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Stray Ally: The Dog Complex Book #1
A strange accident on the freeway, accusations of murder, and an encounter in the Idaho wilderness all propel Todd Clarke into a new friendship with a dog named Sparky. But Sparky is no ordinary dog, and there is more going on than Clarke could have imagined.
A military commander he investigated for Aryan activity and links to domestic terrorism is after him, and he's not sure why until another chance encounter provides the answer.
With Sparky and the help of his canine friends, will he be able to figure out the Colonel's plan and stop him in time? All Clarke knows for sure is none of it would be possible without the help of his Stray Ally.
A military commander he investigated for Aryan activity and links to domestic terrorism is after him, and he's not sure why until another chance encounter provides the answer.
With Sparky and the help of his canine friends, will he be able to figure out the Colonel's plan and stop him in time? All Clarke knows for sure is none of it would be possible without the help of his Stray Ally.
254 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2014
6 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Troy Lambert
112 books76 followersTroy began his writing life at a very young age, penning the as yet unpublished George and the Giant Castle at age six. He grew up in Southern Idaho, and after many adventures including a short stint in the US Army and a diverse education, Troy returned to Idaho and currently resides in Boise.
Troy works as a freelance writer, researcher, and editor. His true passion is writing dark, psychological thrillers. His work includes the acclaimed Captial City Murders Series, the Max Boucher Series, a handful of non-fiction titles, and the Samuel Elijah Johnson Series.
Troy lives works, and plays in Boise, Idaho with his German Shepherd, McClane, and when not behind the keyboard can be found wandering the foothills near his home or sampling brews at a local establishment.
Troy works as a freelance writer, researcher, and editor. His true passion is writing dark, psychological thrillers. His work includes the acclaimed Captial City Murders Series, the Max Boucher Series, a handful of non-fiction titles, and the Samuel Elijah Johnson Series.
Troy lives works, and plays in Boise, Idaho with his German Shepherd, McClane, and when not behind the keyboard can be found wandering the foothills near his home or sampling brews at a local establishment.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 26, 2014
We must maximize our efforts to counter violent extremism, radicalization and recruitment in the United States and stop using xenophobia and ethnic stereotyping. - Bennie Thompson
Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts. - Hans Kung
Humans never grow up. – Me
It starts innocently, though horrifyingly. A teenager, one of those most careless of creatures, so certain of their own immortality. A skateboard, a bridge over a highway, and a long, long fall. And a specially trained soldier, drummed out of the corps for reasons unsure and unknown, a victim of circumstance – a victim whose world will now start to spiral out of control.
What happens when a military commander goes out of control? When the good join the evil, and death and destruction are the outcome? And what if what seems simply a tragic accident is actually something more? Something horrific beyond thought or comprehension?
Lambert has written a military-based tale of murder and hatred, sociopathy and convoluted planning that would make the Gorgon weep. Set in Idaho, the poster child state for domestic terrorism and religious fanaticism, as well as fanatical racism, this could have been your standard tale of psychotic racial hatred and military misanthropy. However, this is more than that. For, within an outstanding story of suspense and terror, Lambert introduces a nearly paranormal aspect – the dogs.
Todd Clarke has escaped custody. When a teenager fell to his death onto the hood of his wife’s Mercedes, and the state police officer, seeing the child and recognizing him as his own, attacks Clarke, threatening him with his gun, Clarke’s training kicks in under the shock of the child’s death, and Clarke disarms and kills the officer.
In hiding in the mountains, Clarke runs across a supposed hiker and his dog, Sparky, and the outcome is the death of the hiker – and the friendship of the dog. Chased by agents, both known and unknown, Clarke begins a race for his life, with the nearly supernatural assistance of Sparky – an assistance that comes with the help of many other dogs, mutts mostly, lured to Sparky by a force which Clarke does not understand, but which saves his life again and again.
I adored the part the dogs play in the story line. As the author states in his statement regarding his book: So I read this book the other day, about a man in some real trouble, at an uncertain and dark point in his life. He meets a dog, and that changes everything. The dog is no ordinary dog, but I ask you: what dog is ordinary? With the help of this amazing dog and some of his canine friends, the man finds the strength to keep going.
Much like Todd, I have my own story of a dog who saved my life, who drew me back from suicide and self loathing, who taught me what love truly was. I wouldn’t have made it with him, just like Clarke needs Sparky and his friends.
