Field of Fire

Jericho Quinn #7

by Marc Cameron

“One of the hottest new authors in the thriller genre.”—Brad Thor

ATTACK ON AMERICA

The first target is Dallas, Texas. A deadly nerve gas called New Archangel is unleashed upon the City of Angels, claiming innocent lives, spreading nationwide panic, and fueling global fears of another attack. In the icy reaches of rural Alaska, special agent Jericho Quinn is enlisted to hunt down the man who created the bioweapon—a brilliant Russian scientist who is trying to defect and hiding in the Alaskan wilderness. But time is running out. The scientist is beginning to lose his mind to dementia. If Quinn doesn’t find him before the Russians do, the entire western seaboard and beyond will feel the wrath of New Archangel—and darkness will fall upon the earth.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Action, Audiobook, Adventure, Espionage

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2016

About the author

A native of Texas, Marc Cameron is a retired Chief Deputy US Marshal who spent nearly thirty years in law enforcement. His assignments have taken him from rural Alaska to Manhattan, from Canada to Mexico and points in between. A second degree black belt in jujitsu, he often teaches defensive tactics to other law enforcement agencies and civilian groups. Cameron lives in Alaska with his wife and BMW motorcycle.

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, whoa, wonderful. I love the way Marc Cameron writes. Such visual, fast paced action thrillers. Although he packs a lot of detail; I still find his stories easy to follow. Again Jericho Quinn is the lead character. All the personalities are well drawn - that I can see them as individuals people.
Especially liked is that this story is plausible.
Unputdownable

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Marc Cameron, Kensington Books, and Pinnacle for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.

In his latest Jericho Quinn novel, Cameron takes readers back to the frozen tundra of Alaska for an explosive thriller. When a deadly nerve agent is released at a high school football game in Dallas, all fingers point to a branch of ISIS, especially with the perpetrators dressing the part. The President's National Security Advisor calls on Jericho Quinn and others within the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) to stop the threat before it blossoms. Chatter links the gas, called New Archangel, to a Russian chemist, Kostya Volodin. During a trip from his homeland to Alaska, Volodin and his daughter, Kaija, have apparently sought to defect. Before everyone can be properly sorted, Volodin and Kaija disappear and are hiding. Russian officials are seeking to find their rogue scientist before he can release any more news about the gas. The narrative exposes that it is the Russians who are responsible for the gas and its attacks, with primary blame falling at the feet of the Black Hundreds, a terror organization seeking the purity of Russia. Quinn is tasked with finding Volodin within Alaska while Jacques Thibodaux and Ronnie Garcia, two others from the OSI, are sent to New York, where the scientist's son has apparently been sent some of the New Archangel by accident. An attack in Los Angeles makes the mission even more important and shows that the next attack could happen at anytime, anywhere. While Thibodaux and Garcia team up with an old friend in NYC, Quinn is set to work with Thibedaux's cousin, Specal Agent Khaki Beaudine of the FBI as they travel through Alaska seeking out the senior Volodin. Quinn's mission takes them into the tundra, involved in a winner-takes-all game with a Russian sniper, known locally as Worst of the Moon. Needing to secure Volodin as soon as possible, Quinn and Beaudine soon discover that some will stop at nothing to keep them from completing their mission. They traverse cold and open tracts of land to find Volodin, only to discover that Anchorage might be the location chosen for the next attack and that someone close to Volodin could be masterminding the entire Black Hundreds. While Thibodaux and Garcia seek to infiltrate the underworld to keep the gas out of the hands of anyone in the Big Apple, Quinn will use all his strength and determination not to fail, though every man has their physical limits. A wonderfully fast-paced story that turns the cat and mouse game into one of bear and seal. Series fans will surely enjoy this story while newcomers will likely become hooked and clammer for the rest of Cameron's work.

The story is by no means unique, but Jericho Quinn does not seek to be completely one of a kind. However, it is not only the handful of strong characters that keep the novel pushing forward so effectively, but the attention to detail and drawing the reader in from the get-go that strengthens the narrative. While Cameron places his protagonist in a situation that might breed something repetitive, the use of Alaska and its barren hinterland served as a unique approach, especially when venturing into field traumatic medicine and tactical sniper calculations, allowing the reader something new to digest. Add to that, Cameron has seen that the ISIS and Islamic terror cell is becoming overdone in thrillers and shifts his villain base over to the emerging (and re-discovered?) Russian criminal, who drives home ruthless hatred for capitalist America and new-found money to fund such act of significant damage. Surely there is something beneficial in that as the majority of writers continue to flog an idea developed fifteen years ago. Keeping some of the wonderful dialogue and unique settings for his novels, Cameron delivers another decent piece that should appease readers without lulling them into any form of repetitive normalcy.

Kudos, Mr. Cameron on another successful novel. Jericho Quinn has a lot to offer and you've left much to be discovered or expanded upon, when time permits.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very good. Nice to have Quinn and company on a different disaster. The depiction of Alaska was a nice departure. It must be incredible given Cameron’s descriptions. He also reminds us not to sleep on Russia.

I hope he keeps writing Quinn. I think there are two novellas and one novel yet. This makes me want to read the new series set in Alaska though.

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc Cameron certainly knows how to write highly memorable Action Thrillers. It really sends a chill down your spine how real this scenario could be, with deadly gas killing hundreds of people. I really enjoy his writing style, and I found it hard to pull myself away from such a great plot. Jericho Quinn is a tough guy character you really can’t help but like, and he’s definitely the sort of man you want on your side. Many Russians thought the old MIG17 base near Providenya Bay was closed, and was no longer used. They probably didn’t realise that the base was used for storing chemical weapons, and was still in use today. One of Russia’s top scientist Dr Kostya Volodin was working with a very dangerous chemical weapon called the Novo Archangelsk. When an operator at another Russian station notices that there are a lot of dead fish floating in the water at Providenya, and unfortunately that’s just the beginning. Reports come in that there are at least 27 dead people in the area, and it doesn’t take them long to realise that there is probably a chemical leak. They find that Dr Volodin is missing, along with a supply of the Novo Archangelsk. The big question is, has he sold it onto others for a profit, and who to. They track him down to an airport in Alaska, and they now know he’s definitely going to defect. The only lead the Russians have is Dr Volodin’s son Petyr that lives in New York. When people start to suddenly die in Texas from what appears to be a chemical attack of a suspected nerve agent that the Russians begin to worry. Early on reports are that the attacks have been carried out by Islamist Terrorist’s. Another chemical gas attack is carried out shortly after in Los Angeles killing a lot of innocent people, and this is when the National Security Advisor gets in contact with Jericho Quinn. Quinn was currently at home in Alaska with his girlfriend Veronica “Ronnie” Garcia, where they were both recovering from their run in with the Chinese Terrorist. However the National Security Advisor needs them to get back in the game and hunt down who is responsible for these gas attacks. Especially since the Novo Archangelsk is over 10 times stronger than the deadly Sarin gas. This is an exciting adrenaline filled Action Thriller, and it is definitely worth a read.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review – Field of Fire – Marc Cameron
Author Marc Cameron’s “Field of Fire”, book 7 of the Jericho Quinn series, is another great escapade in the action thriller genre. Special agent Jericho Quinn is enlisted to hunt down a man who created a bioweapon. If Quinn doesn’t find him before the Russians do, the entire western seaboard and beyond will feel the wrath of the bioweapon named “New Archangel.” This plot and storyline sent chills down my spine. It has a very real scenario that could possibly be implemented, a deadly gas killing thousands of people. As usual, I really enjoyed Cameron’s writing style, and strong character development. The plot was great, and the story was believable and flowed seamlessly with several scenarios taking place at the same time. I commend Cameron educating readers on Native American culture and history and the wild Alaskan wilderness. It makes for interesting and informative reading which makes it worthwhile. Excellently researched and captivatingly told, Field of Fire is highly recommended! Narrator Tom Weiner did a great job reading this story and gave me cause to listen to or read the next Jericho Quinn story without hesitation.

[Bonnie Meche · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to choose one word to describe this story, it would have to be "brutal". While it is undoubtedly a compelling tale, with constant edge-of-your-seat pacing and plots within plots, which makes it impossible to put down until you literally fall asleep with your face buried in its pages, it is also deeply disturbing. While I realize that there is no way most of us could ever understand the brutality and inherent evil involved in the dark struggles between super powers, the biggest tragedies for me involve the poor innocents who get entangled and sacrificed along the way. It is,of course, impossible to find fault with the heroic Jericho Quinn and his colorful compatriots, but my thoughts keep wandering back to the lovely young pilot who gave her life to help him, and the elderly innkeepers who were collateral damage along the way, along with all the other innocents who die in staggering numbers in all these stories. On the other hand, Cameron is just about the best in creating the most heinous villains, who earn every ounce of the brutality which brings them down. Will I read him again? Almost certainly, but I hope I will remember to come prepared to endure a heavy heart along the way, and a glass of wine probably wouldn't hurt either. It rates 4 stars, only slightly dimmed by the shadows in which the tale is shrouded.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author sure does his research...Our adventures are in and around- Alaska, Russia, Dallas and Texas. A deadly nerve gas-ArchAngel is unleashed with unbelievable destruction. Our hero, “Chair Force”, and a group of his comrades need to find the missing vials of the poisonous gas. Great storyline-very believable and action packed. Enjoy

[Andrea Grannum]

This book had all the ingredients.. to make it exciting for me!

[Jim]

I didn't finish this book - it just wasn't a genre I enjoy. Just my preference - no criticism intended for the author. It is a bigger than life action story and I dont like being reminded that I am smaller than life.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do enjoy this series and this book did not let me down. Fun and action pack.

[Garry Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of several books that I read while on vacation. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. How I have never read a book by this author before now is beyond me. Excellent book with non stop, heart-pounding action! The book is so intense, mostly because it has introduced a very believable storyline. Great writing, great characters, highly recommend!

[Perrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a ton of fantasy, YA, literary, magical realism, women's fiction, etc. since the beginning of 2018. Sometimes I just need a great, good-guys-fighting-the-bad-guys-on-a-global-scale kind of novel. Jericho Quinn is one I can always count on to fill that need. Improbable, maybe impossible stuff? Perhaps. But that's exactly why I escape into Marc Cameron's books. And Thibodeaux's cousin Khaki was a fantastic new addition this go-round.

[Warren Thoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different story as most of it took place in Alaska and not down in the bustling cities down south. Because of this, weather was almost like a secondary character and had a hand in many things that happened in the book. I did like this trimmed down version of the Quinn series as it really focused on him and the people that he was with.

[Don Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3). Jericho Quinn is a wonderful vacation read. No need for deep intellectual thoughts, just follow the bouncing ball and the body count (for the most part). We know the country will be safe once again and I am always happy to spend some time with Jacques and was glad to see Ronnie was still in the picture. This is not the best in the series but not the worst either. Pretty good stuff.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading about Alaska. It was nice the author used a "plausible" plot. The issue of nerve agents is real, especially related to the Middle East attacks. The plot for the last 50 pages seemed disjointed and "wrapped" without really good flow of narrative.

[Boomer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the Quinn series for a while now, especially when I get a story like this that is a stand alone - no cheap cliffhangers like the author has thrown into the last series installments. Read this and know you'll actually get a full story beginning to end. Admittedly it's not anything original, as this is the third book out of seven that has Quinn dealing with a biological attack on the USA. Still, it's a well written story that pulled me in.

That said, there are a few missed opportunities here, mainly with the villain Feliks Zolner. No major spoilers here. He's by far the most interesting character in the book, a highly skilled Russian sniper who apparently has been killing native Alaskan hunters for decades, earning himself a place in their legends as the "Worst of the Moon". A brilliant setup, but there's no explanation as how/why he started doing this, or why he is involved in the story at all. We get one quick flashback from when he first started shooting as a child, but then nothing. I would have loved to find out more about him, his motivations, and what led him to eventually cross paths with Quinn. No such luck. It's the biggest waste of a great villain since Darth Maul.

There's also the usual overkill in detail that has plagued this series. Whether it's a handgun, knife, rifle, or motorcycle, the brand name and characteristics are always mentioned. I really don't care which company manufactured the combat knife Quinn carries, or who made the scope Zolner uses on his rifle. Just let me read the story!

A 3.5 star book, but I'll round up since it kept me interested, had really no profanity, and gave me a proper ending. Try it.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc Cameron knows how to deliver excitement and does it copiously in the seventh Jericho Quinn adventure.
What makes the book especially entertaining is the locale: Alaska. Quinn and his temporary sidekick FBI agent named Kahki ( not a typo) Beaudine, are on a mission to hunt down an Russian scientist who developed a very deadly nerve gas that had just been used twice to deadly effect in the US. He has snuck into Alaska, with his daughter, who is a member of a very right wing, secret,anti western, anti - Semitic and dangerous group called yet he Black Hundreds. She isn’t defecting; she has some canisters of the gas which she plans to use in an act of terror that will, she hopes , cause a war between the US and Russia. To make things worse , the two running Russians are being hunted by agents of the FSB ( formerly the LGB) who have orders to kill the two, recover the gas canisters and bring it back to Moscow for official use.
Good guys vs bad guys, a plane crash , a frigid chase, an epic- trek resembling one might find in a tale by Jack London, culminating in a slam bang finish. Expect guy humor, considerable violence, and a super hero , Quinn, who can give and take enough damage that would leave anyone else in an ICU, is part of the fun for fans.
Field of Fire is maybe of the best of this series.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I was looking for an action read that didn’t make me think too hard. I have always enjoyed Cameron, so I chose the Jericho Quinn series, this one, #7. I got pretty much what I expected. Yet, set in Alaska, it’s a little different proceeding books. The ‘enemy’ is survival in the Alaskan wilderness. I also enjoyed the way the author throws in Native American customs/history. Oh sure, there’s the regular cast of series characters, as well as a few new ones, but at least for me, it was about combat in the cold. There’s some interesting sniper stuff (but nothing near the detail of Stephen Hunter novels) and poison gas (which seems to be a mainstay of this genera). And, there is, of course, the ‘bad guys’ Quinn always must face. (But here – and I’m being super-critical – I didn’t think the ‘bad guts’ were bad enough. I mean, sadistic villains need to be really sadistic!). No doubt, I buy #8 when it comes out.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

another excellent installment in the Quinn series

If you’ve made it this far, you already know that there are exciting plots and wonderful characters in this series. My need to comment at this time is out of pure annoyance.
I really want the proof reader or editor need to pay attention to the difference between hangar and hanger. When you it right 10-15 % of the time, how can you miss 85-90 % of the time. Incredibly annoying and brings the flow to a stop each time it happens…in a book where the characters spend a whole lot of time at airports.
It’s still a very good read.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Jericho Quinn series! Apart from several glaring proofreading issues (hanger instead of hangar, teaming instead of teeming, afterword instead of afterward, and a few others—let me know if you need a proofreader, Marc!—plus some awkward phrasing and number agreement issues), this was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. I'm sad about one of my favorite characters not making it out of this one alive, and I felt that the author handled the character's death very tactfully and respectfully. I look forward to reading the next installments!

[wally · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished 18th september 2022 good read three stars i liked it kindle and owned purchased with the benefit of a gift card was hiding on the kindle...gave it a thought some time ago, where'd it go? round and round. anyway...it showed up on the books page so i opened it and began to read. have read the other jericho quinn stories, in order...satisfying and entertaining reads this one spends time in the cold and dark of alaska and a few other locales. the gas was there then it wasn't and so it goes.

[Becky Staples · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a giveaway. Thank you to Kensington.

I really enjoyed this book. Marc Cameron has a way of making a reader believe that the story could happen in real life. These characters have depth, personality and skills to get the job done.

Marc Cameron's books continue to give me a greater appreciation for the people that put their lives on the line each and every day in order to make the world better and safer.

[Keith Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Great White North like you have never known!

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! Terrific story with the backdrop of Alaska that Marc knows and describes so expertly. One minor gripe - Jacgue’s coon-ass slang is wearing on me a little. Love the character but not the le’ami so much! Regardless, outstanding plot and timing of developments. Marc is an accomplished master at keeping three stories moving along at a break-neck pace! Highly recommend!!!

[Michael Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first work I’ve read by Marc Cameron outside of the Tom Clancy series. Wow, I was hooked at the opening motorcycle event. Marc has a great writing voice away from the Clancy format. His outdoor experience reflect on the pages and to the reads feel of “being there.” Furthermore, the characters have flaws that make them endearing. Bottom line, Marc Cameron is a great storyteller who brings a great span of knowledge to bring his stories alive.

[Jaume Ayala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a bioweapon before it will be too late, this novel is about how to survive in an extremely harsh environment; a new (female) character is introduced in this book who will run the entire survival's exercise with him.
It doesn't matter how many new characters are introduced, I need some Thibodaux's time in any of Jericho's books, he always rise an smiley in my face with any of his thoughts.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bruised and battered Jericho Quinn is on the move again. In search of a missing Russian scientist that is on the run in Alaska. It just happens that he has developed a deadly form of nerve gas that has already caused scores of dead in the lower 48. Bad Russian snipers are just a few of the obstacles that Quinn must overcome. Really a 4.5 out of 5.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book in the series. Little bit of action and fun. I enjoy the characters. We spent a lot of time in developing the story, however the ending wrapped up almost instantaneously. it's too bad there wasn't a little more excitement out of there and some of the track through the wilderness taken away.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Jericho great read….

I admit I read several other series so I spell myself between my “usual suspect”, but I will say this is the for Jericho Quinn book to let me down a bit….kinda of goes soft when following the Doctor and daughter duo specifically as to what happens to get them into Anchorage. But the usual rollercoaster of Quinn and the others is ther!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh book in the Jericho Quinn book is more of a 4.5 then a true 5. But it is my favorite of the series so far. Jericho and his cast of characters go after a Russian scientist who has created a chemical weapon, while the Russians follow. Fun, exciting and uses the Alaskan wilderness which will become the main setting for his next series.