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Called to Serve #1
Deployed
Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw joined the United States Marine reserves to help support herself and her son when her ex-husband, Billy Roy, decided they were no longer his responsibility. But when her team is activated and sent to Somalia on a peacekeeping mission, Bekah struggles with being separated from her son and vows to return safely.
Once a successful Somalian businessman, Rageh Daud has lost everything. Determined to seek revenge on the terrorists who killed his wife and son, he teams up with a group of thieves, killers, and others displaced by war. Despite his better judgment, Daud becomes the protector of a young orphaned boy―who becomes a pawn between the warring factions.
To defeat the terrorists and bring peace to the region, Bekah and her team must convince Daud that they are on the same side.
Once a successful Somalian businessman, Rageh Daud has lost everything. Determined to seek revenge on the terrorists who killed his wife and son, he teams up with a group of thieves, killers, and others displaced by war. Despite his better judgment, Daud becomes the protector of a young orphaned boy―who becomes a pawn between the warring factions.
To defeat the terrorists and bring peace to the region, Bekah and her team must convince Daud that they are on the same side.
407 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2012
42 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Mel Odom
281 books273 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
aka Jordan Gray
Mel Odom is a bestselling writer for hire for Wizards of the Coast's Forgotten Realms, Gold Eagle's Mack Bolan, and Pocket's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel book lines. His debut SF novel Lethal Interface made the Locus recommended list . The Rover was an Alyx Award winner. He has also written a scientific adventure of the high seas set in the 19th century entitled Hunters of the Dark Sea. He lives in Oklahoma.
aka Jordan Gray
Mel Odom is a bestselling writer for hire for Wizards of the Coast's Forgotten Realms, Gold Eagle's Mack Bolan, and Pocket's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel book lines. His debut SF novel Lethal Interface made the Locus recommended list . The Rover was an Alyx Award winner. He has also written a scientific adventure of the high seas set in the 19th century entitled Hunters of the Dark Sea. He lives in Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 14, 2013
This was a good book. Bekah is a single mother, waitress and Marine reservist. She has been deployed twice already but shortly after some significant trouble at home, she is activated and sent to
Somalia. Rageh Daud grew up under a man who taught him everything he knew, but none of it was of the respectable nature. He since went to college, married and had a son. While he was a respected businessman, all that changed when he lost his wife and son. Now he is exactly what his father trained him to be.
This book was exceptionally well researched. I liked Bekah. She wants to take care of herself, her son and her granny and became a reservist to do just that. Her ex husband was a louse and I could have happily seen bad things happen to him and other certain characters! The author writes the book from different character's perspectives and I enjoyed getting to know all three of them through their actions and thoughts. The message that God has a plan for each of us is woven quite well into the storyline but isn't 'in your face'. I think the author did a great job with this book.
I rate this one a 4/5. It was good and eye-opening. I will definitely read the next in this series.
Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Somalia. Rageh Daud grew up under a man who taught him everything he knew, but none of it was of the respectable nature. He since went to college, married and had a son. While he was a respected businessman, all that changed when he lost his wife and son. Now he is exactly what his father trained him to be.
This book was exceptionally well researched. I liked Bekah. She wants to take care of herself, her son and her granny and became a reservist to do just that. Her ex husband was a louse and I could have happily seen bad things happen to him and other certain characters! The author writes the book from different character's perspectives and I enjoyed getting to know all three of them through their actions and thoughts. The message that God has a plan for each of us is woven quite well into the storyline but isn't 'in your face'. I think the author did a great job with this book.
I rate this one a 4/5. It was good and eye-opening. I will definitely read the next in this series.
Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
June 2, 2019
Mel Odom is a new to me author. This book captured my attention one day while I was perusing new books on Amazon to read. I immediately purchased this book and the sequel.
Deployed focuses on Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw who is a member of the Marine Reserves. She's doing all she can to support her precious son, with the help of her grandmother, while serving her country. Bekah hasn't had the easiest of lives but is blessed to have her grandmother by her side since her good-for-nothing husband decided they were no longer a priority to him. Bekah is involved in a bit of a scrap with her ex-husband shortly before finding out she has orders to go to Somalia. While the legal system is a bit slow and may cause her problems with her job, Bekah is up for the challenge.
Once in Somalia, Bekah comes face to face with a bandit named Rageh Daud who hasn't done the Marines any favors whatsoever. As a matter of fact, the Marines are searching for Daud along with several other bad guys. It's interesting to see how Bekah and her team deal with Daud in the given situation they find themselves in.
My thoughts on this book...
I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to those who have a love for military and all that they do. There are some gruesome scenes, as would be expected in a book such as this, and I feel that the author depicted them very well. I do wish the characters, especially Daud, would have been a little more developed. I felt like he was meant to be a central character but I didn't "know" him as well as Bekah.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel of this book and I'm curious as to where we will find Bekah and Daud. I'm curious as to the love aspect of this book too, wondering if it will be explored further in the next book Renegade.
As a side note, I've really slowed down on my reading lately. I wish I could crochet and read at the same time. I've been busy working on some new creations! Feel free to check out my newest items on https://www.etsy.com/shop/FaithfulGir...!
Deployed focuses on Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw who is a member of the Marine Reserves. She's doing all she can to support her precious son, with the help of her grandmother, while serving her country. Bekah hasn't had the easiest of lives but is blessed to have her grandmother by her side since her good-for-nothing husband decided they were no longer a priority to him. Bekah is involved in a bit of a scrap with her ex-husband shortly before finding out she has orders to go to Somalia. While the legal system is a bit slow and may cause her problems with her job, Bekah is up for the challenge.
Once in Somalia, Bekah comes face to face with a bandit named Rageh Daud who hasn't done the Marines any favors whatsoever. As a matter of fact, the Marines are searching for Daud along with several other bad guys. It's interesting to see how Bekah and her team deal with Daud in the given situation they find themselves in.
My thoughts on this book...
I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to those who have a love for military and all that they do. There are some gruesome scenes, as would be expected in a book such as this, and I feel that the author depicted them very well. I do wish the characters, especially Daud, would have been a little more developed. I felt like he was meant to be a central character but I didn't "know" him as well as Bekah.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel of this book and I'm curious as to where we will find Bekah and Daud. I'm curious as to the love aspect of this book too, wondering if it will be explored further in the next book Renegade.
As a side note, I've really slowed down on my reading lately. I wish I could crochet and read at the same time. I've been busy working on some new creations! Feel free to check out my newest items on https://www.etsy.com/shop/FaithfulGir...!
February 23, 2022
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
This was definitely a fast paced story. I liked that it had a nice spiritual thread throughout. I don’t see that too often in military fiction. It reminded me Ronie Kendig’s military romantic suspense’s without the romance.
This was definitely a fast paced story. I liked that it had a nice spiritual thread throughout. I don’t see that too often in military fiction. It reminded me Ronie Kendig’s military romantic suspense’s without the romance.
December 14, 2012
Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw joined the United States Marine reserves to help support herself and her son when her ex-husband, Billy Roy, decided they were no longer his responsibility. But when her team is activated and sent to Somalia on a peacekeeping mission, Bekah struggles with being separated from her son and vows to return safely.
Once a successful Somalian businessman, Rageh Daud has lost everything. Determined to seek revenge on the terrorists who killed his wife and son, he teams up with a group of thieves, killers, and others displaced by war. Despite his better judgment, Daud becomes the protector of a young orphaned boy—who becomes a pawn between the warring factions.
To defeat the terrorists and bring peace to the region, Bekah and her team must convince Daud that they are on the same side.
Deployed by Mel Odom was an exciting novel that clearly displayed the struggles of deployed soldiers, the issues that they often face, and the seemingly unlikely alliances that can occur. The plot moved quickly throughout the book, and it jumped from Daud's perspective in Somalia to Bekah's perspective at home in the United States to the perspective of her lieutenant as he struggled with moral issues as a lawyer. The narrative setup allowed for the reader to meet more characters and have a wider perspective on the setting and storyline as it developed. It did make the story seemed jumbled at times, and it disconnected me from the characters and what was going on sometimes. However, it was still a neat way to present the story.
The characters were a mix of ruffians and criminals and diverse group of Marine reservists that were all thrust into an explosive situation in Somalia. Bekah Shaw was the only character that was really fleshed out during the novel. As the reader we were allowed to view her thoughts and experience the struggles she had as a single mom leaving her child at home while dealing with prejudices abroad in the Marine Corp. I enjoyed learning about her feelings and experiences, but I would have liked to see more development in Daud's character. He was a very conflicted and devastated man, and it would have been interesting to have learned more about him. I also would have liked to been able to connect more with Bekah's lieutenant and the other soldiers that were with her.
Overall, I thought Mel Odom did a great job crafting a well researched and exciting novel that clearly portrayed the issues that our soldiers face at home and abroad.
I received this novel for free from Tyndale Press in exchange for an honest review.
Once a successful Somalian businessman, Rageh Daud has lost everything. Determined to seek revenge on the terrorists who killed his wife and son, he teams up with a group of thieves, killers, and others displaced by war. Despite his better judgment, Daud becomes the protector of a young orphaned boy—who becomes a pawn between the warring factions.
To defeat the terrorists and bring peace to the region, Bekah and her team must convince Daud that they are on the same side.
Deployed by Mel Odom was an exciting novel that clearly displayed the struggles of deployed soldiers, the issues that they often face, and the seemingly unlikely alliances that can occur. The plot moved quickly throughout the book, and it jumped from Daud's perspective in Somalia to Bekah's perspective at home in the United States to the perspective of her lieutenant as he struggled with moral issues as a lawyer. The narrative setup allowed for the reader to meet more characters and have a wider perspective on the setting and storyline as it developed. It did make the story seemed jumbled at times, and it disconnected me from the characters and what was going on sometimes. However, it was still a neat way to present the story.
The characters were a mix of ruffians and criminals and diverse group of Marine reservists that were all thrust into an explosive situation in Somalia. Bekah Shaw was the only character that was really fleshed out during the novel. As the reader we were allowed to view her thoughts and experience the struggles she had as a single mom leaving her child at home while dealing with prejudices abroad in the Marine Corp. I enjoyed learning about her feelings and experiences, but I would have liked to see more development in Daud's character. He was a very conflicted and devastated man, and it would have been interesting to have learned more about him. I also would have liked to been able to connect more with Bekah's lieutenant and the other soldiers that were with her.
Overall, I thought Mel Odom did a great job crafting a well researched and exciting novel that clearly portrayed the issues that our soldiers face at home and abroad.
I received this novel for free from Tyndale Press in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2013
Bekah Shaw is a single mother divorced from a serious low-life she should never have married in the first place. She joined the Marine reserves, never expecting to be deployed, but has spent six months each in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the opening of the book, Bekah gets into a fight in a bar with a man much larger than her who starts beating her friend. Everyone (including said "friend"), agrees with the aggressor, saying Bekah started it unprovoked and she is arrested. While she's waiting for her trial, she is once again called to active duty, this time to Mogadishu.
I knew this was going to be a hard book to review going into it due to my personal views on women in the military--especially combat, but I worked hard to set that aside and go into it with an open mind. I know some have said a woman would not be leading a fire team, but I did some research and found out that there are actually women marines (or at least one that I know of) that are fire team leaders.
The story felt rather disjointed for the first part of the book as character after character is introduced, but then finally starts to coalesce when they all end up deployed together. I'm not military, so I couldn't speak as to the reality of the combat situations, but it felt very realistic and well done.
That said I'll move on to what really dropped this review in my opinion. This book is marketed as "Christian Fiction". I beg to differ. The book starts with Bekah in a bar for beer with friends. Pretty much everyone introduced in the book is either blatantly non-Christian or the subject is ignored. God is barely mentioned through almost the entire book. A few remembered Bible verses from childhood and an "epiphany" during battle that maybe this moment is why God has you here accompanied by a prayer that you can make that perfect shot does not a Christian book make. I kept waiting for a Christian character to show up, one of the characters to remember enough from childhood to get saved, or even for salvation to just be mentioned! Nada. As a military fiction book, I think it's pretty good. As a Christian fiction book, it fails miserably. Very, VERY disappointed!
