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Homegrown
An American teen is on the wrong side of an ISIS suicide bomb, and only the unconditional love of his mother and Muslim girlfriend has a chance of saving him. Dalton, an eighteen-year-old from Washington, D.C., suffering from depression since the death of his father, finds peace in Islam. After his conversion, he comes to the attention of ISIS recruiters. Aazam, an ISIS commander, has set in motion a plan to attack the International Coalition countries. He will use Dalton and other homegrown terrorists to make the West pay for its interference. Once Dalton realizes the true goals of the extremists, he looks for an opportunity to escape the group. His mother, Gail, finds an ally in Daanya, Dalton’s girlfriend, who warns Gail of her son’s involvement with the fanatical group. Together, they must stop Dalton before he does the unthinkable.
- GenresAction
292 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2018
31 people want to read
About the author
Dave Wickenden
9 books107 followersDave Wickenden grabs life by the reins and doesn't let go. Before joining the Canadian Fire Service, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces. He's as comfortable with a rocket launcher as with a fire hose. His protagonists often find themselves enlisted as rescuers and crisis managers. Like them, Dave has knelt beside dead bodies. Using CPR and a defibrillator, he has saved six lives.
At home in Canada, Dave loves to cook, read and draw. He ran his own home-based art business, creating highly detailed wood-and-paper burnings, a technique called "pyrography." One of his pictures of former Prime Minister Jean Chretien graces the walls of Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Dave and his wife Gina are parents to three boys and three grandsons. His two youngest boys are busy with minor league hockey and fishing, so you can guess where you'll find Dave when he's not writing.
After 31 years in the Fire Service and attaining the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, Dave retired to write thriller novels full time. He is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada, the International Thriller Association, and the International Screenwriters Association. His works comprises of IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE 2018, HOMEGROWN 2018, and DEADLY HARVEST 2019 and MAD DOG July 2020, THE HOME FRONT 2022, THE ORIGAMI DECEPTION 2024 He has adapted four stories into screenplays and IN DEFENCE into a TV Pilot.
At home in Canada, Dave loves to cook, read and draw. He ran his own home-based art business, creating highly detailed wood-and-paper burnings, a technique called "pyrography." One of his pictures of former Prime Minister Jean Chretien graces the walls of Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Dave and his wife Gina are parents to three boys and three grandsons. His two youngest boys are busy with minor league hockey and fishing, so you can guess where you'll find Dave when he's not writing.
After 31 years in the Fire Service and attaining the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, Dave retired to write thriller novels full time. He is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada, the International Thriller Association, and the International Screenwriters Association. His works comprises of IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE 2018, HOMEGROWN 2018, and DEADLY HARVEST 2019 and MAD DOG July 2020, THE HOME FRONT 2022, THE ORIGAMI DECEPTION 2024 He has adapted four stories into screenplays and IN DEFENCE into a TV Pilot.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 21, 2018
This is a very difficult book for me to review. Throughout the novel, we watch a teenaged boy systematically manipulated into a terrorist. Wickenden’s masterful psychological transformation of Dalton is incredibly well written and believable – which makes it all the more unsettling. But perhaps it should be. The plot of Homegrown transcends a story written on paper to provide poignant commentary on an evil which is devastatingly occurring every day. Terrorists do target those who are vulnerable and it is up to each one of us to reach out to those in need.
I also appreciated Homegrown’s message that Islam is not terrorism. This book makes a point to reiterate that ISIS and other Islamic extremist terrorist groups are a very small minority of a peaceful religion held by a billion people, no different than historical Christian extremists. This differentiation is so important given our society’s temperament to quickly judge and group individuals. I applaud Wickenden’s bravery shed light on this important point with a courageous plot.
I also appreciated Homegrown’s message that Islam is not terrorism. This book makes a point to reiterate that ISIS and other Islamic extremist terrorist groups are a very small minority of a peaceful religion held by a billion people, no different than historical Christian extremists. This differentiation is so important given our society’s temperament to quickly judge and group individuals. I applaud Wickenden’s bravery shed light on this important point with a courageous plot.
