It begins with torpedo attacks against commercial tankers as the mercenary submarines Wraith and Specter glide beneath the seas, sowing chaos and choking off the flow of fuel to Greece. A secret cabal conspires to force the corrupt and failing nation from the European Union, even if it means fanning the smoldering tensions between Greece and Turkey into all-out war.
While Greek warships scramble to locate the submarine provocateurs, international arms dealer Pierre Renard and expelled US naval officer Jake Slate carry out an insane mission with unforeseeable consequences. The ocean battlespace is a crucible of drones, weaponized sea life, and lethal cutting-edge technologies. It’s a new kind of warfare, and nobody knows the rules....
First of all, I have the actual (purchased) ebook. Apparently Goodreads is only aware of the ARC version.
My Review:
The undersea warfare version of Mission Impossible
Starting with Rogue Avenger, I have been hooked by this series. Only Book #8 was less satisfying than the previous ones. It just felt unfinished. However, Rogue Invader puts it into perspective, and is a thrilling continuation of concepts that appear to have no end. Previously, Jake has been the main character who is in a state of turmoil about the moral / ethical impact of his actions, and who, at least nominally, has settled on a Jesus-based theological position. Now, Monteith has taken Dimitry (submarine captain hired out from under the Russian Navy), and Cahill (picked up from the Australian Navy) and run them through concerns about worth and team participation – and never a dull moment.
I have immensely enjoyed the first eight books in the series, and the ninth, ROGUE INVADER, does not disappoint. I will admit that my reasons for enjoying the series are changing, however. I was first drawn to it by the unique story line coupled with relentless action. However, after nine books, what is more a draw for me now is twofold. First, I enjoy the new technology and tactics that the author describes, which are based on both existing warfare doctrine but also have a fair amount of his creativity added in. Second, the interaction between the dissimilar characters and the bond they forge through mercenary combat is now as entertaining as the combat action (in addition to demanding reflection and being thought provoking).
In this book, all the members of the mercenary fleet are back, along with some new faces, and two new snouts (not a typo, read the book to find out what I am talking about!). There's actions, wit, danger, conscience, and religion, all adding to a great story with an unexpected but appreciated ending.
Hopefully, the author is planning on at least 15 more of these; I will read all 15.
Once again John Monteith has cast a story touching on current events. The characters are suffering some pangs of conscience with this mission. They are finding that their role as mercenaries is far more complex than they originally though. Economic issues in the European Union and Greece’s financial difficulties provide the connection to current events.
Jake Slade and Terry are now joined by another leader, one who was an adversary in a previous book. Volkov’s demeanor is colored by a dark depression that seems characteristic of Russian characters. After events in the last book, he is fighting with a drop in self confidence.
Monteith’s background brings the taste of realism to what might otherwise be seen as flights of fantasy. Knowing that his underpinnings provide him with a uniquely realistic experience for this type of book makes readingi t much more enjoyable.
This was an exciting book and I recommend it.
Web Site: http://www.subthriller.com/ My other reviews of Monteith’s books can be found at my blog : Rogue Hunter Rogue Goliath Rogue Defender Rogue Betrayer Rogue Avenger Rogue Crusader