I knew this was going to be a hard book to review going into it due to my personal views on women in the military--especially combat, but I worked hard to set that aside and go into it with an open mind. I know some have said a woman would not be leading a fire team, but I did some research and found out that there are actually women marines (or at least one that I know of) that are fire team leaders.
The story felt rather disjointed for the first part of the book as character after character is introduced, but then finally starts to coalesce when they all end up deployed together. I'm not military, so I couldn't speak as to the reality of the combat situations, but it felt very realistic and well done.
That said I'll move on to what really dropped this review in my opinion. This book is marketed as "Christian Fiction". I beg to differ. The book starts with Bekah in a bar for beer with friends. Pretty much everyone introduced in the book is either blatantly non-Christian or the subject is ignored. God is barely mentioned through almost the entire book. A few remembered Bible verses from childhood and an "epiphany" during battle that maybe this moment is why God has you here accompanied by a prayer that you can make that perfect shot does not a Christian book make. I kept waiting for a Christian character to show up, one of the characters to remember enough from childhood to get saved, or even for salvation to just be mentioned! Nada. As a military fiction book, I think it's pretty good. As a Christian fiction book, it fails miserably. Very, VERY disappointed!
April 18, 2013
When I first picked this book up I had a lot going on in my family and the slow start to the book made it easy to put down. So many seemingly unconnected characters being introduced at once was confusing and disjointed, but then Mr Odom threw all these great characters into a boiling pot and the action took off. I found myself still reading at 3:00 am, unable to find a reasonable place to stop. Reasonable meaning a place to leave these folk and still be able to fall asleep not knowing what happened to them next. Odom creates characters you really care about and gives them challenges to grow into. Well described action, very timely theme, good people facing difficult decisions - there is a lot of meat on these bones. I can't wait for the next one in this new trilogy.
January 27, 2015
I don't normally read military fiction, but this novel held my interest from page one. Perhaps that's due to the excellent characterization and believable plot line. Showed me the challenges military personnel face in a fresh way. I'll read more!
February 7, 2018
Took me a while to get into this. However once I got into it I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was interesting to read about a female marine, a strong role mod l for young girls.
I would recommend this for anyone who likes action based fiction. Unlike some of his other books there wasn’t too many technical descriptions.
I enjoyed the fact that this young divorced moms capable of fixing her own truck.
She joined the marine reserves to give her and her young son some financial help and for the m rival cover.
Written very differently to the authors NCIS series but the story flowed easier for me without all the chapter headlines.
It’s free on kindle unlimited for anyone wanting to try something different.
It was interesting to read about a female marine, a strong role mod l for young girls.
I would recommend this for anyone who likes action based fiction. Unlike some of his other books there wasn’t too many technical descriptions.
I enjoyed the fact that this young divorced moms capable of fixing her own truck.
She joined the marine reserves to give her and her young son some financial help and for the m rival cover.
Written very differently to the authors NCIS series but the story flowed easier for me without all the chapter headlines.
It’s free on kindle unlimited for anyone wanting to try something different.
May 31, 2013
Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw joined the Marine reserves to make a better life for her and her son, Travis, in a town that has seemed to turn against them. She never thought that she would be taken away from her son to fight in a war, but she has two times, and now she’s called back again. This time she’s in war-torn Somalia just trying to survive long enough to get home to her son and grandmother, but her team’s mission is making that seem more like a dream and less like a possibility. Now not only does Bekah have to fight against a group set on ruling Somalia, but she also has to fight against a group of renegades lead by a ghost, a man who seems to be fighting against both sides and is in it only for revenge and bloodlust.
Rageh Daud lived a normal life trying to get away from his father’s legacy, until his wife and son were killed by an evil man bent on controlling Somalia and everyone in it. Now, he’s using everything his father has ever taught him to get to this man and offer up revenge for all that he has lost, even if it means killing men, women, and children in the process. All he cares about his the hatred burning inside him and the urge to rectify his family’s murder. He doesn’t care that everyone is after him, all he cares about is whether or not he will have the opportunity to get the one man that destroyed life as he knew it forever.
Fighting for freedom of a nation, Bekah only wants to be home with her son. Fighting for revenge and bloodlust, Rageh wants his family to be avenged no matter what. When the opportunity arises to join forces, the question is whether they will be able to work together to bring an evil man down before more people have to die in the process. Also, the question is whether or not they will be able to be able to fulfill their desires to be home or avenge his family. The fight for freedom never ends but it’s the brave that give up their lives to give it to us.
Will Bekah be able to go home to her son or will fighting the war be the last thing she sees? Will Rageh be able to fulfill his revenge or will he be killed by the very man he’s hunting? What will Rageh do after his revenge is fulfilled? Will Rageh and the Marines end up working together to take out a dangerous man or will they fight each other until the end?
————————————
I’ve read military fiction before and loved it because it gave me a look into that division our military, but unlike my previous jaunts in military fiction this book delves into the Marines, a division I’ve always loved and wanted to know more about. I was looking forward to this book and it didn’t let me down. It was well written and taught me some things about the Marines that I didn’t know before. I felt the tension in the book and the action scenes were realistic and exciting. This book definitely wasn’t a disappointment.
The storyline was solid though the execution was a little jumbled. I felt that it took a while to get to the heart of the story and because there were a lot of characters given a point of view in the book, it felt a bit jumbled. I do like the premise of the story, though. I just didn’t feel like it was executed the best it could’ve been. One thing that I really enjoyed about the storyline, however, was the main character. I like how the author made the main character a female. It opened up so many more doors. It allowed you a glimpse at what it’s like for a female in the Marines and I believe that it made the book a book that can be read by both men and women. That was I think my favorite part of this book.
I liked the main character of the story. I was able to feel for her and her situation, but I would’ve liked to get inside the head of more than just her. If you’re going to have POV’s of other characters why not allow your readers to connect with them too? I felt disconnected to most of the characters and I would’ve loved to connect with them on some level. Despite that, the author molded the main character in a way that made her character relatable and realistic in her attitude and goals. The author really knows how to get a character into your heart.