Another thing that truly dug into me was the story of military personnel gone rogue – men of power who convoluted and destroyed the very essence of what is good about the military, turning it into a twisted and evil power used for the worst possible reasons. Hatred and domination, and all that is wrong and disgusting about the sort of mentality that hates others in the name of their concept of a hateful and brutal god. I have always found it interesting – those who preach Gods goodness and power and mercy, and that all things “great and small” are created by this god – but will, in his name, murder and torture and terrorize all those whose skin colour is not the same as their own.
But my favorite part of the whole book? The dogs, those loving, loyal, and tremendously brave creatures who will lay down their lives for the right and the true. If for no other reason, if you love dogs, you must read this book. You will never be sorry you did so.
Whatever the evolutionary basis of religion, the xenophobia it now generates is clearly maladaptive. - Lawrence M. Krauss
I received this book from Lucy Felthouse at Writer Marketing Services. I have received no compensation for any postings which I have undertaken, or any reviews written. All thoughts and comments regarding Stray Ally or any other books reviewed for Writer Marketing Services are my own.
Time and again we see leaders and members of religions incite aggression, fanaticism, hate, and xenophobia - even inspire and legitimate violent and bloody conflicts. - Hans Kung
Humans never grow up. – Me
It starts innocently, though horrifyingly. A teenager, one of those most careless of creatures, so certain of their own immortality. A skateboard, a bridge over a highway, and a long, long fall. And a specially trained soldier, drummed out of the corps for reasons unsure and unknown, a victim of circumstance – a victim whose world will now start to spiral out of control.
What happens when a military commander goes out of control? When the good join the evil, and death and destruction are the outcome? And what if what seems simply a tragic accident is actually something more? Something horrific beyond thought or comprehension?
Lambert has written a military-based tale of murder and hatred, sociopathy and convoluted planning that would make the Gorgon weep. Set in Idaho, the poster child state for domestic terrorism and religious fanaticism, as well as fanatical racism, this could have been your standard tale of psychotic racial hatred and military misanthropy. However, this is more than that. For, within an outstanding story of suspense and terror, Lambert introduces a nearly paranormal aspect – the dogs.
Todd Clarke has escaped custody. When a teenager fell to his death onto the hood of his wife’s Mercedes, and the state police officer, seeing the child and recognizing him as his own, attacks Clarke, threatening him with his gun, Clarke’s training kicks in under the shock of the child’s death, and Clarke disarms and kills the officer.
In hiding in the mountains, Clarke runs across a supposed hiker and his dog, Sparky, and the outcome is the death of the hiker – and the friendship of the dog. Chased by agents, both known and unknown, Clarke begins a race for his life, with the nearly supernatural assistance of Sparky – an assistance that comes with the help of many other dogs, mutts mostly, lured to Sparky by a force which Clarke does not understand, but which saves his life again and again.
I adored the part the dogs play in the story line. As the author states in his statement regarding his book: So I read this book the other day, about a man in some real trouble, at an uncertain and dark point in his life. He meets a dog, and that changes everything. The dog is no ordinary dog, but I ask you: what dog is ordinary? With the help of this amazing dog and some of his canine friends, the man finds the strength to keep going.
Much like Todd, I have my own story of a dog who saved my life, who drew me back from suicide and self loathing, who taught me what love truly was. I wouldn’t have made it with him, just like Clarke needs Sparky and his friends.
Another thing that truly dug into me was the story of military personnel gone rogue – men of power who convoluted and destroyed the very essence of what is good about the military, turning it into a twisted and evil power used for the worst possible reasons. Hatred and domination, and all that is wrong and disgusting about the sort of mentality that hates others in the name of their concept of a hateful and brutal god. I have always found it interesting – those who preach Gods goodness and power and mercy, and that all things “great and small” are created by this god – but will, in his name, murder and torture and terrorize all those whose skin colour is not the same as their own.
But my favorite part of the whole book? The dogs, those loving, loyal, and tremendously brave creatures who will lay down their lives for the right and the true. If for no other reason, if you love dogs, you must read this book. You will never be sorry you did so.
Whatever the evolutionary basis of religion, the xenophobia it now generates is clearly maladaptive. - Lawrence M. Krauss
I received this book from Lucy Felthouse at Writer Marketing Services. I have received no compensation for any postings which I have undertaken, or any reviews written. All thoughts and comments regarding Stray Ally or any other books reviewed for Writer Marketing Services are my own.