October 18, 2021
Wow from where do I start? This is an eye opener. This book gave me chills and alot of anxiety but at the same time I was literally hooked from the very beginning. It is very detailed and well written and the characters are so real you feel almost every bit of their emotions.
The realisation of how these so called extremists manipulate and control the minds of the youths is so terrifying.
I really enjoyed it ....highly recommended to everyone who loves yo read thrillers.
Thanks so much for sharing Dave...keep writing ✍
The realisation of how these so called extremists manipulate and control the minds of the youths is so terrifying.
I really enjoyed it ....highly recommended to everyone who loves yo read thrillers.
Thanks so much for sharing Dave...keep writing ✍
March 11, 2021
I have received a free copy from @Booktasters and this is an honest unpaid(paid in full for getting to read the book though)review for this book.
While I start with the view of this wonderful book, what attracted me to this is the author's biography and the fact that he has such a varied experience. He has worked as a fire chief and then delved into writing. Now how cool is that. I mean now he is a grandfather, attends hockey matches for his boys, goes fishing and then writes books.
When you pick up this book also please go through the foreword as it is rather heartfelt and surely will touch you as well for the many thanks he has given for his family.
Let me start by saying that this book is not about the idyllic life or happily ever after. This book is about innocence lost, ugly roots of terrorism and teenagers losing their way when they are still undecided to follow what is the correct path. It's about Dalton, who just at 18 has lost his father and now has lost his battle against depression. To find peace he turns to religion and sadly for him, into the hands of ISIS recruiters. He is homegrown.
Will he find his way back? Will a mother’s unconditional love triumph? What is the true essence of religion? Can a loved one help him out of the mess his life is?
Some very important questions… Questions that society should ask itself…
While I start with the view of this wonderful book, what attracted me to this is the author's biography and the fact that he has such a varied experience. He has worked as a fire chief and then delved into writing. Now how cool is that. I mean now he is a grandfather, attends hockey matches for his boys, goes fishing and then writes books.
When you pick up this book also please go through the foreword as it is rather heartfelt and surely will touch you as well for the many thanks he has given for his family.
Let me start by saying that this book is not about the idyllic life or happily ever after. This book is about innocence lost, ugly roots of terrorism and teenagers losing their way when they are still undecided to follow what is the correct path. It's about Dalton, who just at 18 has lost his father and now has lost his battle against depression. To find peace he turns to religion and sadly for him, into the hands of ISIS recruiters. He is homegrown.
Will he find his way back? Will a mother’s unconditional love triumph? What is the true essence of religion? Can a loved one help him out of the mess his life is?
Some very important questions… Questions that society should ask itself…
December 3, 2019
Homegrown is a well-crafted thriller. The reader isn't just swept away in the action but also gets to know the characters and see each scene unfold. It is a terrifying and yet human look at terror. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller with a message.
December 11, 2020
When i picked this story I was interested to know the author’s point of view regarding Islam and the terrorist groups in general and ISIS in particular, and it was interesting to read.
The author gave us different types of people in ISIS what their stories and what drives them. Although most are driven by greed, others are driven by their rage and quest for.
We introduced to the Cold Blooded ISIS Commander AZAM that has no problem in killing anyone against him he gave the story a taste of a thriller action with his abilities and fieriness.
Majid who is ISIS recruiter who has no problem to use his friends for his advantage.
Adham who was a former Marine in Iraq specialized in Explosives who converted to Islam after he was sent to jail after he tried to help Iraqi civilians. Although he found piece by Converting to Islam and took isolation in his farm, but ISIS reached to him through Majid to orchestrate an attack on US soil.
Dalton the main character a promising young athletes, well raised by his parents. He lost his Dad after horrible accident, and was cut off from the world around him, until he converted to Islam. In Islam he found a new meaning to his life that gave him piece and purpose. But this is when Dalton meets Majid and his sister Danya. Majid and Danya are so different, while Majid was seeking revenge over the world, Danya was a very clever young girl, filled with Hope and goodness, she and Dalton fall in love immediately. Majid was waiting for the right time to force Dalton to get involved in the attack Azzam planned on US soil.
