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Operation Black Horse
Not yet published
Expected 30 Oct 26What would you be willing to sacrifice in a starving world?
Dr. Caitlyn Svendsen clawed her way out of despair to become one of Minnesota's most successful surgeons in the aftermath of the Great World Famine of 2025. She would do anything to save her patients, but the secrets she carries are dangerous enough to put her and everyone close to her in the ground. Spetsnaz Commander Kaleb Volkov lost everything during the first years of famine in Russia. To survive, he sold his soul to the worst kind of devil before surrendering himself to the military for redemption.
Caitlyn and Kaleb are the epitome of clashing personalities, raised to resent each other in a world teetering on the brink of destruction. Groomed to be the best of their respective professions, it is no surprise that they meet their match in each other sixteen years after the crisis began. She is Russia's salvation. He is the eye of a storm heading for America, ready to tear her reality apart.
It's 2041. Caitlyn's patients are no longer hungry, thanks to America's classified growth formula designed to outsmart crop failure, but they are still dying. The cause of their illness is a mystery that Caitlyn seeks to unravel despite the risk to her career, and life. Meanwhile, Kaleb is as restless as his motherland. Russia is still starving, denied access to America's growing techniques.
While America blackmails enemies and allies alike into submission with the promise of food, Russia is desperate to restore its influence in the wake of America's agricultural domination. When food stores outrank nuclear arsenals, it's no wonder that the political landscape a powder keg, one where America holds the match. To level the playing field, Kaleb is tasked with a mission that leads him to Caitlyn, forcing the two natural enemies to work together in a world plagued by famine, disease and now...WWIII. Can they overcome their mutual distrust to save what's left of humanity?
Dr. Caitlyn Svendsen clawed her way out of despair to become one of Minnesota's most successful surgeons in the aftermath of the Great World Famine of 2025. She would do anything to save her patients, but the secrets she carries are dangerous enough to put her and everyone close to her in the ground. Spetsnaz Commander Kaleb Volkov lost everything during the first years of famine in Russia. To survive, he sold his soul to the worst kind of devil before surrendering himself to the military for redemption.
Caitlyn and Kaleb are the epitome of clashing personalities, raised to resent each other in a world teetering on the brink of destruction. Groomed to be the best of their respective professions, it is no surprise that they meet their match in each other sixteen years after the crisis began. She is Russia's salvation. He is the eye of a storm heading for America, ready to tear her reality apart.
It's 2041. Caitlyn's patients are no longer hungry, thanks to America's classified growth formula designed to outsmart crop failure, but they are still dying. The cause of their illness is a mystery that Caitlyn seeks to unravel despite the risk to her career, and life. Meanwhile, Kaleb is as restless as his motherland. Russia is still starving, denied access to America's growing techniques.
While America blackmails enemies and allies alike into submission with the promise of food, Russia is desperate to restore its influence in the wake of America's agricultural domination. When food stores outrank nuclear arsenals, it's no wonder that the political landscape a powder keg, one where America holds the match. To level the playing field, Kaleb is tasked with a mission that leads him to Caitlyn, forcing the two natural enemies to work together in a world plagued by famine, disease and now...WWIII. Can they overcome their mutual distrust to save what's left of humanity?
480 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 29, 2026
Operation Black Horse, book one in the Spetznaz Operator’s by N. J. Gervasi
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars ALL DAY LONG!
This book had everything I already love and a few things I didn’t even know I needed. Post apocalyptic famine? Check. Political conspiracy? Check. Elite military teams? Absolutely. True enemies-to-lovers? Sign me up. Throw in a dog named Loki who completely hijacked my heart and suddenly I’m emotionally invested in everyone’s survival. America is mysteriously thriving while the rest of the world is starving and accepting “help” comes at a horrifying price? Nothing suspicious about that (side-eyes aggressively.) By 6% there was already a deadly secret in play and I knew sleep was about to become optional.
Caitlyn is the kind of heroine I can get behind. A world renowned surgeon and researcher who casually ego slaps people with facts? Perfection. Then there’s Kaleb, a Russian Spetsnaz Kommandir who’s just as stubborn, disciplined and impossible as she is. These two are real enemies. Not “we argued once over coffee” enemies. The kind with generations of pain and history standing between them. Watching them reluctantly work together while trying not to throttle each other was ridiculously satisfying. The supporting cast absolutely carried their weight too. Mikhail, Yury, Spartak, Erik, and Pavel (who seems physically incapable of keeping his mouth shut,) felt like an actual elite military unit/band of brothers instead of background decoration.
The action had my pulse filing formal complaints. The drone shituation? Adrenaline. Lake Como? I forgot to breathe. The interrogations, military operations, political maneuvering and relentless tension had me glued to the pages. The only time I questioned Caitlyn’s brilliance was when she thought whatever that drone fired at her was a “bizarre choice of ballistics.” Ma’am, respectfully, we all knew what that was. 🤦🏼♀️ Tiny complaint in an otherwise phenomenal story. The politics, the military detail and the horrifying health scandal all felt unnervingly plausible. Whether you agree with the parallels to today’s world or not, they’re there and (in my opinion,) this dark romance blended with some speculative fiction is even more terrifying.
This book punched me right in the feelings. One minute I was clenching every muscle in my body during another action sequence, the next I was blinking away tears.
“I took a direct hit to my heart the moment you punched me in the face”
That instantly became one of my favorite enemies-to-lovers quotes. It’s rare that a synopsis delivers exactly what it promises but this one somehow undersold how good the story actually is. N. J. Gervasi, if you’re reading this, I have a few completely reasonable requests: character art, a ridiculously gorgeous special edition, the sequel as soon as humanly possible and can I pretty please be an early reader? *** Aggressively waving both arms*** This was one of those rare books that reminded me exactly why I love reading.
Thank you to NerdFam and N. J. Gervasi for both the physical and digital advance reader copies in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date July 31, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars ALL DAY LONG!
This book had everything I already love and a few things I didn’t even know I needed. Post apocalyptic famine? Check. Political conspiracy? Check. Elite military teams? Absolutely. True enemies-to-lovers? Sign me up. Throw in a dog named Loki who completely hijacked my heart and suddenly I’m emotionally invested in everyone’s survival. America is mysteriously thriving while the rest of the world is starving and accepting “help” comes at a horrifying price? Nothing suspicious about that (side-eyes aggressively.) By 6% there was already a deadly secret in play and I knew sleep was about to become optional.
Caitlyn is the kind of heroine I can get behind. A world renowned surgeon and researcher who casually ego slaps people with facts? Perfection. Then there’s Kaleb, a Russian Spetsnaz Kommandir who’s just as stubborn, disciplined and impossible as she is. These two are real enemies. Not “we argued once over coffee” enemies. The kind with generations of pain and history standing between them. Watching them reluctantly work together while trying not to throttle each other was ridiculously satisfying. The supporting cast absolutely carried their weight too. Mikhail, Yury, Spartak, Erik, and Pavel (who seems physically incapable of keeping his mouth shut,) felt like an actual elite military unit/band of brothers instead of background decoration.