I’m a fan of military fiction and because of that, I liked this book. I felt that there were a few things that could’ve been better, but overall I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading more in this series. This book really gives facts on the Marine Corps and taught me some things I’ve never knew. I really give the author credit for putting time into his research and making sure everything made sense and was accurate. That definitely made the entire book. I really loved the time and energy the author took to make sure that this book had the facts straight and because of that I plan on reading more from this author.
This author is great at research and making sure that the facts are straight. This author is fantastic at suspense as well. He made sure that the suspense was realistic and the action was nail-biting and exciting. This book wasn’t my favorite military book out there, however, I do like how it was written and I fully intend to read more in the genre and more by this author. I also liked some aspects of the book and those aspects made the book enjoyable to read.
Overall, this is a good book, but not great. I recommend this book for those looking for a military book or looking for a nice suspense book. I don’t recommend this book for young readers, but I do recommend it for more mature readers. I give this book a three and a half out of five.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through The Christian Manifesto in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Rageh Daud lived a normal life trying to get away from his father’s legacy, until his wife and son were killed by an evil man bent on controlling Somalia and everyone in it. Now, he’s using everything his father has ever taught him to get to this man and offer up revenge for all that he has lost, even if it means killing men, women, and children in the process. All he cares about his the hatred burning inside him and the urge to rectify his family’s murder. He doesn’t care that everyone is after him, all he cares about is whether or not he will have the opportunity to get the one man that destroyed life as he knew it forever.
Fighting for freedom of a nation, Bekah only wants to be home with her son. Fighting for revenge and bloodlust, Rageh wants his family to be avenged no matter what. When the opportunity arises to join forces, the question is whether they will be able to work together to bring an evil man down before more people have to die in the process. Also, the question is whether or not they will be able to be able to fulfill their desires to be home or avenge his family. The fight for freedom never ends but it’s the brave that give up their lives to give it to us.
Will Bekah be able to go home to her son or will fighting the war be the last thing she sees? Will Rageh be able to fulfill his revenge or will he be killed by the very man he’s hunting? What will Rageh do after his revenge is fulfilled? Will Rageh and the Marines end up working together to take out a dangerous man or will they fight each other until the end?
————————————
I’ve read military fiction before and loved it because it gave me a look into that division our military, but unlike my previous jaunts in military fiction this book delves into the Marines, a division I’ve always loved and wanted to know more about. I was looking forward to this book and it didn’t let me down. It was well written and taught me some things about the Marines that I didn’t know before. I felt the tension in the book and the action scenes were realistic and exciting. This book definitely wasn’t a disappointment.
The storyline was solid though the execution was a little jumbled. I felt that it took a while to get to the heart of the story and because there were a lot of characters given a point of view in the book, it felt a bit jumbled. I do like the premise of the story, though. I just didn’t feel like it was executed the best it could’ve been. One thing that I really enjoyed about the storyline, however, was the main character. I like how the author made the main character a female. It opened up so many more doors. It allowed you a glimpse at what it’s like for a female in the Marines and I believe that it made the book a book that can be read by both men and women. That was I think my favorite part of this book.
I liked the main character of the story. I was able to feel for her and her situation, but I would’ve liked to get inside the head of more than just her. If you’re going to have POV’s of other characters why not allow your readers to connect with them too? I felt disconnected to most of the characters and I would’ve loved to connect with them on some level. Despite that, the author molded the main character in a way that made her character relatable and realistic in her attitude and goals. The author really knows how to get a character into your heart.
I’m a fan of military fiction and because of that, I liked this book. I felt that there were a few things that could’ve been better, but overall I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading more in this series. This book really gives facts on the Marine Corps and taught me some things I’ve never knew. I really give the author credit for putting time into his research and making sure everything made sense and was accurate. That definitely made the entire book. I really loved the time and energy the author took to make sure that this book had the facts straight and because of that I plan on reading more from this author.
This author is great at research and making sure that the facts are straight. This author is fantastic at suspense as well. He made sure that the suspense was realistic and the action was nail-biting and exciting. This book wasn’t my favorite military book out there, however, I do like how it was written and I fully intend to read more in the genre and more by this author. I also liked some aspects of the book and those aspects made the book enjoyable to read.
Overall, this is a good book, but not great. I recommend this book for those looking for a military book or looking for a nice suspense book. I don’t recommend this book for young readers, but I do recommend it for more mature readers. I give this book a three and a half out of five.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through The Christian Manifesto in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
February 15, 2017
If you are a fan of military fiction, then you’ll enjoy Mel Odom’s Called to Serve series. In book one, Deployed, Odom tells the story of Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw and her Marine Reserve Unit. He doesn’t just give you the unit’s story after deployment to Mogadishu; but he weaves in their civilian life as well. This is the explosive tell of Marines sent to protect the humanitarian efforts for the Somali nationals and the hunt for terrorists bent on destroying it all.
July 28, 2019
A MO Military Combst Action Adventure (D) (CTSB - 1)
MO had penned a wartime combat action novel about a female Lance Corporal, USMC, who is in the Marine Reserves and had tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is recalled to duty shortly after being involved in a bar room fight with a pig headed minster if a man. She wins, but his buddies stack the deck in his favor. She serves with in Mogadishu. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
MO had penned a wartime combat action novel about a female Lance Corporal, USMC, who is in the Marine Reserves and had tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is recalled to duty shortly after being involved in a bar room fight with a pig headed minster if a man. She wins, but his buddies stack the deck in his favor. She serves with in Mogadishu. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
September 5, 2021
For those who have never served in any manner in a hostile land, this story is challenging to the senses. I was held in suspense throughout as the heroes and heroines worked diligently and desperately to help the people in Mogadishu. The horrid conditions the people lived in was almost unthinkable but then add the fact that there were evil forces seeking to eliminate them. Bekah Shaw was a true Marine who faced whatever came her way with strength and determination. Great story!
