Defending The Eagle

by Frank Demith

In an unforgiving desert warzone in Iraq, ex-military officer Abdulaziz Mahmoud unites insurgent fighters to resist a relentless foe . Amidst tension and betrayal, he asserts control, demanding unwavering loyalty and sacrifices. SGT Abdullah, now a vital cog in the military’s machinery, and others, navigate personal and collective battles. Their narratives intertwine under war’s weight, revealing human resilience and the blurred lines between foe and ally in a landscape where strategy, sacrifice, and the human spirit paint a tale of stark valor and silent honor.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2025

Reviews

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the Eagle is an engaging story that had me hooked from the very first page. It follows two central characters: Abdulaziz Mahmoud and SGT Abdullah.

Abdulaziz Mahmoud, a ruthless insurgent leader, shows no hesitation in ordering executions for those who defy him. He gathers new recruits, giving even those without military experience just two weeks of training. Anyone refusing the training is subject to execution by his security officer. Mahmoud’s mission is to rid the country of infidels.

On the other hand, SGT Abdullah is the most skilled mechanic under SFC Broadmoor. Recognizing his potential, Broadmoor entrusted Abdullah with greater responsibility, appointing him as lead vehicle inspector. During his inspections, Abdullah uncovers a dangerous act of sabotage—someone has been cutting fuel lines. Determined, he sets out to expose the culprit.

Readers who enjoy stories of conflict between allies and enemies will find this book thoroughly gripping. The author’s descriptive writing brings the tension to life, keeping the suspense high throughout. For me, SGT Abdullah stood out as the most compelling character. This book kept me on edge until the very last page—I highly recommend it without hesitation.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending The Eagle is a tense, gripping, and emotionally complex portrayal of war—not just as a battlefield of weapons and tactics, but as a crucible for identity, loyalty, and survival. Set against the scorched backdrop of an Iraqi desert warzone, the novel immerses the reader in a world where every decision carries the weight of life and death, and where the line between enemy and ally is constantly shifting.

At the center of the narrative is Abdulaziz Mahmoud, a former military officer turned insurgent leader, whose charisma and unyielding authority hold together a fractured resistance force. His presence looms large throughout the novel—not only as a strategic mastermind but as a man deeply marked by the toll of conflict. Mahmoud’s journey is not just about asserting military dominance, but about reimagining control in a world that has already broken him in pieces.

Parallel to Mahmoud's story is that of Sergeant Abdullah, a man caught in the machinery of modern warfare. His role represents the other side of the struggle—not necessarily as an opponent, but as a product of a system driven by orders, survival instincts, and fractured loyalties. As the perspectives of soldiers, rebels, and those trapped in between begin to converge, the story evolves into something far more intricate than a tale of two opposing sides. What emerges is a deeply human exploration of resilience, sacrifice, and the crushing emotional weight that war imposes on those who live within it.

The writing is sharp and deliberate, blending stark realism with moments of almost poetic introspection. The battle scenes are unflinching, intense, and cinematic, but what lingers are the quieter moments—the internal conflicts, the fleeting memories, the moral compromises made in silence. The novel manages to maintain a brutal honesty about violence without glorifying it, offering instead a meditation on what it takes to survive and who we become in the process.

Perhaps most striking is the emotional tension threaded through every chapter. There is no clear moral high ground in Defending The Eagle—only hard choices made under pressure, loyalties tested in the dust, and truths revealed in moments of deep solitude. The characters are shaped as much by their pain and fear as by their convictions.

Defending The Eagle is more than a war novel. It is a haunting reflection on the personal costs of conflict, a study of fractured brotherhood, and a tribute to the human capacity to endure even in the most unforgiving circumstances. It leaves the reader unsettled and reflective—which, perhaps, is exactly the point.

[Vidhika Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review : Defending The Eagle by Frank Demith

This book plunges you into the middle of a battleground in Iraq, where survival, loyalty, and sacrifice come together. A former officer and insurgent leader, Abdulaziz Mahmoud rallies fighters under the force of will and demands unqualified obedience in a world rife with betrayal. Then there is SGT Abdullah—a member of a maintenance unit turned soldier; a linguist, who stands out based on his courage and perseverance and earns the respect of his superiors and fellow soldiers. There is something inspiring and profoundly human about his transformation because war is not fought with weapons; it's fought with human beings.

