FROM FORMER GREEN BERET AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR JASON KASPER
When elite CIA operative David Rivers and his paramilitary team are dispatched to the heart of Africa, their mission is eliminate the notorious terrorist warlord, Chijioke Mubenga, before he can unleash chaos upon the world.
But fate has other plans.
A streak of anti-aircraft fire lights up the night sky, turning a covert parachute jump into a nightmare descent. Stranded miles from their rendezvous point and deep within a hostile jungle, Rivers and his team are cut off, hunted, and desperate.
In their quest for survival, they uncover a web of treachery that extends far beyond the Congo’s borders. As they close in on Mubenga, Rivers uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to reshape the very fabric of global security.
In a land where trust is a luxury and every path holds potential danger, Rivers must navigate his team through a maze of betrayal, drawing on every ounce of his skill, leadership, and instinct to outwit an enemy that always seems two steps ahead. The hunt is on…but in the Congo, nothing is as it seems.
And the cost of failure is unimaginable.
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Praise for Jason Kasper and the Shadow Strike
"Jason Kasper is a name to watch in the thriller world." —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the Gray Man Series
"...Kasper takes his iconic anti-hero to the next level...” —Steven Konkoly, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Ryan Decker Series
“Jason Kasper’s Shadow Strike books slap you with a weapon, helmet, and body armor, and scream 'You’re coming with me!' Buckle up and enjoy the ride.” —Jeff Carson, Bestselling Author of the David Wolf Series
"Kasper's military experience bleeds onto every page and provides a sense of realism few can match. These intense military thrillers will have you holding your breath until the very end." —Brian Shea, Author of the Boston Crime Thriller Series
Jason Kasper is a USA Today bestselling thriller author. He served in the US Army, beginning as a Ranger private and ending as a Green Beret captain. Jason is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and was an avid ultramarathon runner, skydiver, and BASE jumper, all of which inspire his fiction.
Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.
David Rivers is back, well I actually don't know if he ever has been to Congo before. Congo Nightfall by Jason Kasper is the eight book in the Shadow Strike series and sadly I'm confused since I read them out of order. Don't do this. It's a great series with some entertaing problems for the group of ex mercenaries to solve but this is the second series and I need to catch up on both. I recommend that you start at the beginning and just enjoy this great storytelling. I can recommend this author. I aslo thank Severn River Publishing and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy.
David Rivers and his team are in the Congo to dispatch of yet another bad guy, but shit goes sideways on their infil and continues throughout the mission. Facing big obstacles(ambushes) as they try to complete their mission, they kill a lot of bad people along the way. Great visual scene descriptions of the Congo as they race from one objective to another with a ton of action and witty banter among the team members. I would like to thank Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and I would recommend reading this book and/or series.
Congo Nightfall by Jason Kasper is an electrifying addition to the Shadow Strike series, delivering the high-stakes thrills fans of military action and espionage crave. From the very first page, the story thrusts readers into a relentless sequence of heart-pounding events as elite CIA operative David Rivers and his team navigate an impossible mission in the treacherous jungles of Africa.
Kasper’s experience as a former Green Beret bleeds through in the novel's vivid military realism, which adds authenticity to every combat scene. His ability to craft complex, edge-of-your-seat action sequences is truly remarkable. Rivers and his team face one setback after another, each escalating the tension and adding layers to the conspiracy they uncover. The twists are sharp, the betrayals sting, and the sense of danger is palpable throughout.
What makes Congo Nightfall stand out is its ability to blend high-octane action with a tight, intricate plot that never loses momentum. Kasper masterfully balances the chaos of combat with the team’s internal struggles, giving readers both explosive action and emotional depth. As Rivers races against time, every step feels perilous, and the jungle itself becomes a character—unforgiving and full of hidden dangers.
The pacing is flawless, keeping you glued to the page as the mission spirals into one impossible scenario after another. Kasper doesn’t give his characters a moment to breathe, and readers will feel that same intensity, flipping pages late into the night. The cliffhanger ending perfectly sets the stage for the next book, leaving readers eager for more.
For fans of military thrillers, Congo Nightfall is a must-read. It’s not just an action-packed adventure but a journey through betrayal, survival, and the blurred lines of global security. As the conspiracy deepens, so too does the intrigue, making this a thrilling read that will leave you breathless.