October 10, 2017
Started slow
The book started seemed slow with introducing all the characters. Because of that I almost gave up on finishing of. Luckily it got better and it all came together.
The book started seemed slow with introducing all the characters. Because of that I almost gave up on finishing of. Luckily it got better and it all came together.
June 8, 2019
can't wait til the ext in the series
August 16, 2020
3.5 stars
So... It was okay. I didn't really get into it till their first encounter in the city. Even then it still was just okay. But for a book that's not my favorite genre, it was good.
So... It was okay. I didn't really get into it till their first encounter in the city. Even then it still was just okay. But for a book that's not my favorite genre, it was good.
October 4, 2021
Outstanding!
November 1, 2022
Solid book, good plots and character development by an author I enjoy. (But one who has trouble finishing his series - see Renegade review.)
September 18, 2023
Odom has crafted an engaging military suspense novel. I was immediately drawn into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I read this novel in one sitting.
Recommend to readers who enjoy military suspense.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy military suspense.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest view.
October 4, 2012
Not being a fan of military fiction, I wasn't quite certain what to expect from this novel. I shouldn't have been concerned. Mel Odom grabbed my attention in the first few pages and never let go.
The story is, for the most part, about Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw who joined the Marine Reserves to support herself and her son, after her husband abandoned them. Home between deployments, her ex and his never-grew-up buddies start trouble that ends with Bekah being arrested.
Before she can figure out how to fix the mess and what it might mean to her Marine status, she's deployed.
On the other side of the world, Ragah Daud is cornered by members of al-Shabaab, robbed, beaten, and left for dead in a Mogadishu alley. He has already lost everything he loved; his wife and son killed in an attack by the terrorist group. This time, they didn't even leave him his shoes.
Along the way, the author introduces us to Bekah's team, Daud's compatriots, and the brutality of life in Somalia. The lines between wrong and right can blur a little, when you're fighting for your way of life - and that of your country. And, sometimes, a Marine Reservist and a Somali pirate find - to end a greater evil - they have to form a fragile alliance.
Many of the Marines are reservists, including Bekah's lieutenant, the son of a high-profile attorney with worries of his own. There's a young man who works at the auto parts shop in Bekah's home town and on his first tour. And a loose cannon, in the witness protection program, whose handlers are none too pleased that he's enlisted in the Reserves.
The Somalis are people from all walks of life. Daud is an educated man, who turned his back on piracy, only to be dragged back into a life he abhorred when his grief and anger consume him. His 'army' is made up of his father's criminal compatriots and young men who simply want to take their lives - and the lives of their families - back from the terrorists.
This is Book 1 in Odom's new Called to Serve series and, I must say, it's a great start. He gets into the heads of his characters, in a way that adds to the impact of the story.
Though I have to admit, I found the beginning of the book a little rough; as though the author couldn't quite get inside Bekah's thoughts and emotions. But, as the story progressed, either I adapted to his writing style or he got more comfortable in her shoes. Or should I say boots?
*****
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The story is, for the most part, about Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw who joined the Marine Reserves to support herself and her son, after her husband abandoned them. Home between deployments, her ex and his never-grew-up buddies start trouble that ends with Bekah being arrested.
Before she can figure out how to fix the mess and what it might mean to her Marine status, she's deployed.
On the other side of the world, Ragah Daud is cornered by members of al-Shabaab, robbed, beaten, and left for dead in a Mogadishu alley. He has already lost everything he loved; his wife and son killed in an attack by the terrorist group. This time, they didn't even leave him his shoes.
Along the way, the author introduces us to Bekah's team, Daud's compatriots, and the brutality of life in Somalia. The lines between wrong and right can blur a little, when you're fighting for your way of life - and that of your country. And, sometimes, a Marine Reservist and a Somali pirate find - to end a greater evil - they have to form a fragile alliance.
Many of the Marines are reservists, including Bekah's lieutenant, the son of a high-profile attorney with worries of his own. There's a young man who works at the auto parts shop in Bekah's home town and on his first tour. And a loose cannon, in the witness protection program, whose handlers are none too pleased that he's enlisted in the Reserves.
The Somalis are people from all walks of life. Daud is an educated man, who turned his back on piracy, only to be dragged back into a life he abhorred when his grief and anger consume him. His 'army' is made up of his father's criminal compatriots and young men who simply want to take their lives - and the lives of their families - back from the terrorists.
This is Book 1 in Odom's new Called to Serve series and, I must say, it's a great start. He gets into the heads of his characters, in a way that adds to the impact of the story.
Though I have to admit, I found the beginning of the book a little rough; as though the author couldn't quite get inside Bekah's thoughts and emotions. But, as the story progressed, either I adapted to his writing style or he got more comfortable in her shoes. Or should I say boots?
*****
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 30, 2013
Deployed by Mel Odom.
This is the first book I've read by Odom. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.
Bekah Shaw is a Marine reservist. She's a single mother trying to make a better life for Travis. Unfortunately life isn't making it easy for her. An altercation with a drunk friend of her ex-husband drops her into trouble with the law. Her trial is delayed when she is given orders.
Heath Bridger is fighting to free himself from the shadows of his father. Heath followed his father in the family business and is a successful lawyer. He is also a Marine reservist who is called away in the middle of a case in which he is trying to save a man from Death Row.
Rageh Daud was trying to live a peaceful life. He'd walked away from the violent life his father had groomed him for. The death of his wife and son hurdle him back into the lifestyle he was comfortable with. With renewed vigor Rageh builds an army to stand against the militia taking over Mogadishu.
There is another character that we meet in the beginning. I remember his name being Pike. Is that first or last? I don't know. He appeared to have an interesting story but we were introduced to him and he made fringe appearances before disappearing.
Odom writes a great military story. I've recently read three autobiographies of military men. They were each fascinating reads. Odom captured the action of war with the same ease as these men. He broke into more detail and at times that had me skipping a paragraph or two.
