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Relic Runner Origin Story #5
Scorched Earth
The path to justice takes a disturbing detour.
In his quest for vengeance, former Delta Force operative Dak Harper makes a startling discovery. Eight boys have gone missing in the Daniel Boone National Forest in the hills of Kentucky. And no one seems to know why.
As Dak puts the pieces together, he comes to the sickening conclusion that his ex-teammate Nate Collier is behind the disappearances. And what Nate has planned for the boys is even worse.
Now Dak is in a race against time to save the eight boys and settle the score with one of the men who left him for dead in Iraq.
This is the fifth installment in the Relic Runner Origin anthology of short stories.
In his quest for vengeance, former Delta Force operative Dak Harper makes a startling discovery. Eight boys have gone missing in the Daniel Boone National Forest in the hills of Kentucky. And no one seems to know why.
As Dak puts the pieces together, he comes to the sickening conclusion that his ex-teammate Nate Collier is behind the disappearances. And what Nate has planned for the boys is even worse.
Now Dak is in a race against time to save the eight boys and settle the score with one of the men who left him for dead in Iraq.
This is the fifth installment in the Relic Runner Origin anthology of short stories.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2020
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
71 books481 followersErnest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 19, 2021
This book was exciting and full of suspense as we pull for Dak to save innocent boys from a monster. This book has action and suspense with no profanity or vulgarity.
December 14, 2024
Scorched Earth - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A Dak Harper Thriller Origins story (no. 5), by Ernest Dempsey, Scorched Earth has a harrowing theme, revealed when Dak discovers that 8 teen boys have recently disappeared from a national forest over a few weeks.
Why does Dak get involved?
A mesmerising adventure, that though brief, definitely packs a big punch, with its all-action storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure.
Grab a copy, (or two if you need a gift for a book-loving friend this Christmas) of Scorched Earth, to while away an exciting hour as the turkey's cooking!
A Dak Harper Thriller Origins story (no. 5), by Ernest Dempsey, Scorched Earth has a harrowing theme, revealed when Dak discovers that 8 teen boys have recently disappeared from a national forest over a few weeks.
Why does Dak get involved?
A mesmerising adventure, that though brief, definitely packs a big punch, with its all-action storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure.
Grab a copy, (or two if you need a gift for a book-loving friend this Christmas) of Scorched Earth, to while away an exciting hour as the turkey's cooking!
October 2, 2025
I really enjoy the way Dempsey introduces new characters, with different stories and backgrounds but they appear in each other series. This series is introducing Dak and boy does he have a background, someone never to be messed with, if you ever do then this book is a great example of what will happen.
It's a short quick read, perfect for a night in by the fire or a day on the beach depending on the season.
It's a short quick read, perfect for a night in by the fire or a day on the beach depending on the season.
October 9, 2020
Another Excellent chapter of The Relic Runner’s Life....
Love this series, fast but entertaining read!. Dak Harper is still on the run, seeking to end the men who tried to end him and get his life back. Along the way, he cannot abandon his personal moral code and is caught up in trying to help others....
Love this series, fast but entertaining read!. Dak Harper is still on the run, seeking to end the men who tried to end him and get his life back. Along the way, he cannot abandon his personal moral code and is caught up in trying to help others....
August 11, 2021
You Go, Dak!!
Fast moving, Dak 's ability to get what he needed amazing. Yet with all his abilities to change a situation in his favor Dak has compassion, caring for those in need. On to the next. This series consists of shorter stories that are intriguing and fast moving I highly recommend reading all of it. Great job. Thank you.
Fast moving, Dak 's ability to get what he needed amazing. Yet with all his abilities to change a situation in his favor Dak has compassion, caring for those in need. On to the next. This series consists of shorter stories that are intriguing and fast moving I highly recommend reading all of it. Great job. Thank you.
January 3, 2021
Dak Harper’s quest
Dak Harper finds the 4th member of his ex-elite team in Kentucky. Evil is the man’s name and a horrid hunting plan is in process when Dak saves the say. One more to go!
Dak Harper finds the 4th member of his ex-elite team in Kentucky. Evil is the man’s name and a horrid hunting plan is in process when Dak saves the say. One more to go!
April 13, 2021
Third Down Eight Saved
What I liked about this book is you never wanted to put it down, it had you sweating at times and at the end your eyes would cloud over. Dal may kill but he has a good heart.
What I liked about this book is you never wanted to put it down, it had you sweating at times and at the end your eyes would cloud over. Dal may kill but he has a good heart.
May 9, 2021
Brilliant tale in this the fourth in the series where Dak seeks vengeance on the comrades who tried to kill him and left him for dead . Found and killed the fourth and did an amazing rescue of 8 kids , with a surprise contact right at the end , brilliant
September 6, 2020
This
Book goes well with the rest and keeps you turning pages to get to the end I look forward to the next book in this series.
Book goes well with the rest and keeps you turning pages to get to the end I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 20, 2021
Serial Thriller
Dak on the hunt. Adventure into Kentucky where we see how kids disappear. The mind of a serial killer is shown.
Dak on the hunt. Adventure into Kentucky where we see how kids disappear. The mind of a serial killer is shown.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews