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Black Flagged #0.5
Inception
Daniel Petrovich, the most lethal operative created by the Department of Defense's Black Flagged Program, represents a new breed of covert operative.
He wasn't recruited from Special Forces, law enforcement or any of the alphabet agencies — and he isn't motivated by a sense of undying patriotism or bitter revenge. Petrovich is none of those things, which makes him all the more dangerous. Unlike most "heroes," there's no obvious black and white in Petrovich's world. He sees everything in gray — an uncompromising trait that will keep him alive long enough to pull off one of the biggest coups in covert military history.
INCEPTION is Daniel Petrovich's origin story. The perfect place for a new reader to start the BLACK FLAGGED series.
He wasn't recruited from Special Forces, law enforcement or any of the alphabet agencies — and he isn't motivated by a sense of undying patriotism or bitter revenge. Petrovich is none of those things, which makes him all the more dangerous. Unlike most "heroes," there's no obvious black and white in Petrovich's world. He sees everything in gray — an uncompromising trait that will keep him alive long enough to pull off one of the biggest coups in covert military history.
INCEPTION is Daniel Petrovich's origin story. The perfect place for a new reader to start the BLACK FLAGGED series.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2018
530 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Steven Konkoly
70 books1,228 followersSteven graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993, receiving a bachelor of science in English literature. He served the next eight years on active duty, traveling the world as a naval officer assigned to various Navy and Marine Corps units. His extensive journey spanned the globe, including a two-year tour of duty in Japan and travel to more than twenty countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
From enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq as a maritime boarding officer in the Arabian Gulf, to directing aircraft bombing runs and naval gunfire strikes as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) assigned to a specialized Marine Corps unit, Steven's "in-house" experience with a wide range of regular and elite military units brings a unique authenticity to his thrillers.
He still wakes up at "zero dark thirty" to write for most of the day. When "off duty," he spends as much time as possible outdoors or travelling with his family--and dog.
Steven is the bestselling author of ten novels and several novellas, including a commissioned trilogy of novellas based on the popular Wayward Pines series. His canon of work includes the popular Black Flagged Series, a gritty, no-holds barred covert operations and espionage saga; The Perseid Collapse series, a post-apocalyptic thriller epic chronicling the events surrounding an inconceivable attack on the United States; and The Fractured State series, a near future, dystopian thriller trilogy set in the drought ravaged southwest
You can contact Steven directly by email (stevekonkoly@striblingmedia.com) or through his blog (www.stevenkonkoly.com).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 4, 2018
This adventure brings you through the actual beginning of the Black Flagged program,as Daniel says yes to an offer that has him wondering what the heck he got himself into! We learn of the security and training that gets men ready to take on missions independently. They are given anything that may be necessary but go into the situation ALONE...
This is Black Flagged.
This is Black Flagged.
September 4, 2018
The Start of Black Flagged in an Exciting Entrance by Daniel Petrovich
This adventure brings you through the actual beginning of the Black Flagged program, as Daniel says yes to an offer that finds him wondering what the check he got himself into! We learn the security and training that gets men ready to take on missions independently. They are given anything that may be necessary but go into the situation ALONE...
This is Black Flagged...
This adventure brings you through the actual beginning of the Black Flagged program, as Daniel says yes to an offer that finds him wondering what the check he got himself into! We learn the security and training that gets men ready to take on missions independently. They are given anything that may be necessary but go into the situation ALONE...
This is Black Flagged...
September 4, 2018
Daniel Petrovich starts out as the authority adverse, Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Navy. He goes on to become the cold-blooded assassin, Marko Resja in the off the books Black Flagged program. He meets all the requirements and is easily molded into his new identity. And, he is most deadly.
Konkoly’s novella Black Flagged Series Prequel, Inception, is Daniel’s origin story. While he is not the easiest protagonist to like, he grows on you if you continue with the series. It always amazes me the amount of detail and precision the Konkoly goes to in his stories.
I was excited to get this novella at first. It starts off well and grabbed my attention. It is action-packed and very intense. What disappointed me was the lack of information regarding the actual training at General Sanderson’s camp. I wanted more and felt a bit shortchanged.
4 out of 5 stars.
Konkoly’s novella Black Flagged Series Prequel, Inception, is Daniel’s origin story. While he is not the easiest protagonist to like, he grows on you if you continue with the series. It always amazes me the amount of detail and precision the Konkoly goes to in his stories.
I was excited to get this novella at first. It starts off well and grabbed my attention. It is action-packed and very intense. What disappointed me was the lack of information regarding the actual training at General Sanderson’s camp. I wanted more and felt a bit shortchanged.
4 out of 5 stars.
