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Q.R.F.: A novel of the Iraq War
military term meaning quick reaction force. When a unit in trouble hears, The cavalry is coming, they’re talking about these guys.Eleven years after coming home from Iraq, Jim Cooper lives a quiet civilian life of wandering. When he hears his old squad leader has been captured by ISIS while doing humanitarian work in an embattled Mosul, he reconnects with comrades from his old unit to reflect and mourn the execution they know is coming.Reminiscing deep into the night, an unlikely, wild plan to rescue Sergeant Ramos takes shape. The war-torn Iraq to which Coop and his comrades plan to return, however, is a very different place than where they’d fought back in ’04. In 2016, Mosul is now controlled by the ruthless Islamic State and under attack by the Iraqi Army in the largest and bloodiest urban battle since World War Two.Rescuing Ramos appears impossible. Coop’s comrades have gone soft in the years since they left the service. They’re not the same men they were when they wore the uniform. But they swore an oath to each other as sacred as the one they gave their country, and it is never ending.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2023
41 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Craig DiLouie
62 books1,535 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 6, 2024
Eleven years after coming home from Iraq, Jim Cooper lives a quiet civilian life of wandering. When he hears his old squad leader has been captured by ISIS while doing humanitarian work in embattled Mosul, he reconnects with comrades from his old unit to reflect and mourn the execution they know is coming. Reminiscing deep into the night, an unlikely, wild plan to rescue Sergeant Ramos takes shape. The war-torn Iraq to which Coop and his comrades plan to return, however, is a very different place than where they’d fought back in ’04. In 2016, Mosul is now controlled by the ruthless Islamic State and under attack by the Iraqi Army in the largest and bloodiest urban battle since World War Two. Rescuing Ramos appears impossible. Coop’s comrades have gone soft in the years since they left the service. They’re not the same men they were when they wore the uniform. But they swore an oath to each other as sacred as the one they gave their country, and it is never-ending.
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"QRF" by Craig DiLouie delves into the Iraq War with a distinct, old-timey writing style that immerses readers into the conflict alongside Coop, the protagonist. While I typically lean towards war novels, this one captivated me. DiLouie masterfully portrays the challenges soldiers face upon returning home, illustrating the lasting impact of war on their psyche. The narrative's pacing, admittedly sluggish at the start, gains momentum as Coop embarks on a gripping mission.
Coop is a compelling character—imperfect yet resilient, navigating personal battles while striving for equilibrium. His portrayal resonates with authenticity, making him as real as any fictional character can be.
For enthusiasts of war-centric literature, "QRF" delivers the requisite adrenaline and suspense. However, the book could benefit from tighter editing in certain sections to enhance clarity and flow. Nevertheless, its vivid depiction of war's aftermath and the resilience of the human spirit makes it a commendable read.
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Rated 8/10
Melina L.
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"QRF" by Craig DiLouie delves into the Iraq War with a distinct, old-timey writing style that immerses readers into the conflict alongside Coop, the protagonist. While I typically lean towards war novels, this one captivated me. DiLouie masterfully portrays the challenges soldiers face upon returning home, illustrating the lasting impact of war on their psyche. The narrative's pacing, admittedly sluggish at the start, gains momentum as Coop embarks on a gripping mission.
Coop is a compelling character—imperfect yet resilient, navigating personal battles while striving for equilibrium. His portrayal resonates with authenticity, making him as real as any fictional character can be.
For enthusiasts of war-centric literature, "QRF" delivers the requisite adrenaline and suspense. However, the book could benefit from tighter editing in certain sections to enhance clarity and flow. Nevertheless, its vivid depiction of war's aftermath and the resilience of the human spirit makes it a commendable read.
🐾
Rated 8/10
Melina L.
November 26, 2023
QRF By Craig DiLouie starts by putting the reader straight into the midst of the action, you will get introduced to the main character as the scene opens up and be given a tease of what’s to come, with a small twist that will hook you in with the emotion.
