Checkmate

by Jonathan Patrick

It’s a difficult time in America. Several years of attempted economic and social fixes have failed. Its major cities have reached a tipping point whereby any disaster, manmade or natural, would have devastating consequences. America is no longer seen by its friends or enemies as the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” Washington bureaucrats are involved in every decision and political correctness rules the day. The country that used to, only a few short years ago, project its military might outward to the world, has had its own military forces striped to the bone. No service has felt this impact more than the United States Navy. With only a fraction of combat vessels left to patrol the world’s oceans and keep peace in the world, decisions are no longer based on safety and national security but by financial necessity. With most of its once mighty navy staying in port, and the remainder stretched thinly across the globe, America’s enemies now have different words to describe America; weak…and very vulnerable.

435 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2013

Reviews

[Maggielou · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first I want to send out a huge congratulation’s to Mr. Jonathan Patrick for an awesome debut novel.

The second thing I have to say about “Checkmate” is …WOW! There is just so much going on in the story and I don’t mean that in a bad way! While reading, there was never a moment where I felt I needed to step away. Well that’s not entirely true because I got really sick and HAD to step away for 4 days! ;) Horrible I know, had I been 100% healthy I would have finished this book in 2 sittings.

So let’s get on with it…the journey begins with Patrick’s introduction of the wide amount of characters involved in the huge scheme again the US post sequester. Patrick clearly either did his research or knows what he’s talking about from experience. I will be honest, even if he didn’t know anything about what he wrote; it wouldn’t matter because I could visualize/imagine every word. As someone who does not know anything about boats, submarines, weapons, nautical anything or government/military anything, I feel I am way more knowledgeable now. :)

I have in the past voiced my concerns when authors write novels from the perspectives of different characters point of views. And in “Checkmate,” Patrick did just that. Thank the heavens they were all written exceptionally well. I loved how Patrick was even able to show us that even the bad guys have “lives,” they have families and possibly do the things they do, not because they choose to, but because they are forced to by the true villain.

I also loved that in the midst of all the madness and chaos he made me laugh and smile. I must say, my favorite characters were Mitch and Jewels. To me they symbolized hope.

So in true Entirely Books form, I will not spoil this amazing story for you however, I do highly recommend it to anyone who likes suspenseful roller-coaster rides this book is definitely for you!

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[Elgon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Patrick’s Checkmate is a well-researched and carefully crafted, thought-provoking international spy thriller and a compelling read. Its plot might have been extracted from the headlines of today. Key players and their actions are credible. From a clandestine meeting in a posh hotel suite in Taiwan the inception of plan borne of greed and private ambitions is set into play. With the major players moving into position like the pieces of a chess match, events play out toward an inevitable climax. But don’t think there aren’t a number of surprises along the way. In the real world a significant international incident of the magnitude to push major powers to the brink of direct confrontation would play out in the real world as Patrick depicts.

Recommended reading for anyone who loves a good spy thriller.