Defiant

by Michael Maloof

Defiant: A Global Conspiracy. A Final Mission.

A Funeral in Paris. A Reckoning in Russia. An Endgame in Davos.Former CIA analyst Kate Preacher has tracked the cabal that shattered her world across continents—but only now does she glimpse the true enemy behind the curtain. A new leader has stepped from the shadows to seize control of the Coalition—and a weapon that could reshape the balance of power forever.

“Sometimes,” Jake warned her, “the only way to win is to sacrifice everything.”

Kate’s hunt races from the rain-soaked boulevards of Paris to Beslan, a Russian city haunted by unanswered questions—where memories she buried long ago surface with deadly force.

In New York, a trusted ally is killed. Another vanishes.High in the Swiss Alps, Kate undertakes her most dangerous mission yet— infiltrating the labyrinth beneath Davos—before world leaders walk blindly into a trap from which there may be no escape.

A bioweapon counts down to catastrophe. Her team is scattered and fighting to survive. And Kate is one move away from exposing the conspiracy that took everything from her— if she is willing to pay the ultimate price.

Defiant is the explosive finale to the Kate Preacher Origin Trilogy—a globe-spanning, high-stakes thriller for fans of Jack Carr, Gregg Hurwitz, and Mark Greaney.

This is where Kate’s story comes full circle.
And where the final move changes everything.

472 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2026

About the author

With the publication of Unstoppable, the highly anticipated sequel to his award-winning debut novel Relentless, Michael Maloof cements his place as a compelling new voice in the world of globe-trotting thrillers.

Born with an insatiable curiosity and a genetic case of wanderlust, Michael brings a rich tapestry of personal experiences to the page, crafting heart-pounding international adventures that blur the line between fiction and reality.

His wanderlust has taken him to over forty countries across six continents, each trip adding another chapter to his already rich life story. Michael’s adventures read like a thriller novel in themselves: from dredging for gold in Honduras and hunting Mayan artifacts in Guatemala to acquiring uncut diamonds in Liberia and dodging an elephant charge in Kenya.

Among his most treasured experiences are the opportunities to train alongside Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and the CIA—gaining firsthand insights that infuse his writing with unparalleled authenticity.

A serial entrepreneur, international adventurer, and self-confessed Starbucks Frappuccino addict, Michael invites readers into a world of high-stakes intrigue and relentless action. He’s not just writing thrillers—he’s lived them.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

DEFIANT (Kate Preacher Thriller Series Book #3) by Michael Maloof is an amazingly intricate thriller plot culmination that starts in book one, Relentless, continues in book two, Unstoppable, and climaxes in this book three, Defiant. These books do need to be read in order of publication and are worth any period of time they take to read. You will not put them down!

This third installment begins right where book two ended. Kate may be out physically for the moment, but that is all right because she and her friends have a lot of research and planning to do now that they know who and what they are up against. Kate discovers more about her childhood in Russia but is pulled away quickly to deal with the evil at hand. She and her team are off to Davos to fight evil beneath the Alps and destroy a bioweapon that could lead to control of the world.

This trilogy, which I hope will continue, delivers excitement, action, and characters that are more fully developed than in most action driven thrillers. Kate Preacher is a brilliant strategist, computer programmer, athlete, and friend. Besides a great team of ex-SEALs and military snipers, the required big, bad, and intelligent men you would expect Kate has working for her in Trident Security, the author also delivers an impressive array of female agents and female friends with varied skills that can easily keep up with the men. There is one character revelation at the end that left me completely shocked. Besides the intricate and believable descriptions of the characters performing physical obstacles and trials, there are a vast amount of equipment, guns, and vehicles that make all the scenes very realistic.

There is a steady stream of intricate plot pieces and revelations which come together in an edge-of-your-seat climax that leaves you breathless. The plot pace in this book is not as breakneck from page one as the first two but continually builds as Kate and the antagonists set all their chess pieces into place for the ultimate life or death chess game to come. The evil characters are much too believable, and the RILEE AI program was chilling.