The action had my pulse filing formal complaints. The drone shituation? Adrenaline. Lake Como? I forgot to breathe. The interrogations, military operations, political maneuvering and relentless tension had me glued to the pages. The only time I questioned Caitlyn’s brilliance was when she thought whatever that drone fired at her was a “bizarre choice of ballistics.” Ma’am, respectfully, we all knew what that was. 🤦🏼♀️ Tiny complaint in an otherwise phenomenal story. The politics, the military detail and the horrifying health scandal all felt unnervingly plausible. Whether you agree with the parallels to today’s world or not, they’re there and (in my opinion,) this dark romance blended with some speculative fiction is even more terrifying.
This book punched me right in the feelings. One minute I was clenching every muscle in my body during another action sequence, the next I was blinking away tears.
“I took a direct hit to my heart the moment you punched me in the face”
That instantly became one of my favorite enemies-to-lovers quotes. It’s rare that a synopsis delivers exactly what it promises but this one somehow undersold how good the story actually is. N. J. Gervasi, if you’re reading this, I have a few completely reasonable requests: character art, a ridiculously gorgeous special edition, the sequel as soon as humanly possible and can I pretty please be an early reader? *** Aggressively waving both arms*** This was one of those rare books that reminded me exactly why I love reading.
Thank you to NerdFam and N. J. Gervasi for both the physical and digital advance reader copies in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date July 31, 2026
July 17, 2026
This book finished me in ways i cannot understand just yet. what a book. what a story, what a masterpiece. i loved every single thing about this story. The emotions, the feelings, the turmoil, the struggle, the pain, the romance, and THE BETRAYAL. I bookmarked 42 pages, and i would have bookmarked more but i was so into the story i would just skip bookmarking. I will be reading book 2, i will be shouting to people to read this story. i absolutely loved it.
July 31, 2026
It’s actually a surreal experience to read a story so gripping and so realistic in nature to something that could happen in a modern day apocalyptic event. The fear of living in a world where what is supposed to sustain you, is actually slowly killing you instead. This is what Caitlyn Svendsen is at the center of. The knowledge she contains ultimately leaves the fate of the world in her hands, and an unavoidable trajectory straight towards Kaleb Volkov. ( who is literally the perfect person to complement her and her sass tbh lol. )
This book had me at the edge of my seat. The action, the nail biting stressful sequence of events?! There wasn’t a slow moment, and what starts off as a mission becomes SO much more. He falls first, and HARD. The banter between them was consistently engaging and funny to read, and there was truly nothing better than seeing the battle of wills play out. Kaleb & Caitlyn are both equally head strong and I just KNEW once they could see eye to eye everything else would fall into place.
Loki, I’m so glad you literally survived all the stress and scares your mom put you through lol. ( unintentionally of course lol. well besides the lake, I know that was terrifying )
Operation Black Horse truly felt like a show filled with all of the things that would have you staying up late to binge all of the episodes, only to leave you with your jaw on the floor at a conclusion that definitely leaves you worried until the next season.
Thrilling. Angsty. Terrifying. Tragic. Hopeful.
I can only imagine what comes next.
Thank you to NJ Gervasi and The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy!
This book had me at the edge of my seat. The action, the nail biting stressful sequence of events?! There wasn’t a slow moment, and what starts off as a mission becomes SO much more. He falls first, and HARD. The banter between them was consistently engaging and funny to read, and there was truly nothing better than seeing the battle of wills play out. Kaleb & Caitlyn are both equally head strong and I just KNEW once they could see eye to eye everything else would fall into place.
Loki, I’m so glad you literally survived all the stress and scares your mom put you through lol. ( unintentionally of course lol. well besides the lake, I know that was terrifying )
Operation Black Horse truly felt like a show filled with all of the things that would have you staying up late to binge all of the episodes, only to leave you with your jaw on the floor at a conclusion that definitely leaves you worried until the next season.
Thrilling. Angsty. Terrifying. Tragic. Hopeful.
I can only imagine what comes next.
Thank you to NJ Gervasi and The Nerd Fam for the gifted copy!
August 1, 2026
Elements of this story don't seem so far fetched of what our days could become.
"The moon is free and serene. Earth is enslaved and full of chaos."
Who can we truly trust? How do we know what is safe to ingest and where it comes from? Religious persecution?
All of this and more is so tastefully done. The story unfolds like a movie before your eyes. It had my heart pounding the whole time.
Shout out to Loki for being the best boy. 🐾 PSA no dogs are harmed in this story.
Thank you to N.J. Gervasi and The Nerd Fam for my gifted ARC! What a phenomenal debut!
"The moon is free and serene. Earth is enslaved and full of chaos."
Who can we truly trust? How do we know what is safe to ingest and where it comes from? Religious persecution?
All of this and more is so tastefully done. The story unfolds like a movie before your eyes. It had my heart pounding the whole time.
Shout out to Loki for being the best boy. 🐾 PSA no dogs are harmed in this story.
Thank you to N.J. Gervasi and The Nerd Fam for my gifted ARC! What a phenomenal debut!
September 20, 2021
N.J. Gervasi blows the door off the hinges with her debut novel to announce her arrival, taking you on a ride at a breakneck pace!
Operation Black Horse exposes the darkness of famine, a topic lost on most Westerners, and then weaponizes it to envelope you in a world that astoundingly mirrors current events, but with a different topic. Originally written in 2016, N.J. has seamlessly woven a near prophetic narrative that could be ripped from today's headlines. You'll quickly recognize the parallels - lying media, government control and forcing submission. (Sound familiar?!) And more!
The awareness of OBH is stunning in this way and it implores you to read on. These incentives of mind blowing treats help to catapult the story forward like a flaming boulder about to tear down the walls of a mighty castle... You simply can't put it down and you have to find out where the pieces crumble to!
Peppered throughout are countless philosophical gems that radiate in the here and now but, more importantly, further transport you into N.J.'s bleak dystopia where you want to be consumed! But you won't be afraid of the dark there. Her protagonist, Caitlyn, burns with the fury of a Viking shield maiden lighting your way, flawed, but never burning out. I found parts of myself directly relating to the essence of the wonderful and realistic characters brought to life here, and I could not read OBH fast enough!
At the end of the day, N.J. Gervasi is the kind of unfiltered, no holds barred author I look forward to reading more from, and I can't wait for her next novel! Highly recommended!
Operation Black Horse exposes the darkness of famine, a topic lost on most Westerners, and then weaponizes it to envelope you in a world that astoundingly mirrors current events, but with a different topic. Originally written in 2016, N.J. has seamlessly woven a near prophetic narrative that could be ripped from today's headlines. You'll quickly recognize the parallels - lying media, government control and forcing submission. (Sound familiar?!) And more!