What the main character feels from his time in the Iraqi war and by watching more news of it fold out in front of him again on the TV will intrigue you, with glimpses of his physical prowess while in combat sprinkled to add into the depth of this novel. Craig DiLouie knows how to write war/military related books, and he knows how to pull you into the novels he crafts, so be assured, if you love action packed war-related novels, you can trust Craig to deliver, and QRF is no different.
The plot takes the reader on two journeys, one that shows the reader what it is like for a soldier after fighting a war, how they try to live as a veteran and react in safety of their home country and another view that is the same soldier in the mists of a stressful or boring, war. Craig DiLouie blends these two views together so well in this novel that you hardly notice the switch between the two different places, characters and scenery. As its well described, paced out well and clear to understand.
– Have you ever thought about that? A boring war? Like, in movies that portrait wars, american wars, are mostly action and shootings and screams, but Craig is able to show you the little things in a war that the average person has no idea of. This novel will help a lot of people in the US understand what and why war veterans are how they are, incredible. –
‘Coop’s experiences in Iraq hadn’t broken him. He had plenty of bad memories but also good ones, and he had no serious moral regrets about anything he’d done. He didn’t consider himself damaged, but yeah, the war had changed him. He came out of Iraq a different man than when he entered, it was that simple. A permanent physical imprint. In a way, he’d aged. He felt like he carried the weight of a century on his shoulders. A lot of history to haul around. Forever at the edge of some great epiphany that would never come, some massive and complete wisdom that would make it all make sense.’
The first half of the book paints a picture of day to day lives of platoon privates deployed at a base in Iraq. You will get a look into what a soldier may think and feel at any given time. What they would do on their down time and how they learn to handle a situation that would put any civilian into a frenzy that would end up with them running for their life.
As the chapters go on you will get to see how soldiers handle coming home from the war, how they readjust to life that isn’t constant threats of bombs, daily drills and banter with other soldiers that a civilian just wouldn’t understand.
There are lot of insights of the war in Iraq and a brief history of the Al-Qaeda leaders and the start of the terrorist group ISIS and the events that followed weather they were the terrorist attacks on the United States of America or the suicide bombers that caused chaos in Iraq and Pakistan.
Then as the story goes on, about 6 or 7 chapters on, after a little teasing and playing with the idea. The story hits you with a twist that just will catch you off guard and the true story begins. A journey that they wont back down from, a mission that would see the end of them if they failed, a single chance for a right cause.
‘Nearly eight thousand miles. The trip would take close to a
full day.
Due to his height and frame, he’d won the window seat, from
which he’d watched America shrink and disappear. Now the view
only offered thin air and a bright world of cottony clouds, what
medievalists thought Heaven looked like.
“So we’re doing this,” Doc said.
“It’s something, huh?” Coop said.
The man looked dazed. “Oh yeah, it’s something.”
“You’re not happy.”
“I think this is stupid even for Gamblers.”
“Why’d you come?”
Doc glanced across Horvath and the aisle at Stuckey’s
satisfied profile. “You could say my recruiter is a hell of a
salesman.”
Coop laughed. “I’m starting to I wish I’d hung out with you
more back in the day.”
“I was too full of myself telling you the war was stupid.”
“You still do believe that, though, don’t you?”
“There’s a time and a place to be right,” Doc said.’
Characters are portrayed as hard set, stuck in their ways, men that have had different experiences after leaving the army. Though they may wander the country, finding the right place to set roots or they secure a good job and start a family. One this is for sure, they struggled to find friends on the outside but they relish with their old comrades from the army.
Coop may not have the life he thought he was going to have after leaving high school but he sure is make the most out of what his life turned out to be. But my favourite character is ‘Doc’ a person who was too smart for the war but never let it affect his relationships with his comrades.
For those always that always had questions about the Iraq war, then this is definitely a book to grab now, it has a lot for readers to chew on in a fictional sense. You will get mostly not the reasons behind the war but as a way to experience the war for yourself.
