Terminal Impact

Jack Valentine Marine Sniper #1

by Charles Henderson

From the author of Marine Sniper--the classic true account of Sergeant Carlos Hathcock--comes a gripping and gritty new novel about a sniper on the trail of al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in post-9/11 Iraq...

At age twenty, Marine Scout-Sniper Jack Valentine had his first kill in Iraq at the start of the Persian Gulf War. Now, it's 2006, and he's back in Baghdad, obsessed with taking down al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Jack missed his first shot at Zarqawi, and it's haunted him ever since--even though the attack struck fear into the black hearts of the jihadists and earned him the name the Ghost of Anbar.

Now leading his own special operations platoon, Jack is determined to hunt down and take out his target this time. But the jihadists are not his only enemies. The ruthless amoral leader of a band of mercenaries is feeding al-Qaeda secret information--and also pursuing the love of Jack's life, FBI agent Liberty Cruz. Jack may soon find himself in the crosshairs if he doesn't eliminate his rival first...

Genres: Thriller

464 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2016

About the author

Retired from the United States Marine Corps, July 1, 1993 as a Chief Warrant Officer with 23 years and two months active duty service. Combat duty includes Vietnam and Lebanon. Decorations include Combat Action Ribbon and Meritorious Service Medal. Training included: infantry skills, combat tactics and leadership, special operations and terrorism (anti and counter), sniper, reconnaissance, parachute, infantry weapons, survival in desert and jungle environments, rough terrain skills (mountaineering), cold weather, water survival qualified (both from ground and aviation perspectives) (highest possible water survival rating), marksmanship and instruction of marksmanship (competition in arms program, shooting team member at Quantico), and public affairs (public affairs officer, combat correspondent, photojournalist, print and broadcast journalist).

In 1976 received Commercial Airplane Pilot Certification (commercial pilot license) with Instrument Airplane rating.

In 1997 licensed as a commodity futures broker and commodity futures brokerage firm manager. Worked as Director of Commodities and Communications at National Livestock Producers Association and as General Manager of NLPA’s National Producers Service Company (a national commodity futures brokerage firm whose primary business was assisting livestock producers in risk management, marketing and hedging their enterprises) until July 1999. Resigned to the position to write books full-time.

For two years prior to joining the Marine Corps worked as a newspaper reporter and sports editor for the Artesia Daily Press in New Mexico, also a stringer reporter for United Press International.

After Marine Corps service pursued career as full-time, free-lance journalist. Also operated family cattle ranching operation in Oklahoma until 1997 when accepting the executive position with National Livestock Producers Association.

While working as a free-lance journalist, returned to Vietnam on assignment for LIFE Magazine with friend and colleague, Dirck Halstead, then senior White House photographer for TIME Magazine. After completing LIFE assignment, remained in Vietnam and filmed a documentary that examined the end of the Vietnam War. While shooting the documentary, gathered material and compiled interviews for Goodnight Saigon, published January 4, 2005 by the G. P. Putnam / Berkley Publishing Group, Penguin Group (USA), New York, New York.

Today, resides at Peyton, Colorado, near Colorado Springs, writing books, and breeding, raising and developing registered American Quarter Horses for professional rodeo and futurity competition.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Frank Carll · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into the book. It seemed like there was too much gratuitous bad language and too little story development.

[Sabrina S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many characters…. All over the place…. Story not clear. Almost stopped at Chapter 4 but hung in - hoping it would get better - it never did.

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good at times, the author seem to ramble a good bit, plus there were 458 pages instead of 320, but If you are into foul language a lot of four letter words and killing then this book is for you. I bought the book new at the Dollar Tree for $1.00 and after reading I understand now why it was at the dollar tree.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you think Valentine, you think soft, sweet, and cuddly. Jack Valentine may have some of those elements, but he has a thirst for revenge and justice that lands him before a judge who gives he a choice, go to jail or enlist in the marines. He could be a poster boy for the marines. Loyal, relentless, physically fit, and an expert shooter, he becomes a sniper that must kill so that others may live. His newest assignment finds him back in the Middle East tracking down al-Qaida terrorist. His childhood sweetheart, FBI agent, Liberty is threatened and Jack is missing in action. This is a story of faith, misguided trust, treason, and redemption. Author Henderson does a fine job describing the complexity of terrorism, fanatics, and the thin line between living one’s beliefs and using other’s belief for selfish reasons.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Luis Cuesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Charles Henderson’s novel is fast-paced and features plenty of action, but the secondary characters are a little weak. Setting the story back in 2006 is actually a nice change of pace from similar thrillers coming out right now. While everyone else is focused on ISIS and Russia, Henderson went back to another familiar group of terrorists, al-Qaeda, to serve as the bad guys here. Full of anecdotes, asides and history, the story meanders after the climactic battle scene. In the end, if you’re a fan of military thrillers, Terminal Impact delivers the goods you’re looking for.

[Roxann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free from Goodreads Giveaways.

The book was fast paced and easy to read. I liked the main character Valentine, but I wasn't 'into' many of the secondary characters. Action was great.

[Robert Grieco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts you right in the action. And there is a LOT of action. Missed getting off the train on at least two mornings. Hard to put down. Read it today!

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Roger Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed sniper novel as first in proposed series for character. Good narrative and descriptive topography in Iraq. Enjoyable after a slow start to an explosive climax.

[George Hebert I]

This was a great easy read.

[Lydia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good story, especially if you're into guns. He goes into a lot of detail about which guns and ammunition they're using. It has some very nerve-wracking points of danger.

[Tom Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Henderson’s experience in the Marines shows throughout this novel. Very good background, plot and character development. Read it, you’ll enjoy it!

[Ryan Hillis · Rating 1 out of 5]

A so-so post 9/11 thriller.

[Jim Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. The author wanders considerably. After the climax, he couldn't resist continuing to write. There are probably two or three other novels within this one. Break them up, make them shorter.