The awareness of OBH is stunning in this way and it implores you to read on. These incentives of mind blowing treats help to catapult the story forward like a flaming boulder about to tear down the walls of a mighty castle... You simply can't put it down and you have to find out where the pieces crumble to!
Peppered throughout are countless philosophical gems that radiate in the here and now but, more importantly, further transport you into N.J.'s bleak dystopia where you want to be consumed! But you won't be afraid of the dark there. Her protagonist, Caitlyn, burns with the fury of a Viking shield maiden lighting your way, flawed, but never burning out. I found parts of myself directly relating to the essence of the wonderful and realistic characters brought to life here, and I could not read OBH fast enough!
At the end of the day, N.J. Gervasi is the kind of unfiltered, no holds barred author I look forward to reading more from, and I can't wait for her next novel! Highly recommended!
July 27, 2026
The brilliance of how this book rides the line of future possibilities vs fiction is part of what makes it so compelling!
Add Gervasi’s style of writing and the depth in which all of these characters are brought to life in addition to a SOLID plot makes for one of my favorite dystopian books this year!
I loved that Caitlyn’s father raised her by equipping her with both the many skills needed to survive & the importance of having independent thought. The addition of having two loving parents & a solid foundation made her one hell of a fierce FMC, like FOAFO!
Contrasted by Kaleb who was made to survive in this world by the harsh abuse of his father & the loss of his mother leading him to become “The Wolf of Russia.” But despite all of that he somehow maintained his humanity & the ability to love, making him one hell of an MMC.
Bring these two together & watch out as the sparks fly in this battle of stubbornness to change the future of the world!
And a shout out to LOKI 🐾 the world will fall in love with you 🥹
Highly recommend if these tropes speak to you!
▶︎ DYSTOPIAN ROMANCE
▶︎ DUAL POV
▶︎ Slow Burn
▶︎ He falls first
▶︎ Enemies to Lovers
▶︎ Doctor/Soldier
▶︎ Smart & fierce FMC
▶︎ To her & 💀/ Possessive MMC
I will leave you with ONE of my many favorite quotes…
“Life would always kneel without hesitation to the darkness that came for them all. There was no cheat code. No negotiating for more time. When Death reached for a soul, there was no force on this planet capable of stopping it. Even when the circumstances were unnatural. Wrong. Violent.”
***A special thank you to the author, N.J. Gervasi & The Nerd Fam, for the opportunity to read & review this ARC! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
Add Gervasi’s style of writing and the depth in which all of these characters are brought to life in addition to a SOLID plot makes for one of my favorite dystopian books this year!
I loved that Caitlyn’s father raised her by equipping her with both the many skills needed to survive & the importance of having independent thought. The addition of having two loving parents & a solid foundation made her one hell of a fierce FMC, like FOAFO!
Contrasted by Kaleb who was made to survive in this world by the harsh abuse of his father & the loss of his mother leading him to become “The Wolf of Russia.” But despite all of that he somehow maintained his humanity & the ability to love, making him one hell of an MMC.
Bring these two together & watch out as the sparks fly in this battle of stubbornness to change the future of the world!
And a shout out to LOKI 🐾 the world will fall in love with you 🥹
Highly recommend if these tropes speak to you!
▶︎ DYSTOPIAN ROMANCE
▶︎ DUAL POV
▶︎ Slow Burn
▶︎ He falls first
▶︎ Enemies to Lovers
▶︎ Doctor/Soldier
▶︎ Smart & fierce FMC
▶︎ To her & 💀/ Possessive MMC
I will leave you with ONE of my many favorite quotes…
“Life would always kneel without hesitation to the darkness that came for them all. There was no cheat code. No negotiating for more time. When Death reached for a soul, there was no force on this planet capable of stopping it. Even when the circumstances were unnatural. Wrong. Violent.”
***A special thank you to the author, N.J. Gervasi & The Nerd Fam, for the opportunity to read & review this ARC! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***
July 23, 2026
A refreshingly different dystopian! N.J. Gervasi did an amazing job creating a reimagined world decimated by an apocalyptic event while also pulling in some similarities we share in today’s reality. I really felt the silence during the quiet parts which heightened the anxiety, especially during situations we find the fmc Caitlyn in. I wasn’t the biggest fan of our mmc Kaleb until more than halfway through. As his character developed, things made more sense and he became much more likable. Plus I think he’s really going to let loose his villainous side in the next book and I’m here for it! This has strong bodyguard vibes (which is my favorite) even though technically it’s only because Caitlyn is coerced into going with the team tasked to capture her. Shes the headstrong doctor and he’s the grouchy Russian Op, so there’s tension. The good, the bad and…well all kinds of tension! Oh, and there’s a dog! This was such a good debut novel and I’m DYING to have book two in my hands! Thank you so much to author N. J. Gervasi and The NerdFam for sending me an advanced copy!
August 3, 2026
Whoa! 🤯
This book has me rethinking every decision I’ve ever made! If you think that the story is far-fetched, it is not! All the conspiracy theorist and doomsday preppers are starting to make sense, and I think I might join them!
Firstly, this is a political/science fiction. Book of a could-be dystopian world, not too far in the future. It is heavy on the science. It is well researched, but easy enough to understand. I actually enjoyed the genetic explanation of mutated cells as I have studied that subject before. It may not be for everyone, but I promise it will pay off in the end.
The political greed and betrayal felt too real….im now starting my own garden!
The banter between these two characters was exactly what I’m looking for in an “enemies to lovers”! I even laughed at some of the come backs. It was a love at first punch. 😂 Kaleb didn’t stand a chance!
I am relieved that Loki is still with us….. as dark and brutal as this book is, I would be upset if Loki met his demise.
Of this was a show I’d Binge the whole thing!
I can not wait for book 2!
This book has me rethinking every decision I’ve ever made! If you think that the story is far-fetched, it is not! All the conspiracy theorist and doomsday preppers are starting to make sense, and I think I might join them!
Firstly, this is a political/science fiction. Book of a could-be dystopian world, not too far in the future. It is heavy on the science. It is well researched, but easy enough to understand. I actually enjoyed the genetic explanation of mutated cells as I have studied that subject before. It may not be for everyone, but I promise it will pay off in the end.
The political greed and betrayal felt too real….im now starting my own garden!
The banter between these two characters was exactly what I’m looking for in an “enemies to lovers”! I even laughed at some of the come backs. It was a love at first punch. 😂 Kaleb didn’t stand a chance!
I am relieved that Loki is still with us….. as dark and brutal as this book is, I would be upset if Loki met his demise.
Of this was a show I’d Binge the whole thing!
I can not wait for book 2!
August 4, 2026
This book was an amazing discovery. The plot is original and well crafted, and I was invested from page one. The writing is absolutely amazing, the pace is perfect and it keeps you on your toes !
