Clear by Fire: A Search and Destroy Thriller

The frequent references to the past make 82nd Airborne veteran Hood’s overly complex debut, an exciting military thriller, read as if it were the second book in the series. Under the guidance of Gen. Winfield “Duke” Cage in his new role as a cabinet secretary, the Department of Defense sets up a secret unit commanded by Colonel Barnes that combines elite fighters from every branch of the American armed services to take on any group that’s deemed a danger to U.S. interests. Meanwhile, Mason Kane, a ruthless Special Forces operator on the run in the Middle East, has to figure out why everyone is trying to kill him, unravel a conspiracy at the highest level, and track down Barnes once the colonel goes off the reservation and launches his own private war. Despite the murky, overstuffed narrative, it’s impossible to take your eyes off Mason, who knows no bounds as he goes about achieving his mission. Fans of this popular subgenre will definitely look forward to Mason’s return. Agent: Bob Diforio, D4EO Literary Agency. (Aug.)