Giel, Dalton mother, story is an example of a Single Mom working hard to provide decent life to her family after losing her husband, and was shocked when finding her son involvement with the terrorist group. With the help of her friends Dannya and Hawkins, the homeland security officer, she was able to hold on until she had her son back.
In general the characters was versatile and all served a part to deliver the message, that religion is not the problem, people filled with hatred and revenge are.
The author gave us different types of people in ISIS what their stories and what drives them. Although most are driven by greed, others are driven by their rage and quest for.
We introduced to the Cold Blooded ISIS Commander AZAM that has no problem in killing anyone against him he gave the story a taste of a thriller action with his abilities and fieriness.
Majid who is ISIS recruiter who has no problem to use his friends for his advantage.
Adham who was a former Marine in Iraq specialized in Explosives who converted to Islam after he was sent to jail after he tried to help Iraqi civilians. Although he found piece by Converting to Islam and took isolation in his farm, but ISIS reached to him through Majid to orchestrate an attack on US soil.
Dalton the main character a promising young athletes, well raised by his parents. He lost his Dad after horrible accident, and was cut off from the world around him, until he converted to Islam. In Islam he found a new meaning to his life that gave him piece and purpose. But this is when Dalton meets Majid and his sister Danya. Majid and Danya are so different, while Majid was seeking revenge over the world, Danya was a very clever young girl, filled with Hope and goodness, she and Dalton fall in love immediately. Majid was waiting for the right time to force Dalton to get involved in the attack Azzam planned on US soil.
Giel, Dalton mother, story is an example of a Single Mom working hard to provide decent life to her family after losing her husband, and was shocked when finding her son involvement with the terrorist group. With the help of her friends Dannya and Hawkins, the homeland security officer, she was able to hold on until she had her son back.
In general the characters was versatile and all served a part to deliver the message, that religion is not the problem, people filled with hatred and revenge are.
January 31, 2021
Thrilling, dramatic, action-packed, religious, with a touch of romance and even horror, that's how I'd personally describe Homegrown. From the start to the very end I was captivated by the story, though the plot is something I've watched in numerous movies and tv shows before, reading it gave the whole narrative a new perception in my eyes. You've only heard and seen the violence relating to the Islamic culture exploited in the media but this story was refreshing about a young man finding enlightenment, joy, closure, and love within a religion that is deeply stereotyped. I'm overwhelmed by the enjoyment of this story because it had me in tears at the end in regards of how far a mother will go to protect her son even when scared out of her mind for herself. Honestly, Gail was the most surprising side character and her development gained a fan in me. There were minor awkward sentences for e.g. instead of a pronoun there was a noun but they were barely noticeable to stop the flow of the story. The description, narrative, and details were highly on point which only made the story even more exciting. Overall Homegrown is not only about action, mytersy, and thriller, it's all the above and so much more and one I highly recommend reading.
May 21, 2018
Homegrown is extremely well written. It grabs the reader at the onset as we empathize with Dylan, a vulnerable teenager who innocently, unknowingly, becomes recruited into a terrorist cell. Wickenden then masterfully introduces Dylan's mother (Gail) and girlfriend (Daanya) who struggle to work with law enforcement to try to save his life. The development of the characters makes this piece of work believable which is impressive and scary.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was fast paced and the suspense made it difficult to put down.
This book demonstrates how a young person can be targeted and psychologically manipulated into a situation where they feel they have no way out. Wickenden takes on a very difficult subject matter and handles it brilliantly delivering and extremely important message that not all Islamic people are extremists and shouldn't be painted with the same brush.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was fast paced and the suspense made it difficult to put down.
This book demonstrates how a young person can be targeted and psychologically manipulated into a situation where they feel they have no way out. Wickenden takes on a very difficult subject matter and handles it brilliantly delivering and extremely important message that not all Islamic people are extremists and shouldn't be painted with the same brush.
September 28, 2018
Wickenden does it again, tackling a difficult subject by taking a very human angle. Dalton is drawn into extremism in a very believable way, but in an unexpected (to me, anyway) turn, Wickenden doesn't turn him into the villain that might be the easy path for an author examining this topic. In doing so, Dalton and his loved ones serve as a hopeful example.
Of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the heart-pounding thriller aspects I'd come to expect after reading Mr. Wickenden's first offering. If page-turners are your favorite flavor in books, you won't be disappointed!
Of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the heart-pounding thriller aspects I'd come to expect after reading Mr. Wickenden's first offering. If page-turners are your favorite flavor in books, you won't be disappointed!
July 24, 2018
Homegrown by Dave Wickenden is better than his first novel, In Defence of Innocence. Again he has researched the subject matter so that the story is extremely believable. I can't wait for Dave's next book to come out. I hard a hard time putting his first book down (and I was trying to make it last a week), but with Homegrown, I read it right through. It is a gripping novel. I kept thinking about different actors for the different characters. I, like Dave, am a Robert Ludlum fan and I think Dave is going to be writing great books too and I hope as many as Ludlum. A very excellent read
October 13, 2019
An exciting action thriller that could happen here.
Homegrown by Dave Wickenden is an exciting action thriller involving a young American convert and a hardened ISIS warrior. Wickenden effectively details several explosive and incendiary events, no doubt bringing insight from his experience as a firefighter.
The novel is about Dalton Westree, a grieving, athletic young man who, by chance, picks up a pamphlet left in a hospital chapel promising that comfort can be found in Allah. Intrigued by the pamphlet, he visits the Mosque that printed it, meets with the Imam, attends prayers and finds himself deeply comforted by the experience. The Imam introduces him to a young man nearly his age, Maajid, to teach him more about Islam. He meets and becomes infatuated with Maajid’s sister, Daanya. What he doesn’t know about Maaji is that he’s an ISIS recruiter.
Meanwhile in Iraq, ISIS soldier, Aazam ibn Abd al-Muttalib, executes a spectacularly successful attack on a joint force of American and Iraqi soldiers. He conceives of a multinational attack on the West, shares it with his superiors and is put in charge.
After Dalton completes his conversion to Islam, Maajid hatches a plan to test how loyal Dalton will be to his new friends. With growing misgivings, Dalton finds himself sucked into a plot originating in Aazam’s mind. His girlfriend and mother’s lives are threatened if he does not help so he does his best to play along while attempting to sabotage the attack from within the cell. Things come to a head when Aazam arrives to take over the cell and lead the assault himself.
The story discusses opposing strains of Islam, siding with those who wish to live in peace while giving room for Islamic extremists to express their point of view.
It’s very involving and will keep you reading through to the end to find out what happens.
Homegrown by Dave Wickenden is an exciting action thriller involving a young American convert and a hardened ISIS warrior. Wickenden effectively details several explosive and incendiary events, no doubt bringing insight from his experience as a firefighter.
The novel is about Dalton Westree, a grieving, athletic young man who, by chance, picks up a pamphlet left in a hospital chapel promising that comfort can be found in Allah. Intrigued by the pamphlet, he visits the Mosque that printed it, meets with the Imam, attends prayers and finds himself deeply comforted by the experience. The Imam introduces him to a young man nearly his age, Maajid, to teach him more about Islam. He meets and becomes infatuated with Maajid’s sister, Daanya. What he doesn’t know about Maaji is that he’s an ISIS recruiter.
Meanwhile in Iraq, ISIS soldier, Aazam ibn Abd al-Muttalib, executes a spectacularly successful attack on a joint force of American and Iraqi soldiers. He conceives of a multinational attack on the West, shares it with his superiors and is put in charge.
After Dalton completes his conversion to Islam, Maajid hatches a plan to test how loyal Dalton will be to his new friends. With growing misgivings, Dalton finds himself sucked into a plot originating in Aazam’s mind. His girlfriend and mother’s lives are threatened if he does not help so he does his best to play along while attempting to sabotage the attack from within the cell. Things come to a head when Aazam arrives to take over the cell and lead the assault himself.
The story discusses opposing strains of Islam, siding with those who wish to live in peace while giving room for Islamic extremists to express their point of view.
It’s very involving and will keep you reading through to the end to find out what happens.
June 10, 2021
ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY
An enthralling action thriller, that captivates the reader like no other.