This novel by Craig DiLouie can also be a way of researching or gaining an insight if you were thinking about joining the Army. And lastly it will cater to people who lived through the Iraqi war. If you’re a soldier who did a few tours in the war torn country then you will want to see if your experiences match up or you want to see a different perspective of the war from what you went though yourself, and this also applies for those who have veteran family members and friends, as it will open your mind into what they might have gone through and help you understand and relate to them better.
War novels can be punching reads that take guts due to the death and destruction, so if you can handle all that you will enjoy QRF by Craig DiLouie as it will give you real insights to the life of what it is like to fight because your country told you to but also to fight for something you believe in.
What the main character feels from his time in the Iraqi war and by watching more news of it fold out in front of him again on the TV will intrigue you, with glimpses of his physical prowess while in combat sprinkled to add into the depth of this novel. Craig DiLouie knows how to write war/military related books, and he knows how to pull you into the novels he crafts, so be assured, if you love action packed war-related novels, you can trust Craig to deliver, and QRF is no different.
The plot takes the reader on two journeys, one that shows the reader what it is like for a soldier after fighting a war, how they try to live as a veteran and react in safety of their home country and another view that is the same soldier in the mists of a stressful or boring, war. Craig DiLouie blends these two views together so well in this novel that you hardly notice the switch between the two different places, characters and scenery. As its well described, paced out well and clear to understand.
– Have you ever thought about that? A boring war? Like, in movies that portrait wars, american wars, are mostly action and shootings and screams, but Craig is able to show you the little things in a war that the average person has no idea of. This novel will help a lot of people in the US understand what and why war veterans are how they are, incredible. –
‘Coop’s experiences in Iraq hadn’t broken him. He had plenty of bad memories but also good ones, and he had no serious moral regrets about anything he’d done. He didn’t consider himself damaged, but yeah, the war had changed him. He came out of Iraq a different man than when he entered, it was that simple. A permanent physical imprint. In a way, he’d aged. He felt like he carried the weight of a century on his shoulders. A lot of history to haul around. Forever at the edge of some great epiphany that would never come, some massive and complete wisdom that would make it all make sense.’
The first half of the book paints a picture of day to day lives of platoon privates deployed at a base in Iraq. You will get a look into what a soldier may think and feel at any given time. What they would do on their down time and how they learn to handle a situation that would put any civilian into a frenzy that would end up with them running for their life.
As the chapters go on you will get to see how soldiers handle coming home from the war, how they readjust to life that isn’t constant threats of bombs, daily drills and banter with other soldiers that a civilian just wouldn’t understand.
There are lot of insights of the war in Iraq and a brief history of the Al-Qaeda leaders and the start of the terrorist group ISIS and the events that followed weather they were the terrorist attacks on the United States of America or the suicide bombers that caused chaos in Iraq and Pakistan.
Then as the story goes on, about 6 or 7 chapters on, after a little teasing and playing with the idea. The story hits you with a twist that just will catch you off guard and the true story begins. A journey that they wont back down from, a mission that would see the end of them if they failed, a single chance for a right cause.
‘Nearly eight thousand miles. The trip would take close to a
full day.
Due to his height and frame, he’d won the window seat, from
which he’d watched America shrink and disappear. Now the view
only offered thin air and a bright world of cottony clouds, what
medievalists thought Heaven looked like.
“So we’re doing this,” Doc said.
“It’s something, huh?” Coop said.
The man looked dazed. “Oh yeah, it’s something.”
“You’re not happy.”
“I think this is stupid even for Gamblers.”
“Why’d you come?”
Doc glanced across Horvath and the aisle at Stuckey’s
satisfied profile. “You could say my recruiter is a hell of a
salesman.”
Coop laughed. “I’m starting to I wish I’d hung out with you
more back in the day.”
“I was too full of myself telling you the war was stupid.”
“You still do believe that, though, don’t you?”
“There’s a time and a place to be right,” Doc said.’