As for the story itself, it moves at a breathtaking pace with ambushes, tactics, and raw tension. The story is about more than just armies fighting against each other, it is about ideals—the defender defending, the insurgent discomforted by being disarmed. Reading it feels like binge-watching a war movie with plot twists, betrayals, and gut punch moments, character development is akin to being inspired by a film.

Fast (and dramatic), and a thought-provoking read, it is about a soldier's experience in war, but it is also about resilience, honor in the midst of adversity, and what it really means to hold your ground when everything is at stake.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of War and Military Action Fiction will find this book highly engaging. The story follows ex-military officer Abdulaziz Mahmoud as he rallies insurgent fighters to stand against a relentless enemy. He calls on various commanders to send their men, while a security officer carefully distinguishes between those with military experience and inexperienced recruits. Those without prior military background are put through mandatory training, all with the ultimate goal of striking back at the infidels and driving them out of their homeland.

Among the standout characters is SGT Abdullah, a newly appointed lead vehicle inspector whose sharp instincts impress his superiors. His discovery of tampered fuel lines showcases his skill, and with the support of CW2 Provanski, he sets out to track down those responsible for sabotaging his vehicles.

The plot grows more gripping with every chapter, filled with tension and strategic intrigue. The author keeps readers hooked from start to finish, with no dull moments. The battle scenes are vividly portrayed, bringing the action to life. For anyone who enjoys military fiction, this book is a must-read.

[_catherine_reads1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anbar province was an area the Americans were not currently trying to occupy, making it a suitable location for a meeting with leaders of the jihadi movement opposing the infidels. Abdulaziz Mahmoud, a former military officer, was supported by a security officer who ensured his orders were executed without fail.

Abdulaziz instructed the commanders to send their fighters to him within the next four days, where they would undergo training to drive the infidels out of the country.

Another significant figure in the story is SGT Abdullah, who serves as a lead vehicle inspector. Upon rejoining the unit, he was warmly welcomed. While inspecting a vehicle with Sergeant Butler, Abdullah observed that someone had been deliberately cutting fuel lines. He emphasized the need to install cameras to identify the culprit responsible for damaging their vehicles.

I strongly recommend this book to fellow readers. The author’s writing style is captivating, with a well-crafted backdrop and excellent pacing that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Frank has done an outstanding job, and I look forward to exploring more of his work.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

SGT Abdullah is a fascinating character who drew me in right from the start. Serving in the vehicle maintenance unit, he was recently promoted to lead vehicle inspector. When he discovered that fuel lines were being tampered with, he sought assistance from the Special Forces to uncover the culprit. It was striking to see how much SFC Broadmoor admired Abdullah’s initiative and determination.

On the other side, Abdulaziz Mahmoud shows zero tolerance for disobedience. In a recent meeting held in Anbar province—an area the Americans had no interest in occupying—he urged the jihadi leaders/fighters to unite in their fight against them. Mahmoud also instructed his security officer to ensure the fighters were fully prepared.

To find out what happens next, you’ll need to dive into the book. The author has crafted a vivid backdrop, and Mahmoud’s role as a calculating mastermind will keep you eagerly turning the pages. With its smooth narration and richly descriptive writing, this book is a compelling read that I wholeheartedly recommend to fellow readers.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Defending The Eagle," written by Frank Demith, is the second book of his that I’ve read. The story follows Abdulaziz Mahmoud, a senior officer in the Iraqi Special Republican Guard, who is determined to ensure his fighters receive the training and weapons necessary to drive the infidels out of their country.

Meanwhile, SGT Abdullah is assigned as the lead vehicle inspector for the unit, with nothing leaving the maintenance building without his approval. SGT Abdullah feels very good about being able to work for SFC Broadmoor.

Their paths cross under the heavy shadow of war, where resilience is tested and the line between ally and enemy begins to blur. The writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, the cover design is appealing, and the title fits well with the story. The gripping plot kept me hooked from beginning to end—I couldn’t put it down until the final page.