March 19, 2014
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.
The story started with an accident that just happened; fast paced it had a lot of information to process in a short time. Todd Clarke was driving on the freeway, in his wife’s Marsha car, the next minute as he went through an over pass a kid on a skateboard dropped on the windshield of the car. He stopped and then from there everything was in disarray, he was cuffed and took to jail for his court appearance.
Clarke knew he needed to get away; a trained ex-military he was used to operate in warrior mode most of the time. He managed to escape and find himself in the field running for his life; because of a previous investigation that set the current situation in motion, it was best to stay far away from his wife; regrouping to find his footing with the new twist. As the story unfolds you are aware of more things that happened behind the scenes and you could understand his reasons for staying away from his wife.
While he was hiding he met a stray dog called Sparky, here a strange friendship developed and the dog became his ally. Operating in warrior mode he got to an old abandoned facility he was previously a captive in; because he knew the place he was prepared to face his pursuers there; one against many.
While he was there he also discovered that the dog had some influence on the local dogs in the countryside; they actually helped him a lot to stay alive.
The main character was believable and very strong; I could really connect with this character. His interaction with the animals changed from indifferent to the K9’s to trust in their abilities and friendship.
This is a very good military thriller, keeping your interest as you learn who was after Clarke and you wonder if he would survive this onslaught while his pursuer was using the military against him. Tension filled, gruesome at times a small war ensured that you are thoroughly entertained with no time to get bored. To find out what happened, you need to buy the book.
A very well written story full off twist and surprises, well done Troy Lambert
I give this book 5 stars
The story started with an accident that just happened; fast paced it had a lot of information to process in a short time. Todd Clarke was driving on the freeway, in his wife’s Marsha car, the next minute as he went through an over pass a kid on a skateboard dropped on the windshield of the car. He stopped and then from there everything was in disarray, he was cuffed and took to jail for his court appearance.
Clarke knew he needed to get away; a trained ex-military he was used to operate in warrior mode most of the time. He managed to escape and find himself in the field running for his life; because of a previous investigation that set the current situation in motion, it was best to stay far away from his wife; regrouping to find his footing with the new twist. As the story unfolds you are aware of more things that happened behind the scenes and you could understand his reasons for staying away from his wife.
While he was hiding he met a stray dog called Sparky, here a strange friendship developed and the dog became his ally. Operating in warrior mode he got to an old abandoned facility he was previously a captive in; because he knew the place he was prepared to face his pursuers there; one against many.
While he was there he also discovered that the dog had some influence on the local dogs in the countryside; they actually helped him a lot to stay alive.
The main character was believable and very strong; I could really connect with this character. His interaction with the animals changed from indifferent to the K9’s to trust in their abilities and friendship.
This is a very good military thriller, keeping your interest as you learn who was after Clarke and you wonder if he would survive this onslaught while his pursuer was using the military against him. Tension filled, gruesome at times a small war ensured that you are thoroughly entertained with no time to get bored. To find out what happened, you need to buy the book.
A very well written story full off twist and surprises, well done Troy Lambert
I give this book 5 stars
August 5, 2023
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S STRAY ALLY ABOUT?
Ex-Special Ops soldier, Todd Clarke, is on his way to an interview for a job he doesn't need, but can't turn down--to act as part of the security for the new governor of Idaho at a special event--when a tragedy on the freeway stops him. Next thing he knows, he's being framed for murder.
Clarke escapes from custody and sets out to hide from the authorities while his wife's high-priced attorneys do their job. But then a Colonel that Clarke had investigated for Aryan activities (and other malodorous actions) sets U.S. troops out to hunt him down and the gloves have to come off.
Accompanied only by a dog that befriended Clarke after the death of his former owner, he evades capture for a while. Then he realizes what's going on and has to risk capture--and probably his life--to stop that Colonel and his allies.
THE UNANSWERED QUESTION
At some point, it starts to click with the reader that not only is Sparky a fantastically behaved dog--better than training alone could explain, but it's fiction--roll with it. But every other dog behaves strangely, too. I'm not going to say more than that.
We are never given an explanation for that. I have a handful of theories--all half-baked and probably wrong. But Lambert really doesn't even hint at an explanation.
And it works. All sorts of characters--white hats as well as black hats--recognize the behavior, and some even wonder about it. But they all just accept it as something that's happening. This really helps the reader to roll with it, too. But more than that--the pacing of this book doesn't really encourage reflection or consideration of plausibility. You're just trying to hang on to the ride and not get thrown out at the next turn.