I highly recommend this finale to this international thriller set of three overall conspiracy plot arc connected thrillers!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this final book in the Kate Preacher series! It is a satisfying conclusion to the series and included everything I like about the first two books, Kate and her friends and team facing opponents and challenges that could be catastrophic to the team and society if the mission doesn’t succeed. The technology pieces are just mind boggling with the capabilities that are possible. This book continues the story that began in Relentless and the goal is to figure out what got Jake killed and stop it. I highly recommend reading the series in order.

Women are at the helm of this series and are strong, brave, and unstoppable.Kate is again joined by Tayla, part of Trident Security, Isabella Marquez, a global star, and Keisha, nurse and Nomad’s caretaker. This time even their opponents have a woman, Rileyne Mueller, in charge. The characters and their connections and interactions make the book such an immersive and enjoyable read. Kate is the person that I want to have my back if I’m in danger!

I am so sorry to see this series come to an end! I loved every minute of reading it, even as I was on the edge of my seat as Kate and her team were in dangerous situations! But the twist at the end has me hoping for more books with these characters.

I highly recommend this thriller full of action and adventures that will keep you reading long after bedtime.

Thnks to Partners In Crime VBT for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece from Maloof

Once again Kate takes on a storm of incredible force with her “angel” Jake guiding her. One magnificent, strong woman! Her team is always there for her, as they know she will do what is right.
I love this series and highly recommend it totally.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a book doesn't make your heart race at 2 AM while you whisper "just one more chapter," is it even a political thriller? 💥

I am officially breathless! I just turned the final page of Defiant by Michael Maloof, and my adrenaline is still through the roof. If you love high-stakes global conspiracies and relentless pacing, add this to your TBR immediately!

The story follows former CIA analyst Kate Preacher on a final, apocalyptic mission. She’s tracking a shadow coalition with a deadly bioweapon, leading to an endgame set in Davos, Switzerland.

🕵️‍♂️ The Vibe: The Bourne Identity meets Jack Ryan, but with a fiercely smart, emotionally driven female lead.

❤️ What I Loved: The global atmosphere is incredible! Maloof transports you from Paris to Russia and beneath the Swiss Alps. The tension is tight, the tradecraft feels authentic, and Kate is a vulnerable yet fierce protagonist you can't help but root for.

⚖️ The Honest Truth: With a massive cast and moving parts across multiple countries, there is a lot of plot to track. A few tactical action scenes stretched my belief a bit, but the countdown is so gripping that I was happy to just enjoy the ride!

> The Verdict: Defiant is an explosive, cinematic thriller that keeps you guessing until the absolute final second. 10/10 for suspense fans!

✨Thank you, Partners in Crime Tours and Michael Maloof, for sharing Defiant with me!

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her husband called her Relentless. Her team considers her Unstoppable. Her enemy deemed her Defiant. All three are pure facts of Michael Maloof’s incredible character, Kate Preacher.

In Defiant, book three of the Kate Preacher Thriller series, Maloof has again shown what a powerhouse author he is. Many authors find it difficult to maintain a high level of suspense, thrills, action, and well… mayhem through three consecutive novels. But not Michael Maloof. If anything, he’s managed to “up” the stakes with each new submission. Yes, I think it’s safe to say that Defiant is the best of the three as the Trident team devises a plan that has virtually no chance of success, but simply must succeed. There is no Plan B. It’s gone beyond national and international terrorism now. Nothing less than world domination is on the bad guys’ agenda this time.

Kate’s long-time friend Julian Pryce is missing. A man with a brilliant mind for strategy and coding, yet held prisoner in a quadriplegic’s body for the last decade, Julian is generally a recluse. So no one knows what to make of his disappearance: Was he kidnapped? Has he killed himself? How did he get away, and where did he go? As his friends search for answers, a devious plot unfolds, with Julian in the thick of it.

Readers will find themselves struggling in the South Carolina heat as the Trident team seeks new team members and prepares for their most important mission to date. But since this mission will be a winter mountain extraction, there’s only so much training that can be done in the deep south. So we’ll head to the frozen mountains of Argentina for training as deadly as the task they’re preparing for. Then on to the Alps of Davos for a mission that will have you turning pages late into the night.