I loved both main characters as well as their development over the course of the book. Both are flawed and they're not the cliche main character that can do no wrong, which makes them all the more likeable and relatable.
Their relationship was absolutely amazing as well, from the built of trust to the development and most importantly the admission of feelings, the buildup was really nice.
Now this is not a book for just any reader. It does touch on some sensitive subjects and can become quite violent. But I'd totally recommend it to anyone who likes dystopia, science and romance and doesn't mind a little gore.
This is a 5* read for me and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author !
I loved both main characters as well as their development over the course of the book. Both are flawed and they're not the cliche main character that can do no wrong, which makes them all the more likeable and relatable.
Their relationship was absolutely amazing as well, from the built of trust to the development and most importantly the admission of feelings, the buildup was really nice.
Now this is not a book for just any reader. It does touch on some sensitive subjects and can become quite violent. But I'd totally recommend it to anyone who likes dystopia, science and romance and doesn't mind a little gore.
This is a 5* read for me and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author !
July 29, 2026
Loveddd this! This is the first dystopian book I’ve read that was actually very realistic. There were several times while I was reading where I thought, “Yep, I could definitely see that happening.”
It was also incredibly detailed about the history and current consequences of dealing with famine and war. Like, VERY detailed, to the point that I found it a little bit slow in the beginning.
But once Caitlyn and Kaleb met for the first time, the pace picked up and I was hooked! Caitlyn is strong, stubborn, and brilliant. Kaleb is serious, stoic, with a hidden softness beneath the surface. Neither of them are exactly what they seem and I loved that. Their chemistry was amazing.
Be warned: this book ends on a PAINFUL cliffhanger and leaves a lot unanswered. I know the wait will be worth it, but damn. 😩
If you love dystopian, slow burn romances, I think you will love this!
Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for this ARC.
It was also incredibly detailed about the history and current consequences of dealing with famine and war. Like, VERY detailed, to the point that I found it a little bit slow in the beginning.
But once Caitlyn and Kaleb met for the first time, the pace picked up and I was hooked! Caitlyn is strong, stubborn, and brilliant. Kaleb is serious, stoic, with a hidden softness beneath the surface. Neither of them are exactly what they seem and I loved that. Their chemistry was amazing.
Be warned: this book ends on a PAINFUL cliffhanger and leaves a lot unanswered. I know the wait will be worth it, but damn. 😩
If you love dystopian, slow burn romances, I think you will love this!
Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for this ARC.
August 4, 2026
Thank you Nerd Fam for the ARC!
WOW did I love this!!! The science, the strategy, the hopelessness of it all. This is every single thing I love in a dystopian book and I want more IMMEDIATELY.
I LOVED Caitlyn as a FMC. She's smart, she's a fighter, and she's exactly the type of person you would want around in a dystopia. So, if you don't have a friend like her in your life--you maybe should get one sooner rather than later. But let's be honest, Loki is the best character. A very good boy.
This is definitely a brutal story that doesn't pull punches. It's violent, it's aggressive and it feels real in a way that makes me want to go back to school immediately....just in case.
If you're a fan of true dark dystopia, you will absolutely LOVE this. Start to finish, I ate this UP!!
WOW did I love this!!! The science, the strategy, the hopelessness of it all. This is every single thing I love in a dystopian book and I want more IMMEDIATELY.
I LOVED Caitlyn as a FMC. She's smart, she's a fighter, and she's exactly the type of person you would want around in a dystopia. So, if you don't have a friend like her in your life--you maybe should get one sooner rather than later. But let's be honest, Loki is the best character. A very good boy.
This is definitely a brutal story that doesn't pull punches. It's violent, it's aggressive and it feels real in a way that makes me want to go back to school immediately....just in case.
If you're a fan of true dark dystopia, you will absolutely LOVE this. Start to finish, I ate this UP!!
August 8, 2026
Thank you to the NerdFam and N J Gervasi for an eARC of this wonderful novel.
A near future dystopian novel where we follow Dr Caitlin Svendsen in a post famine world where she is seeing a large increase of patients she sees with serious illness.
A story filled with unlikely friendships, deceit, devastation and hope.
I enjoyed following Caitlin’s story and character development and the pacing of this story was really good.
I’m looking forward to continuing Caitlin’s journey in the sequel and seeing how she overcomes future challenges.
A near future dystopian novel where we follow Dr Caitlin Svendsen in a post famine world where she is seeing a large increase of patients she sees with serious illness.
A story filled with unlikely friendships, deceit, devastation and hope.
I enjoyed following Caitlin’s story and character development and the pacing of this story was really good.
I’m looking forward to continuing Caitlin’s journey in the sequel and seeing how she overcomes future challenges.
August 5, 2026
Five stars! Operation Black Horse is an addictive, high-stakes, sci-fi thriller with vivid characters, nerve-wracking tension, and a fresh, unforgettable premise. Oh, and it’s also a romance. I couldn’t put it down.
August 1, 2026
Full review to come!!!
April 28, 2026
This story doesn’t just explore survival, it quietly unsettles you with how close it feels to reality. There’s a constant tension humming beneath every page, not just from the danger the characters face, but from the moral gray areas they’re forced to navigate. Caitlyn’s determination and Kaleb’s conflicted loyalty create a dynamic that feels sharp and believable, never slipping into easy trust or predictable choices.
The character building and storytelling are what truly keep you locked in. Every layer that’s revealed feels intentional, pulling you deeper into their world and making it impossible to look away. You’re not just watching events unfold, you’re invested in every decision and consequence.
What lingers most is the atmosphere. The world feels fragile, controlled by power disguised as salvation, and that unease seeps into every interaction. It doesn’t offer comfort or clean resolutions, and that’s exactly what makes it hit harder.
By the end, it left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty that felt uncomfortably tied to the current state of the world, where control, scarcity, and truth don’t always fall into the right hands.
The character building and storytelling are what truly keep you locked in. Every layer that’s revealed feels intentional, pulling you deeper into their world and making it impossible to look away. You’re not just watching events unfold, you’re invested in every decision and consequence.
What lingers most is the atmosphere. The world feels fragile, controlled by power disguised as salvation, and that unease seeps into every interaction. It doesn’t offer comfort or clean resolutions, and that’s exactly what makes it hit harder.
By the end, it left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty that felt uncomfortably tied to the current state of the world, where control, scarcity, and truth don’t always fall into the right hands.
February 2, 2022
Loved this book!!!! I hope she writes a sequel
August 16, 2026
Operation Black Horse, by N.J. Gervasi, is a dark, ambitious adult dystopian romance that blends dystopian science fiction, military action, medical suspense, and geopolitical thriller elements into a story about survival in a world already pushed frighteningly close to extinction. The novel begins with the Great World Famine, showing Caitlyn Svendsen and Kaleb Volkov as children on opposite sides of the globe before jumping ahead to 2041. Caitlyn is now a gifted American surgeon who has uncovered a devastating secret: the agricultural formula credited with saving humanity is also poisoning it, contributing to aggressive cancers and infertility. Kaleb, meanwhile, has become an elite Russian Spetsnaz commander tasked with finding her after a multinational invasion of the United States. The setup gives the book a huge canvas, but its emotional stakes stay grounded in two people whose lives were permanently shaped by the same catastrophe.
What makes this dystopian romance especially absorbing is how much personality Gervasi gives Caitlyn and Kaleb. Caitlyn is intelligent, sarcastic, stubborn, ethically complicated, and understandably furious when Kaleb's carefully constructed American identity falls apart. Kaleb is equally layered. He's a soldier and former killer who can be ruthless without losing the protective instincts that define him. Their relationship grows out of mistrust, manipulation, forced proximity, grief, and an attraction neither of them finds particularly convenient. Their banter brings some welcome humor into an otherwise brutal story, while quieter moments, especially those involving Caitlyn's parents, Kaleb's mother, and his Spetsnaz team, reveal how badly these characters want some ordinary human connection. The romance feels inseparable from the survival story because trust isn't just an emotional issue here. Trust can literally determine who lives.
The worldbuilding is equally committed. This is a post-apocalyptic novel fascinated with what happens when famine reshapes governments, medicine, agriculture, warfare, religion, technology, and even the value placed on individual human beings. Gervasi spends real time inside the military and political machinery of her future, from Russian special operations and America's FALA program to neural implants, propaganda, black markets, religious persecution, and the consequences of countries fighting over the last reliable food supply. That detail makes the world feel much larger than Caitlyn and Kaleb's romance. It also gives the story a dense, information-rich style, particularly when characters discuss military strategy, history, politics, or science. For readers who enjoy military science fiction and dystopian thrillers that dig into the systems behind a collapsing society, there's a lot here to sink into. The violence and darker material are graphic at times, but they're woven into a world where starvation and institutional brutality have been shaping people for years.
By the end, Operation Black Horse has expanded from a story about a doctor fleeing an invasion into a much bigger struggle over who gets to control knowledge capable of changing humanity's future. Caitlyn and Kaleb's growing connection gives that conflict its heart, especially as both begin making choices that put personal loyalty at odds with country, duty, and survival. Since this is Book One of the Spetsnaz Operators Series, the ending deliberately carries the conflict forward, with Caitlyn arriving in Moscow and entering a Kremlin she already understands may be another kind of prison. That leaves Operation Black Horse feeling like the opening part of a larger dystopian romance series, with plenty of political danger, moral ambiguity, and unresolved emotional fallout waiting on the other side. If you like character-driven science fiction, morally gray soldiers, high-stakes medical mysteries, and sprawling speculative worlds where love develops in the middle of geopolitical chaos, this one gives you plenty to chew on.
What makes this dystopian romance especially absorbing is how much personality Gervasi gives Caitlyn and Kaleb. Caitlyn is intelligent, sarcastic, stubborn, ethically complicated, and understandably furious when Kaleb's carefully constructed American identity falls apart. Kaleb is equally layered. He's a soldier and former killer who can be ruthless without losing the protective instincts that define him. Their relationship grows out of mistrust, manipulation, forced proximity, grief, and an attraction neither of them finds particularly convenient. Their banter brings some welcome humor into an otherwise brutal story, while quieter moments, especially those involving Caitlyn's parents, Kaleb's mother, and his Spetsnaz team, reveal how badly these characters want some ordinary human connection. The romance feels inseparable from the survival story because trust isn't just an emotional issue here. Trust can literally determine who lives.
The worldbuilding is equally committed. This is a post-apocalyptic novel fascinated with what happens when famine reshapes governments, medicine, agriculture, warfare, religion, technology, and even the value placed on individual human beings. Gervasi spends real time inside the military and political machinery of her future, from Russian special operations and America's FALA program to neural implants, propaganda, black markets, religious persecution, and the consequences of countries fighting over the last reliable food supply. That detail makes the world feel much larger than Caitlyn and Kaleb's romance. It also gives the story a dense, information-rich style, particularly when characters discuss military strategy, history, politics, or science. For readers who enjoy military science fiction and dystopian thrillers that dig into the systems behind a collapsing society, there's a lot here to sink into. The violence and darker material are graphic at times, but they're woven into a world where starvation and institutional brutality have been shaping people for years.
By the end, Operation Black Horse has expanded from a story about a doctor fleeing an invasion into a much bigger struggle over who gets to control knowledge capable of changing humanity's future. Caitlyn and Kaleb's growing connection gives that conflict its heart, especially as both begin making choices that put personal loyalty at odds with country, duty, and survival. Since this is Book One of the Spetsnaz Operators Series, the ending deliberately carries the conflict forward, with Caitlyn arriving in Moscow and entering a Kremlin she already understands may be another kind of prison. That leaves Operation Black Horse feeling like the opening part of a larger dystopian romance series, with plenty of political danger, moral ambiguity, and unresolved emotional fallout waiting on the other side. If you like character-driven science fiction, morally gray soldiers, high-stakes medical mysteries, and sprawling speculative worlds where love develops in the middle of geopolitical chaos, this one gives you plenty to chew on.
Did Not Finish
July 20, 2026So... I've received this book as an arc, and I am extremely thankful for that. I started reading it as soon as I received it and had a feeling from the second I started reading the author's note that I would enjoy this novel. I don't commonly read the dystopian genre but the synopsis of this novel just seemed too good to not at least TRY to get an ARC (which again I am so thankful to receive!).
However... I can't seem to push past the first 100-ish pages. Which might be unfair given most of the story is only still getting set up within the first 100 pages. But the writing style, the constant repetition of statements and ideas, kind of trying to hammer information into the readers head, the telling us what the characters are vs what they're not, their supposed achievements prior to the novel starting (which we're just expected to believe), I just can't come to terms with. There's a lot of telling and not showing, and it gets kind of bogged down FOR ME.
In the end, I think one of my other issues with this was that as a science fiction (as the author so clearly puts it in the author's note), the book does not try to paint heroes or villains of the countries being discussed but it is rather just that, a fiction. HOWEVER. Why then, in today's climate, could we not come up with entirely fictional countries to try and avoid even the slightest misconception that we are indeed trying to paint heroes and/or villains. It came across very villainous of both main countries and very hero-y of both as well, at times.
In the past, I would have pushed through and continued reading just simply because this was an ARC I so gratefully received, and for fear of upsetting the author, but I just can't.
Again, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early.
ALL IN ALL - I would say the writing style did not agree with me BUT the storyline is very interesting and it's what got me interested in the first place so I WOULD STILL RECOMMEND that people read this. I can't not recommend it just because the writing style didn't agree with me!