In most circumstances, I'd get annoyed and ask for a little more to be given to the reader. But Lambert's adventure is one of the exceptions. I'd like to be told that one of my hare-brained notions was right--or to be definitively told I was wrong. But honestly? I don't care. Dog Complex #2 doesn't need to bother with explaining things--just give me another story like this.
THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE THING
I'm very tempted to classify this book as a Fantasy novel more than anything else. Sure, there's the very strange, nigh-unbelievable, and unexplained dog behavior (see above)--but you know what? It's easy to suspend disbelief and roll with that.
But an African American being elected governor of Idaho in a contemporary story? Come on, Lambert...pull the other one. Add to that a large, multi-ethnic, progressive Christian group gathering to celebrate that election? In Boise? Next to that, it's time to start talking about the gritty realism of a Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams book.
Set this in 2070, and I could go with it. Although that'd still be hard to swallow. Set in a 2020-ish world? Forget it. I'm not saying that I'm against that kind of thing happening--I just can't see it. Sorry.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT STRAY ALLY?
This was a fast and furious action thrill-ride. A protagonist with a murky past that you know is doing the morally right thing (even if you wonder about some of his methods) up against an obviously evil plan with the odds stacked against him by men on both sides of the law.
You can't help but root for this guy and love every second of vigilante action.
Large parts of this book felt like a contemporary First Blood--the ex-special ops soldier taking on all-comers and finding a way to win. But then it shifts into just pure action-hero kind of area and is just fun.
Grab a bucket of popcorn and buckle in for a wild ride with Stray Ally.
---
WHAT'S STRAY ALLY ABOUT?
Ex-Special Ops soldier, Todd Clarke, is on his way to an interview for a job he doesn't need, but can't turn down--to act as part of the security for the new governor of Idaho at a special event--when a tragedy on the freeway stops him. Next thing he knows, he's being framed for murder.
Clarke escapes from custody and sets out to hide from the authorities while his wife's high-priced attorneys do their job. But then a Colonel that Clarke had investigated for Aryan activities (and other malodorous actions) sets U.S. troops out to hunt him down and the gloves have to come off.
Accompanied only by a dog that befriended Clarke after the death of his former owner, he evades capture for a while. Then he realizes what's going on and has to risk capture--and probably his life--to stop that Colonel and his allies.
THE UNANSWERED QUESTION
At some point, it starts to click with the reader that not only is Sparky a fantastically behaved dog--better than training alone could explain, but it's fiction--roll with it. But every other dog behaves strangely, too. I'm not going to say more than that.
We are never given an explanation for that. I have a handful of theories--all half-baked and probably wrong. But Lambert really doesn't even hint at an explanation.
And it works. All sorts of characters--white hats as well as black hats--recognize the behavior, and some even wonder about it. But they all just accept it as something that's happening. This really helps the reader to roll with it, too. But more than that--the pacing of this book doesn't really encourage reflection or consideration of plausibility. You're just trying to hang on to the ride and not get thrown out at the next turn.
In most circumstances, I'd get annoyed and ask for a little more to be given to the reader. But Lambert's adventure is one of the exceptions. I'd like to be told that one of my hare-brained notions was right--or to be definitively told I was wrong. But honestly? I don't care. Dog Complex #2 doesn't need to bother with explaining things--just give me another story like this.
THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE THING
I'm very tempted to classify this book as a Fantasy novel more than anything else. Sure, there's the very strange, nigh-unbelievable, and unexplained dog behavior (see above)--but you know what? It's easy to suspend disbelief and roll with that.
But an African American being elected governor of Idaho in a contemporary story? Come on, Lambert...pull the other one. Add to that a large, multi-ethnic, progressive Christian group gathering to celebrate that election? In Boise? Next to that, it's time to start talking about the gritty realism of a Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams book.
Set this in 2070, and I could go with it. Although that'd still be hard to swallow. Set in a 2020-ish world? Forget it. I'm not saying that I'm against that kind of thing happening--I just can't see it. Sorry.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT STRAY ALLY?
This was a fast and furious action thrill-ride. A protagonist with a murky past that you know is doing the morally right thing (even if you wonder about some of his methods) up against an obviously evil plan with the odds stacked against him by men on both sides of the law.
You can't help but root for this guy and love every second of vigilante action.
Large parts of this book felt like a contemporary First Blood--the ex-special ops soldier taking on all-comers and finding a way to win. But then it shifts into just pure action-hero kind of area and is just fun.
Grab a bucket of popcorn and buckle in for a wild ride with Stray Ally.
March 28, 2014
Review by Dori
Every time I read Stray Ally, I find something new to love about it. This complex thriller evolves into something so masterful I was locking the door, and shutting out all of life’s interruptions just to finish the last page.
Todd Clarke is a complicated man. He is a trained killer, thanks to the Army, suffers from PTSD, was a spy for the FBI, and now wanted by every government agency for killing a man; or did he? Did he really kill a man or was the accident an elaborate hoax for a more sinister plan? Escaping custody, Todd relies on his survival training to stay in the shadows while he learns the truth about the accident that lead to murder accusations. While hiding out in the wilderness, Todd comes in contact, with some soldiers, he knows who are searching for him. Doing some reconnaissance, he notices one of the soldiers has a dog, named Sparky, with him. After setting elaborate traps and minimizing his threat, Todd allows Sparky to join him on the quest to clear his name. Throughout their journey, Todd notices strange things when it comes to Sparky. Sparky seems to calm Todd when his PTSD begins to rear its ugly head. Todd thinks he hears Sparky talk to him and begins to question his sanity. Although he has his doubts about Sparky, Todd realizes just how much he is an ally.
Sparky, although he is a dog is one of the most charismatic protagonists in this story. He seems to anticipate Todd’s’ every need, he protects him when called for, and has an uncanny ability to command other canines. When Sparky leads hundreds of dogs to help Todd take down a sadistic Colonel, my heart was racing as I read furiously to see what happened next. I was amazed at Sparky’s ingenuity when he sent a dog to protect Todd’s wife from a man trying to kill her. He set in motion a plan to protect Todd and those in harm’s way while organizing a military strike, using dogs as soldiers, to stop a demented Colonel. To this day, I consider Sparky master at strategic planning.
Stray Ally is a story where nothing is, as it seems. There characters are so deliciously evil, my blood boiled at the callousness of the lies and deceptions of a master plan as events unfolded. I was so blown away by the shocking twists; I literally re-read a few chapters before moving forward to see if I had missed any signs of what was about to happen. This fast-paced thriller kept me turning page after page until the last satisfying word. Stray Ally is an extremely well written thriller that will hold you captive form the first page to the last while leaving you wanting more.
Every time I read Stray Ally, I find something new to love about it. This complex thriller evolves into something so masterful I was locking the door, and shutting out all of life’s interruptions just to finish the last page.
Todd Clarke is a complicated man. He is a trained killer, thanks to the Army, suffers from PTSD, was a spy for the FBI, and now wanted by every government agency for killing a man; or did he? Did he really kill a man or was the accident an elaborate hoax for a more sinister plan? Escaping custody, Todd relies on his survival training to stay in the shadows while he learns the truth about the accident that lead to murder accusations. While hiding out in the wilderness, Todd comes in contact, with some soldiers, he knows who are searching for him. Doing some reconnaissance, he notices one of the soldiers has a dog, named Sparky, with him. After setting elaborate traps and minimizing his threat, Todd allows Sparky to join him on the quest to clear his name. Throughout their journey, Todd notices strange things when it comes to Sparky. Sparky seems to calm Todd when his PTSD begins to rear its ugly head. Todd thinks he hears Sparky talk to him and begins to question his sanity. Although he has his doubts about Sparky, Todd realizes just how much he is an ally.
Sparky, although he is a dog is one of the most charismatic protagonists in this story. He seems to anticipate Todd’s’ every need, he protects him when called for, and has an uncanny ability to command other canines. When Sparky leads hundreds of dogs to help Todd take down a sadistic Colonel, my heart was racing as I read furiously to see what happened next. I was amazed at Sparky’s ingenuity when he sent a dog to protect Todd’s wife from a man trying to kill her. He set in motion a plan to protect Todd and those in harm’s way while organizing a military strike, using dogs as soldiers, to stop a demented Colonel. To this day, I consider Sparky master at strategic planning.
Stray Ally is a story where nothing is, as it seems. There characters are so deliciously evil, my blood boiled at the callousness of the lies and deceptions of a master plan as events unfolded. I was so blown away by the shocking twists; I literally re-read a few chapters before moving forward to see if I had missed any signs of what was about to happen. This fast-paced thriller kept me turning page after page until the last satisfying word. Stray Ally is an extremely well written thriller that will hold you captive form the first page to the last while leaving you wanting more.