Characters are portrayed as hard set, stuck in their ways, men that have had different experiences after leaving the army. Though they may wander the country, finding the right place to set roots or they secure a good job and start a family. One this is for sure, they struggled to find friends on the outside but they relish with their old comrades from the army.
Coop may not have the life he thought he was going to have after leaving high school but he sure is make the most out of what his life turned out to be. But my favourite character is ‘Doc’ a person who was too smart for the war but never let it affect his relationships with his comrades.
For those always that always had questions about the Iraq war, then this is definitely a book to grab now, it has a lot for readers to chew on in a fictional sense. You will get mostly not the reasons behind the war but as a way to experience the war for yourself.
This novel by Craig DiLouie can also be a way of researching or gaining an insight if you were thinking about joining the Army. And lastly it will cater to people who lived through the Iraqi war. If you’re a soldier who did a few tours in the war torn country then you will want to see if your experiences match up or you want to see a different perspective of the war from what you went though yourself, and this also applies for those who have veteran family members and friends, as it will open your mind into what they might have gone through and help you understand and relate to them better.
War novels can be punching reads that take guts due to the death and destruction, so if you can handle all that you will enjoy QRF by Craig DiLouie as it will give you real insights to the life of what it is like to fight because your country told you to but also to fight for something you believe in.
February 7, 2024
QRF" by Craig DiLouie is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of combat. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Iraq, the story follows Jim Cooper, a former soldier who finds himself drawn back into the chaos of conflict when he learns that his old squad leader, Sergeant Ramos, has been captured by ISIS.
DiLouie masterfully captures the essence of military camaraderie and the lasting impact of war on those who serve. Through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, he paints a haunting portrait of soldiers grappling with the ghosts of their past and struggling to find purpose in a world that has moved on without them. The camaraderie among Coop and his comrades is palpable, as they confront their own demons and unite in a daring mission to rescue their fallen brother-in-arms.
One of the most compelling aspects of "QRF" is its exploration of the toll that war takes on the human spirit. As Coop and his team navigate the treacherous streets of Mosul, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of combat and the moral dilemmas that arise in the heat of battle. DiLouie does not shy away from depicting the brutality of war, nor does he romanticize the sacrifices made by those who serve. Instead, he presents a raw and unflinching portrayal of the true cost of conflict.
At its core, "QRF" is a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through Coop and his comrades, DiLouie reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope to be found in the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the unwavering commitment to honor and duty. "QRF" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the men and women who serve their country with courage and conviction, and a timely reminder of the sacrifices they make in the name of freedom.
DiLouie masterfully captures the essence of military camaraderie and the lasting impact of war on those who serve. Through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, he paints a haunting portrait of soldiers grappling with the ghosts of their past and struggling to find purpose in a world that has moved on without them. The camaraderie among Coop and his comrades is palpable, as they confront their own demons and unite in a daring mission to rescue their fallen brother-in-arms.
One of the most compelling aspects of "QRF" is its exploration of the toll that war takes on the human spirit. As Coop and his team navigate the treacherous streets of Mosul, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of combat and the moral dilemmas that arise in the heat of battle. DiLouie does not shy away from depicting the brutality of war, nor does he romanticize the sacrifices made by those who serve. Instead, he presents a raw and unflinching portrayal of the true cost of conflict.
At its core, "QRF" is a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through Coop and his comrades, DiLouie reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope to be found in the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the unwavering commitment to honor and duty. "QRF" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the men and women who serve their country with courage and conviction, and a timely reminder of the sacrifices they make in the name of freedom.
November 5, 2023
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping military thriller. The gritty nature of life in the military, as well as life in war-torn countries like Iraq, were greatly explored in this narrative, and the detailed writing style really brought these settings to life naturally. The culture and politics were so important to this narrative, and the way the author explored the struggles of the people living in these areas of the world really brought an emotional and grounded feel to the overall story.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the character development. Not only was Cooper a great protagonist, but the relationships he held with each and every one of his teammates, as well as the individual struggles they all had to confront from their first tour of Iraq over a decade before, made this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Harrowing, engaging, and captivating, author Craig DiLouie’s “Q.R.F.” is a must-read military thriller novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heart-pounding action and suspense, and the gripping character arcs made this a thrilling novel you won’t be able to put down.