“Congo Nightfall doesn’t just take you on a mission—it drags you through the jungle, bullets flying, with danger lurking behind every tree.” If you’re looking for a thriller that combines military precision with relentless action, this is your next read.
Thank you to Jason Kasper and Severn River Books for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy.
Book Review – Congo Nightfall – Jason Kasper “Congo Nightfall” by former Green Beret Jason Kasper is a thrilling addition to the Shadow Strike series. The intense story delivers the high-stakes adventures of military action and espionage exploits.
From the very first chapter, the story thrusts readers into a relentless sequence of heart-pounding occurrences as main character, elite CIA operative David Rivers and his paramilitary black ops team navigates an impossible mission in the treacherous jungles of Congo Africa.
On a mission to eliminate a notorious terrorist, Rivers uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to reshape global security. The mission’s covert parachute jump turned into a nightmare, leaving the team stranded miles from their rendezvous point and deep within a hostile jungle. Rivers and his team are cut off, hunted, and desperate – and this is where the relentless action begins!
The pacing of the story is flawless, keeping readers glued to the pages as the mission spirals into one impossible scenario after another. Kasper’s military experience shines through his storytelling with vivid military realism to every combat scene. The twists are sharp, the betrayals are stingy, and the sense of danger is palpable throughout. There’s nothing better than feeling what you read!
I especially liked how Kasper skillfully balances the chaos of combat with the black ops team’s internal struggles and how every action scene felt perilous, and how the jungle itself became a character in the narrative itself – very unforgiving and full of hidden and unexpected dangers.
Congo Nightfall is a must-read military thriller. It’s not just an action-packed adventure but a journey through betrayal, survival, and the blurred lines of global security. As the conspiracy deepens, so does the intrigue, making this an exciting read that will leave any military thriller enthusiast breathless.
Probably my favorite story of the eight Shadow Strike books so far.
Cats have nine lives and if this team were cats they would have blown through several cats’ lives of luck! Action packed thrill ride from beginning to end ~ Couldn’t put it down.
What I Liked: * The team: five intrepid, highly skilled, lethal, dedicated, admirable, and intriguing men that worked together seamlessly * The bond between the team members, the synchronicity of their actions, the use of their skillsets and their uncanny way of reading one another as well as the situation * Learning about two of the team who are considering a life beyond and the idea of family and what their future might hold had me wondering if the team might resign together or if some would stay no matter what – wouldn’t mind seeing them develop their own business together in the future * Reading a bit about the Congo and being glad I was NOT on the run with the team * Glimpses of the Op Cen back in the USA and how they scrambled on their end * Thinking about what it would take to be a “local asset” in one’s country assisting a covert operations team ~ and the impact the local asset in this story had on the overall story * The plot, pacing, setting and writing * That the mission was successful though it left the door open for another one and a book to tell us what will happen next * Thinking about what the team will do if and when they disband * Knowing that there is at least one more book in this series to look forward to
What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like * Thinking about how being on the “right side” doesn’t always mean your hands are clean
Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the ARC ~ This is my honest review.
We are now on the 8th book in the series and this book was another winner for those of us who have been with David Rivers and his team from the very beginning.
This storyline has the team being inserted into the African Congo for a mission to "take care of" a small time (well, a "smaller" time) bad guy. Unfortunately, NOTHING seems to go right, and the team is running nonstop from the moment they jump out of their low flying CIA plane. The group doesn't have a minute to take a breather as they seem to be running around the Congo, coming under attack several times, and being ambushed while trying to salvage the mission.
But, in true Rivers fashion, it is THROUGH their mistakes that they stumble onto something that is MUCH bigger than anyone expected. We still have the fabulous Ms. Chen as their handler (yes, that was sarcasm), but she is quite a bit more subdued during this mission. She is still pretty unlikeable to me, but what are you gonna do?
While I think this could probably be read as a stand alone, it really shouldn't be. There are many, many nuances, back story and history that readers might miss if they were to jump in at this point. And trust me, you do not want to miss any of it.
While it doesn't end in a cliffhanger 'per se," it definitely sets up the next book. So now I guess we wait for book 9. :)
Thank you to NetGalley and to Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on September 24 2024.
