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Task Force Raven #1
Reaper
REAPER - A Task Force Raven ThrillerIn the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack on a U.S. Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas, Major Jake Baylor faces his most personal mission yet. When a VBIED explosion and mortar attack kills dozens, including his best friend Clint McNamara, Baylor and his elite Task Force Raven spring into action.
What appears to be a brutal cartel assault is actually something far more sinister—a coordinated diversion allowing ISIS operative Abu Waleed Hassan, known as "The Reaper," and his team of jihadists to slip across the border undetected. As Baylor and his team of Texas Rangers with special operations backgrounds race to track down the terrorists, they find themselves operating in the shadows of bureaucracy, caught between political agendas and the urgent need to prevent another attack.
From interrogating a high-level cartel operative in a remote Texas ranch to conducting off-the-books operations in Mexico, Task Force Raven follows the trail of breadcrumbs leading to Hassan's deadly plot. When suicide bombers strike San Antonio's Riverwalk, killing hundreds, the clock starts ticking on an even more catastrophic attack aimed at Houston's petrochemical infrastructure.
In this high-stakes thriller that blends military action with law enforcement tactics, Baylor must confront not only the external threat but also his own grief and rage. As federal agencies squabble over jurisdictional authority and media narratives, Task Force Raven operates with a simple directive from Texas Governor Robert "Find them, and make sure they can never hit us again."
With time running out and lives on the line, Baylor will need every skill he's honed from years with both the Texas Rangers and Special Forces to bring the terrorists to justice—or stop them permanently.
What appears to be a brutal cartel assault is actually something far more sinister—a coordinated diversion allowing ISIS operative Abu Waleed Hassan, known as "The Reaper," and his team of jihadists to slip across the border undetected. As Baylor and his team of Texas Rangers with special operations backgrounds race to track down the terrorists, they find themselves operating in the shadows of bureaucracy, caught between political agendas and the urgent need to prevent another attack.
From interrogating a high-level cartel operative in a remote Texas ranch to conducting off-the-books operations in Mexico, Task Force Raven follows the trail of breadcrumbs leading to Hassan's deadly plot. When suicide bombers strike San Antonio's Riverwalk, killing hundreds, the clock starts ticking on an even more catastrophic attack aimed at Houston's petrochemical infrastructure.
In this high-stakes thriller that blends military action with law enforcement tactics, Baylor must confront not only the external threat but also his own grief and rage. As federal agencies squabble over jurisdictional authority and media narratives, Task Force Raven operates with a simple directive from Texas Governor Robert "Find them, and make sure they can never hit us again."
With time running out and lives on the line, Baylor will need every skill he's honed from years with both the Texas Rangers and Special Forces to bring the terrorists to justice—or stop them permanently.
646 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2025
33 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Sam Stone
6 books13 followersSam 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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 19, 2025
What an incredibly riveting story. I admit I am not a fan of war movies but I have really grown to love military based thriller novels. This one does not disappoint. Plenty of humor mixed in to add levity. Oh and in regards to Chapter 38….Only in Texas….and that’s all I am going to say about that.
I voluntarily reviewed Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the author.
I voluntarily reviewed Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the author.
June 16, 2025
Reaper – a Task Force Raven Thriller by Sam Stone https://awesomegang.com/reaper-a-task...
Originally posted by Awesome Gang!
Originally posted by Awesome Gang!
September 23, 2025
Non-stop action, excitement, and complex, coordinated operations made for riveting reading!
Reaper is the first novel in author Sam Stone’s gripping new political thriller series, Task Force Raven, and its exciting and complex, coordinated operations made for riveting reading. With its multidimensional characters and storyline scenarios that dovetail current events, I didn’t want to put this book down!
Jake Baylor, with familial ties to Texas’s Sam Houston, leads the state’s innovative mobile response team known as Task Force Raven, the name an homage to the name given to his illustrious relation by the Cherokee. The task force responds when an horrific attack is made on a McAllen area Border Patrol station, the ensuing chaos and horror only a diversion to launch an even more insidious plot to do damage on American soil. Jake has a personal connection to the attack, as his longtime best friend, Clint McNamara, was on-site when it occurred. You could clearly sense the emotional toll that the events have on the characters.The story unfolds from multiple points of view, giving readers a front row seat to the motives, planning, and preparations behind the action for both the good guys and the bad. Those who enjoy the technical aspects of military-style operations will definitely be rewarded with interesting detail, without overwhelming those readers who do not. The author provides a nice glossary of terms, acronyms, and jargon at the beginning of the book that I found helpful when characters were “talking the talk” and enhancing the feel of the story’s authenticity.