[Elias Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sands of Sacrifice – Set against the relentless heat of Iraq’s deserts, this story turns war into both battlefield and mirror. Abdulaziz Mahmoud’s leadership burns with conviction and control, while SGT Abdullah’s moral struggle humanizes the chaos. The novel captures how ideology and identity crumble under the weight of survival. Gritty yet poetic, it’s a portrait of men fighting not just enemies, but themselves. Each page shimmers with heat, tension, and the haunting quiet that follows violence—a masterclass in depicting loyalty and loss amid dust and duty.

[Mara Santori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Weight of Command – Power in war is never clean, and this book knows it. Abdulaziz Mahmoud’s rise among insurgents becomes a study in obsession and necessity. Through Abdullah’s conflicted eyes, readers witness how the lines between righteousness and ruin blur. The writing feels both cinematic and intimate, carrying the smell of gunpowder and regret. It’s a stark meditation on leadership, guilt, and the invisible cost of control. By its end, heroism feels hollow—but humanity endures, scarred yet unbroken.

[Julien Cort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desert of Shadows – This novel transforms the Iraqi desert into a stage for moral reckoning. Abdulaziz Mahmoud’s authority is absolute yet fragile, his soldiers both pawns and brothers. SGT Abdullah’s perspective anchors the chaos, revealing that the greatest battles are often internal. The prose oscillates between blistering realism and quiet introspection. Every silence carries the weight of things left unsaid. A haunting exploration of loyalty and betrayal where survival itself feels like surrender.

[Ingrid Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loyalty in the Dust – Through grit and grace, this story examines what binds men to one another when everything else burns. Abdulaziz’s command is built on fear and devotion; Abdullah’s obedience trembles on the edge of faith and doubt. The desert becomes both purgatory and proving ground. The author’s precision with tension and psychology makes every moment feel earned. A raw, unflinching look at how war deforms and defines the human soul.

[Theo Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Valor – Beneath the explosions and shifting allegiances lies a deeply human story. The book captures the rhythm of soldiers’ lives—the fleeting laughter, the long silences, the unbearable weight of duty. Abdulaziz Mahmoud’s charisma hides fractures; Abdullah’s loyalty hides pain. Together, they embody the paradox of war: unity through destruction. Sparse, powerful prose makes this a haunting meditation on identity, faith, and the endurance of conscience in a collapsing world.

[Kunal Mahajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Sand and Silence – War stories often roar, but this one whispers—and that’s its power. The desert’s emptiness mirrors the emotional barrenness of men trapped by conviction. Abdulaziz’s authority grows from trauma; Abdullah’s devotion grows from disillusionment. Their intertwined journeys reveal the quiet heroism of endurance. It’s a novel of nuance, where small gestures—shared water, an averted gaze—carry the weight of entire philosophies.

[RheaKohli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Commander’s Burden – Leadership in war is a curse as much as a crown. Abdulaziz Mahmoud embodies both extremes—a man consumed by purpose, undone by pride. The author paints him not as a villain, but as a mirror of the war itself: relentless, scorching, inevitable. Through Abdullah’s eyes, readers confront the erosion of ideals under constant threat. It’s a visceral, psychologically rich portrait of what it costs to command in a land that devours loyalty whole.

[Reyansh Bhasin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes of Allegiance – Betrayal simmers beneath every decision in this riveting account of desert warfare. Abdulaziz’s rule is absolute until it isn’t, and when faith fractures, so does everything built upon it. The novel’s true brilliance lies in its restraint—showing how emotion can suffocate in the same breath as fear. SGT Abdullah’s arc from obedience to awareness unfolds with devastating realism. A brutal, beautiful study of what remains when loyalty turns to ash.

[Aadhya Gulati · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Man’s Loyalty – In a world where allegiance shifts with the wind, the novel questions what loyalty even means. Abdulaziz Mahmoud and Abdullah embody opposing philosophies—authority and submission, vision and obedience—locked in tragic symmetry. The desert feels alive, devouring certainty and spitting out doubt. Every page balances tension with tenderness, giving readers a rare glimpse into the quiet morality that survives amid chaos.

[Ishika Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Crescent War – This isn’t a war novel—it’s an elegy. The author writes with empathy for all sides, turning violence into a language of grief. Abdulaziz’s crusade for control and Abdullah’s haunted obedience form a painful duet. Each choice feels irreversible, each silence, monumental. The story refuses simple answers, instead offering truth as shifting as desert sand. A deeply moving portrayal of what humanity endures when nations collapse.

