for trouble, and it became worse when a stranger warned him to run for his life. However, Street could not run: he had a story to unfold and crimes to report. Would it cost him his life? Or was Street going to stop a war from ravaging a country?
Author Forrest Jones opened the story with a bang and introduced readers to a lot of suspense. The identity of the poor American woman was hidden for a reason, and readers get to explore that idea as the story progresses. I loved how the author never lets the pace slow down a smidge. The pace was fast, the narrative was immersive, and the overall feel of the story was great. I felt like I was reading the screenplay for an action movie. Street was just as interesting as his name, and he lived up to the hype the author built around him. From the moment Street was introduced, he had my attention. The descriptions of Venezuela, the political tension, the civil unrest, and the descriptions of the desperation Street felt were so real, I felt it. The Placebo Agenda was an incredible journey that I would recommend to everyone!
The Placebo Agenda by Forrest Jones is a fast-paced, action thriller that will make you sit on the edge of your seat. Street Brewer is a reporter who joined a startup as a reporter. For Street, this was a good opportunity for him to make a comfortable enough living to be satisfied. Nothing was too challenging for him until Street was asked to go to Venezuela for a new story. He was the perfect person for the job, having already lived in Caracas before. However, setting foot in the country proved to be far more dangerous than he expected. Street was somehow a magnet for trouble, and it became worse when a stranger warned him to run for his life. However, Street could not run: he had a story to unfold and crimes to report. Would it cost him his life? Or was Street going to stop a war from ravaging a country?
Author Forrest Jones opened the story with a bang and introduced readers to a lot of suspense. The identity of the poor American woman was hidden for a reason, and readers get to explore that idea as the story progresses. I loved how the author never lets the pace slow down a smidge. The pace was fast, the narrative was immersive, and the overall feel of the story was great. I felt like I was reading the screenplay for an action movie. Street was just as interesting as his name, and he lived up to the hype the author built around him. From the moment Street was introduced, he had my attention. The descriptions of Venezuela, the political tension, the civil unrest, and the descriptions of the desperation Street felt were so real, I felt it. The Placebo Agenda was an incredible journey that I would recommend to everyone!
Recommend this book:
Enemy at the Helm
Mark Dickson
2026 Silver Medal
220 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Enemy at the Helm by Mark Dickson, coordinated maritime attacks strike major American ports and key global canals, beginning with the destruction of the cruise ship Leviathan off Miami. As the shipping channels are blocked and infrastructure collapses, investigators trace the operation to a network that spans extremist groups, foreign operatives, and covert financiers. NYPD detective Chuck Haggard, FBI agents including Paul O’Malley and Stefano Alvarez, and federal analyst Sam Jensen follow digital evidence, drone forensics, and human intelligence across multiple countries. Their search converges on Gellert Demyan, an elusive coordinator moving through Venezuela while maintaining contact with associates tied to the assaults. Supported by interagency teams and naval assets, the investigators pursue him across borders in an effort to stop further disruption and uncover the full architecture of the plot before additional strikes can be set in motion.
Mark Dickson’s Enemy at the Helm is an absolutely rip-roaring, fast-paced thriller that races across the globe at nearly the same speed as the suspense he dishes out. We hop from an operation off the Venezuelan coast by small craft with a military jet that strafes the water, to a later storm at sea that sweeps a uniquely named teammate overboard during a nighttime intervention. I like Chuck Haggard, who happens to be my favorite character. He also has a heartbreaking tragedy that quickly endeared him to me as a reader and made me understand why he gets involved. Tom Jensen taught me plenty about drones and the art of the tackle in dense jungle terrain. Dickson is a sharp, intelligent writer with a strong grasp on what it takes to make a geopolitical conspiracy thriller work, with the added skill of turning all things maritime into a stage for gunfire, radar tracking, and moving targets. Readers who like books with interagency investigations and international pursuits will love Enemy at the Helm.