This was a compelling and gripping military thriller. The gritty nature of life in the military, as well as life in war-torn countries like Iraq, were greatly explored in this narrative, and the detailed writing style really brought these settings to life naturally. The culture and politics were so important to this narrative, and the way the author explored the struggles of the people living in these areas of the world really brought an emotional and grounded feel to the overall story.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the character development. Not only was Cooper a great protagonist, but the relationships he held with each and every one of his teammates, as well as the individual struggles they all had to confront from their first tour of Iraq over a decade before, made this a memorable read.
The Verdict
Harrowing, engaging, and captivating, author Craig DiLouie’s “Q.R.F.” is a must-read military thriller novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heart-pounding action and suspense, and the gripping character arcs made this a thrilling novel you won’t be able to put down.
November 15, 2023
Q.R.F. A Novel of the Iraq War by Craig DiLouie leaves readers feeling like they are there during the Iraq War and during the current war with ISIS. It is unbelievable at how real the scenes feel. The main character, Coop, is a guy that most can relate to in life. He was a solider, still suffering from his time overseas, and dealing with a crappy civilian life. The writer's words come to life as the reader progresses through the pages. Soon, I found myself halfway through the novel. I loved it. It is raw, emotional, and tense. Craig DiLouie brings the troubles of soldiers to life in this wonderful book. I could feel and understand everything that was happening to Coop and to his friends. Q.R.F. is the type of military read that captivates you from the beginning and keeps you hostage long after you have read the story. It is both haunting and spectacularly well-done.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 29, 2024
Owad’s Micro-Review #133
Eleven years after leaving Iraq, former soldier Jim Cooper isn’t adapting well to civilian life. When his old lieutenant gets abducted by ISIS, he and his former squad members don’t hesitate: they’ll return to Mosul to nudge the Iraqi army to try to free him.
This tight, briskly paced novel is a gripping ride. For fans of military fiction, all the right elements are here: strong details, honorable soldiers, a sense of history and purpose. For readers new to the genre, the genuine characters and David-versus-Goliath dynamic make for an unputdownable commercial story—more Tom Clancy than Tim O’Brien, but without corrupt politicians and off-putting technical deep dives.
Eleven years after leaving Iraq, former soldier Jim Cooper isn’t adapting well to civilian life. When his old lieutenant gets abducted by ISIS, he and his former squad members don’t hesitate: they’ll return to Mosul to nudge the Iraqi army to try to free him.
This tight, briskly paced novel is a gripping ride. For fans of military fiction, all the right elements are here: strong details, honorable soldiers, a sense of history and purpose. For readers new to the genre, the genuine characters and David-versus-Goliath dynamic make for an unputdownable commercial story—more Tom Clancy than Tim O’Brien, but without corrupt politicians and off-putting technical deep dives.
November 25, 2023
Gripping, compelling and thoughtful …
An excellent and compelling story of duty, love and honor on the modern battlefield. The characters are interesting and, like most of us, conflicted as they assimilate the concepts of duty, love and honor in an unlikely battlescape. A great read.
An excellent and compelling story of duty, love and honor on the modern battlefield. The characters are interesting and, like most of us, conflicted as they assimilate the concepts of duty, love and honor in an unlikely battlescape. A great read.
November 29, 2023
ISIS has taken an American, former Sergaent Ramos who was doing humanitarian work in Iraq captive and 4 of his former squad members hatch an insane plan to go and rescue him. Will they be able to pull this off or will it be a suicide mission? Another awesome military novel from DiLouie that I highly recommend.
November 23, 2023
Great read. Good action and human interaction. Felt like war.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews