First Kill

Rayna Tan #0.6

by Wesley Robert Lowe

Kindle Edition

About the author

I write what I know and care about.

My work is infused with relentless furious action and/or paranormal charismata. Contemporary worlds infused with mysticism. Breathless, brain-twisting plots. High stakes suspense that churns the psyche.

But ultimately it is knowing and experiencing the lives of people that provide the impetus of Stories that Grip the Soul.

I've made music with Kainai First Nations, helped save Russian refugees from deportation, hung with Martial Arts Grandmasters, counseled WWII vets on their deathbeds. Not to mention deep Chinese, cultural participation,

Wesley Robert Lowe is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and composer (including four seasons on Sesame St.).

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*

Wow!

The storyline is fast paced and the action is relative to the overall narrative of the story.

This is to the point, not over done in the description of the characters and the plot is to the point and believable

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Private Rayna Tan (21, Chinese, Canadian Armed Forces, marksman, U of Toronto) was asking Colonel John Jenkins (human rights) why she was being stuck with the crap jobs when she was at the top of her military class in everything.

Operation Freedom Strike, Command Outpost (COP) Panther, Afghanistan. Sergeant Major Bernard Hill oversaw the 3 teams: Eagle; Hawk; & Private Tan’s Chickadee.
Private Janine LaFrance greeted her.
Janine LaFrance (Quebec) & Private Tan became good friends.
The Panther’s: Private Lee, Private Portman, & Sergeant Keats (combat engineer) daily routines were clearing out the IEDs.
BOOM! the 13-ton lead LAV went airborne.
Sergeant “Smitty” Smith (section leader) peered out of the cracked viewport as lots of the Jackal (35, leader) & the other Taliban insurgents came rushing at them.
Private Hans Richards (gunner) swiveled around the turret 25mm chain gun at the enemy.
Private Alan Robinson (radioman) & Private John Berman (driver) watched in horror as they knew bodies were bursting into flames.
The charred remains of Private Christopher “Chris” Lee, Private Nicholas “Nick” Portman, Private John Savage, Private Alexander Davies, Private Janine LaFrance, Sergeant Herbert “Herb” Keats & Sergeant Smith were rescued & loaded up.

Squads Hawk & Chickadee were ready to move out.
Sergeant Bob Thomas (33, Chickadee leader) led the group of: Private Paul Best (LAV III driver), Private Jacques Derosiers (turret gunner), Private Tan, Private Sam Cook,
& 4 others.
They encountered several of the village PPL who voiced their concerns.
Explosions were all around them.
In Afghanistan there were opium or marijuana fields everywhere. It was part of their economy.
Will they all live to see another day?

Fubar: That’s a 1969, US Army Vietnam vet’s favorite word Hooah.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written War thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great War thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Another amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel to the Rayna Tan thriller series, and tells of Rayna's first kill (hence the title!) during her time in the military. It was an interesting story, and very illuminating about attitudes of male soldiers towards females, what it's like to be on the frontline, and what fighting the Taliban is really like. Definitely a book where you learn stuff while reading! But that's not a hardship, because it's an awesome read, so you'll enjoy reading it too. Highly recommended reading for all Rayna fans, military thriller lovers, or just those looking for a short, engaging read.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a free copy for Christmas and read it immediately. This is an introduction to Rayna Tan, a remarkable assassin for the Canadian government. The story covers her assignment to Afghanistan as a grunt, and how she proves herself in her introduction to combat. The story is short, but contains growing suspense and excitement right up to the end. Lowe does a great job of storytelling and knows how to generate emotions in a reader.

[Robin Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action story and quick thinking by Rayna against the Jackal. Never underestimate a woman. The reader feel every tension, sweat and intent of the Chickadees and Hawks. This is the start of an awesome series

[Andy Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good short story

[Russty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story... definitely a bad-ass chick!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story, hoping this is a good first taste for this writer, his story ideas & style! Looking forward to lore by this author!