In Enemy at the Helm by Mark Dickson, coordinated maritime attacks strike major American ports and key global canals, beginning with the destruction of the cruise ship Leviathan off Miami. As the shipping channels are blocked and infrastructure collapses, investigators trace the operation to a network that spans extremist groups, foreign operatives, and covert financiers. NYPD detective Chuck Haggard, FBI agents including Paul O’Malley and Stefano Alvarez, and federal analyst Sam Jensen follow digital evidence, drone forensics, and human intelligence across multiple countries. Their search converges on Gellert Demyan, an elusive coordinator moving through Venezuela while maintaining contact with associates tied to the assaults. Supported by interagency teams and naval assets, the investigators pursue him across borders in an effort to stop further disruption and uncover the full architecture of the plot before additional strikes can be set in motion.
Mark Dickson’s Enemy at the Helm is an absolutely rip-roaring, fast-paced thriller that races across the globe at nearly the same speed as the suspense he dishes out. We hop from an operation off the Venezuelan coast by small craft with a military jet that strafes the water, to a later storm at sea that sweeps a uniquely named teammate overboard during a nighttime intervention. I like Chuck Haggard, who happens to be my favorite character. He also has a heartbreaking tragedy that quickly endeared him to me as a reader and made me understand why he gets involved. Tom Jensen taught me plenty about drones and the art of the tackle in dense jungle terrain. Dickson is a sharp, intelligent writer with a strong grasp on what it takes to make a geopolitical conspiracy thriller work, with the added skill of turning all things maritime into a stage for gunfire, radar tracking, and moving targets. Readers who like books with interagency investigations and international pursuits will love Enemy at the Helm.
Recommend this book:
The Emerald Divide
Jonathon Kelley
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
In Jonathon Kelley’s The Emerald Divide, a bomb, supposedly an improvised explosive device, rips through St. Ciarán’s Church, killing Father Patrick Connelly, who discovered a dangerous secret right before the Irish reunification vote. The device had been strategically placed for maximum structural damage. ICSS agent Robert Dart becomes immersed in the investigation while ensuring the vote is not hindered by the tragedy. Dart has help from PSNI Detective Keira Sullivan, who is investigating the bombing locally, and Sean McCann, a professor of economics at Trinity College. Someone seems to be manipulating the markets through bombings, and that dangerous person is determined to prevent the reunification. The trail leads to an enigmatic character who calls himself “The Mercer.” Dart must find the person behind that name before it is too late.
The Emerald Divide is set in Dublin, Ireland, and it was a wonderful ride. What grounded this story for me was the mystery cleverly constructed around the identity of the bomber and the suspense that kept me wondering where they could strike next. Characterization is stellar in this enthralling thriller, and each character brought a unique voice to the story. Dart is an atypical hero, a genuinely flawed detective who seeks meaning in his work. Minor characters are also well-depicted. The setting is vividly drawn, and the imagery of Dublin's historic libraries and Belfast's Peace Walls dividing neighborhoods stuck in my mind. The manor at Whitaker's cliffside and the London Lancaster House present polished venues where democracy is dismantled, and corruption is rampant. Jonathon Kelley’s novel delivers gorgeous prose and exciting dialogue in a political thriller that examines whether our structures can deliver justice. It was a fascinating read.
In Jonathon Kelley’s The Emerald Divide, a bomb, supposedly an improvised explosive device, rips through St. Ciarán’s Church, killing Father Patrick Connelly, who discovered a dangerous secret right before the Irish reunification vote. The device had been strategically placed for maximum structural damage. ICSS agent Robert Dart becomes immersed in the investigation while ensuring the vote is not hindered by the tragedy. Dart has help from PSNI Detective Keira Sullivan, who is investigating the bombing locally, and Sean McCann, a professor of economics at Trinity College. Someone seems to be manipulating the markets through bombings, and that dangerous person is determined to prevent the reunification. The trail leads to an enigmatic character who calls himself “The Mercer.” Dart must find the person behind that name before it is too late.