However... I can't seem to push past the first 100-ish pages. Which might be unfair given most of the story is only still getting set up within the first 100 pages. But the writing style, the constant repetition of statements and ideas, kind of trying to hammer information into the readers head, the telling us what the characters are vs what they're not, their supposed achievements prior to the novel starting (which we're just expected to believe), I just can't come to terms with. There's a lot of telling and not showing, and it gets kind of bogged down FOR ME.
In the end, I think one of my other issues with this was that as a science fiction (as the author so clearly puts it in the author's note), the book does not try to paint heroes or villains of the countries being discussed but it is rather just that, a fiction. HOWEVER. Why then, in today's climate, could we not come up with entirely fictional countries to try and avoid even the slightest misconception that we are indeed trying to paint heroes and/or villains. It came across very villainous of both main countries and very hero-y of both as well, at times.
In the past, I would have pushed through and continued reading just simply because this was an ARC I so gratefully received, and for fear of upsetting the author, but I just can't.
Again, thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early.
ALL IN ALL - I would say the writing style did not agree with me BUT the storyline is very interesting and it's what got me interested in the first place so I WOULD STILL RECOMMEND that people read this. I can't not recommend it just because the writing style didn't agree with me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Nerd Fam and the author for the gifted copy
A confident debut novel that feels incredibly real. Most dystopian books I've read lean into fantasy elements or are set so far into the future they almost feel like sci-fi. Not this. It felt grounded, unsettlingly believable, and honestly a little too close for comfort.
Set in 2041 after a global famine reshapes the balance of power, the story follows a surgeon searching for answers behind a growing medical mystery and a Russian Spetsnaz commander sent on a mission that could change everything. Food has become the world's most powerful weapon, and every decision carries consequences that reach far beyond the individual characters. It's a fascinating premise because it never feels far removed from reality.
There were many moments where I had to pause and just think about the questions being asked. It's the kind of story that gets under your skin because so much of it doesn't feel impossible. Instead, it feels like a natural extension of things we already see happening around us, which made the entire reading experience even more impactful.
Without getting into spoilers, I also have to give credit for how thoughtfully the story handles topics that could have easily become political or preachy. It never felt like I was being told what to think. The world simply exists as it is, and the characters have to navigate it. That made everything feel authentic and let me draw my own conclusions. The characters kept me invested, the world is bleak without ever feeling hopeless, and then there was that ending...I need book 2 now! My heart hurts and is hoping there's still a white dove of hope waiting for these characters.
🍵 Final Verdict
An outstanding debut that feels chillingly plausible, makes you think without preaching, and delivers an ending that left me desperate for the next book. If you enjoy dystopian fiction that feels like it could actually happen, I absolutely recommend picking this up.
A confident debut novel that feels incredibly real. Most dystopian books I've read lean into fantasy elements or are set so far into the future they almost feel like sci-fi. Not this. It felt grounded, unsettlingly believable, and honestly a little too close for comfort.
Set in 2041 after a global famine reshapes the balance of power, the story follows a surgeon searching for answers behind a growing medical mystery and a Russian Spetsnaz commander sent on a mission that could change everything. Food has become the world's most powerful weapon, and every decision carries consequences that reach far beyond the individual characters. It's a fascinating premise because it never feels far removed from reality.
There were many moments where I had to pause and just think about the questions being asked. It's the kind of story that gets under your skin because so much of it doesn't feel impossible. Instead, it feels like a natural extension of things we already see happening around us, which made the entire reading experience even more impactful.
Without getting into spoilers, I also have to give credit for how thoughtfully the story handles topics that could have easily become political or preachy. It never felt like I was being told what to think. The world simply exists as it is, and the characters have to navigate it. That made everything feel authentic and let me draw my own conclusions. The characters kept me invested, the world is bleak without ever feeling hopeless, and then there was that ending...I need book 2 now! My heart hurts and is hoping there's still a white dove of hope waiting for these characters.
🍵 Final Verdict
An outstanding debut that feels chillingly plausible, makes you think without preaching, and delivers an ending that left me desperate for the next book. If you enjoy dystopian fiction that feels like it could actually happen, I absolutely recommend picking this up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of my first military/spy romances - I had fun! This book brings action, duty, banter, and tenderness, set against a backdrop of a dystopian future just far enough away that it makes you wonder: could this really happen?
At times the plot seemed to slow down quite a bit, and there were also sections where a lot of information is shared all at once, which I sometimes found a hard to take in. Some of the romantic scenes were a bit cheesy - but that's not to say they weren't fun! ;)
The spice scene/(s), however, were excellent - very well executed. Wouldn't mind seeing more of those!
The world-building/setting is also great, perfectly capturing those eerie, post-apocalyptic vibes.
Overall, this book is very well-researched, combining real-world and fictional histories to give the story its own political landscape in which to unfold, all the while still feeling very believable. Although it might be considered a tricky/risky time to publish a book about Russian and American politics, I think the author navigated it quite well. Better than I expected. It never felt like a push of a specific political view or opinion, but rather a reminder that politics are a gray mess. That countries are made up of individuals, people with their own thoughts and values that do not necessarily reflect that of their governments. And that freedom of thought and loyalty to oneself, your values and your cause to do good in this world, is what keeps humanity afloat. Even if everything else falls away.
I will definitely be reading book 2, out beginning 2027! Can't wait to delve deeper into the characters' murky pasts and dark sides. And see how they overcome.
*I received this ARC copy for free, but this review and everything in it is 100% my own opinion and given voluntarily.
At times the plot seemed to slow down quite a bit, and there were also sections where a lot of information is shared all at once, which I sometimes found a hard to take in. Some of the romantic scenes were a bit cheesy - but that's not to say they weren't fun! ;)
The spice scene/(s), however, were excellent - very well executed. Wouldn't mind seeing more of those!
The world-building/setting is also great, perfectly capturing those eerie, post-apocalyptic vibes.
Overall, this book is very well-researched, combining real-world and fictional histories to give the story its own political landscape in which to unfold, all the while still feeling very believable. Although it might be considered a tricky/risky time to publish a book about Russian and American politics, I think the author navigated it quite well. Better than I expected. It never felt like a push of a specific political view or opinion, but rather a reminder that politics are a gray mess. That countries are made up of individuals, people with their own thoughts and values that do not necessarily reflect that of their governments. And that freedom of thought and loyalty to oneself, your values and your cause to do good in this world, is what keeps humanity afloat. Even if everything else falls away.
I will definitely be reading book 2, out beginning 2027! Can't wait to delve deeper into the characters' murky pasts and dark sides. And see how they overcome.
*I received this ARC copy for free, but this review and everything in it is 100% my own opinion and given voluntarily.
August 4, 2026
I read a lot of sci-fi and dystopian fiction, and what made this one stand out was how terrifyingly plausible it felt. The horror isn't monsters or impossible technology—it's realizing that almost every event in this book feels like something that could actually happen. More than once I caught myself thinking, "...that's not that far-fetched." That thought alone was more unsettling than anything else I've read this year.