The action hits the ground running, and the suspense never lets up as Jake and his RAVEN team race to stop the multi-pronged attack by the bad guys led by ISIS adherent, Abu Waleed Hassan, or REAPER. With several plans in motion, the action moves around the state, from the Rio Grande Valley to the Hill Country to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, highlighting some iconic local settings. As a local, I enjoyed the scenes featuring these familiar locations, and I think others from the various areas will as well.I recommend REAPER to readers of political and military thrillers.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
July 13, 2025
Sam Stone generously sent me Reaper: A Task Force Raven Thriller in exchange for an honest review—and I’m glad he did. I’ll be up front: this genre isn’t typically my go-to. I’ve often found books in the military thriller space to lean too heavily into technical or political weeds, losing momentum along the way. Reaper was the exact opposite—gripping from the start, fast-paced, and surprisingly layered.
The story kicks off with a devastating terrorist attack on a U.S. Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas. What initially seems like a cartel-driven assault quickly unravels into something far more sinister—a coordinated ISIS infiltration led by Abu Waleed Hassan, known as “The Reaper.” Major Jake Baylor, reeling from the loss of his best friend in the attack, mobilizes Task Force Raven to hunt the perpetrators down before they can strike again.
Stone does a stellar job balancing intense action with moments of character depth. Baylor isn’t just a two-dimensional action hero—he’s grappling with grief, frustration, and the impossible weight of leading in the midst of chaos. The pacing is relentless in the best way, and just when the stakes seem high enough, they get even higher. From black-ops missions in Mexico to the chilling attack on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, the tension never lets up.
What really stood out to me was the writing. It’s sharp, focused, and never bogged down by unnecessary detail. Stone has a clear grasp of military and law enforcement procedure, but he keeps the story accessible, even to readers like me who don’t usually live in this genre. There’s even a bit of dark humor threaded throughout, which helped balance the heaviness of the subject matter.
If you're looking for a high-octane thriller with real emotional stakes and tight writing, Reaper delivers in spades. I didn’t expect to be this invested, but here I am—eager to see what Task Force Raven takes on next.
The story kicks off with a devastating terrorist attack on a U.S. Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas. What initially seems like a cartel-driven assault quickly unravels into something far more sinister—a coordinated ISIS infiltration led by Abu Waleed Hassan, known as “The Reaper.” Major Jake Baylor, reeling from the loss of his best friend in the attack, mobilizes Task Force Raven to hunt the perpetrators down before they can strike again.
Stone does a stellar job balancing intense action with moments of character depth. Baylor isn’t just a two-dimensional action hero—he’s grappling with grief, frustration, and the impossible weight of leading in the midst of chaos. The pacing is relentless in the best way, and just when the stakes seem high enough, they get even higher. From black-ops missions in Mexico to the chilling attack on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, the tension never lets up.
What really stood out to me was the writing. It’s sharp, focused, and never bogged down by unnecessary detail. Stone has a clear grasp of military and law enforcement procedure, but he keeps the story accessible, even to readers like me who don’t usually live in this genre. There’s even a bit of dark humor threaded throughout, which helped balance the heaviness of the subject matter.
If you're looking for a high-octane thriller with real emotional stakes and tight writing, Reaper delivers in spades. I didn’t expect to be this invested, but here I am—eager to see what Task Force Raven takes on next.
June 29, 2025
Some stories cut like a blade.
Others cut like memory.
Reaper, the latest from Sam Stone, does both.
This isn’t just a military thriller… it’s a reckoning. A beautifully brutal portrait of a man walking the narrow line between duty and damnation. Task Force Raven operates in shadows, but Reaper… the man… carries all the light he’s lost along the way.
Sam Stone doesn’t just write combat… he writes consequence. He understands that silence can be louder than gunfire, and that the heaviest weight a soldier carries is often not a weapon, but a name. A face. A moment that refuses to stay buried.
I came in expecting adrenaline. I left thinking about sacrifice.
What makes this story powerful isn’t just the action… it’s the ache. The stillness between missions. The grief that breathes beneath the bravado. Reaper may be a warrior, but Sam Stone lets us see the man: wounded, loyal, haunted, and human.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to live on that edge… where violence is currency and love is a liability… this book will tell you. Not in shouts, but in the quiet moments. The ones that stay long after the last page turns.
A raw, poetic, and unflinching look into the soul of a soldier.
One of the best I’ve read this year!
Others cut like memory.
Reaper, the latest from Sam Stone, does both.
This isn’t just a military thriller… it’s a reckoning. A beautifully brutal portrait of a man walking the narrow line between duty and damnation. Task Force Raven operates in shadows, but Reaper… the man… carries all the light he’s lost along the way.