The Emerald Divide is set in Dublin, Ireland, and it was a wonderful ride. What grounded this story for me was the mystery cleverly constructed around the identity of the bomber and the suspense that kept me wondering where they could strike next. Characterization is stellar in this enthralling thriller, and each character brought a unique voice to the story. Dart is an atypical hero, a genuinely flawed detective who seeks meaning in his work. Minor characters are also well-depicted. The setting is vividly drawn, and the imagery of Dublin's historic libraries and Belfast's Peace Walls dividing neighborhoods stuck in my mind. The manor at Whitaker's cliffside and the London Lancaster House present polished venues where democracy is dismantled, and corruption is rampant. Jonathon Kelley’s novel delivers gorgeous prose and exciting dialogue in a political thriller that examines whether our structures can deliver justice. It was a fascinating read.
Recommend this book:
Secrets of the Shield
Dennis Currie
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Secrets of the Shield by Dennis M. Currie is a work that blends realistic crime writing with creative non-fiction. Los Angeles County has always been a city of shadows, but what lies beneath its surface is darker than anyone imagined. Retired investigative sergeant Currie unveils the truth behind some of the most infamous cases in history. He takes us from the early arrest of the Night Stalker to secret operations against cartel murder networks in a gripping, no-holds-barred account. Currie leaves no stone unturned when he takes readers inside the world of law enforcement, where justice is never guaranteed and the truth is often stranger than fiction.
Author Dennis M. Currie makes it clear from the start that he knows his subject matter inside out, and that confidence and authenticity come through in the narration for a hard-hitting, insider’s account of crime, corruption, and the hidden battles fought behind the badge. Anyone interested in true crime will love the raw honesty of this work, but there’s also a great sense of stylistic flair taken from the crime writing genre that makes for a gripping, real-life thriller that reads like the best of action-packed mystery fiction. The cherry on top is that it’s all from real life. I enjoyed the dry undertones of humor that only those hardened to the world of real crime can get away with. Currie also pulls back the curtain on law enforcement with an emotional vulnerability and depth that’s rarely seen, giving us an insight into how hard it can be to walk in his world. Overall, Secrets of the Shield is a raw and unfiltered exposé that I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in American law enforcement and true crime.
Secrets of the Shield by Dennis M. Currie is a work that blends realistic crime writing with creative non-fiction. Los Angeles County has always been a city of shadows, but what lies beneath its surface is darker than anyone imagined. Retired investigative sergeant Currie unveils the truth behind some of the most infamous cases in history. He takes us from the early arrest of the Night Stalker to secret operations against cartel murder networks in a gripping, no-holds-barred account. Currie leaves no stone unturned when he takes readers inside the world of law enforcement, where justice is never guaranteed and the truth is often stranger than fiction.
Author Dennis M. Currie makes it clear from the start that he knows his subject matter inside out, and that confidence and authenticity come through in the narration for a hard-hitting, insider’s account of crime, corruption, and the hidden battles fought behind the badge. Anyone interested in true crime will love the raw honesty of this work, but there’s also a great sense of stylistic flair taken from the crime writing genre that makes for a gripping, real-life thriller that reads like the best of action-packed mystery fiction. The cherry on top is that it’s all from real life. I enjoyed the dry undertones of humor that only those hardened to the world of real crime can get away with. Currie also pulls back the curtain on law enforcement with an emotional vulnerability and depth that’s rarely seen, giving us an insight into how hard it can be to walk in his world. Overall, Secrets of the Shield is a raw and unfiltered exposé that I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in American law enforcement and true crime.
Recommend this book:
Maxym
An MM Action Adventure Thriller
Patrick C. Notchtree
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Maxym by Patrick C. Notchtree is an LGBTQ action-adventure thriller that follows Maxym, an orphan adopted by Russian militia after his parents' brutal murder. Trained as an assassin, Maxym's life is shaped by vengeance, violence, and his internal struggle with his suppressed homosexuality. The novel spans his perilous missions across war zones in Syria, Africa, Iraq, and beyond, while also addressing the fraught relationship between Ukraine and Russia. Inspired by true events, the novel offers a gripping exploration of revenge, identity, and loyalty in the shadow of Russia's political and social constraints. Notchtree's fearless portrayal of Maxym's complex psyche, blending strong visceral elements like violence, sexuality, and vengeance, offers readers a raw and hauntingly authentic character study that's not for the fainthearted.
The action sequences are meticulously crafted, blending high-octane thrills with sudden injections of emotional depth, ensuring that the novel's intensity resonates beyond just its physical conflicts and that we see the harrowing after-effects of violence. I was particularly struck by Patrick C. Notchtree's ability to interweave personal trauma with larger political issues, and this approach makes the story a compelling commentary on world tensions that gives you a lot to think about in the outside world. The novel's exploration of suppressed identity in a hostile environment is powerful, shedding light on the emotional and psychological toll of living in a society that denies true self-expression. I found myself deeply moved by Maxym's struggles, both internal and external, and gained an even deeper perspective on the complexities of identity and survival in oppressive environments as a result. Overall, I would highly recommend Maxym to readers who appreciate intense, thought-provoking thrillers that don't shy away from challenging themes and complex characters.
Maxym by Patrick C. Notchtree is an LGBTQ action-adventure thriller that follows Maxym, an orphan adopted by Russian militia after his parents' brutal murder. Trained as an assassin, Maxym's life is shaped by vengeance, violence, and his internal struggle with his suppressed homosexuality. The novel spans his perilous missions across war zones in Syria, Africa, Iraq, and beyond, while also addressing the fraught relationship between Ukraine and Russia. Inspired by true events, the novel offers a gripping exploration of revenge, identity, and loyalty in the shadow of Russia's political and social constraints. Notchtree's fearless portrayal of Maxym's complex psyche, blending strong visceral elements like violence, sexuality, and vengeance, offers readers a raw and hauntingly authentic character study that's not for the fainthearted.
The action sequences are meticulously crafted, blending high-octane thrills with sudden injections of emotional depth, ensuring that the novel's intensity resonates beyond just its physical conflicts and that we see the harrowing after-effects of violence. I was particularly struck by Patrick C. Notchtree's ability to interweave personal trauma with larger political issues, and this approach makes the story a compelling commentary on world tensions that gives you a lot to think about in the outside world. The novel's exploration of suppressed identity in a hostile environment is powerful, shedding light on the emotional and psychological toll of living in a society that denies true self-expression. I found myself deeply moved by Maxym's struggles, both internal and external, and gained an even deeper perspective on the complexities of identity and survival in oppressive environments as a result. Overall, I would highly recommend Maxym to readers who appreciate intense, thought-provoking thrillers that don't shy away from challenging themes and complex characters.
Recommend this book:
Righteous Allegiance
George Yuhasz
2025 Bronze Medal
386 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
When he was orphaned at a young age, a family friend raised Will Manley in Western North Carolina, where he learned vital lessons about his Cherokee roots and martial arts. After campus, he is quickly recruited into the CIA, thanks to his skills and wits. Soon, Will is deployed on his first undercover mission to Tierra Guadalupe, a fledgling nation in a political crisis. Following the mission’s success, he returns home but to yet another daring task. Elias McArdle, a brilliant, highly decorated former US Army Special Forces officer, is at the helm of a white supremacist militia. Pushing for a new world order, Elias and his group have planned coordinated attacks in the country, which may bring the US government to its knees. Working with the FBI under the cover of a Homeland Security agent, can Will and the FBI stop the looming insurrection? Find out in George Yuhasz’s Righteous Allegiance.