Read
August 29, 2018Anyone who is a fan of the Black Flagged series has been itching to know the back story of lethal operative Daniel Petrovich. Now we know:) This superb little gem makes the perfect addition to one of the best series out there. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2025
Great prequel
This was a great introduction to the main character of the Black Flagged Series and I can't wait to read all the books in the Black Flagged Universe as well.
Mr. Konkoly's experience shows during the action sequences and military terminology.
This was a great introduction to the main character of the Black Flagged Series and I can't wait to read all the books in the Black Flagged Universe as well.
Mr. Konkoly's experience shows during the action sequences and military terminology.
September 1, 2018
Quit Reading reviews and click the Buy Now button NOW!
To those of you who have had the pleasure of reading Mr. Konkoly's work I say this, same as always 100% grade A writing!!! And what we have all come to expect from him. This book does a great job of explaining how Daniel got to be where he is today. It is a great read, just like all the rest!
For those of you who have not had the absolute pleasure of reading this author's works consider yourselves blessed that you found your way to this page.
I think this will help those of you who have not read Mr. Konkoly's work, I read Clancy, Thor, Flynn, Greany, etc. and throw in Sansbury-Smith for you sci-fi guys and without a doubt, Knokoly's series (and there are 4 - I believe, I have read every single book by this author) have surpassed the works of those authors I just listed. Bold words, I know, but do yourself a favor and grab this book and then you might as well grab the rest of the Black Flagged series because I promise you, you'll be back for the first book in the series as soon as you put this down (as an FYI, this book is the prequel to the series). And once you get done with this series, you'll be like me, searching for all of his other books until you read them all.
Also as an FYI to those reading this, I paid for all of this author's books, I don't know the author and I am not one to typically leave a review, but I figured I was once like you, searching for that next GREAT author that I could enjoy for sometime - well guess what? It is your lucky day friends because you just hit pay-dirt by landing here.
Trust me when I say you will come back and thank me for suggesting you read all of Mr. Konkoly's books. Action packed (but realistic), great character development, emotionally challenging (is Daniel Petrovic a good guy?), and just plain entertaining!
So I repeat, do yourself a favor and pick a series and start to enjoy! This book is a great place to start for the Black Flagged series but all of the other series are just as well written and entertaining. Well done Mr. Konkoly, Well Done!
To those of you who have had the pleasure of reading Mr. Konkoly's work I say this, same as always 100% grade A writing!!! And what we have all come to expect from him. This book does a great job of explaining how Daniel got to be where he is today. It is a great read, just like all the rest!
For those of you who have not had the absolute pleasure of reading this author's works consider yourselves blessed that you found your way to this page.
I think this will help those of you who have not read Mr. Konkoly's work, I read Clancy, Thor, Flynn, Greany, etc. and throw in Sansbury-Smith for you sci-fi guys and without a doubt, Knokoly's series (and there are 4 - I believe, I have read every single book by this author) have surpassed the works of those authors I just listed. Bold words, I know, but do yourself a favor and grab this book and then you might as well grab the rest of the Black Flagged series because I promise you, you'll be back for the first book in the series as soon as you put this down (as an FYI, this book is the prequel to the series). And once you get done with this series, you'll be like me, searching for all of his other books until you read them all.
Also as an FYI to those reading this, I paid for all of this author's books, I don't know the author and I am not one to typically leave a review, but I figured I was once like you, searching for that next GREAT author that I could enjoy for sometime - well guess what? It is your lucky day friends because you just hit pay-dirt by landing here.
Trust me when I say you will come back and thank me for suggesting you read all of Mr. Konkoly's books. Action packed (but realistic), great character development, emotionally challenging (is Daniel Petrovic a good guy?), and just plain entertaining!
So I repeat, do yourself a favor and pick a series and start to enjoy! This book is a great place to start for the Black Flagged series but all of the other series are just as well written and entertaining. Well done Mr. Konkoly, Well Done!
August 30, 2018
Meh. I believe that's the correct term to use. Volume 1 of the Black Flagged series was explosive, introducing Daniel Petrovich as part of a cast of characters that kept one interested over the series. This novella is a glimpse of Konkoly's thinking in creating Petrovich - but it's so short that it's more like a sample than a book.
Petrovich is a great character. No question. But this supposed insight into how he came to be just really doesn't give enough time or detail to his development into the kick-ass duded that showed up in the first volume of the series. As a prequel, it does so very little to explore how he "came to be" that at most, it's nice to have. But in now way is it critical in reading the series or even understanding the character.
I didn't need to get it - it gave me nothing new. A quick and ultimately disappointing read.
Petrovich is a great character. No question. But this supposed insight into how he came to be just really doesn't give enough time or detail to his development into the kick-ass duded that showed up in the first volume of the series. As a prequel, it does so very little to explore how he "came to be" that at most, it's nice to have. But in now way is it critical in reading the series or even understanding the character.
I didn't need to get it - it gave me nothing new. A quick and ultimately disappointing read.
August 30, 2018
Like military action? Based somewhat on real events? Read this.
Be a real man. Feel the tension the taut suspense, a the hair-pull trigger of righteous American might unleashed on the dangerous and deadly enemy that only a specialist, one of a very few can take on. And take out. One of my favorite all-time writers, it just ends too soon. Actually I just could not put it down.
Be a real man. Feel the tension the taut suspense, a the hair-pull trigger of righteous American might unleashed on the dangerous and deadly enemy that only a specialist, one of a very few can take on. And take out. One of my favorite all-time writers, it just ends too soon. Actually I just could not put it down.
September 3, 2018
Inception is a prequel to the Black Flagged series. This can be read as a standalone, but you really should read the series. It is definitely worth it! There is violence so it may not be suitable for some readers. If you read any of the books in the Black Flagged series, then you are familiar with Daniel Petrovich. This is his story of how he ended up in the Black Flagged program. I am glad to finally get this background information on him. A must read for any Black Flagged fan.
January 14, 2019
A reasonably good short story that could easily have been a fully length book due to a few gaps in the timeline. If the gaps had been filled, I feel it would have enhanced the reading experience as well as informing the reader of the main character's development and deployment as a special operative.
At this time, I make no predictions as to whether I will read more of this series, time and thought are required.
At this time, I make no predictions as to whether I will read more of this series, time and thought are required.
May 3, 2019
SUPERSOLDIER -- GOVERNMENT-CREATED
For no good reason Daniel is a very likeable sociopathic paramilitary dude. He "TRANCES" OUR because he was found to be a candidate in advance and trained in an abusive program to be utterly excellent at what he does. This is very important to him. He wants to "be best".
For no good reason Daniel is a very likeable sociopathic paramilitary dude. He "TRANCES" OUR because he was found to be a candidate in advance and trained in an abusive program to be utterly excellent at what he does. This is very important to him. He wants to "be best".
April 7, 2025
Like with many of the best action thriller series, Inception, the prequel to the Black Flagged Series was actually written after the first book in the series was written and published. Inception is a short read but an essential read that introduces all the main characters and sets the stage for all the Black Flagged thrillers to follow. I really can’t say much about this novella without dropping spoilers and I really don’t want to do that and spoil the series for you.
Daniel Petrovich, AKA Marko Resja lives and works in a world where there are no blacks and no whites, only shades of grey. He’s neither a hero nor a villain, he’s just a man who does what needs to be done so everyone else stays safe. Konkoly keeps his characters real. I know because…well, let’s just say that I’ve been there.
If you live for adrenaline-fueled, action-pact thrill rides, stories in which the action never stops, then Steven Konkoly is for you.
Daniel Petrovich, AKA Marko Resja lives and works in a world where there are no blacks and no whites, only shades of grey. He’s neither a hero nor a villain, he’s just a man who does what needs to be done so everyone else stays safe. Konkoly keeps his characters real. I know because…well, let’s just say that I’ve been there.
If you live for adrenaline-fueled, action-pact thrill rides, stories in which the action never stops, then Steven Konkoly is for you.
December 17, 2023
I've enjoyed other Black Flagged series books from Steven Konkoly but didn't care for Inception. The beginning of this novella was pretty good. But once Daniel Petrovich got on site for his mission, I just didn't care for the story. I found myself skimming pages in hopes of finding something interesting to read. I was glad when the story ended (and was glad that this was a novella) so that I could move on read something that I liked better.
September 2, 2018
Inception
I enjoyed this book. The first chapter I thought holy dodo. You can't say things like that to your commanding officer.
Loved the back story. Loved the Whole Black Flagged series. I think Daniel Petrovich is unique and certainly interesting.
I enjoyed this book. The first chapter I thought holy dodo. You can't say things like that to your commanding officer.
Loved the back story. Loved the Whole Black Flagged series. I think Daniel Petrovich is unique and certainly interesting.
September 4, 2018
Prequel to the Black Flagged series
Steven Konkoly is one of my favorite writers. This is the origin story of Daniel Petrovich, aka Marko Resja. If you like Black Ops look no further! The Black Flagged series is the real deal.
Steven Konkoly is one of my favorite writers. This is the origin story of Daniel Petrovich, aka Marko Resja. If you like Black Ops look no further! The Black Flagged series is the real deal.