I also loved that the author never dumbed down the science or the larger ideas. The story trusts the reader to keep up, and because of that, everything feels grounded and authentic. I found myself pausing just to think through the implications of what was happening and how easily our own world could slide in that direction.
Another surprise was the romance. It wasn't forced or insta-love—it grew naturally through shared experiences, trust, and impossible circumstances. By the end, I wasn't just rooting for the relationship; I was rooting for these people to survive.
The FMC was another highlight. Through her perspective, the story strips away politics, borders, and national loyalties until you're no longer asking which country is right. You're asking what's right for humanity. That shift happened so naturally that I didn't even realize it until I was completely invested in every impossible decision the characters had to make.
If you enjoy dystopian fiction that feels unsettlingly plausible—think The Last of Us meets The Martian's respect for science, with the political tension of Children of Men—this one deserves a spot on your TBR. It's intelligent, thought-provoking, emotionally grounded, and just a little too believable for comfort.
I also loved that the author never dumbed down the science or the larger ideas. The story trusts the reader to keep up, and because of that, everything feels grounded and authentic. I found myself pausing just to think through the implications of what was happening and how easily our own world could slide in that direction.
Another surprise was the romance. It wasn't forced or insta-love—it grew naturally through shared experiences, trust, and impossible circumstances. By the end, I wasn't just rooting for the relationship; I was rooting for these people to survive.
The FMC was another highlight. Through her perspective, the story strips away politics, borders, and national loyalties until you're no longer asking which country is right. You're asking what's right for humanity. That shift happened so naturally that I didn't even realize it until I was completely invested in every impossible decision the characters had to make.
If you enjoy dystopian fiction that feels unsettlingly plausible—think The Last of Us meets The Martian's respect for science, with the political tension of Children of Men—this one deserves a spot on your TBR. It's intelligent, thought-provoking, emotionally grounded, and just a little too believable for comfort.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW what a debut novel, I’d give six stars if I could! I was hooked from the start and could not put it down.
In the wake of a global famine, a brilliant American doctor is frustrated that she isn’t allowed to truly cure her patients even though her country now has access to a classified growth formula. As her research takes her closer to a truth the government wants hidden, Dr. Caitlyn Svendsen is forced to flee for her life. Straight into a Spetsnaz team led by the ruthless Commander Kaleb Volkov, whose mission is to bring her to Russia to save them from starvation.
The themes feel incredibly real: a global famine, political crises, corruption, planetary health and government censorship. It’s frightening just how close to reality this is. If you’re interested in food safety, agriculture or population issues, this will scratch that itch, bringing those fears vividly to life.
Despite the heavy themes, there is also romance. I loved the banter, tension and yearning between Caitlyn and Kaleb as they clashed with each other, as well as the ethical struggles they both face. And then there’s Caitlyn’s dog Loki, he completely stole my heart, along with the Batman references throughout.
It’s safe to say I’m a N.J. Gervasi fan for life and will be devouring everything by her, I can’t wait for the sequel, Operation White Dove. This is perfect for dystopian thriller fans, perhaps even conspiracy theorists. 1000% recommend!
In the wake of a global famine, a brilliant American doctor is frustrated that she isn’t allowed to truly cure her patients even though her country now has access to a classified growth formula. As her research takes her closer to a truth the government wants hidden, Dr. Caitlyn Svendsen is forced to flee for her life. Straight into a Spetsnaz team led by the ruthless Commander Kaleb Volkov, whose mission is to bring her to Russia to save them from starvation.
The themes feel incredibly real: a global famine, political crises, corruption, planetary health and government censorship. It’s frightening just how close to reality this is. If you’re interested in food safety, agriculture or population issues, this will scratch that itch, bringing those fears vividly to life.
Despite the heavy themes, there is also romance. I loved the banter, tension and yearning between Caitlyn and Kaleb as they clashed with each other, as well as the ethical struggles they both face. And then there’s Caitlyn’s dog Loki, he completely stole my heart, along with the Batman references throughout.
It’s safe to say I’m a N.J. Gervasi fan for life and will be devouring everything by her, I can’t wait for the sequel, Operation White Dove. This is perfect for dystopian thriller fans, perhaps even conspiracy theorists. 1000% recommend!
August 14, 2026
I have so many thoughts about this book. I’m usually a third person hater. But the writing in this book was so good that it played like a damn movie in my mind. It gave me a very eerie kind of feeling which is what the author was trying to go for. I assume with the whole apocalyptic vibe but also the world not being apocalyptic. The plot itself was really really interesting and really well thought out.
However, I did feel like this book was more of just like straight up fiction than a romance novel. They were very little romance crumbs to be seen. I didn’t really believe the relationship between the two main characters towards the end. Like I felt some sort of emotion/connection from Kaleb side. But from my FMC side nothing. It went 0 to 100 real quick. The L was being thrown around. I was like there has not been enough buildup for this to be viable.
So while the plot of the story was really fantastically well written and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I was severely laid down by the fact that the romance did not hold up to the rest of the story.
Will I be reading the next one? I’m not sure we’ll see how I feel when it comes out.
For the plot itself, I give it a really solid four stars. If we take into account the romance and the plot of the story 3.5 stars.
However, I did feel like this book was more of just like straight up fiction than a romance novel. They were very little romance crumbs to be seen. I didn’t really believe the relationship between the two main characters towards the end. Like I felt some sort of emotion/connection from Kaleb side. But from my FMC side nothing. It went 0 to 100 real quick. The L was being thrown around. I was like there has not been enough buildup for this to be viable.
So while the plot of the story was really fantastically well written and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I was severely laid down by the fact that the romance did not hold up to the rest of the story.
Will I be reading the next one? I’m not sure we’ll see how I feel when it comes out.
For the plot itself, I give it a really solid four stars. If we take into account the romance and the plot of the story 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
This story doesn’t just explore survival, it quietly unsettles you with how close it feels to reality. There’s a constant tension humming beneath every page, not just from the danger the characters face, but from the moral gray areas they’re forced to navigate. Caitlyn’s determination and Kaleb’s conflicted loyalty create a dynamic that feels sharp and believable, never slipping into easy trust or predictable choices.
The character building and storytelling are what truly keep you locked in. Every layer that’s revealed feels intentional, pulling you deeper into their world and making it impossible to look away. You’re not just watching events unfold, you’re invested in every decision and consequence.
What lingers most is the atmosphere. The world feels fragile, controlled by power disguised as salvation, and that unease seeps into every interaction. It doesn’t offer comfort or clean resolutions, and that’s exactly what makes it hit harder.
By the end, it left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty that felt uncomfortably tied to the current state of the world, where control, scarcity, and truth don’t always fall into the right hands.
The character building and storytelling are what truly keep you locked in. Every layer that’s revealed feels intentional, pulling you deeper into their world and making it impossible to look away. You’re not just watching events unfold, you’re invested in every decision and consequence.