However, Odom missed his mark when it came to fleshing out the stories of each character. As I mentioned Pike has what I would say is a very interesting back story. I would have loved to have learned more or seen it at work more within Deployed. It was as though Pike was there but he wasn't. Which is odd given the amount of time we spent being introduced to him. The end of the book came rather abruptly by the time the story started rolling. I'm hoping his second book in the Called to Serve series picks it up, but I haven't read a synopsis for it.
The theme of Deployed is peace. Bringing peace in the midst of war and finding peace within yourself. While Odom doesn't dig too deep there are lessons to be taken from the book.
The story within Deployed belonged to Bekah Shaw and Rageh Daud. However, we were thoroughly introduced to some other characters all which now have large question marks above their heads. As well as the fate of Rageh Daud.
Odom writes military action with ease. I felt transported over there as easily as if I was watching Black Hawk Down. I'll be looking for the second book because I want to know what Bekah, Heath, and Pike are up to.
This is the first book I've read by Odom. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.
Bekah Shaw is a Marine reservist. She's a single mother trying to make a better life for Travis. Unfortunately life isn't making it easy for her. An altercation with a drunk friend of her ex-husband drops her into trouble with the law. Her trial is delayed when she is given orders.
Heath Bridger is fighting to free himself from the shadows of his father. Heath followed his father in the family business and is a successful lawyer. He is also a Marine reservist who is called away in the middle of a case in which he is trying to save a man from Death Row.
Rageh Daud was trying to live a peaceful life. He'd walked away from the violent life his father had groomed him for. The death of his wife and son hurdle him back into the lifestyle he was comfortable with. With renewed vigor Rageh builds an army to stand against the militia taking over Mogadishu.
There is another character that we meet in the beginning. I remember his name being Pike. Is that first or last? I don't know. He appeared to have an interesting story but we were introduced to him and he made fringe appearances before disappearing.
Odom writes a great military story. I've recently read three autobiographies of military men. They were each fascinating reads. Odom captured the action of war with the same ease as these men. He broke into more detail and at times that had me skipping a paragraph or two.
However, Odom missed his mark when it came to fleshing out the stories of each character. As I mentioned Pike has what I would say is a very interesting back story. I would have loved to have learned more or seen it at work more within Deployed. It was as though Pike was there but he wasn't. Which is odd given the amount of time we spent being introduced to him. The end of the book came rather abruptly by the time the story started rolling. I'm hoping his second book in the Called to Serve series picks it up, but I haven't read a synopsis for it.
The theme of Deployed is peace. Bringing peace in the midst of war and finding peace within yourself. While Odom doesn't dig too deep there are lessons to be taken from the book.
The story within Deployed belonged to Bekah Shaw and Rageh Daud. However, we were thoroughly introduced to some other characters all which now have large question marks above their heads. As well as the fate of Rageh Daud.
Odom writes military action with ease. I felt transported over there as easily as if I was watching Black Hawk Down. I'll be looking for the second book because I want to know what Bekah, Heath, and Pike are up to.
January 5, 2013
I want to start off by admitting I’m not a huge fan of the modern military fiction, being a more Sci-fi/Fantasy oriented reader but Mel Odom might make a convert of me yet.
We meet Marine Lance Corporal Beka Shaw, a single mom who is a Marine reservist and has seen two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and is having trouble re-adjusting to civilian life.Her best friend has dragged her down to the local pub where she encounters her ex-husband, a ne’er do-well wannabe pro baseball player who ruined his arm and is living off past glories. He and his posse instigate a quarrel and one of his gang squares off with Beka. The Brawl spills out into the parking lot where her assailant pulls a knife and she shatters his wrist. she is hauled off in a complete good-ole-boy miscarriage of justice and faces severe assault charges when she is called up for deployment in Somalia.
We’re then introduced to Ragek Daud, a Somali native mourning the deaths of his wife and son when he is assaulted and robbed by one of the home-grown ‘Military Protectors’ (otherwise known as bandits). Embittered, he forms his own group of bandits and assaults a United Nations health convoy, killing several.
After a couple of short chapters state-side where we’er introduced to Lt Heath Bridger, an high powered Attorney from Oklahoma City and Pike Morgan, mechanic with a past in the witness protection program. Both character’s back story is briefly examined before they all come together in Mogadishu.
In a series of battles and ambushes Beka’s Charlie company has successes and losses with Bridger as her commanding Officer and Pike her point man. They end up chasing Daud before joining force to combat Korfa Haroun, the bandit leader responsible for Daud’s current status in an old 19th century fort.
The Oklahoma-native might is one of my favorite authors, having devoured his Wizard of the Coast Forgotten Realms and The Librarian offerings as well as his recent Gamma World novel, I was already a fanboy of his work. He has a clean crisp tone to his prose that made the transition for Swords to automatic weapons. The action is swift and not only well-described but as utterly believable as an “Expendibles” movie script, with “Black Hawk Dawn” listed as Beka’s only real knowledge of the ongoing conflict in Somalia. Mel captures not only the despair of the average Somalian but the hardships faced by Beka as not only a Marine coming out of a war zone but the challenges of being a single mother with little education. All in all a very good read and well worth the time
We meet Marine Lance Corporal Beka Shaw, a single mom who is a Marine reservist and has seen two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and is having trouble re-adjusting to civilian life.Her best friend has dragged her down to the local pub where she encounters her ex-husband, a ne’er do-well wannabe pro baseball player who ruined his arm and is living off past glories. He and his posse instigate a quarrel and one of his gang squares off with Beka. The Brawl spills out into the parking lot where her assailant pulls a knife and she shatters his wrist. she is hauled off in a complete good-ole-boy miscarriage of justice and faces severe assault charges when she is called up for deployment in Somalia.
We’re then introduced to Ragek Daud, a Somali native mourning the deaths of his wife and son when he is assaulted and robbed by one of the home-grown ‘Military Protectors’ (otherwise known as bandits). Embittered, he forms his own group of bandits and assaults a United Nations health convoy, killing several.
After a couple of short chapters state-side where we’er introduced to Lt Heath Bridger, an high powered Attorney from Oklahoma City and Pike Morgan, mechanic with a past in the witness protection program. Both character’s back story is briefly examined before they all come together in Mogadishu.