November 30, 2023
I was happy to receive a copy of this book from Story Origin. I really like Troy Lambert's style of writing so I was happy to review it. I read into the wee hours to finish it in one sitting. This book, a military story, was different from most of his others I have read, and this type of story is not usually my cup of tea. It was a fast-paced action story with lots of blood and gore involving rogue military, homegrown terrorists, and dogs. That's what won me over. Todd Clarke is an ex Special-Ops soldier drummed out of the service for an unkown reason. On his way to a job interview he is involved in a horrific accident that leaves him facing a murder charge. He skips bail and goes on the run feeling certain he is being framed. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him even though his methods were violent. This was a result of being trained by the military as a killing machine and then let go-it's not something easy to turn off. While on the run he meets a cool dog named Sparky who seems to be able to communicate with him through his thoughts. Something seems to change within him the longer he is with Sparky. It reminded me a lot of Dean Koontz's feelings on dogs once he was owned by one. I loved Sparky and the other dogs. They stole the story. Todd wouldn't have survived without them, and I wouldn't have like the book much without them. In fact, the dogs are the reason I took off one star. Troy, Troy, Troy! You killed off some dogs! I don't like books where dogs die! The bad guy could have at least lost some valued body parts in the process. I can sense the author's true feelings about dogs so I will give him another chance and continue to read his work. All in all, I enjoyed this book and the excellent characters, both good and bad, found within. Especially the dogs!
October 3, 2019
I received an advanced review copy from the author and took a while to get to it. When I did, I sat up and read it through in one setting. This is a story of Todd Clarke, the black ops retiree being pursued by a former boss. The story and writing is imaginative and the characters are great. The thing that sets it off from all others is the bonding with a very special dog who protects Todd and is able to enlist and control a large number of dogs to help him. Lots of action fills the pages, and quite a few surprises pop up along the way. Definitely a great book!
October 9, 2019
I'm not into military type books much, but this book is amazing!
Todd Clark is ex military thrown back into a war zone created to take him out on US soil!
Clark finds a partner that's the most unusual he's ever worked with, a dog that will defend him to the death!
This book has it all, intrigue, love between humans and dogs, military fighting and a spin that will make you wonder what the heck is going on!
I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book, I've not read anything this impressive in a very long time!
You don't want to miss out on this wonderful story!
Todd Clark is ex military thrown back into a war zone created to take him out on US soil!
Clark finds a partner that's the most unusual he's ever worked with, a dog that will defend him to the death!
This book has it all, intrigue, love between humans and dogs, military fighting and a spin that will make you wonder what the heck is going on!
I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book, I've not read anything this impressive in a very long time!
You don't want to miss out on this wonderful story!
October 4, 2019
Stray Ally is an amazing book about Todd Clark (ex military), the stray that adopts him (Sparky) and a high ranking military man that Clark had investigated for domestic terrorism! The interactions between Clark and Sparky are going to keep you on the edge of your seat. Sparky isn't your ordinary stray, he's something all together different and truly incredible! There's mystery, intrigue and military all rolled up into a frigging amazing read, you wanna get your copy NOW!
November 4, 2019
Troy Lambert has created a wonderful new story of a troubled soldier finding a dog that seemed to be an incredible ally. Together they work for a good cause and they bond in an unexpected way.
October 22, 2015
I'll start off this review with a note of holy crap, this story is violent. Okay, so I don't read many suspense stories. Violence might be part of the game. But yeah, it took me by surprise, and if you don't like violence, then you might avoid this book.
That being said...
Sparky is the real hero of this story. He's the stuff doggy superheroes are made of. He's smart, commanding, and decisive. And he's not racist. Racism becomes a major theme in this book. It both saddens and sickens me to realize that this book is a reflection of reality in our world today. Though many people have moved past the boundaries of skin color, some people haven't. This book points out what lurks beneath the surface of a seemingly forward-thinking community.
But enough about the stuff that made me uncomfortable. This book jumps into action right from the start. There are questions of who to trust, who is telling the truth, and what is really going on. All of it is suspenseful, which means this book (as a suspense) does its job. It kept me guessing and the new reveals at every turn gave me those "Ah-ha!" moments. I did lose track of who were the good guys and who were the bad guys, but the line between good and bad is a fuzzy one when it comes down to motives and trained reactions. There was a point where Sparky stepped away and Todd stayed, and I thought, "That must be how our dogs feel when we leave."