Unfolding the storyline on a multi-perspective timeline, Yuhasz introduced me to a diverse, dynamic cast. The vivid depictions uniquely captured the mood and setting of the scenes. It felt like I was in the middle of all the action and chaos in Tierra Guadalupe and Harmony. Yuhasz uses the two locations to mirror the political and social landscape of the US and some third-world countries. I was swept away in a whirlwind of covert ops, combat action, espionage, drama, love, suspense, adventure, and more. The purposeful, character-driven conversations gave insight into the cast’s conflicts. The depictions of their emotions and the juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. Lovers of political and espionage thrillers will find George Yuhasz’s Righteous Allegiance an enthralling read.
When he was orphaned at a young age, a family friend raised Will Manley in Western North Carolina, where he learned vital lessons about his Cherokee roots and martial arts. After campus, he is quickly recruited into the CIA, thanks to his skills and wits. Soon, Will is deployed on his first undercover mission to Tierra Guadalupe, a fledgling nation in a political crisis. Following the mission’s success, he returns home but to yet another daring task. Elias McArdle, a brilliant, highly decorated former US Army Special Forces officer, is at the helm of a white supremacist militia. Pushing for a new world order, Elias and his group have planned coordinated attacks in the country, which may bring the US government to its knees. Working with the FBI under the cover of a Homeland Security agent, can Will and the FBI stop the looming insurrection? Find out in George Yuhasz’s Righteous Allegiance.
Unfolding the storyline on a multi-perspective timeline, Yuhasz introduced me to a diverse, dynamic cast. The vivid depictions uniquely captured the mood and setting of the scenes. It felt like I was in the middle of all the action and chaos in Tierra Guadalupe and Harmony. Yuhasz uses the two locations to mirror the political and social landscape of the US and some third-world countries. I was swept away in a whirlwind of covert ops, combat action, espionage, drama, love, suspense, adventure, and more. The purposeful, character-driven conversations gave insight into the cast’s conflicts. The depictions of their emotions and the juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. Lovers of political and espionage thrillers will find George Yuhasz’s Righteous Allegiance an enthralling read.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/change-of-mission&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/714qeQToBEL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Change of Mission by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke is an intense thriller that is the third installment of the Jake Fortina series. Set primarily in Italy, the novel follows US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and his Carabinieri wife, Sara Simonetti-Fortina, as they navigate separate, perilous threats from powerful criminal and terrorist organizatio...){kind=link}
Change of Mission
A Jake Fortina Series Novel
Ralph Richard "Rick" Steinke
2025 Silver Medal
326 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Change of Mission by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke is an intense thriller that is the third installment of the Jake Fortina series. Set primarily in Italy, the novel follows US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and his Carabinieri wife, Sara Simonetti-Fortina, as they navigate separate, perilous threats from powerful criminal and terrorist organizations. Seeking a shift in his life's mission, Jake finds himself in deeper conflict than anticipated, calling upon his most trusted allies, including a US Army sergeant and a Ukrainian Air Force colonel, to confront formidable adversaries and determine his future.
Author Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke brings his characters to life with remarkable depth, creating personalities that feel genuine and relatable despite their extraordinary circumstances. This connection between readers and the characters is immediate with plenty of vivid narrative techniques and clever dialogue. His attention to Italian cultural and geographical details adds to the authenticity by transporting readers completely into the story's setting, making every scene vivid and real. The balance of high-stakes action with quieter, introspective moments is perfectly pitched for timely highs and lows, and it allows readers to connect deeply with Jake and Sara's personal struggles while maintaining a gripping pace throughout. I was also highly impressed with how Steinke developed the complex web of relationships between characters, making every interaction feel meaningful and every loyalty tested in ways that kept me guessing until the very end. Overall, Change of Mission is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a sophisticated thriller that delivers both heart-pounding action and emotional depth, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Change of Mission by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke is an intense thriller that is the third installment of the Jake Fortina series. Set primarily in Italy, the novel follows US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and his Carabinieri wife, Sara Simonetti-Fortina, as they navigate separate, perilous threats from powerful criminal and terrorist organizations. Seeking a shift in his life's mission, Jake finds himself in deeper conflict than anticipated, calling upon his most trusted allies, including a US Army sergeant and a Ukrainian Air Force colonel, to confront formidable adversaries and determine his future.
