Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired by True Events

by Peter Zaccagnino, Alfonso Colasuonno (Editor)

A Military Thriller Inspired By True Events, is an action-packed spy novel that’s sure to captivate fans of Tom Clancy, Don Keith, and David Ignatius. “As you are about to see, Peter Zaccagnino has written one fine story. A look at his biography confirms he has the knowledge and experience to write such a fast-paced, tension-filled, bit of fiction, and that what he describes could actually happen. Hell, it probably already has. Strap in, keep the oxygen mask handy, and get ready for a twisting, turning ride straight through today’s headlines and out the back side, where few of us ever go.” - Don Keith, award-winning and best-selling author of The Hunter Killer Series “You’re smart, you’re capable, and this runs in your blood.” Chris Hodge is a private military contractor, groomed for the job by his handler, intelligence officer Abbott Mazuski. Hodge’s duty is to hunt down and eliminate radical Islamist terrorists during the height of the War on Terror. If he does well and proves himself relevant, Mazuski might just choose to share the truth behind the death of Chris Hodge’s Marine father in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombings. During an assignment in Somalia, the normally guarded Hodge bonds with a local asset codenamed Blackbeard. When Mazuski orders a drone strike that incorrectly targets Blackbeard’s home and kills his wife and son, Blackbeard turns rogue. With his father’s truth still a mystery, several of his teammates in peril, and his Somali friend now his mortal enemy, Chris Hodge must struggle to remain relevant amidst the constant chaos of total war and vague intel. Relevant offers an informative, introspective view on some of the historical aspects that have led to the current world crisis of terrorism at the hands of organizations like Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS, and others. While Relevant is a work of fiction, this novel in inspired by true events. Names, places, and other identifying details have been changed to protect the confidential nature of these missions. A novel that’s equal parts thought-provoking and action-packed, A Military Thriller Inspired By True Events will expose you to the internal and external challenges faced by the black teams who operate outside of the military’s rules of engagement and whose deeds do not officially exist on the public record.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2020

About the author

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Pete Zaccagnino has pursued all things aviation since the beginning. Earning his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and restoring five airplanes and building three others (including a Lancair Super Legacy), Pete has flown over 23,000 hours in more than 270 aircraft types and flight tested over 685 aircraft. Pete’s company manages several corporate jets, and he spends 3-4 months each year on custom-tailored world tours for his customers.

Pete is a former professor of Aerodynamics, Meteorology, and History. He has given over 100 training seminars on a variety of topics, and has been a guest speaker at aviation peer groups and universities worldwide, including Air Venture.

His fifteen years of racing at Reno have included four championships, including the 2019 Jet Gold Champion, 2015 Jet Gold Champion, 2013 Jet Gold Champion at 509 mph and the fastest qualifying lap at 529 mph, and 2007 Gold Champion in the Sport Class. In 2005, he won his first race in his first year of professional competition.

Pete is also the owner of High Performance Aircraft Group, which performs flight test services for several manufacturers, including the U.S. and foreign militaries. Pete holds several licenses and a variety of type ratings in several jets and former military aircraft. In 2019, Pete was inducted into The Aviation Hall of Fame of NJ.

Pete’s latest endeavors include writing, film production, and aviation filming. His first book, "Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired By True Events," was released in March 2020. He has produced and been involved with multiple Discovery Channel pieces, the Smithsonian Channel, various documentaries, and several shorts and race productions. When not flying or at work on his creative projects, Pete is an avid skier and loves most outdoor activities.

Pete’s philanthropy includes Wounded Warriors, the National Ability Center, various orphanages in Central and South America, and Christian Service projects for children in remote locations worldwide.

Reviews

[Grace Serafini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about the ‘behind the scenes’ contractor for the intelligence community. Slow start-many names to keep track of that became pertinent later. I was hoping for more substance around the father and Blackbeard’s father. Also hoping for more around the ending. I didn’t understand the last chapter. Nice first effort. Well edited.

[Adrian Ocampo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written Thriller, keeps you on the story all along.

[D. D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm thankful that it was double spaced.

[Marshall Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Interesting storyline I would highly recommend this book. Looking forward to a sequel?:)