'Homegrown' is a very well-crafted novel, with thrilling plots and changes. It also sheds light on the Islam religion, and that it is not a violent religion. I also like the way the book shows how we can be manipulated, and drastically change us to something we are not.
The ending, is particularly grasping and once again, proves that mothers are the real heroes.
THE BARE BONES
After his conversion to Islam, everything is going on alright, until one day. The change starts from that particular day.
Dalton begins to notice a slight difference in his friends' behavior, and it is not until a 'road trip' is planned, when Daanya, Dalton's girlfriend warns him about her brother, who happens to be one of Dalton's friends.
ISIS is planning a war on the American people, and the recruiters are particularly looking for people who have converted to Islam. Dalton, being one of them, is on the radar, and he has no choice but to follow the instructions, unless he wanted Daanya and his mother sacrificed.
THE CHARACTERS
Dalton is a very believable character, and very loving towards those he cares about. He can do anything for them, and this is proved time and again. His wit is admirable, his whole character is remarkable, in fact.
David Wickenden has sketched out the protagonist's character very well.
THE SETTING
Washington D.C. is where 'Homegrown' is located. The innocent American lives there are at a risk, and only Dalton's quick wit might save them.
Once again, David Wickenden has used his profound research and descriptive words to explain the situation and the setting perfectly.
An enthralling action thriller, that captivates the reader like no other.
'Homegrown' is a very well-crafted novel, with thrilling plots and changes. It also sheds light on the Islam religion, and that it is not a violent religion. I also like the way the book shows how we can be manipulated, and drastically change us to something we are not.
The ending, is particularly grasping and once again, proves that mothers are the real heroes.
THE BARE BONES
After his conversion to Islam, everything is going on alright, until one day. The change starts from that particular day.
Dalton begins to notice a slight difference in his friends' behavior, and it is not until a 'road trip' is planned, when Daanya, Dalton's girlfriend warns him about her brother, who happens to be one of Dalton's friends.
ISIS is planning a war on the American people, and the recruiters are particularly looking for people who have converted to Islam. Dalton, being one of them, is on the radar, and he has no choice but to follow the instructions, unless he wanted Daanya and his mother sacrificed.
THE CHARACTERS
Dalton is a very believable character, and very loving towards those he cares about. He can do anything for them, and this is proved time and again. His wit is admirable, his whole character is remarkable, in fact.
David Wickenden has sketched out the protagonist's character very well.
THE SETTING
Washington D.C. is where 'Homegrown' is located. The innocent American lives there are at a risk, and only Dalton's quick wit might save them.
Once again, David Wickenden has used his profound research and descriptive words to explain the situation and the setting perfectly.
September 2, 2020
Fascinating and very real
Very descriptive of war in Iraq and the workings of international terrorism, and fascinating from the perspective of being inside ISIS, Homegrown is a suspenseful and very real look at how terrorists are grown on American soil. Dalton, a sandy-haired American high school hockey player suddenly loses his dad in a tragic work accident. Torn with grief and emptiness, he happens upon a religious flyer inviting him to a local Muslim mosque. While comforted by the genuine kindness of the mosque's imam and fellow members, other radical "members" trick him into involvement in their terrorist activities. Threats to harm those he loves keep him involved. A parallel story includes a professional ISIS terrorist and his international attacks, finally arriving in the US to join the others and take the leadership role. Some of the terrorist activities are shocking and the language explicit. The author either did a lot of research or his imagination is very creative. The plot starts to bog down with details as the group travels across the US, but then the suspense picks up again. Great ending. The book is well-written except for editing/grammatical errors. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
Very descriptive of war in Iraq and the workings of international terrorism, and fascinating from the perspective of being inside ISIS, Homegrown is a suspenseful and very real look at how terrorists are grown on American soil. Dalton, a sandy-haired American high school hockey player suddenly loses his dad in a tragic work accident. Torn with grief and emptiness, he happens upon a religious flyer inviting him to a local Muslim mosque. While comforted by the genuine kindness of the mosque's imam and fellow members, other radical "members" trick him into involvement in their terrorist activities. Threats to harm those he loves keep him involved. A parallel story includes a professional ISIS terrorist and his international attacks, finally arriving in the US to join the others and take the leadership role. Some of the terrorist activities are shocking and the language explicit. The author either did a lot of research or his imagination is very creative. The plot starts to bog down with details as the group travels across the US, but then the suspense picks up again. Great ending. The book is well-written except for editing/grammatical errors. Overall, I enjoyed the book.
January 31, 2021
Thrilling, dramatic, action-packed, religious, with a touch of romance and even horror, that's how I'd personally describe Homegrown. From the start to the very end I was captivated by the story, though the plot is something I've watched in numerous movies and tv shows before, reading it gave the whole narrative a new perception in my eyes. You've only heard and seen the violence relating to the Islamic culture exploited in the media but this story was refreshing about a young man finding enlightenment, joy, closure, and love within a religion that is deeply stereotyped. I'm overwhelmed by the enjoyment of this story because it had me in tears at the end in regards of how far a mother will go to protect her son even when scared out of her mind for herself. Honestly, Gail was the most surprising side character and her development gained a fan in me. There were minor awkward sentences for e.g. instead of a pronoun there was a noun but they were barely noticeable to stop the flow of the story. The description, narrative, and details were highly on point which only made the story even more exciting. Overall Homegrown is not only about action, mytersy, and thriller, it's all the above and so much more and one I highly recommend reading.
October 24, 2018
Homegrown is relatable, realistic and emotionally upsetting. I felt for the kid- I even, sorta, felt for the villains of the story. There is a GOOD and a BAD in this book. It's political, but not in the way you think. There's a stand here but Wickenden gives you both sides of the spectrum. No matter how crazed it is, how monstrous and evil, you see through evryone's eyes. It make the book so darned real, I almost couldn't stand it.
This is one of those thrillers that keeps you locked in till the final page is turned. It's a fab read and I'm so honored I had the opportunity to read it. Grab yourself a copy of Homegrown and become lost within the pages. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Homegrown
Dave Wickenden
Published by Crave Press
Released June 2018
296 Pages
This is one of those thrillers that keeps you locked in till the final page is turned. It's a fab read and I'm so honored I had the opportunity to read it. Grab yourself a copy of Homegrown and become lost within the pages. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Homegrown
Dave Wickenden
Published by Crave Press
Released June 2018
296 Pages
June 21, 2018
This is the 2nd novel by Dave Wickenden and it is even better than his first. It brings to reality how easy someone can be recruited without them even realizing until it is too late. It is a must read! Could not put this book down.
August 25, 2025
"Homegrown" by Dave Wickenden is an action filled book that delves into the complex themes of grief, radicalization, family, and counter-terrorism. The story primarily follows Dalton Westree, a young man grappling with profound loss, and Aazam ibn Abd al-Muttalib, an ISIS commander driven by a thirst for revenge.
The story begins with Dalton's life-altering grief after his father's sudden death in a tragic crane accident. Overwhelmed and unable to process his pain, Dalton feels isolated and directionless. He finds a pamphlet from a mosque chapel and, seeking solace, attends. There, he encounters Imam Ali Arwani, who offers him comfort and introduces him to the teachings of Islam. Dalton finds a sense of peace and purpose, eventually converting to Islam (performing his shahada) and connecting with a new group of friends, including Maajid Nasry and Daanya Nasry.
Without getting too deep into the story basically,
In the aftermath, Maajid and his cousins are apprehended and cooperate with authorities. Dalton is cleared of charges, as his actions were deemed self-defense and manipulation by Maajid. He is offered a position with Homeland Security to help counter ISIS recruitment, leveraging his unique insight. The story concludes with Dalton, Gail, and Daanya beginning to heal and rebuild their lives, though the tragic success of a similar, unrelated attack in Munich serves as a somber reminder of the continuing threat.
The story begins with Dalton's life-altering grief after his father's sudden death in a tragic crane accident. Overwhelmed and unable to process his pain, Dalton feels isolated and directionless. He finds a pamphlet from a mosque chapel and, seeking solace, attends. There, he encounters Imam Ali Arwani, who offers him comfort and introduces him to the teachings of Islam. Dalton finds a sense of peace and purpose, eventually converting to Islam (performing his shahada) and connecting with a new group of friends, including Maajid Nasry and Daanya Nasry.
Without getting too deep into the story basically,
In the aftermath, Maajid and his cousins are apprehended and cooperate with authorities. Dalton is cleared of charges, as his actions were deemed self-defense and manipulation by Maajid. He is offered a position with Homeland Security to help counter ISIS recruitment, leveraging his unique insight. The story concludes with Dalton, Gail, and Daanya beginning to heal and rebuild their lives, though the tragic success of a similar, unrelated attack in Munich serves as a somber reminder of the continuing threat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
Homegrown is the second book of Mr Wickenden's I have read, Mad Dog being the first. As before this an accomplished thriller, albeit a very different one.
Tense and full of gathering momentum and rising stakes, this book is written across a broad, international stage whilst remaining intimate. There are a core of well drawn characters to care about, on both sides of the story. No cliche here.
It could easily have been very different. Set in the world of international terror, predictable white hat versus black hat politics could have tainted the read, but the author is careful to skilfully explore motive across his characters without judgement. And he succeeds magnificently.
If you like your thrillers unpredictable, with well thought through characters, then I highly recommend this.
As a side note....this would make a great TV series.
Tense and full of gathering momentum and rising stakes, this book is written across a broad, international stage whilst remaining intimate. There are a core of well drawn characters to care about, on both sides of the story. No cliche here.
It could easily have been very different. Set in the world of international terror, predictable white hat versus black hat politics could have tainted the read, but the author is careful to skilfully explore motive across his characters without judgement. And he succeeds magnificently.
If you like your thrillers unpredictable, with well thought through characters, then I highly recommend this.
As a side note....this would make a great TV series.
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading the book "Homegrown." Particularly the writing style, which was very detailed and vivid, it felt like I was watching a movie in my head.
I have a lot of conflicting emotions towards some of the characters. For example, Gail, I find it difficult to believe she was completely oblivious of all the changes happening around her son, even when she suspected some changes she still wouldn't do anything, at least talk to your son and find out how he is doing especially after he has just lost his father. I blame her for everything, she was just selfish, and a bad parent and the author gave her a free pass, zero smoke on her character, I didn't like that.
I liked Aazam, He was a soldier who did terrible things that I do not hold against him because I understand him. Coming from a war-torn country, fighting for a cause you believe in, losing his wife and best friend yet, staying in character till the end, he was my favorite. His dedication to the cause and his lethal method is exactly why I gravitated towards him, it's just unfortunate he was only a pawn. Maajid on the other hand I have so much disgust for him,
Overall, I got a better depiction of ISIS and their operations. It's quite unfortunate how they prey on the bereaved and displaced, offering comfort and brotherhood in Islam with ulterior motives. I personally have decided to be extra supportive to my loved ones so they're not out there seeking for love and community from organized religion.
It was a great reading experience for me, however, if Homegrown was inspired by a true-life event, I hope the parties involved find closure beyond getting drafted into home security to relive their nightmare.
I have a lot of conflicting emotions towards some of the characters. For example, Gail, I find it difficult to believe she was completely oblivious of all the changes happening around her son, even when she suspected some changes she still wouldn't do anything, at least talk to your son and find out how he is doing especially after he has just lost his father. I blame her for everything, she was just selfish, and a bad parent and the author gave her a free pass, zero smoke on her character, I didn't like that.
I liked Aazam, He was a soldier who did terrible things that I do not hold against him because I understand him. Coming from a war-torn country, fighting for a cause you believe in, losing his wife and best friend yet, staying in character till the end, he was my favorite. His dedication to the cause and his lethal method is exactly why I gravitated towards him, it's just unfortunate he was only a pawn. Maajid on the other hand I have so much disgust for him,
Overall, I got a better depiction of ISIS and their operations. It's quite unfortunate how they prey on the bereaved and displaced, offering comfort and brotherhood in Islam with ulterior motives. I personally have decided to be extra supportive to my loved ones so they're not out there seeking for love and community from organized religion.
It was a great reading experience for me, however, if Homegrown was inspired by a true-life event, I hope the parties involved find closure beyond getting drafted into home security to relive their nightmare.
