Charlie: An Explosive Military Thriller of Betrayal, Retribution, and Unbreakable Bonds

Recovering Commando

by Finn Og

Would you have done what he did?
They hurt his wife, in front of his daughter.
Sam must wrap his little girl in love, to help her heal. He must also provide for her. His extraction from special operations at sea leads him to form a clandestine company. 'CHARLIE' helps Sam appease his desire for vengeance, to deal with his grief, and to cleanse his conscience of some of the questionable things he's seen and done. Until he's asked to do a job which throws their healing, and safety, into doubt.

Genres: Action

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Finn lives and works in Ireland, surrounded by rogues and the sea. He has published three thrillers as well as drama, shorts and comedy using different pen names.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this author on social media and thought I would give him a try. Charlie is the first book of four so far in the series about ex SBS soldier Sam ireland by Finn Óg. It is really a great story and it certainly isn't like everything else in this genre. I was pleasantly surprised and will read more books in this series. This book deals with some dark stuff and it does it well. Sam has a new career after his time in the service and it involves a different kind of justice. I can recommend this series.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

This tells of things you must do despite what other might think is morally acceptable. How far will you go for others and the struggles along the way Is vengeance really worth it?

This is a quick pace story and part one of the saga.

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie by Finn Og is book 1 of the Recovering Commando series /saga, It is a fast pace thriller with twists and turns. It is well written. It goes between Sam's past and the present.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery

I really got into this mystery story and it was well written. I didn't expect the outcome that it came to and will be looking for the next book to continue my reading.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of a series. Very good book excited
to read book two.

[Sara Claridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced thriller that gripped me from the beginning. It flicks back and forth from Sam’s past to his present interweaving the two stories right up to the final twist at the end. Perfectly paced, with a tension that builds through the book, I can’t wait to read more.
Charlie is the first part of a trilogy, but doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance, sweet & simple!

They killed his wife in front of his daughter. Sam is a former special boat service ( naval version of the SAS), who is more the capable of exacting revenge. While he's exacting that revenge, he comes across something so hideous and vile that he has to do something. Want to know more, you'll have to read it yourself. Really enjoyed Charlie and will be looking for Charlie 2 in the future keep up with Sam's exploits.

[Jenny Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic international thriller. The hero, Sam, grapples with his demons and parental commitment whilst surfing the tide of unbearable loss. But Sam is made of very stern stuff indeed. You know within just a few lines that you are in the hands of a master craftsman. The author is brimming with knowledge for the geography, scale and backdrop of 'Charlie'. But there is no self-indulgence with Og's experience or research. The pace is fast but pitched perfectly; the chapters ricochet. The dialogue was flawless too. A very impressive debut from an extremely competent storyteller. Congratulations, Finn Og.

[Carolyn Crowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. You keep turning the pages to find out what happens next and when you look up, you realize you've been reading for hours and hours. Enjoyed every minute. Realistic and enthralling .... can't wait for the next one.

[Gavin Mackrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! A great thriller!

I really like the hero and the story is good with some nice twists. Will definitely be following Finn Ogg’s books

[Viragored · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really had me gripped. But a caution - the background to the action involves child abuse, so if the thought of such a thing horrifies you the book might not be for you. Rest assured though, Sam the hero is on the side of right and there are no excessive descriptions of abuse.
The story is told in a way that weaves together the background to why Sam is who he is and what he is, using flashbacks. It took me a bit to understand what was happening when, but I'm not the sharpest reader when it comes to that type of writing. The telling and unfolding is effective and paints a great overall picture. I disagree with the quoted reviewer on the cover of the book, I didn't find it "So fast I was left breathless", instead I relished the steady pace of the story and the detail contained in the descriptions.
I'm wondering to myself if the author just has a great imagination, or is using his imagination to build on real-life experience. Whichever, I totally enjoyed the book and am keen to read more.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, suspense, drama, well developed characters, and an Irish brogue that is sure to intrigue. The part that stuck out the most to me is the lack of weapons used throughout the story. Unlike U.S. authors that always fall back to their firearms, this hero doesn't need props. He is a destructive force all unto himself. Great read. Very entertaining. Definitely looking forward to more from this series.

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very full of himself is ‘Charlie’. He wants to be a good father, cares for his 5 years old who probably will become an MI5 spy or run a boot camp. To,much back and forth almost as if the author cannot keep track of what he is doing. His wife is killed, yes, but why exactly that reason has evaded me... should I read this again? No. Too arduous!

[DeeDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I am planning to purchase the entire series. Mr. Finn Og is a very talented author. He excels in describing the father/child bond and as a soldier in battle realistically. The pages came alive for me. I am surprised Librarything didn't have any other reviews for this talented writer with his unique script.

[J Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark story of intrigue.

A convoluted tale that races to a sharp conclusion. Some distasteful content though. Hold the interest right the way through and some vivid descriptions of the various locations.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series of books featuring Sam Ireland; a strong, capable action hero who has some depth and a compelling back story. Although I read them out of sequence by mistake, it didn't detract from the reading experience. I really enjoyed reading all three books and am hoping for many more!

[Sean Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual style of story telling

A complex tale well written. Initially confusing due to the employment of flashbacks, but then became logical. Lots of action and avoidance of graphic sex made it an enjoyable adult read for me.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me

Typing errors really spoil a book and there were a few. The story felt disjointed backwards and forwards. I was at 40% when I decided to abandon it and look for another read.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway

[Kelly C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn good read

I did not put this book down until I'd turned the last page.
A very clever and well written story that just leaves you wanting more.

[Dennis Teeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie review

This was an interesting novel. I found it a bit disjointed because it kept jumping forward and back, but still kept my interest to the end

[David Paris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I found this an unsatisfying read in a few dimensions and after reading about 25% I gave up and discontinued. Disappointing as I was hoping to find a new good read author.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disjointed

I enjoyed the main story line a great deal but it felt laborious going back to review/retell Sam’s and friends’ history.

[Kristine Shrubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book. Could not put it down.

[Ian Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a long-standing Jack Reacher fan, and now in Sam Ireland I've fund an action hero in the same league. As soon as I post this review, I'll be searching for and buying the sequels.

[Brenda McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Interesting plot like the uncomplicated characters hope they will feature in the books that will follow glad to have a new Author to enjoy

[Morag Ranford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

[Joan Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Great story line. Keeps you guessing Gill you get well into the book. Interesting story to read shifting from country

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much British.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read