September 8, 2018
Prequel
Good introduction to the Black Flagged Series beginning in an unusual way. The "development" of Marco brings some focus to the book and points the reader toward the next adventure thriller. Looking forward to Book 1.
Good introduction to the Black Flagged Series beginning in an unusual way. The "development" of Marco brings some focus to the book and points the reader toward the next adventure thriller. Looking forward to Book 1.
September 15, 2018
A good spy/special ops thriller
This short story did its job, got me interested in further Black Flagged thrillers. I am sure I read Alpha years ago, but I think I will jump back into this series.
This short story did its job, got me interested in further Black Flagged thrillers. I am sure I read Alpha years ago, but I think I will jump back into this series.
October 3, 2018
Inception
Even though I've already read all of the Black Flagged series I never knew how Daniel was recruited. This was a very exciting and eye opening story. Very fast and full of action. Whether you're new to the series or read them all you'll love this book.
Even though I've already read all of the Black Flagged series I never knew how Daniel was recruited. This was a very exciting and eye opening story. Very fast and full of action. Whether you're new to the series or read them all you'll love this book.
January 6, 2019
A bit predictable and disjointed
This is a prequel to entice the reader into buying into a series. It Is a routine attempt and did not do it for me. It just was not what I was looking for.
This is a prequel to entice the reader into buying into a series. It Is a routine attempt and did not do it for me. It just was not what I was looking for.
January 15, 2019
Inception. Steven Konkoly
A highly clandestine group of highly trained operatives. Yugoslavia, serbs, Croatians. Ethnic cleansing. Atrocities committed beyond ones imagination. A fast paced prequel to the black flagged series. My biggest recommendation
A highly clandestine group of highly trained operatives. Yugoslavia, serbs, Croatians. Ethnic cleansing. Atrocities committed beyond ones imagination. A fast paced prequel to the black flagged series. My biggest recommendation
April 9, 2019
Great story on how it all began
This story is about Daniel Petrovic’s beginnings with the Black Flagged program. It is short but intense. It is a great back story to the Black Flagged series that can easily be enjoyed before, during, or after reading the series.
This story is about Daniel Petrovic’s beginnings with the Black Flagged program. It is short but intense. It is a great back story to the Black Flagged series that can easily be enjoyed before, during, or after reading the series.
August 31, 2019
Book Contents Sound Familiar ...
I’m not (yet) sure if I’ve read the Black Flagged series of books before, or it just seems familiar. The writing and characters are good, though, and if this is my 2nd time through — I can live with it.
I’m not (yet) sure if I’ve read the Black Flagged series of books before, or it just seems familiar. The writing and characters are good, though, and if this is my 2nd time through — I can live with it.
December 2, 2020
This is the prequel to the series and while I like reading all series in chronological order, you need to read Alphas first. The backstory of the main character is revealed in this book and it was better not knowing in the first book.
December 18, 2020
Too short
While so really enjoyed the black flagged series, this book felt too short and too disjointed in the story. It was a significant letdown and felt disappointing. The story lacked depth and seemed to end meaninglessly.
While so really enjoyed the black flagged series, this book felt too short and too disjointed in the story. It was a significant letdown and felt disappointing. The story lacked depth and seemed to end meaninglessly.
May 10, 2021
Super fun, and it’s just the PREQUEL!
I was actually getting ready to read book one of the black Flagged series when I discovered this prequel!
I am so happy I did! I’m sure going enjoy reading the full series!
I was actually getting ready to read book one of the black Flagged series when I discovered this prequel!
I am so happy I did! I’m sure going enjoy reading the full series!
November 25, 2021
Lots of action
There is a lot of action in this book. It shows how brutal the war was over there and how inhuman the people were. There is a good future for the author with these books. Read with an open mind.
There is a lot of action in this book. It shows how brutal the war was over there and how inhuman the people were. There is a good future for the author with these books. Read with an open mind.
September 9, 2018
Fast paced story!!
Fast paced prequel to the black flagged series. I think the story could have been longer, maybe just a little rushed. But still enjoy all stories by this Author.
Fast paced prequel to the black flagged series. I think the story could have been longer, maybe just a little rushed. But still enjoy all stories by this Author.
September 10, 2018
4+
Short, action all the way. Thankfully I have book one to leap straight into. Scarily realistic as is usual from this author.
Short, action all the way. Thankfully I have book one to leap straight into. Scarily realistic as is usual from this author.
September 14, 2018
Good shortstory 4
October 18, 2018
Average read
I only gave it a 3
Got a bit mixed up with the story
It was an average read
I am slowly getting into the storylines of the author
I only gave it a 3
Got a bit mixed up with the story
It was an average read
I am slowly getting into the storylines of the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews