The Enemies of My Country

Shadow Strike #1

by Jason Kasper

On a mission to assassinate a Syrian operative, a young CIA contractor uncovers a shocking terrorist plot that threatens his wife and daughter.
David Rivers is very good at killing people.

He’s an expert in the art of violence—first as a Ranger, then as a mercenary, and now as a CIA contractor conducting covert action around the world.

But he’s never had a family to protect…until now.

Newly married, and with a five-year old adopted daughter, David thinks his family is safe in Charlottesville, Virginia as he risks his life abroad. But when his mission to assassinate a Syrian operative reveals an imminent terrorist attack on US soil, nothing can prepare him for what he discovers.

The attack will occur in one week. The target is in his hometown.

And his wife and daughter are mentioned by name.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Military Fiction, Espionage, Action, Mystery

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2021

About the author

Jason Kasper is a USA Today bestselling thriller author. He served in the US Army, beginning as a Ranger private and ending as a Green Beret captain. Jason is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and was an avid ultramarathon runner, skydiver, and BASE jumper, all of which inspire his fiction.

Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.

Join his mailing list for bonus content and book updates: https://bit.ly/440lHom

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes, you just need to shoot someone in their fucking face." Like, Vladimir Putin. 8 of 10 stars

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....Took me awhile to catch my breath...This story takes you directly into battle...The smell of guns firing is all around you...The noise has you ducking and moving as fast as you can...And you are right beside David Rivers when he reads His wife and his daughter's name on a piece of paper in a country far from home...They are threatening all he loves...His family, his hometown...His Country...All the plugs are pulled in this realistic fight for Our country...The authenticity is amazing,the tension, the fear hidden behind the battle line...You will be exhausted after reading, Living through all that our leaders and warriors must go through to keep everyone of us safe...Sitting tucked up in our homes...As battles we may never hear about rage somewhere around us...
David Rivers is now a CIA contractor, conducting missions all around the world...But as he is investigates a Syrian operative, his world closes...And his work world and home life collide...He has one week to figure it out...
This is definitely an amazing work...This author places all we care about in jeopardy...And we watch what happens as teams work to get us out...Alive...Intense, Amazing Action, Unbelievable Moments...We Finally Know, First Hand, The REAL feel of Combat...
I received an ARC from this author, and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review. Be Ready To Be Stuck In Your Chair With This Book Glued To Your Hands....

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this a 3.5 if I could...Everything was going fine and the book was great with meaningful dialogue and action...then it hit that Bridge too Far area. I won't go into specifics but if you pick up the book and read it, you'll understand. Mr Kasper is a good writer, good ideas he just needs to paint within the lines of plausible.

[Ross Sidor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Kasper's best book. It's a sequel to his previous "American Mercenary" series, but it stands on its own you don't need to have read that series to understand this book. Unlike the "American Mercenary" series, with some of its more surreal and unlikely elements, "Enemies of My Country" is firmly rooted in reality and is a more conventional action thriller in the mold of Flynn and Thor, but far superior, better written and way more realistic. The portrayal of a CIA hit team, the tactics and politics surrounding such a team, feel real and authentic, but that's just a bonus for those who enjoy that type of thing. The characters and dialogue are especially well done and are what keep the pages turning.

Oh, and speaking of the aforementioned Flynn and Thor, Kapser makes a hilarious Mitch Rapp reference that calls out one of the most ridiculous tropes of this genre that unfortunately persists to this day. Thankfully, it does not appear that David Rivers will be on a first name basis with POTUS anytime soon.

Kasper's writing is grounded and believable, and that makes the story a far more immersive experience. This book is one of those gems that I cannot praise enough.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for the frail or faint of heart.. This book was entertaining and had me immersed in the characters and was as good an action packed military thriller as you could ask for. This type of book is not in my typical wheelhouse of subject matter but I liked it a lot anyway. The book is about what the title suggests it might be about.

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

DNf @ 78% I tried to push but I’m honestly not enjoying this. I guess it just me not the book 😅

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started Shadow Strike series by Jason Kasper even though I'm not done with American Mercenary, I still have the last one left to read. David Rivers is in trouble on so many levels in this book that I am surprised it made it into a series. I found this one to be the one I like the least of all the books by this author so far, it took me forever to get into the story but then. Wow, it really took off. Now I have four more books in this series to read and I miss book five. I will see what I think when I continue reading if it gets better but I think it will.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review – “The Enemies of My Country” by Author Jason Kasper is a story that takes readers on a journey across various continents as David Rivers, a former Army Ranger, mercenary, and now a CIA contractor, and his team chase after a terrorist looking to cause havoc in the Homeland. The narrative immediately drew me in with its non-stop action, suspense, and plot twists. The storyline was edge of the seat exciting and very engaging. The fight scenes and gun battles were well written and believable. Kasper’s writing skill in the ‘first person’ had me feeling like I personally was in the story. It was very well done! Although full of scheming and anticipation, once a thread within the storyline was pulled there were no surprises. Kasper utilized solid technical knowledge to make the story a thrilling, action packed tale. The remarkable character development also draws readers into liking the supporting characters; each could probably have their own series. Overall, The Enemies of My Country is a good action thriller read. I like the main character David Rivers and enjoyed the story. This was my first Jason Kasper book and definitely not my last, as I am now ‘advance’ reading via NetGalley Book 2 in the Shadow Strike series, “Last Target Standing.”

[Joe Garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister recommended this book to me. I had never read anything from Jason Kasper before and decided to give it ago. I loved the fact that it was action from the first chapter to the last. The author did an amazing job of giving the right amount of detail but not adding to much to slow the story down. I loved the writing style as well as the phenomenal story line. I am not only looking forward to reading the next book on this series but more from the author full catalog. I would definitely recommend checking it out.

[Dan Banana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good action and suspense. Characters alright.
Save the world stuff.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgallery and the publisher for allowing me to preview The Enemies of My Country, the first book in the Shadow Strike series by Jason Kasper. This is the first book I've read by Kasper but it won't be the last. After doing a little research, I learned there are previous books featuring the main characters so I wasn't sure if I would be lost. Kasper does a good job of catching the reader up to what previously occurred so it isn't necessary to have read the previous books. The pacing is relentless and the action has an aire of authenticity that would be hard to replicate unless you've experienced it firsthand. Kasper has written a fantastic book and has gained a new fan in me.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Enemies of My Country by Jason Kasper
Shadow Strike #2

Thrills, chills, and derring-do fill the pages of this action-packed adventure that sees a team of black-ops elite soldiers dealing with a threat that will challenge them in more ways than one. I found out recently that this might be a spin-off series from the “American Mercenary” series that seems to be David Rivers story prior to this book’s beginning. That said, this book is a standalone story and very well done!

What I liked:
* David: team leader, husband, father, calm, wise, lethal, excellent at his job.
* The Team and the way they interact, have one another’ backs, work as a team – would love to learn more about each one of them.
* The writing and plot – it is much more than the typical terrorist military black-ops story. I liked the back-story of the main villain, BK, and knowing his motivation.
* Seeing the way David’s focus changed when he felt his family’s life might be on the line.
* David’s wife and daughter
* The real feel of the writing and the way it appealed to all my senses.
* Knowing that the author has lived what he writes about
* Contemplating how real this story might be…and if it could happen someday.
* Getting to read a new-to-me author that impressed me.
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that there are elements in the world that want to harm others. Some call them terrorists while they consider themselves to be fighting for just causes…
* The pain suffered by the common man as seen in a variety of scenes in this book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest Review.

5 Stars

[~L~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audible but have not read the book yet.

Based on listening, it just was not as good as the original DR Series, maybe the new narrator had some to do with it. He didn't come close to Adam Gold who I feel did a much better job portraying David and each individual in the gang. David isn't 30 yet so it didn't fit to have the voice sound so much older and without the inflective personality as the prior series.

Some of the main characters basic personalities seemed to be totally different and their new "bosses" along with the story were not set up enough for me to feel it was/could be "somewhat" believable. Something just seemed a miss.

Again, could be the narrated version as well as some of the personality differences but overall it was an ok listen. The intrigue, mystery and action was not as exciting. I also came away with a different kind of dislike for some of the new characters. But with all new series, things can change.

That said, I enjoyed the original DR Series and because of that I look forward to the next book.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first story in the Shadow Strike series is a rollercoaster ride of action set in the middle east and the USA. Mr. Kasper has created a cast of very well-developed characters who are by no means super soldiers, but well-trained operatives who each have their own particular set of faults. This was one of those books that was near impossible to put down until that final sentence was read. I’m not sure how Mr. Kasper is going to outdo this story in the second episode of the series, but I’ll be waiting patiently to read Last Target Standing to find out he does it. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars
The Enemies of My Country is average for military thrill in both story and plot. Not bad but not 4 stars, yet. There’s something about Jason Kasper’s style that I find a bit young adult compare to Brian Andrew, Steven Konkoly, Mark Greaney …. I really can’t put my finger on it yet but it’s what I feel when I read his books. Yes, it’s fun and entertaining but adrenaline pumping, though.

[David Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time to read something by Jason Kasper and it was an excellent, fast read. He does a good job with the battle scenes coming from a military career snd the story had several twists and turns. I would definitely read more books by this author

[David Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly exciting and action-packed, but it was a little far fetched and the writing was just okay. I could tell they tried to do some research behind the operations of the plot but it was a little lacking. The switching between first and third person didn’t add much. I might read more of this series but have others I enjoy more.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a dose of fastpaced, non-stop edge-of-your-seat action - and this series opener delivered just that. I'll be having more of this, thank you.

[Prasanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this one.. Non-Stop action as the team is chasing one lead after the other in the vast expanse of Syria only to come back to States and continue their chase.

[Eric Wadsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read! It starts immediately with action from David and his team in Syria. The details are just enough to paint a picture of David and his team hunting down a potential Terrorist Bari Kahn (BK). Chinese born, but turned to Syrian terrorism groups, the threat becomes real after David's team finds some evidence of missing missiles from a while back that the US tried to supply to allies. The hunt fails numerous times, but David and his boss keep going to save the mission... until David realizes his family might be at risk! The hunt turns back to the US where the seals regroup off the record since they were discharged by the Duchess after she was dismissed herself. Following leads, hunting trails and potential threat positions; David's team finally find the date, time and location of where the attack takes place.

Great Great Read and I am very excited to keep reading this series.

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was OK, it had some good parts but there was many moments where it just dragged on too much. This author has segments that for me he just goes overboard on explaining step-by-step of what they’re doing. This book easily should’ve been cut in half.

[Jo Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing Author who has written an amazing book. This story is so real you are right there with them Jason Kasper has out done himself with this book He certainly set the bar high for himself by getting better each time He picks up a pen or whatever his writing tool is. I can not praise this book enough absolutely loved it and getting ready to read it again it was that good. Can't wait for his next one. Thank you Jason Kasper for this wonderful story.

[Arunabh Bhuyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woww! This was a fanrastic read! The storyline, the storytelling, the characters, the thrill everything aas spot on. A perfect action filled book! Looking forward to the next book!

[Steven Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Kasper's sequel to his American Mercenary series, Shadow Strike, kicks off with a bang in the debut entry, The Enemies of My Country. Now working for the CIA, David Rivers and his team (many of whom will be familiar to the reader if they finished the American Mercenary series) are deployed to Syria, in hunt of a Uyghur Muslim operating in the region and allied with the Islamic State. What starts off as a simple hit rapidly escalates to a frightening terror plot, and Rivers will be pushed to the brink as he and his team races to stop the threat.

Kasper balances canon/continuity with new reader accessibility. It's not absolutely necessary to read the American Mercenary series to start Shadow Strike, but those who have will see nods throughout the narrative. As per the usual, Kasper's action is technically accurate and exhilarating, putting the reader on the ground with a colorful cast of characters. The dialogue is top notch, as well, with hilarious banter that helps to serve as comic relief to the serious plot.

The Enemies of My Country was a page-turner from start to finish. Can't wait to read the next installment!

