Foreign and Domestic

This is the first in a series about Jake Mahegan, a former Delta Force captain who has been dismissed from service after the killing of an enemy prisoner in Afghanistan following a disastrous mission that ends with the death of his best friend. Jake is a Native American, a Croatan Indian who feels a connection with the land while at the same time being a perfect athlete and killing machine, a product of the U.S military.

In this book he is up against enemies from within [and without], principally the American Taliban who are in many ways responsible for Jake’s dishonourable discharge. Alongside pretty, young blonde Lindy Locklear, practically his only ally, Jake finds himself embroiled in a plot by terrorists to destroy the USA from the inside while facing a band of gold smugglers, slavers and pirates. It is action all the way as our hero faces greed and corruption from all sides. It is sometimes difficult for him to know who is friend and who is foe. Will he prevail?

This book is ideal for those who enjoy reading about tough guys, unscrupulous villains and corporate greed in a story liberally peppered with military jargon. After finishing the book, I felt neither joy nor an urge to read more about this super-soldier. There is little that helps you connect and empathise with the characters. I also found the American Taliban’s motives a little hard to swallow.  Overall, an actioner that will entertain you for a while but, ultimately, will leave you feeling empty.