As the owner of three myself, I approve of the portrayal of dogs in this story.
That being said...
Sparky is the real hero of this story. He's the stuff doggy superheroes are made of. He's smart, commanding, and decisive. And he's not racist. Racism becomes a major theme in this book. It both saddens and sickens me to realize that this book is a reflection of reality in our world today. Though many people have moved past the boundaries of skin color, some people haven't. This book points out what lurks beneath the surface of a seemingly forward-thinking community.
But enough about the stuff that made me uncomfortable. This book jumps into action right from the start. There are questions of who to trust, who is telling the truth, and what is really going on. All of it is suspenseful, which means this book (as a suspense) does its job. It kept me guessing and the new reveals at every turn gave me those "Ah-ha!" moments. I did lose track of who were the good guys and who were the bad guys, but the line between good and bad is a fuzzy one when it comes down to motives and trained reactions. There was a point where Sparky stepped away and Todd stayed, and I thought, "That must be how our dogs feel when we leave."
As the owner of three myself, I approve of the portrayal of dogs in this story.
March 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in just over a day, and I only put it down a few times when I absolutely had too. Mr. Lambert weaves a great back story into the characters present, showing us both the history that builds the situation and how it is resolved. Todd is ex military and has a very interesting past. Sparky is an incredible dog that both helps Todd deal with his PTSD and helps him survive the situation he finds himself in when his past walks into his present and tries to kill him. Sparky and a whole bunch of other amazing dogs are pivotal to the story and made me want to hug my own dog the entire time I read. It's an entertaining thriller. You'll be doing yourself a favor if you pick it up.
May 8, 2014
The story of Todd Clarke and how he connects with a very amazing dog, Sparky, then together working stop a vicious mad man with ties to some very nasty organizations is tight, filled with tension, and has an amazingly satisfying ending. I can't wait for the next book.
I don't believe in giving away too much of a book. That ruins it for me as a reader. So you can go to other reviews to get that information.
It's a military, animal centric, thriller that keeps you in suspense even when you think you know what's going to happen. That's enough for me to want to pick it up and read it if I hadn't yet.
You should, too. You won't be disappointed.
I sure wasn't. The first read, the second read, and now I'm into the third read.
I don't believe in giving away too much of a book. That ruins it for me as a reader. So you can go to other reviews to get that information.
It's a military, animal centric, thriller that keeps you in suspense even when you think you know what's going to happen. That's enough for me to want to pick it up and read it if I hadn't yet.
You should, too. You won't be disappointed.
I sure wasn't. The first read, the second read, and now I'm into the third read.
January 13, 2015
This novel starts with a crash (literally) and doesn't stop to take a breath until the last page. In a style reminiscent of Dean Koontz or Tom Clancy, the author deftly weaves a tale of military intrigue, shadow-unit suspense, domestic terrorism ... And talking dogs. Or at least *a* dog.
The writing is crisp and clean, with only a few minor editing quibbles (there are a few paragraphs where the tense veers from present to past.) The author does employ a device that uses first person when showing the main character's perspective and third person for the rest of the story. This may seem jarring, but the writer worked it so well that I didn't even notice until I was well into the story.
I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to fans of action and military suspense.
The writing is crisp and clean, with only a few minor editing quibbles (there are a few paragraphs where the tense veers from present to past.) The author does employ a device that uses first person when showing the main character's perspective and third person for the rest of the story. This may seem jarring, but the writer worked it so well that I didn't even notice until I was well into the story.
I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to fans of action and military suspense.
October 5, 2019
This was the ultimate read! This is a sit on the edge of your seat read. Read in less than a day. Clarke and his dog perform things that seem impossible with a sense of reality! I will never look at a dog again without thinking of Sparky and his friends! You must read this!😁
February 29, 2020
I received an review copy, voluntarily but this is my review
Couldn't get enough of the dogs coming together form a collaboration. In between scenes i found myself getting lost. Unimaginable, Compassion, Sentimentality
Couldn't get enough of the dogs coming together form a collaboration. In between scenes i found myself getting lost. Unimaginable, Compassion, Sentimentality
May 6, 2020
This is a must read for all dog lovers. The plot and theme are related to man and his dog. This book is really good and so original. The writing is very good and the ending is super.
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