[Diya Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire and Faith – The book confronts the impossible coexistence of belief and brutality. Abdulaziz’s leadership is both faith-driven and fatal, his conviction as sharp as his downfall. SGT Abdullah’s inner conflict burns slower but no less fierce. Their parallel paths converge in tragedy that feels both inevitable and earned. The prose, stripped of sentiment, leaves readers scorched and stunned. A searing meditation on conviction and collapse.

[PranavSarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cost of Conviction – “Victory” loses meaning in this world of shifting loyalties. Abdulaziz Mahmoud’s quest for unity hides desperation, and Abdullah’s service hides guilt. Together, they map the anatomy of moral decay in wartime. The author spares no detail—every betrayal cuts like shrapnel, every silence screams. It’s not just a story of war; it’s a story of men unraveling in pursuit of righteousness.

[Advika Kapur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dust and Duty – The desert consumes everything—hope, reason, compassion—and yet this story insists on humanity’s persistence. Abdulaziz Mahmoud leads with fire, but beneath his control lies profound sorrow. Abdullah, caught between orders and conscience, becomes the reader’s mirror. Sparse, evocative writing brings the desolation to life. A haunting, slow-burning masterpiece about what remains when the smoke clears and the world still burns within.

[RudraTalwar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Crescent – This is a war story stripped of glamour and glory. Abdulaziz’s revolution is born from pain, sustained by pride, and undone by paranoia. Abdullah’s moral compass spins wildly in a sandstorm of deceit. Together, they embody the futility of fighting for ideals in a world built on betrayal. Poetic and punishing, it’s a book that lingers like desert heat long after the final page.

[MyraLuthra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warlord’s Solitude – Despite commanding armies, Abdulaziz Mahmoud is a profoundly lonely man. His empire of loyalty stands on the trembling ground of fear. The author captures this paradox beautifully, weaving strategy and sorrow into every exchange. Abdullah’s quiet resistance adds depth to the despair. Together, their dynamic becomes a meditation on control—how it’s won, lost, and mourned. A haunting exploration of leadership as isolation.

[Kabir Bhardwaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blindsided by Faith – Faith drives the living and condemns the fallen in this powerful novel. Abdulaziz’s ideals twist into chains as his command deepens; Abdullah’s obedience turns into introspection. The prose is sparse, deliberate, and deeply humane. The author transforms the politics of war into a study of inner collapse. Not just a military drama, but a spiritual tragedy set in sand and fire.

[Saanvi Chaturvedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Desert Knows – The land itself becomes a character—omniscient, ancient, merciless. As Abdulaziz leads his men through desolation, the desert watches, indifferent. Abdullah’s journey through loyalty and loss mirrors the landscape’s emptiness. This book’s greatest strength lies in its restraint—emotion lingers between the lines, not within them. A work of quiet devastation that proves war’s harshest witness is the earth itself.

[Neil Ahluwalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts of Obedience – Obedience becomes its own battlefield here. Abdulaziz demands it, Abdullah questions it, and the reader feels its suffocating grip. The tension is relentless yet nuanced, building toward revelations that feel painfully human. Through vivid imagery and haunting silence, the book portrays how blind loyalty transforms courage into complicity. A slow, searing story of awakening in the heart of endless war.

[Aditya Juneja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unseen Enemy – Betrayal, faith, and exhaustion weave through this piercing account of desert warfare. The enemy isn’t just across the dunes—it’s within each man’s heart. Abdulaziz Mahmoud’s leadership teeters between salvation and tyranny, while Abdullah’s quiet rebellion becomes a moral act. With unflinching honesty, the novel strips away every illusion of glory. The result is a portrait of endurance—bloody, beautiful, and profoundly human.

[AnviNarang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence After the Fire – When the guns quiet, the echoes remain. This novel captures that unbearable aftermath—the silence filled with ghosts. Abdulaziz’s authority dissolves into memory, while Abdullah becomes both witness and survivor. It’s not just about war, but about what comes after, when men must live with what they’ve done and who they’ve become. Subtle, sorrowful, and unforgettable.

[Nathalia Barnerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this gripping war drama set in the harsh deserts of Iraq, the lines between loyalty and survival blur as ex-military officer Abdulaziz Mahmoud leads a defiant resistance.