Sam Stone doesn’t just write combat… he writes consequence. He understands that silence can be louder than gunfire, and that the heaviest weight a soldier carries is often not a weapon, but a name. A face. A moment that refuses to stay buried.
I came in expecting adrenaline. I left thinking about sacrifice.
What makes this story powerful isn’t just the action… it’s the ache. The stillness between missions. The grief that breathes beneath the bravado. Reaper may be a warrior, but Sam Stone lets us see the man: wounded, loyal, haunted, and human.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to live on that edge… where violence is currency and love is a liability… this book will tell you. Not in shouts, but in the quiet moments. The ones that stay long after the last page turns.
A raw, poetic, and unflinching look into the soul of a soldier.
One of the best I’ve read this year!
October 14, 2025
Sam Stone’s Reaper is a high octane military thriller that fuses patriotic grit with emotional depth. From the opening explosion at the McAllen Border Patrol station to the final, pulse pounding pursuit, the novel propels readers into a world where duty, vengeance, and loyalty collide under fire.
Major Jake Baylor is a protagonist forged in discipline and loss a soldier who must navigate the blurred line between justice and retribution after his best friend is killed in a terrorist attack. Stone’s portrayal of Baylor’s internal struggle elevates the story beyond pure action; it’s as much about the wounds of service as it is about stopping those who would exploit freedom’s borders.
The pacing is relentless, yet grounded by moments of introspection that remind readers of the human cost of violence. Stone’s experience with tactical realism gives the novel authenticity from the details of interrogation and field operations to the bureaucratic obstacles that make heroes out of the men who act when others hesitate.
Reaper stands as a potent reflection of modern warfare and the personal toll it exacts. For fans of Tom Clancy, Brad Taylor, or Don Bentley, this is a story that honors the American spirit while confronting the darker realities that test it.
Major Jake Baylor is a protagonist forged in discipline and loss a soldier who must navigate the blurred line between justice and retribution after his best friend is killed in a terrorist attack. Stone’s portrayal of Baylor’s internal struggle elevates the story beyond pure action; it’s as much about the wounds of service as it is about stopping those who would exploit freedom’s borders.
The pacing is relentless, yet grounded by moments of introspection that remind readers of the human cost of violence. Stone’s experience with tactical realism gives the novel authenticity from the details of interrogation and field operations to the bureaucratic obstacles that make heroes out of the men who act when others hesitate.
Reaper stands as a potent reflection of modern warfare and the personal toll it exacts. For fans of Tom Clancy, Brad Taylor, or Don Bentley, this is a story that honors the American spirit while confronting the darker realities that test it.
September 12, 2025
Reaper by Sam Stone is book 1 in A Task Force Raven Thriller series by the author. The main character is Jake Baylor who is a former special forces agent who hunts the enemies of our country of the USA. The story starts with a horrible terrorist attack in Texas near the border. We find it is by an insider from the ISIS group later in the story, So not just a basic attack, something much more involved it seems during the book. Baylor has depth and so much baggage as our MC that you can not help want to read his story and feel sorry for him as it progresses. This is a military thriller and so much more. There is a message of carrying the burdens of war and combat as you are involved in it. And how those burdens never leave you, you carry them for the rest of your life. I have never served in any branch of military but I have family who has and that is very true. They remain somewhat haunted by the shadows of the past, ghosts if you will. This is a great military thriller if you like those and you will really like this one and the character of Jake Baylor! I look forward to the next book in the series!
June 17, 2025
Reaper is a fast paced, action packed start to the Task Force Raven series. Sam Stone delivers a gripping military thriller with razor sharp tension and a lead character who’s as dangerous as he is captivating. The action scenes are intense and realistic, and the emotional depth adds weight to every decision and mission. Reaper’s internal conflict and the shadowy world he operates in make this a truly compelling read. If you love tactical thrillers with high stakes and heart, this one should be on your radar
September 28, 2025
The action in this book is intense and nonstop with well written characters.
If you like fast pace thrillers with combined military action you’ll like this book.
This book has over 600 pages and is worth the time reading.
This was my first book from this author and I will be looking forward to reading more from him and the next book in this series
If you like fast pace thrillers with combined military action you’ll like this book.
This book has over 600 pages and is worth the time reading.
This was my first book from this author and I will be looking forward to reading more from him and the next book in this series
June 9, 2025
A awesome thriller. Finished in a whole weekend.
August 23, 2025
this book needed an editor. one that can take out the 150 pages or so of unnecessary fluff.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews