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Rogue Strike by
David Ricciardi is relevant to the headlines. Many of today’s
current events, written about a year ago are coming true in
the real world. After reading this suspenseful novel, readers
will understand the context of what is happening today.
This second book in the series has CIA analyst Zac Miller
given an alias of Jake Keller. With some training and field
experience, he has become a hardened, more experienced field
operative. Now working for the CIA’s Special Activities
Center, alongside Special Ops Marine Corps Veteran, Curt Roach,
their mission is to intercept a clandestine meet of some high
value terrorist targets. Sending a drone on a kill mission
everything goes sour with the drone not responding and the
comms down. Realizing that someone has electronically seized
control of the Hellfire missiles they watch in horror as it
diverts to Saudi Arabia and drops its payload on a couple
of thousand worshippers in the city of Mecca, Islam’s
holiest city. The chief of Special Activities, Ted Graves,
and other government officials try to pin the blame on Keller
and Roach, saying the agents have gone rogue. The action never
stops as Keller is determined to clear his name and find out
what really happened. To add bad to worse, while America tries
to come to grips with what happened in Mecca, the United States
is attacked on multiple fronts at home.
“The Special Activities Center really exists. There
is a group predominately of ex Special Forces military personnel:
Marines, Delta Force, and SEALs. Guys in their forties who
want to protect America. Some of them were the first into
Afghanistan right after September 11th. They are part diplomat
and part soldier who are given a lot of autonomy.”
This very entertaining story has the bonus that a lot of what
iswritten has actually come true. Anyone following the news
will understand how a drone is used by Iran to challenge the
US, and that B-52 bombers are put in a holding pattern as
part of a reprisal plan.
“In doing the research, I went to the Northern part
of Jordan to do some research for this book. Ten miles from
the Syrian border are Roman ruins called Jarash. Libya also
has Roman ruins. Because I did not go to Libya, I used what
I saw in Jordan. As I went through stone passageways and steep
steps, I thought this would be a great setting for the dramatic
climatic ending.”
Something close to my heart is The Fallen Patriots project.
I also wrote about it in the first book. They provide counseling
and tuition assistance for the children of service members
who died in the line of duty. My friend started this charity,
which has gown spectacularly My wife and I supported it for
a long time. I give a fixed percentage of my royalties. I
hope to inspire and encourage people to contribute. They also
give the children encouragement, guidance, and tough love
where necessary.”
Ricciardi is two-for-two with thrilling stories. It has over
the top action, a conspiracy between rogue individuals, and
many twists.
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