[Karen Ventura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books has a great story line if you like military, warfare or extreme drama stories as it envelops you inside a CIA operation. It walks you through various scenarios that are descriptive, which allow you to feel as if you are in the operation yourself. However, to me, it was quite difficult to keep up with the various character story lines as many of them were intertwined within the same chapter as the main characters. David’s story of being a soldier and struggling with balancing life as a normal citizen may be relatable. His new job as a secret operative for the CIA seems to excite him but also create tensions at home but ultimately the secret operation is what nearly causes him to lose everything he loved.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better the the genre average

Gaps exist - such as explanations of the team members. Plot holes - what happened with Nizar and daughter? Implausible links bordering on the absurd - finding an office blown up but he finds a scrap of paper bearing the nmaes of his wife and daughter? Overall, though, an enjoyable and flowing story.

[Todd Ockert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly long book compared to some that I have read lately.
It was a little drawn out.
Overall, it was a great read, though I wished there was a story line on how the missiles got into the USA. I failed to connect the dots a little bit on that, other than how they got out of the water.

[Sabrina S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this one..... but the truth is some of the descriptors used by Author were confusing. After saying "HUH?" I had to rewind several times to get what he was describing. Sometimes I thought..... hmmm maybe it was the Narrator..... but who knows ?! Maybe it was just not my cup of tea for the week!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another first time author for me. I realized a short way into the book that there was apparently another series with the same male MC before this one. I looked it up and there are 5 books in that series (I think that's what I remember) There are a couple of things that made me look into it because there were certain facts that were given that the reader was just supposed to know - like the fact that the daughter was adopted and there were apparently unusual circumstances surrounding that. But, that really did not deter from the current story.

David Rivers is the Team Leader working on a covert team for the CIA. It is a new team and they are only on their second mission, but they really have not yet had a successful mission. His relationship with his wife does not seem too stable - there are a lot of things that seem on the brink.

With all that being said, it is the team dynamics that make this story. His team consists of 5 guys and they could not be more different. There is some great character development done here and we can truly see what each team member brings to the overall picture.

There is a certain amount of time dedicated to the world building per se. There are problems at the Operations Center with the "Duchess" who is his boss and contact when they are out in the field. She is under quite a bit of political pressure as the team reports to a Senator who is extremely arrogant and power hungry. And also a bit of conflict from a co-leader who is military, but has never been out in the field.

Anyway, they are sent to kill a bad guy who is a Chinese dissident working with ISIS. In the course of all this, the team discovers quite a few things that they were not expecting and it all leads to an imminent threat on the homeland. Somehow, David's family is also mentioned which makes no sense to anyone.

This was a great start. Lots of action and lots of drama. I will admit to the fact that I am not really a fan of Duchess. In fact, I'd go as far to say that I pretty much can't stand her. But, it works.

I'm ready to move on to book 2. Let's see what trouble this team can get into next......

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Kasper’s *The Enemies of My Country* is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that delves into the world of covert operations, espionage, and personal stakes. The protagonist, David Rivers, is portrayed as an elite assassin living a dual life—one as a seasoned CIA contractor conducting missions globally, and the other as a seemingly ordinary man with a family in Virginia, hidden even from his wife.

The narrative gains momentum when Rivers uncovers chilling intelligence during an overseas mission: terrorists are planning an attack on American soil, with his hometown as the target, and, disturbingly, his wife and daughter mentioned specifically. This discovery not only escalates the action but raises the emotional stakes, transforming the plot from a conventional spy thriller into a personal race against time.

He masterfully balances the tension between Rivers' professional duties and personal life, blending heart-stopping action with emotional depth. The portrayal of Rivers as a conflicted character—torn between his covert role and his responsibilities as a husband and father—adds a layer of vulnerability, making him relatable despite his lethal skillset. The narrative is fueled by taut, precise prose, with short chapters and shifting perspectives keeping readers hooked.

The book explores the consequences of living a double life, the cost of secrecy, and the thin line between patriotism and personal sacrifice. The plot twists are well-executed, though some readers might find certain aspects predictable, especially the trope of a hero’s family being threatened. However, Kasper compensates for this with sharp pacing, intricate tactical details, and a gripping sense of urgency.

In conclusion, it is a standout thriller that combines espionage, intense action, and emotional depth. It is a must-read for fans of military fiction and spy novels, offering not just a high-stakes narrative but also a nuanced exploration of the personal toll such a life demands.