Raven's Wrath: A Task Force Raven Origins Novella

Task Force Raven #.5

by Sam Stone

RAVEN’S WRATH – A TASK FORCE RAVEN Novella
By Sam Stone

Before Captain Jake Baylor became the leader of Task Force Raven, Texas' elite counterterrorism unit, he was a Green Beret with ODA 911, fighting on the front lines of America's longest war. Raven’s Wrath is a relentless, high-octane military thriller that takes readers deep into the brutal, unforgiving battlefields of Afghanistan—where only the strong survive, and the mission always comes first.

Assigned to disrupt enemy supply lines, Baylor and his Special Forces team uncover intelligence that reveals a far greater a ruthless warlord with ties to international terrorist networks. As ODA 911 hunts their target through the treacherous mountains, what begins as a surgical strike escalates into an all-out fight for survival. Ambushed, outnumbered, and cut off from support, Baylor must rely on his leadership, combat skills, and the unbreakable bond with his team to complete the mission.

This gripping prequel sets the stage for the Task Force Raven series, showcasing the origins of Jake Baylor’s relentless pursuit of justice. Raven’s Wrath is an explosive, heart-pounding journey into the mind of a warrior—before the battle followed him home.

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Sam Stone lives in Sussex, England with his wife, Amanda, and two Beagle dogs. With four books already published and his next book "Deadbolt" to follow shortly, in a series of seven books in the "Seven Pillars Series". He thinks that it's important that the Seven Pillars have a continuing presence of the same characters throughout, to give the reader a feeling of being part of the story as they become immersed in the lives and events that our heroes are living.

Reviews

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrelenting action and pulse-pounding excitement as a Green Beret mountain warfare specialization team engages deadly Haqqani fighters in Afghanistan’s Shok Valley.

Raven’s Wrath by Sam Stone is a pulse-pounding military thriller about a Green Beret mountain warfare specialization team on a recon assignment in Afghanistan’s Shok Valley. The novella lays the groundwork for the relationships and shared experiences of the team members for the author’s upcoming Texas-set Task Force Raven series.

Captain Jake Baylor and his brothers-in-arms are ambushed by a large, organized force of Haqqani fighters while on recon, traversing the mountainous passages of the Shok Valley. While gravely outnumbered and not in the best defensive position, the team is holding its own, but in order to make it out alive, they must somehow turn the tables, making their hunters the ones who are hunted.

Jake Baylor is a born warrior and leader whose natural skills are honed by intense training. He’s also a true son of Texas with generational roots in the state going back to Sam Houston himself. I liked how Houston’s history is woven into Baylor’s with the hand-me-down war tomahawk and the use of Houston’s Cherokee moniker of “The Raven” for his present-day descendant. Jake is all business and keeps the welfare of his command in mind, even as he must make life-and-death assignments.

While action-packed and heart-poundingly exciting, the descriptions of each man on the team to the cinematically envisioned desert-to-mountain settings are amazingly detailed and realistic without slowing the story down one iota. I could almost feel their surroundings and smell the fumes of destruction and the results of their fighting.

The foreshadowing of the danger ahead on the team’s mission gave me eerie prickles on the back of my neck as Jake and Turner both sensed something was “off.” Their nighttime trek on foot toward the Haqqani stronghold was riveting, edge-of-your-seat suspenseful. The Special Forces team is absolutely resolute in the face of the onslaught by opponents who are persistent but with ill-placed determination. Sergeant Joe Garza comes by his nickname of “Joker’ honestly and has some stellar quips to alleviate a little of the tension throughout their ordeal. Considering this is just the introduction, I can hardly wait for the meat of the series to get underway.

I recommend RAVEN’S WRATH to readers of military thrillers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

[Jeremy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop action and raw realism. Baylor’s story is gripping from start to finish. A must-read for military thriller fans!

[Talia Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The video is amazing but I will love to view the trailer for this book

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 👏

In Raven’s Wrath, Sam Stone throws readers into the unforgiving terrain of Afghanistan, where danger is constant and loyalty is everything.
The novella acts as both an origin story and a standalone thriller, introducing us to Jake Baylor before he becomes a legendary leader.
Every scene pulses with tension, from strategic takedowns to life-or-death decisions and the authenticity is unmatched.
Stone’s firsthand understanding of military life shines through, making the team’s bond and struggles deeply personal.
It’s fast, fierce, and full of heart. This is modern military fiction at its finest and it leaves you wanting more from Task Force Raven.

[Thomas Wing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven's Wrath is a gripping, high-octane military thriller that masterfully plunges readers into the unforgiving world of Special Forces operations in Afghanistan. Captain Jake Baylor's story is a relentless ride of action, suspense, and camaraderie, showcasing the unbreakable bond between teammates.

The author's vivid descriptions of the treacherous terrain and intense combat sequences had me on the edge of my seat. Baylor's leadership and combat skills are inspiring, and his team's dynamics are authentic and compelling.

While the story is expertly crafted, I would have loved to see a bit more background on the supporting characters – perhaps a few more details about their motivations and past experiences. This would have added another layer of depth to the narrative.

Overall, Raven's Wrath is an explosive, heart-pounding journey that sets the stage for the Task Force Raven series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Jake Baylor's story goes next.

[Derick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Raven’s Wrath is fast-paced, intense, and packed with the kind of gritty realism that makes you feel like you're right there on the ground with Captain Jake Baylor and his team.

What I really loved is how the story balances action with heart. It’s not just about guns and tactics (though there’s plenty of that) it’s also about the brotherhood, the leadership, and the personal cost of war. You really get a sense of who Jake Baylor is and what drives him.

If you're into military thrillers with a strong lead, sharp writing, and nonstop tension, this one’s for you. It’s a great intro to the Task Force Raven series and honestly, it reads like an action movie you’d want to see on the big screen.

5 stars – gritty, gripping, and totally unputdownable.

[Luna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening pages, Raven's Wrath propels readers into the unforgiving world of Special Forces operations, where survival hinges on skill, strategy, and sheer determination. The author's expertise shines through in this gripping military thriller.

Captain Jake Baylor's journey is intense and immersive, with authentic action sequences and compelling team dynamics. One area for potential expansion could be the emotional depth of the characters.

Overall, Raven's Wrath is a phenomenal start to the Task Force Raven series, setting the stage for more thrilling adventures to come.

[Burnett Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Raven’s Wrath cover is next-level. Dark, moody, with that lone figure that looks like he’s walked through hell and is ready to go back again. I saw it at the bookstore and literally did a double-take. If the story is even half as intense as the vibe this cover gives off, I’m in for something unforgettable.

[Mark Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has that quiet power the kind of cover that doesn’t shout, but commands. The title, the imagery, the atmosphere.it all screams elite military, danger, and something personal. I bought it instantly. Just holding it makes me feel like I’m about to drop into something high stakes. Can’t wait to dive in.

[Bluesman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella goes hard from the start and doesn't let up! I was on the edge of my seat from page 1. The action is intense and well written, the characters are fleshed out, and Sam Stone does so much in a short amount of time! I cannot wait to start Reaper...and I have to say, it is refreshing to see a tomahawk used in a modern military thriller!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very intriguing. Great military thriller. I enjoy the first look at Jake and his team. Looking forward to their next adventure very much. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is freaking awesome!! Loved it from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book.

[Stephanie Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my official review at Onlinebookclubs.org/reviews/by-Stepha...