What lingers most is the atmosphere. The world feels fragile, controlled by power disguised as salvation, and that unease seeps into every interaction. It doesn’t offer comfort or clean resolutions, and that’s exactly what makes it hit harder.
By the end, it left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty that felt uncomfortably tied to the current state of the world, where control, scarcity, and truth don’t always fall into the right hands.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I finish this book or did it finish me?? The answer is actually the latter.
This was PHENOMENAL I absolutely adored every second of it. A dystopian sci-fi romance with enemies to lovers, lots and lots of political intrigue, yearning, secrets, and HIGH stakes.
I was immersed into the story from chapter 1, the authors writing sucks you in almost immediately.
I felt such a strong connection towards the characters and I just couldn't get enough of them. The FMC was smart, strong, resilient, relatable, and extremely likable. The MMC was seriously swoon worthy, he fell first and fell harder. And he was so witty. I loved the banter between them, it gave me life.
This book was so unique and singular, I've never read anything remotely like it before. It was like a breath of fresh air. From the writing, to the world, to the story overall, it’s truly one of a kind. And a reminder that reading is in fact political! It honestly started to stress me out a little because the problems that were happening in this book seemed plausible, something that could actually happen in real life😅
The ending absolutely broke my heart and I did not see it coming at all!! I thought I knew where it was going and then the story did a complete 180. I’m so excited and ready for book 2! I need it to be February already.
Huge thank you to the author for sending me this book I am so glad I got to read this <3
This was PHENOMENAL I absolutely adored every second of it. A dystopian sci-fi romance with enemies to lovers, lots and lots of political intrigue, yearning, secrets, and HIGH stakes.
I was immersed into the story from chapter 1, the authors writing sucks you in almost immediately.
I felt such a strong connection towards the characters and I just couldn't get enough of them. The FMC was smart, strong, resilient, relatable, and extremely likable. The MMC was seriously swoon worthy, he fell first and fell harder. And he was so witty. I loved the banter between them, it gave me life.
This book was so unique and singular, I've never read anything remotely like it before. It was like a breath of fresh air. From the writing, to the world, to the story overall, it’s truly one of a kind. And a reminder that reading is in fact political! It honestly started to stress me out a little because the problems that were happening in this book seemed plausible, something that could actually happen in real life😅
The ending absolutely broke my heart and I did not see it coming at all!! I thought I knew where it was going and then the story did a complete 180. I’m so excited and ready for book 2! I need it to be February already.
Huge thank you to the author for sending me this book I am so glad I got to read this <3
August 17, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the gifted copy!
If you love dystopian sci-fi romance but are tired of the same old tropes, Operation Black Horse by N.J. Gervasi is definitely worth a look. It is a moody, high-stakes ride that blends a worldwide medical mystery with intense geopolitical tension. Operation Black Horse is set in a gritty, post-famine world that feels a little too real for comfort.
At the heart of the story is the enemies-to-lovers chemistry between Caitlyn, an American surgeon, and Kaleb, a Russian Spetsnaz commander. Their dynamic is a slow burn, but it provides a great emotional anchor against a backdrop of political paranoia and survival instincts. Morally gray is an understatement. I FELT things. SO. MANY. THINGS.
This book has:
Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers
Morally gray everyone
Forced proximity
A good boy named Loki
Betrayal
He falls first
History and science
Banter
You'll be dying to know how it all turns out, but as the first in a series, a cliffhanger is the only way this one could end! I'm so in for the next book.
If you love dystopian sci-fi romance but are tired of the same old tropes, Operation Black Horse by N.J. Gervasi is definitely worth a look. It is a moody, high-stakes ride that blends a worldwide medical mystery with intense geopolitical tension. Operation Black Horse is set in a gritty, post-famine world that feels a little too real for comfort.
At the heart of the story is the enemies-to-lovers chemistry between Caitlyn, an American surgeon, and Kaleb, a Russian Spetsnaz commander. Their dynamic is a slow burn, but it provides a great emotional anchor against a backdrop of political paranoia and survival instincts. Morally gray is an understatement. I FELT things. SO. MANY. THINGS.
This book has:
Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers
Morally gray everyone
Forced proximity
A good boy named Loki
Betrayal
He falls first
History and science
Banter
You'll be dying to know how it all turns out, but as the first in a series, a cliffhanger is the only way this one could end! I'm so in for the next book.
August 17, 2026
Thank you so much to NerdFam and N.J. Gervasi for providing me with a copy of Operation Black Horse!
Operation Black Horse is a dystopian that feels a little too close to reality. The book explores a post famine world where food has become the world's most powerful weapon. We follow Caitlyn, a doctor, that uncovers that whatever has helped save the world from the famine is now poisoning it. We also follow Kaleb, a Russian Soldier, who is now tasked with finding her during an invasion of the US.
There were parts of this story where I felt like there was a lot of information given to the readers which did make me slow down a bit. It is a lot of information but is definitely needed to fully understand the story.
I enjoyed reading Operation Black Horse and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a new dystopian to read!
Operation Black Horse is a dystopian that feels a little too close to reality. The book explores a post famine world where food has become the world's most powerful weapon. We follow Caitlyn, a doctor, that uncovers that whatever has helped save the world from the famine is now poisoning it. We also follow Kaleb, a Russian Soldier, who is now tasked with finding her during an invasion of the US.
There were parts of this story where I felt like there was a lot of information given to the readers which did make me slow down a bit. It is a lot of information but is definitely needed to fully understand the story.
I enjoyed reading Operation Black Horse and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a new dystopian to read!
August 6, 2026
Wow, wow, wow… this book made me feel things.
I was hooked from the very first chapter. The writing is so engaging that I just kept turning the pages, desperate to know what happened next. The dystopian elements were woven in brilliantly, creating a world that felt immersive and believable.
I genuinely had such a great time with this story and couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded. Thank you for the opportunity to read this
I was hooked from the very first chapter. The writing is so engaging that I just kept turning the pages, desperate to know what happened next. The dystopian elements were woven in brilliantly, creating a world that felt immersive and believable.
I genuinely had such a great time with this story and couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded. Thank you for the opportunity to read this
just-for-the-cover
July 20, 2026Added because I think the cover artist's work is phenomenal but won't be reading it. Given the problems with syntax and grammar (like the dangling modifier) just in the overly long blurb, I'd expect the book to have substantial problems. I guess fingers crossed that it's a great book that'll be picked up by a trad publisher who will keep the cover art and provide some much needed editing!
August 8, 2026
First book by this author and I have to say, I am hooked. This post-apocalyptic world that Gervasi built is so realistic and crazy. The writing is very matter of fact, but I really enjoyed this style of writing with the story. Read from 2 POVs. I have to say though, you should not read this as a light pre-bedtime read, because the WTF moments will be keeping you up. Definitely recommend.
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