Predators

by Marc Liebman, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

It’s 1796, and Europe is at war. French Royalists and the kings of Great Britain and the Holy Roman Empire want to return the Bourbons to the French throne.

Needing money, the Republican Government of France orders its Navy to seize American merchants as payment for its war debts from the American Revolution. The Martinique-based Fleur de Lis consortium received a letter of marque authorizing its ships to capture American and British ships.

Edmund Radcliffe is given command of Rapier, a heavily armed brig designed from the keel up as a privateer. By 1798, Radcliffe and Rapier delivered a healthy ROI on the Fleur de Lis’ investment and added to his personal wealth.
Now married to Sophie Fontaine, the daughter of the Marquis de Fontaine, Radcliffe is the father of three. The couple wants to move to the United States in the spring of 1798 and live off Radcliffe’s money.

Desperate for qualified men, the Royal Navy issues Captain Darren Smythe, RN (retired) recall orders even though he has resigned his commission and renounced his British citizenship. This sets off an interesting legal battle over whether the Royal Navy has the right to recall a former officer on the half-pay list, not taking a pension, who is no longer a British citizen and not living in England.

Amid family turmoil, Jaco Jacinto volunteers to take the newly commissioned U.S. Navy frigate Osprey into the Caribbean. His mission - protect American ships from the French Navy’s and privateers.

Audible Audio

Published June 19, 2025

About the author

Marc Liebman is an experienced writer as well as a Naval Aviator combat veteran of both Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He retired as a Captain after twenty-four years in the Navy and a career that took him all over the world. Marc has worked with the armed forces of Australia, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Republic of Korea, the Philippines and the U.K.

He has just under 6,,000 hours of pilot-in-command/co-pilot flight time in a variety of tactical military, civilian fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In the business world, he has been the CEO of an aerospace and defense manufacturing firm, an associate editor of a national magazine and a copywriter for a advertising agency. Marc lives in North Texas with his wife of 50+ years and Standard Poodle and spends a lot of time visiting his seven grand-children.

Reviews

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, to say the least. To be honest, I'm not quite sure whether to rate it 2.5 or 3 stars... Predators had potential, it sounded intriguing, it just didn't live up to what I had hoped it would, sadly.

For one, it's historically inaccurate. I haven't gone through and picked apart all of the inaccuracies, but it was something I noted on multiple times while reading. Granted, there is a chance I could have been misinformed with those particular things instead of the book itself actually being the inaccurate one, but knowing how I am with history, I'd be hard pressed to say it’s me.

Secondly, the characters, especially the way they talked, seemed too modern, like they just came off that way to me, and it was a bit jarring considering this is supposed to be a historical book.

Thirdly, I had issues with the content (LGBTQ+, borderline open door spice, bad language, usuing the Lord's name in vain, etc). I know most people who would read this book most likely wouldn't have issues with that content, but I did, which made this book less enjoyable for me.

Overall, I can't say that I recommend this book, but I won't say not to try it for yourself.



*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.

(Further review, including content warnings, to come as soon as possible)

[Alejo Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marc Liebman’s Predators is a masterclass in historical military fiction, rich with authentic naval detail and deeply human characters. Set during the volatile period of the late 18th century, the novel captures the geopolitical chaos of piracy, privateering, and fragile diplomacy while never losing sight of the personal stakes. Liebman handles complex naval maneuvers and business strategy with clarity, and his characters—particularly Darren, Emily, and Shoshana—are compelling, flawed, and rooted in emotional truth. The emotional fallout from Melody’s death adds a layer of vulnerability that elevates the narrative beyond strategy and warfare. It’s a gripping, intelligent, and emotionally resonant read that rewards patience with a world that feels vividly lived in.

Disclaimer:

I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.

[Deena Schoenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A COVERT MISSION. A NETWORK OF TRAFFICKERS. A DARK WAR RAGING IN THE SHADOWS.
Fans of Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn will find themselves immersed in a high-stakes military thriller that doesn’t flinch from the harsh realities of modern warfare, international politics—and the predators lurking in between.

Commander Jacque Jacinto is no stranger to operations that require moral compromise, but this one tests even his limits. As he untangles a network trafficking in both weapons and human lives, Jacinto must rely on instinct, allies, and sheer grit to navigate a complex web of corruption, revenge, and brutality. Alongside his trusted allies, he hunts those who prey on the vulnerable—only to find the predators are sometimes closer than expected.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This novel contains a scene of non-consensual sex. While it is not gratuitously graphic, it is emotionally intense and central to the story’s moral complexity. Sensitive readers are advised.

🌟 WHAT WORKED WELL
• Tactical precision and authenticity: Military, intelligence, and procedural details feel grounded and deeply researched.
• Morally gray stakes: Jacinto is a compelling antihero navigating a world where clean choices are a luxury.
• High-tension pacing: The narrative keeps the pressure on from start to finish, making it hard to put down.

⚠️ WHAT COULD BE BETTER
• The interwoven plotlines—military, political, and personal—may challenge readers unfamiliar with international thrillers.
• Emotional fallout from key trauma moments could be explored more deeply to match the story’s stakes.

🙋‍♀️ RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers of international thrillers, military procedurals, and morally complex hero stories. Ideal for fans of the Jocko Willink or Brad Thor style—lean, smart, and full of purpose.

🎯 FINAL TAKEAWAY
Predators pulls no punches. It’s a raw, intelligent, and timely look at the covert frontlines of a war without borders—where predators aren’t just hunted… they’re made.

Heat Rating: 🔥 (Brief content related to sexual assault; not romantic or erotic in nature)

This review will be on my website on 07.25.2025 at Dark Operations & Dangerous Men: Predators by Marc Liebman

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.

[Sandy Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predators is a gripping military thriller that delivers nonstop action, deep strategy, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Marc Liebman keeps the tension high and the stakes higher, crafting a fast-paced, intelligent story that feels both timely and timeless. Whether you’ve followed the Jaco Jacinto Series from the start or are diving in fresh, this installment holds its own with crisp writing, authentic details, and plenty of twists. A must-read for fans of military fiction!
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Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.

[Savannah Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book was seriously intense—but in a good way. There’s so much going on with war, pirates, politics, and family that it felt like reading a history class and an action movie at the same time. Some parts were pretty sad (I wasn’t ready for Melody 🥺), but the characters felt real. I really liked Shoshana and how strong she was. Definitely not a light read, but it stuck with me.

Disclaimer:

I received a copy of this book at no charge from Book Reviews 4 U as a member of their BR4U CREW. A review was not mandatory for receiving the book. The free product did not influence my opinion.