September 6, 2025
This is a tense and emotionally charged thriller that doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. Dalton’s journey from grief stricken teenager to vulnerable recruit in the hands of ISIS feels unsettlingly real, showing how loss and loneliness can open the door to dangerous influences. What kept me turning the pages was the human core of the story: the unwavering love of his mother and his girlfriend, standing as a fragile but powerful counterforce to extremism. The blend of personal struggle, global stakes, and moral tension makes this a gripping and thought-provoking read.
September 14, 2025
A bold and timely thriller that tackles faith, loss, and the lure of extremism. Dalton’s journey from grief to radicalization is both unsettling and deeply human, making the stakes feel all too real as ISIS plots an attack on American soil. With his mother’s love and the loyalty of his Muslim girlfriend as the only lifelines, the story becomes a gripping battle between despair, manipulation, and hope. Intense, emotional, and thought-provoking.
September 8, 2025
A gripping and emotional read. Dalton, a grieving teen from D.C., finds peace in Islam but falls into the hands of ISIS recruiters planning deadly attacks. The story is both tense and heartfelt, showing how the love of his mother and girlfriend may be the only force strong enough to save him. Timely, moving, and thought-provoking.
July 26, 2022
This is an excellent book. I haven’t read a book this quick in a while, I couldn’t put it down. I learned things about the Muslim religion which was great.
June 11, 2025
This author does a really good job of taking 2 separate stories from the protagonist and antagonists point of view. I really enjoy being able to spend time inside the head of both sides. It gives really good perspective on the motives for each character.
This book is no different. The psychological element in this book is the part I enjoyed the most. As I read I understood more about what Dalton was going through and how the events affected him. I think everyone could find enjoyment reading this book. It was really well done!
This book is no different. The psychological element in this book is the part I enjoyed the most. As I read I understood more about what Dalton was going through and how the events affected him. I think everyone could find enjoyment reading this book. It was really well done!
October 10, 2021
The story follows up the life of a young man named Dalton who had just lost his father. After he converted to Islam, he found peace and meaning in his life again. However, the new friendship with Maajid turned out to be his tactic to trick Dalton in joining ISIS and their suicide mission. It seemed like there's no way out for Dalton but he knew he had to endure it as the life of two beloved women in his life is in grave danger.
First of all, I just wanted to highlight just how brilliant the author is, for writing story like this. It is wonderful that he did a lot of research about Islam and ISIS. Such a shame how media portrays the situation to the world whereas the truth and reality is way different yet some people just never bothered to care. I always love to read fiction books based on real history/ war/ situation/ conflict as I'll gain a new knowledge and it makes me aware of what's happening or what has happened around the world. This kind of story may open some eyes just how devastating the real situation is and I really hope more people will read it.
First of all, I just wanted to highlight just how brilliant the author is, for writing story like this. It is wonderful that he did a lot of research about Islam and ISIS. Such a shame how media portrays the situation to the world whereas the truth and reality is way different yet some people just never bothered to care. I always love to read fiction books based on real history/ war/ situation/ conflict as I'll gain a new knowledge and it makes me aware of what's happening or what has happened around the world. This kind of story may open some eyes just how devastating the real situation is and I really hope more people will read it.
July 15, 2022
A well-balanced thriller about terrorism
A page-turner of a thriller, David Wickenden’s Homegrown is also an insightful look at how religious extremists methodically radicalize young people who are at their most vulnerable. But far from painting all Muslims with the same brush, Homegrown draws a very clear line between those devoted to love and peace, and the minority who are consumed by hatred. The trap young Dalton Westree is pulled into is all too believable. The helpless horror of his loved ones, and his own struggles to escape, will grip the reader until the final pages.
A page-turner of a thriller, David Wickenden’s Homegrown is also an insightful look at how religious extremists methodically radicalize young people who are at their most vulnerable. But far from painting all Muslims with the same brush, Homegrown draws a very clear line between those devoted to love and peace, and the minority who are consumed by hatred. The trap young Dalton Westree is pulled into is all too believable. The helpless horror of his loved ones, and his own struggles to escape, will grip the reader until the final pages.
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