This non-stop firebrand of a story is signature Maloof: mass mayhem—controlled chaos. The high-octane thrills are breathtakingly portrayed with the high-testosterone men and savagely amazing women of Kate Preacher’s world. She’ll be calling in every favor ever owed her to complete this mission and bring everyone home.

What makes the Kate Preacher Thriller series so unique? Brilliant characters for one, beginning with the inimitable Kate herself. Kate is a juggernaut when she’s on a mission; no one and nothing can stop her from accomplishing her goal. A former world-ranked chess player, she has the mind and the physique to accomplish what needs to be done. The spec-ops-trained men and women of Trident are diverse, talented, and well-honed, with interesting back stories as well. As for the antagonists? There might just need to be a tenth level added to hell for the evil they’ve done.

The action also sets this series apart. It’s not just violence, cursing, and guns blazing for 400 pages. Every action is thoughtful, significant, and consequential. The plot is multi-faceted, yet ultimately singularly focused. Themes of brotherhood, morality, honor, courage, and service intersect with moments of betrayal, bitterness, and narcissism. No one is going to get out unscathed. But as Kate says, while quoting her husband:

“…the sheep sleep better when they don’t know how many wolves the sheepdog killed.”

If you’re a fan of action/adventure suspense/thrillers that feature strong men and women standing in the gap for those unable to protect themselves, you’re missing out on your new favorite series. Fans of Andrews & Wilson, Mark Greaney, and Brad Taylor will be glad to add this series to their collections. If you’re new to Kate Preacher, I don’t recommend starting with the amazing Defiant, though. All three books (to date) have an arcing storyline that connects them, with recurring characters and references to previous missions. It’s possible to start here, but it would be frustrating as the cast is fairly large and personalities are already established at this point. Start with book one, Relentless, and by the time you’ve read the last page and closed Defiant, you’ll be glad you did.

The best part of Michael Maloof’s Kate Preacher Thriller series is that there are more stories to come. I personally can’t wait to see what awaits fans with book four!

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been riding with Michael Maloof since the beginning, then Defiant is that rare, bittersweet moment where a series doesn’t just end—it lands. Not softly. Not quietly. It comes in hot, loud, and unapologetically explosive as the final installment in the Kate Preacher trilogy, following Relentless and Unstoppable. This is not a “you can probably jump in here” situation—absolutely not. This is a clear your schedule, grab all three, and prepare to binge like your life depends on it kind of series. And now that Defiant is out in the world? You have zero excuses.

Let’s talk about the premise, because Maloof does not do small. At the center is Kate Preacher. She is a former intelligence analyst turned elite, take-no-prisoners operator who is now leading Trident, a highly specialized team tasked with stopping a global threat that is very real, very dangerous, and very much spiraling. When a key strategist disappears, the mission detonates into something far bigger than anyone anticipated. We’re talking international stakes, shadowy players, advanced tech, and a conspiracy that stretches across continents from the U.S. to Argentina to Europe, before barreling toward a final, high-risk showdown in the Alps. And here’s the kicker: there is no backup plan. No safety net. This is a must succeed or everything burns kind of operation. Maloof blends espionage, military precision, and tech-driven intrigue into something that feels cinematic but still razor sharp, with themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral gray areas pulsing underneath every move.

Now let me get personal for a second. I am a tabber, an annotator, a “mark this, note that, come back and scream (and sometimes think) about it later” reader. Let me tell you… my tabs in this series? Innumerable, out of control and slightly unhinged. The kind where you flip the book open and it looks like it grew feathers. This is a series that demands your attention and then rewards you for giving it. I will (1) reread this series, (2) talk about it for days—honestly, weeks—and (3) never forget it; and that’s not something I say lightly. I want to talk about locations, AI, nuggets of inspiration that started this series AND chess. We need to talk about chess.

What makes Defiant hit so hard isn’t just the action (though trust me, it absolutely delivers on that front). It’s the characters. This is a deeply character-driven series disguised as a high-octane thriller. By the time you reach this final book, these people are not just names on a page, you know them. You’ve watched them grow, break, adapt, and fight their way through impossible situations. The entire cast pulls weight here, and their arcs feel earned. (Side note: Keisha is possibly my favorite, but honestly, choosing is painful because they all bring something.) Maloof has this uncanny ability to make even the smallest details feel vivid For example, the way someone is dressed, the tension in a room, the flicker of a screen, even something as specific as a handprint being scanned. It’s all so sharply rendered that you’re not just reading, you’re in it.

And the pacing? Blink and you’re 100 pages deeper than you meant to be. Defiant doesn’t just up the ante. This book throws the ante out the window and lights it on fire. It’s fast, relentless, global, and packed with the kind of tension that makes you say “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you have regrets… but not really. At the end of the day, this is one of those series that sticks with you. The kind you wish you could read again for the first time, but will absolutely settle for rereading anyway. It’s a wild ride, a full emotional investment, and a seriously satisfying conclusion. This series is absolutely worth it - without question.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

With breathtaking action sequences galore, DEFIANT is an absolutely riveting conclusion to this thrilling trilogy!

Defiant is the third book in author Michael Maloof’s action-packed Kate Preacher Thriller trilogy, and it is an absolutely riveting conclusion to this part of her story. In this final tale, recent widow Kate Preacher, critically injured but recuperating, calls in all her markers to finish the mission her deceased spouse, Jake Church, started. From the U.S. to France to Russia to Switzerland, the action never wanes in this intricately plotted tale of love, loyalty, betrayal, sacrifice, and the battle of good versus evil.

Despite the considerable damage she sustained in the previous novel, Kate Preacher steps boldly into this next part of her story. She’s got a growing support system of strong and capable friends, who do not hesitate to follow her in her mission to stop an evil plan of power, dominion, and mass murder. Just as she’s got their backs, they have hers.

The plot picks up where UNSTOPPABLE left off. Kate is slowly recuperating but pushing herself to end this thing that Jake uncovered and eventually cost him his life. I loved how Kate leverages every contact she’s made and every opportunity offered to her advantage, while keeping the welfare of her ‘found’ family in mind at all times.

The plot explores the idea of global threats from bioweapons and increasingly advanced AIs in the hands of an unscrupulous leader, and the resulting picture is frightening, too close for comfort. Familiar faces from earlier in the trilogy return, and storylines in play from the start finally converge. The action is intense, and the action sequences are so well choreographed and staged, especially the heart-stopping scenes set within the mountain in Davos, that I could feel my heart pounding and my whole body tense, wondering if everyone was going to survive (because, as readers learned from the very book, no character is safe!) However, Kate is also still very much a grieving wife, and within the breakneck pace of the story, she experiences the anguish of sorrow, pain, and rage for her loss. Those emotional moments are raw and realistic, the feelings radiating from the pages.

I highly recommend DEFIANT (and the entire Kate Preacher Thriller trilogy) to readers of thrillers, conspiracy stories, action and adventure, and suspense.

[Steve Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight to the point: I absolutely loved Defiant by Michael Maloof! I tore through it in just a few sittings; it delivers exactly the kind of high-octane action and global intrigue that thriller fans crave. If you’re a fan of Brad Taylor’s Pike Logan books and the whole Taskforce-style covert operations vibe, this book hits that same sweet spot. Maloof masterfully blends espionage, military action, and political conspiracy into a story that feels cinematic from page one. Kate Preacher continues to be one of the most compelling protagonists in modern thrillers—smart, relentless, and emotionally scarred, yet always willing to put everything on the line when the stakes are highest.
What really pulled me in was the international scope of the story. The story barrels from the rain-soaked streets of New York to Russia and ultimately into the Swiss Alps near Davos, where Kate uncovers a terrifying conspiracy tied to a bioweapon capable of shifting the global balance of power. Along the way, trusted allies disappear, betrayals stack up, and every mission feels like it could spiral into catastrophe at any moment. Maloof does an excellent job creating tension while still keeping the story grounded in believable intelligence operations and tactical action. The infiltration scenes beneath Davos were especially gripping, feeling straight out of a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster.
Yet, beneath all the firefights and covert missions, the novel never loses its emotional core. Kate isn’t just fighting faceless enemies; she’s confronting the trauma and unanswered questions that have haunted her throughout the series. Jake Church remains a strong, anchoring presence, and their dynamic gives the story real weight. The pacing is relentless, but Maloof wisely makes room to show the true personal cost of a life spent in the shadows.
Overall, Defiant is a fast, intense, and highly entertaining thriller that feels tailor-made for readers who love military action, shadow conspiracies, elite operators, and globe-spanning suspense. Michael Maloof clearly knows how to keep the reader emotionally invested in the characters and Defiant left me eager to see what comes next for Kate Preacher. Highly recommended for thriller fans who enjoy authors like Brad Taylor and Jack Carr. You don’t want to miss reading Defiant!

[Trad Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate/honored/lucky to recieve an ARC copy of Defiant, the pulse-pounding concluding third book in the Kate Preacher series by Michael Maloof. Kate Preacher is still dealing with the tragic death of her husband Jake at the hands of the Coalition, a shadow group of powerful individuals who use the GEC (Global Economic Council) to control the world economy. The heir to this empire, Rileyne Mueller, who is even more ruthless, vows to take things to the next level. With a new biological weapon... "The kind that changes the balance of power"...she has her sights set. It is up to Kate, Julian (Nomad) Bella, and a cast of characters that also include Jake's former Trident team to put a stop to their plans. This series uses a lot of references to the game of Chess and the moves and strategies that great players make. It also takes the reader from Paris, London, parts of Africa, and the mountains of Switzerland. The writing is crisp, action-packed, descriptive, and fast-paced. The reader feels as if they are in these locations and among the action. This, honestly, is one of the best endings to a series and overall best series I've ever read!! I can't recommend this series highly enough. Start with Relentless go right into Unstoppable and finish with Defiant. You will not be disappointed.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures for Kate continue, even as she is wounded. She faces a ruthless foe in this thriller in the form of a woman who wants to shape and control the future of civilization. A devastating engineered weapon that can kill at a distance has been developed. Its effectiveness relies on obtaining vast amounts of DNA information, something hinted at in previous novels. Kate and her team face nearly impossible conditions to stop the foe and we get to read about their extensive planning and training for the complex action. There is over the top thrilling suspense. There is also the puzzling action of Nomad. Has he gone over to the dark side to obtain the ability to walk again?

This is the last novel in this series introducing Kate. There are many characters in these novels and one should read the previous ones to understand all of them and their actions. There were times when I was unsure if a character was friend or foe. There are powerful people playing a dangerous game, much like chess, and Kate must outwit her opponent to not get caught in a deadly trap.

Advanced technology, over the top action, more danger than one person should ever have to face, this is a fitting final novel in this series introducing Kate and her team.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start...another incredibly written book and the continuation of Kate Preacher and her Trident team.

This fast-paced story moves along with precision and details that make you feel you're alongside Kate, Forest, Deon and Mike. What's going to happen to Julian and Keisha? Whether you've read the first 2 in this series or not, Michael creates a storyline that is easy to pick up from here (but will make you want to go back to the beginning). In Defiant, Kate's story continues as we delve deeper into the mystery and suspense of GEC and the Coalition. There are similarities between this story and real world. Is this possible, or is it already happening today?

Michael writes beautifully and creates the characters, scenery and builds up tension, warmth, compassion and humanity. Your heart will pound; your eyes will mist (and blur from tears) and laugh as the story unfolds.

Although this is the third installment, I get the feeling there's more in store for Kate Preacher fans (hint...hint...hint...Michael).