In a series of battles and ambushes Beka’s Charlie company has successes and losses with Bridger as her commanding Officer and Pike her point man. They end up chasing Daud before joining force to combat Korfa Haroun, the bandit leader responsible for Daud’s current status in an old 19th century fort.
The Oklahoma-native might is one of my favorite authors, having devoured his Wizard of the Coast Forgotten Realms and The Librarian offerings as well as his recent Gamma World novel, I was already a fanboy of his work. He has a clean crisp tone to his prose that made the transition for Swords to automatic weapons. The action is swift and not only well-described but as utterly believable as an “Expendibles” movie script, with “Black Hawk Dawn” listed as Beka’s only real knowledge of the ongoing conflict in Somalia. Mel captures not only the despair of the average Somalian but the hardships faced by Beka as not only a Marine coming out of a war zone but the challenges of being a single mother with little education. All in all a very good read and well worth the time
June 28, 2013
After her ex-husband abandoned her and her young son, Bekah Shaw joined the Marine Reserves to support her family. While home in between deployments, she comes face to face with her past, and finds herself unjustly arrested. Still trying to figure out how she will deal with this latest wrinkle in her life, Bekah then gets deployed to Somalia, leaving behind her 6-yr-old son with her granny. In Somalia, she must lead her team to hunt down terrorists inflicting violence on the defenseless, and she and the rest of the team must make a choice to align with an enemy bent on avenging his loved ones, in a bid to stay alive.
Deployed is an action-packed, bite-your-nails type of military thriller, and I found it to be a fantastic read. I was immediately captivated by the story of Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw, deeply feeling the unjust situation she finds herself in at the beginning of the book, and swiftly coming to admire her strength and courage to truly serve and do whatever necessary to fight for freedom for people who no longer have hope. The characters she gets thrown into the story with are complex and fascinating in each of their personal histories, and I loved how Mel Odom wove their story-lines together. Not only does this book crackle with tension, but it also has moments leading to introspection as well. I liked the line in the book where Shaw is trying to come to grips with the loss of a Marine, and is speaking to a doctor. The doctor remarks, "For me, I kept remembering how Jesus didn't just talk at people; he saw them in desperate need, and he reached out and did something about it". What a great reminder that faith isn't just talk, it's also linked to action, to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world around us, wherever we are called to serve.
Not only will this book entertain you, it will make you feel deeply too. I highly recommend this book, and despite a couple of awkward sentences, fully award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Tyndale, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Deployed is an action-packed, bite-your-nails type of military thriller, and I found it to be a fantastic read. I was immediately captivated by the story of Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw, deeply feeling the unjust situation she finds herself in at the beginning of the book, and swiftly coming to admire her strength and courage to truly serve and do whatever necessary to fight for freedom for people who no longer have hope. The characters she gets thrown into the story with are complex and fascinating in each of their personal histories, and I loved how Mel Odom wove their story-lines together. Not only does this book crackle with tension, but it also has moments leading to introspection as well. I liked the line in the book where Shaw is trying to come to grips with the loss of a Marine, and is speaking to a doctor. The doctor remarks, "For me, I kept remembering how Jesus didn't just talk at people; he saw them in desperate need, and he reached out and did something about it". What a great reminder that faith isn't just talk, it's also linked to action, to being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world around us, wherever we are called to serve.
Not only will this book entertain you, it will make you feel deeply too. I highly recommend this book, and despite a couple of awkward sentences, fully award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Tyndale, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
January 30, 2014
Bekah Shaw would like to know where she fits. Still suffering from the stigma of a bitter divorce and being a single mother in a small town, she struggles to get passed all the trouble. Being a marine reservist helps with finances, and gives her a place to fit in. However, after getting into trouble with the law and being called to active duty, what will happen now? Mel Odom writes her story in Deployed.
Bekah has trouble feeling like she belongs back home, her son and granny are there, but she feels like an outsider. The call to active duty comes at a time when she needs it, but is worried about it tearing her away further. She must now face war and death, and still seek whatever will fill the void in her. This is a feeling we all can relate to; there is an empty feeling that we all have to fill.
Though she faces more trouble than the majority of us do, we can relate to her character. Wanting to be a part of something, to do what is right, people know what that is like. Even though the story is fiction, we can draw from it, and not just be entertained.
Odom does a good job of telling the story. It is detailed, and that makes it easy to "see" what is happening. He has characters that trust God, and that look out for others first. Bekah learns that she can trust both God and others; that she does not have to do it all on her own.
I received a free copy of Deployed from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for this review.
Bekah has trouble feeling like she belongs back home, her son and granny are there, but she feels like an outsider. The call to active duty comes at a time when she needs it, but is worried about it tearing her away further. She must now face war and death, and still seek whatever will fill the void in her. This is a feeling we all can relate to; there is an empty feeling that we all have to fill.
Though she faces more trouble than the majority of us do, we can relate to her character. Wanting to be a part of something, to do what is right, people know what that is like. Even though the story is fiction, we can draw from it, and not just be entertained.
Odom does a good job of telling the story. It is detailed, and that makes it easy to "see" what is happening. He has characters that trust God, and that look out for others first. Bekah learns that she can trust both God and others; that she does not have to do it all on her own.
I received a free copy of Deployed from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for this review.
May 30, 2013
Sergeant Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw is a dedicated mother and reservist Marine, trying to make a better life for herself and her son, Travis. When her team is activated to Somalia, she leaves her son behind to put everything she holds dear on the line for the sake of her country.
Rageh Daud has lost everybody and everything that means anything to him. Seeking revenge for the deaths of his family, Daud sweeps the desert killing anyone who stands in his way. Against his instincts, he becomes attached to an orphan boy that reminds him of his son. And when the boy's safety crosses the American military's path, both sides come together to do the unthinkable to achieve their mission.
Mel Odum takes us to the hot country of Somalia, where the day to day lives of our military becomes a reality. You can see the world through their eyes and feel everything they feel. You root for each one to succeed, even though they are constantly at odds. This book is full of action, a well written plot, with original, interesting characters that kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will recommend it to everyone I know.