Author Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke brings his characters to life with remarkable depth, creating personalities that feel genuine and relatable despite their extraordinary circumstances. This connection between readers and the characters is immediate with plenty of vivid narrative techniques and clever dialogue. His attention to Italian cultural and geographical details adds to the authenticity by transporting readers completely into the story's setting, making every scene vivid and real. The balance of high-stakes action with quieter, introspective moments is perfectly pitched for timely highs and lows, and it allows readers to connect deeply with Jake and Sara's personal struggles while maintaining a gripping pace throughout. I was also highly impressed with how Steinke developed the complex web of relationships between characters, making every interaction feel meaningful and every loyalty tested in ways that kept me guessing until the very end. Overall, Change of Mission is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a sophisticated thriller that delivers both heart-pounding action and emotional depth, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Going Dark
A Liberty Unit Novel
George K Mehok
2025 Gold Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
George K. Mehok's Going Dark: A Liberty Unit novel is an intense read. Paul Knox, a cybersecurity specialist and former Air Force communications officer, believed his software would detect the enemy before they struck. However, when the dark web's discussions suddenly fell silent, he sensed something was going to happen. Paul needed his daughter Emma to assist him in discovering why his software failed to detect the enemy's communications. Emma was at MIT, where her research was groundbreaking. The enemy was targeting top cybersecurity professionals, and there was a reason they had not eliminated Paul yet. Paul had valuable information that could expose them, and someone within the organization had betrayed him. The enemy's interest in Emma stemmed from her work at MIT, and Paul needed to ensure her safety at all costs.
Going Dark: A Liberty Unit Novel by George K. Mehok grabbed my attention right from the beginning. The rapid pace made it hard for me to put it down until I finished reading. The story spanned different timelines, starting in 1781 and continuing to the present day. The plot was intricately woven, ensuring that one timeline complemented the other and they did not detract from each other. The events were vividly described, making me feel the tension, danger, and unpredictability of the situation. The characters were well-developed and captivating. Paul found himself in a fascinating group of people who quickly embraced and safeguarded him. The writing was superb, keeping me engrossed the entire time. I could hardly flip the pages quickly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling, action-packed read.
George K. Mehok's Going Dark: A Liberty Unit novel is an intense read. Paul Knox, a cybersecurity specialist and former Air Force communications officer, believed his software would detect the enemy before they struck. However, when the dark web's discussions suddenly fell silent, he sensed something was going to happen. Paul needed his daughter Emma to assist him in discovering why his software failed to detect the enemy's communications. Emma was at MIT, where her research was groundbreaking. The enemy was targeting top cybersecurity professionals, and there was a reason they had not eliminated Paul yet. Paul had valuable information that could expose them, and someone within the organization had betrayed him. The enemy's interest in Emma stemmed from her work at MIT, and Paul needed to ensure her safety at all costs.
Going Dark: A Liberty Unit Novel by George K. Mehok grabbed my attention right from the beginning. The rapid pace made it hard for me to put it down until I finished reading. The story spanned different timelines, starting in 1781 and continuing to the present day. The plot was intricately woven, ensuring that one timeline complemented the other and they did not detract from each other. The events were vividly described, making me feel the tension, danger, and unpredictability of the situation. The characters were well-developed and captivating. Paul found himself in a fascinating group of people who quickly embraced and safeguarded him. The writing was superb, keeping me engrossed the entire time. I could hardly flip the pages quickly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling, action-packed read.
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