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiant by Michael Maloof is book 3 in the Kate Preacher series by the author. This is the continuation of the series where the last book leaves off. Kate is chasing after her enemies still and this time is headed through Paris to Russia. I love this author's writing style for this thriller series and this book is no exception. The story just keeps getting better and better in my opinion. Kate is still hunting for answers on what happened to her husband and is chasing the cabal that killed him. And the first page of the book is such a great draw into the book for any reader, including me. I was grabbed from Andrew Freeman's opening line to the very last page, where we find an ending to the series but maybe more will be coming soon as there are still secrets that linger for Kate and Jake. This book was a great thriller to read as it makes the readers really want to hear what happens to Kate and also to tie up Jake's story. I highly recommend this book to fans of fast paced thrillers that involve military ops and also strong female characters who need to find answers no matter what!

[Dani Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiant by Michael Maloof is the third amazing installment to the Kate Preacher thriller series. It involves deadly scenarios, bioweapons, and high stakes. Kate Preacher is the type of heroine that pulls you into her orbit and never lets go. As the reader, I don't want to leave the intense suspenseful world created by Michael Maloof. The plot is emotionally charged as those close to her disappear or get killed. Memories rise, plots unfolded, and the danger escalates with every page. I want this to be made into a film so badly! Defiant is a must read thriller that will have readers on edge and begging for the next grand adventure. Kate Preacher is the new James Bond that readers will never forget.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a binge, trilogy complete! 4.5⭐️

This series was so action packed from the first to the last. This third book is a bio thriller, the villain wielding AI and bioengineered weaponry. Both frightening and fascinating, the concept spooky in today’s AI explosion.

The Trident team is great, I love the unity and family they become especially while they trained for this final mission.

I enjoyed the little surprise Kate gets when going home with a new character introduced, while her part small she was quite impactful.

There were a couple strings left open for other books which is fun to ponder, but with closure and no wild cliffhangers which is appreciated!

I definitely recommend this trilogy!

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold on Kate Preacher fans....the ride is about to get very real!!! Kate is going and coming all over the world with challenges and adventures all over the place. There are some very real moments of sadness and loss as well as friendships (Bella,Keisha and Tayla to name a few). And not to be outdone Trident shows up in all their glory. There are plots and then other plots underneath those! It helps to read the first two for some solid background but not necessary. There is an interesting side story with Julian and Rilee very unexpected. In other words great book!!!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Preacher hunt for justice is about to come to a mind blowing conclusion and I was on tender hooks. This is the most white knuckles tension of the series and I was unsure if Kate and her comrades would make it out alive. It's not just guns blazing in this book it's a story of survival. I felt it was bittersweet because it is the last book of the trilogy and it ended with a big bang. I enjoyed the author's steady writing style and I hope too read more by Michael Maloof. It was a wild ride with Kate Preacher but I love that she never gave up.

[Susan Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defiant book 3 Kate Preacher

You must read the previous books before reading this one. They are all continuations of one story. This was a well thought out complex take, full of intrigue, danger and friendship.
The one reason i didn’t award it 5 stars is that although a good read, the sense of danger in the writing wasn’t enough to stop me putting the book down at bedtime! It should have kept me up.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is an elegant and subtle badass as she and Trident Security take on the Coalition and its attempt to control the world with a biological weapon. Non-stop action. A cast of great characters and a heart in your mouth ending. I cannot wait for Kate Preacher #4!!! I received an ARC from the author and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Higby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defiant did not disappoint. The twists, turns, and fast pace kept me reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the Kate Preacher series, and Defiant is a great finale. I would be open to more Kate Preacher and the whole group.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

He did it again!

This trilogy are the best books I have read in a long time, for a first time author Michael is an amazing story teller, edge of the seat stuff keeps you reading into the night, glad I'm retired!

[Jake Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t keep us hanging

Whoever said that you can’t top this !! NOBODY !!! After reading all three of books in this series there’s got to be more ! This mission might be over but I’m sure others will arise.

[Shelli R. Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Truly a series you should read!! A great female lead and non-stop action. I loved it!! Would love to see more books.

[Dwight Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story line. Hoping
it won't be to long before book 4.