A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
Rageh Daud has lost everybody and everything that means anything to him. Seeking revenge for the deaths of his family, Daud sweeps the desert killing anyone who stands in his way. Against his instincts, he becomes attached to an orphan boy that reminds him of his son. And when the boy's safety crosses the American military's path, both sides come together to do the unthinkable to achieve their mission.
Mel Odum takes us to the hot country of Somalia, where the day to day lives of our military becomes a reality. You can see the world through their eyes and feel everything they feel. You root for each one to succeed, even though they are constantly at odds. This book is full of action, a well written plot, with original, interesting characters that kept me turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will recommend it to everyone I know.
A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2015
Becka Shaw enlisted as a Marine Reservist to try to make a good life for her and her son. She is deployed to Mogadishu to hunt a terrorist.
Rageh Daud lives in Mogadishu, has lost his wife and son and is hunting for the same terrorist.
Becka and Rageh are the main characters in the books, but the author does a good job of introducing others that are connected to them. The beginning of the book jumps between the US and Mogadishu but once Becka's unit is deployed the stories blend together and it becomes easier to read. The stories in the book are very violent and is hard to read at times. However, the stories give insite into the lives our military members and the dangers they are in when deployed to war zones. After reading this book I have a glimps of what a strong person it takes to be a military member and how hard it is for their families and that only through the Grace of God they survive the situations they are put in. I would recommend this book but would also caution about the violence.
Rageh Daud lives in Mogadishu, has lost his wife and son and is hunting for the same terrorist.
Becka and Rageh are the main characters in the books, but the author does a good job of introducing others that are connected to them. The beginning of the book jumps between the US and Mogadishu but once Becka's unit is deployed the stories blend together and it becomes easier to read. The stories in the book are very violent and is hard to read at times. However, the stories give insite into the lives our military members and the dangers they are in when deployed to war zones. After reading this book I have a glimps of what a strong person it takes to be a military member and how hard it is for their families and that only through the Grace of God they survive the situations they are put in. I would recommend this book but would also caution about the violence.
August 26, 2015
Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw is an honest hard working woman who has turned to the Marines to bring financial stability for her son Travis after rat bag ex husband Billy Roy refuses to take any responsibility for his son. After a run in with Billy Roy and his crew on a night out Bekah finds herself in trouble but gets called into service to fight in Somalia where we are introduced to an interesting character by the name of Raged Daud who is on a mission for revenge.
We are introduced to a few other characters in the novel particularly in the warming up chapters, some imperative to the narrative, some I didn't see where author Mel Odom was heading with them.
Overall it is a well written and easy to read book although some parts were a little slow. Otherwise it is a well rounded novel with a strong, loyal, smart mother as the lead. It's a great book for especially young girls who like a little bit of action but also a good back story.
We are introduced to a few other characters in the novel particularly in the warming up chapters, some imperative to the narrative, some I didn't see where author Mel Odom was heading with them.
Overall it is a well written and easy to read book although some parts were a little slow. Otherwise it is a well rounded novel with a strong, loyal, smart mother as the lead. It's a great book for especially young girls who like a little bit of action but also a good back story.
Read
June 20, 2013A great faced paced, action packed story. Bekah shaw is a marine reservist and single mum living in a small town and a very stand up likeable character ( I like a strong female character who can severely kick a bad Man's arse!)
I know very little about the marines but the way the story was written made all the marine jargon understandable. Not often you find a war story with a female lead...even rarer a book as such without a love connection. Very refreshing. Great secondary characters, strong males (think the sequel to this follows one such male). A nice clean ending, but did leave me wanting a little more (might be the romantic in me).
Subtle Faith message, easy to forget its listed under Christian fiction, so it won't immediately eliminate non Christians.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, a great read.
I know very little about the marines but the way the story was written made all the marine jargon understandable. Not often you find a war story with a female lead...even rarer a book as such without a love connection. Very refreshing. Great secondary characters, strong males (think the sequel to this follows one such male). A nice clean ending, but did leave me wanting a little more (might be the romantic in me).
Subtle Faith message, easy to forget its listed under Christian fiction, so it won't immediately eliminate non Christians.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, a great read.
July 24, 2013
Very dark story of bandit gangs in Somalia and several very different Marine reservists sent as part of the security forces in Somalia. We meet each of the Marines in the midst of their homeland lives which are interrupted by their recalling. The most heartbreaking is the story of Bekah who is a single mother who must leave behind her six-year-old. The details of the situation in Somalia are vividly illustrated and so tragic. The author gives us a needed insight into the plight of these people living in a land where human life is of little value and death from outlaws or starvation is more likely than not. So sad but the author provides a ray of hope in the darkness with the story of a child. This was not "cozy" reading but had several important lessons learned by the characters. God is still in control.
February 9, 2016
Deployed by Mel Odom is another book in the Tyndale Summer Reading Program. This is the first in the Called To Serve series and I can't wait to get the second one in the mail. Lance Corpal Bekah Shaw is a Marine reservist. She became one after her husband left her when she became pregnant with their son. She signed up to be able to provide a better future for her and her son not expecting to be on her third deployment. And this one is very dangerous. Especially when she ends up having to align with one of the people they are hunting down to catch the bigger fish.
This story is action packed and suspenseful as well as having a great thread of God's truth woven through it. Follow Bekah has she struggles with the questions she has about God and as she finds peace in the midst of a war zone.
This story is action packed and suspenseful as well as having a great thread of God's truth woven through it. Follow Bekah has she struggles with the questions she has about God and as she finds peace in the midst of a war zone.
June 21, 2013
I really enjoyed reading about the situation in Samolia. After reading this story I know that is a hot spot we can do little to help, but Becka is a corporal doing her duty in spite of bad odds, and her little boy at home who needs her, and she wants to be with. Typical of most reservist, Becka joined the Marines for the extra money, ins. and education, never expecting to be deployed. She has learned that they aren't teaching her anything that will help in civilian life, and this is her third deployment, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq before this one. But Becka is a good Marine and her story is well worth the read. I had little hope for it in the first few pages, but when she gets to Samolia it becomes a page turner.
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