I received an ARC through "Severn Rivers" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story starts with David and his team planning on parachuting into the DRC in order to take care of the CLF leader. Things don't go as plan since their plane is hit and they decide to go and be able to hunt for the plane when it crashes. As they found out later, the plane was able to land. David and his group then started to complete their mission. Before they could do it, they were attacked and wound up losing their target.
Later David and his team were involved at scene of a robbery and once they learned about was taken, they were sent on a new mission to try and foil the transfer. The 1st location that they were sent to once more resulted in them being attacked again. Again, they learned that the transfer site had been changed and they were to stand by. A new site was determined and they were sent there once more to stop the transfer. This time they were finally at the correct location.
Yo discover how the team was targeted, what actions the team had to take, what unauthorized event they took and what finally happened at the location for the transfer, then you must read this book.
Huge thanks to @netgalley , Severn River Publishing, and Jason Kasper for the advanced reader copy of this book! This was such an action-packed story. While it’s technically the 8th installment of a series (Shadow Strike), it’s easily read as a stand-alone as well. You can absolutely tell that the author is a former Green Beret: the spec ops mission that serves as the main plot line is way too detailed to be faked. I feel like it’s akin to The Martian in how specific, accurate, and comprehensive it is to read. If you enjoy movies like Zero Dark Thirty and Black Hawk Down, you’ll really enjoy reading this book!
𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: David Rivers leads a squad of CIA special operations agents with a myriad of personalities that they’ve honed into an elite weapon against those terrorist insurgents targeted by our government. En route to their latest assignment, the elimination of Congolese warlord Chijioke Mubenga before he cements himself as the controlling force in the region, their helicopter goes down in the deep jungle. As they fight to get their mission back on track, they face fully-armed enemy guards, heavily-patrolled diamond mines, armored vehicles, physical exhaustion, and an unforgiving jungle. And in the Congo, the line between hunter and hunted is just a blur.
CIA operative David Rivers leads a special paramilitary team on a mission deep in the Congo to take down a dangerous warlord named Chijioke Mubenga. But things go horribly wrong when their covert parachute insertion is met with anti-aircraft fire and the team is stranded in the jungle, cut off from help. As they struggle to survive, they realize the threat is more than just Mubenga: a far-reaching conspiracy threatens global security. Rivers must rely on his experience, leadership, and instincts to navigate betrayal and danger in a land where trust is scarce and failure could be catastrophic.
This is yet another gripping, high-octane thriller from Jason Kasper. The story drops you straight into the chaos of the Congo, where David Rivers and his team face nonstop danger, impossible odds, and a mission that unravels in all the best ways. Kasper’s trademark blend of tactical realism, sharp pacing, and emotional tension makes the book hard to put down. The jungle setting feels alive, the action is relentless, and the stakes keep climbing from start to finish. It’s a fast, immersive read that delivers exactly what fans of the series love and then some.
As usual, things go awry from the start in this latest David Rivers and team adventure. Already filled with trepidation being assigned to yet another dangerous hotspot in the Congo, Rivers and the gang go through the motions to try and achieve their objective while staying alive to get back home again.
The plot has many twists and turns, and while it's evident the team is beginning to get worn out by yet another wild goose chase, they persevere through setbacks and tactical challenges. They show humanity and understanding even when betrayal raises its ugly head - not something you would normally see in your everyday mercenary.
With a couple more adventures ahead before this series comes to a close, I look forward to see where and how we get there from here. Meanwhile, I highly recommend Congo Nightfall!
Congo Nightfall: A David Rivers Thriller (Shadow Strike Book 8), my fourth read from author Jason Kasper. Reminiscent of Tom Clancy & Dan Alatorre's writing, another page-turning military thriller. I don't restrict myself to a particular genre. I'm a sucker for anything with memorable characters and a story that keeps me guessing and a plot that keeps me turning the page & this book did! "I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, in fact Narco Assassins: A David Rivers Thriller (Shadow Strike Book 4) is high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Action-packed David Rivers thriller Congo Nightfall, book 8 of the Shadow Strike series, is an excellent addition to the series. Ike its predecessors it is action-packed, filled with plenty of tension, unexpected developments, as well as all the interaction between the Project Longwing Team members. This story finds each of the team dealing with personal issues as they must take on one of the more challenging assignments they have encountered. Jason Kasper’s descriptions provide enough detail that you can close your eyes and imagine being right alongside the team. Of course, you must open them again to move on to the next scene. Congo Nightfall has whetted my appetite for the next book in the series like each if its predecessors have in this series.
