Zero Hour

Trent Rivera

by Blake Valentine

ZERO HOUR is an action-packed crime thriller novella that will appeal to fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn and Mark Dawson.

Trent Rivera has been posted to Afghanistan where he’s deployed as a translator. It’s a treacherous existence and he feels like he’s running out of luck. By day he mediates at talks between brutal warlords he doesn’t like, and military commanders he doesn’t trust. By night he drinks, trying to blot out self-doubt and silence his conscience.

But a sudden summons to Kabul breaks his routine. He’s immediately shipped halfway around the world to a Mediterranean island base from which troops on rest and recuperation have begun to disappear. The Army has questions. Rivera’s job is to find answers.

Though a tourist-trap paradise, the island is gripped by political instability. A revolutionary movement is behind bombings, protests and kidnappings. But are they also responsible for the disappearances? Or are there other, even more sinister forces present?

Although the Trent Rivera novels can be read in any order, Zero Hour is a prequel novella. If you enjoy crime thrillers, then this is definitely the book for you!

What readers are

‘Blake Valentine… perfect if you like thrillers by authors such as Baldacci, Lee Child and Mark Dawson.’

‘Action. Action. Action. And did I mention action?’

‘Trent Rivera appeared on the scene and things got damn interesting!’

‘Blake Valentine has created a great character in Trent Rivera.’

'Some of the best Travel Adventure Fiction I've ever read!'

‘Great storyline. Strong characters. Plenty of action!’

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2025

About the author

Blake Valentine is the author of the TRENT RIVERA MYSTERY SERIES. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the music industry as both performer and producer before moving into various roles in education. He has lived in Osaka, Japan and San Diego, California, and now resides on the south coast of England with his wife, 2 children, and a cat.

Grab the FREE series prequel with mailing sign-up here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ve8z5ltjqg

Reviews

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short prequel novella about Trent in his Army days learning a bit more about his back story, always good.

[Martin Pingree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent Rivera is a military translator stationed in Afghanistan, but he’s far from comfortable with his assignment. He doesn’t fully trust the Afghans around him—or even his own superiors. Then, without warning, he is sent to a Mediterranean island where American soldiers go for rest and relaxation.

But something is terribly wrong. Soldiers are disappearing, and the military brass want answers. As Trent begins investigating, he uncovers what appears to be a much larger and more dangerous conspiracy.

Working alongside local police and military personnel, Trent must piece together the clues before more people disappear. Filled with an outstanding cast of characters, nonstop action, intrigue, mystery, and suspense, this is an exceptionally well-written story that keeps the pages turning.

If you enjoy military thrillers packed with action and unexpected twists, you won’t want to put this book down.

[Tiffany Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book five stars because it was a real good book to read. There was action and it kept me reading it.If anyone has not read this book,you should.
Tiffany Reed