To say that this new Shadow Strike is amazingly good would be a redundant comment, but it still holds true. Congo Nightfall IS amazingly good!
Transported into the night jungle of Congo, in towns, in many places, we were treated to a nail-biting trail of catastrophes for David Rivers and his team, and to a search that, if the team failed, would have dangerous consequences.
Add to that the same humour and team banter that we have been treated to since the beginning of the series, and we’re in for another great ride, once again masterfully penned by Jason Kasper.
Another CIA-based story. David Rivers is sent to Congo with his team to take out a terrorist before he can wreak havoc. Their transport is shot down as they enter Congo and they have to fend for themselves as well as complete their mission. It turns out that the terrorists are the least of their problems as they unravel a treachery that goes much beyond Congo and threatens world security. The story moves at a rapid pace and the action is intense as David and his team battle their way out of trouble and finally avert the global catastrophe. Overall a must-read for an espionage fan. Thank you for providing this book for review via Edelweiss All opinions are my own.
The book opens with the team on a plane over the Congo which was supposed to be an ordinary parachute drop until the aircraft began taking fire and the team decided to jump. From there you follow them from their descent to the meeting point to first go after the men that were shooting at the plane then proceed with the original plane, which gets sidetracked along the way because they have to fight their way out of skirmishes until they can find the person who is betraying them. It is a very fast-paced story from beginning to end and has excellent characters.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. I would have to say that this is the best book so far in this series. The action starts right at the beginning and kept going throughout the book with small breaks for the reader to recover. As with all books in this series it should be read in order. The ending leaves the reader looking for the next book. I can’t wait for the next book.
Recognizable good guys from previous episodes now hunt bad guys in DRCongo. The landscape with huge national parks attracts international tourists. Congo also attracts terrorists in transit, along with those who mine rare gems and minerals. A local traitor challenges the team's creativity and compassion. The director at CIA headquarters covers her backside with every decision.
You can always count on an action packed page turner when it’s a David Rivers thriller written by Jason Kasper, and this one is no exception. The action starts right away and seamlessly flows all the way to the end. Jason never disappoints with the David Rivers series and this one will keep you turning pages long past bedtime. I you like military thrillers, I highly recommend this book and this series!
Another Jason Kasper exciting story. David Rivers and his crew parachute into the Congo jungle and into never ending drama. The book takes us on a geographical trip through the Congo. They are looking for a terrorist who is funding an attack with diamonds. The team’s intent is to disrupt the transfer of diamonds under the direction of Ms. Chen in headquarters. They then give the treasure a proper disposal. Is the team losing two members due to retirement? Stay tuned!
I picked this up because of the Africa setting. I have 3 adopted children from the DRC, so the setting was immensely interesting and enjoyable. I just could not connect with the writing style. Way too many details of each step in the combat. The details made the story feel like a slog.. could have been edited by 100 pages and been way better. Overall a good story with great action… just needed less descriptions of every little thing. Will not continue in this series.
This novel grips you from the beginning. David Rivers and his crew are getting ready to jump out of their aircraft over the Congo when it is hit by gun fire. They lose an engine, and the crew jumps out of the aircraft. The mission is still on to eliminate a terrorist. Action packed military operation.
Another off the charts winner from Kasper! A fast paced, action packed tale so gripping I couldn’t put it down. So well written you feel like a part of it. Rivers and his team facing unparalleled obstacles with every turn, rise to the occasion tomake sure their mission gets completed. Phenomenal! Kudos to our author who proven himself over and over as one of the best!
Right from the covert parachute insertion you know you are along for a great ride. Author Kaspar has you feeling the wind on your cheek as you plummet into Africa to feeling intense traveling into the bush waiting for mission changing surprises at each turn. His writing only gets better. He has this storyline down pat from start to finish. VR, Mags,
Fast paced action, trouble at every turn! Kasper has knocked it out of the park again. This entire series has been awesome! Can ALL our team members survive the Congo?
This was another fast paced fun read! Truly entertaining fun series and love the characters. What happens next! I’m getting the next in series right now!