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Black Squadron
Black Squadron is a secret cadre within DEVGRU (aka SEAL Team Six), consisting of master sniper and recon experts who carry out sensitive and dangerous advance force operations (AFO) in the most lethal cesspools and ash-heaps around the war-torn globe.
They are an elite within an elite (within an elite).
But now they are being deployed to the darkest heart of the last days of the blood-drenched Syrian civil war, where they are surrounded by thousands of Syrian regulars, dozens of head-hacking Islamist militias, the hardest of the hard-core ISIS and al-Qaeda remnants, fierce Kurdish Peshmerga freedom fighters, ruthless Iranian Qods Force agitators, as well as Putin’s hyper-lethal and utterly merciless pipehitters from Spetsnaz GRU.
They’ve also been saddled with a blocking force, a platoon of US Army Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment – a unit that has fought in every U.S. engagement from the invasion of Sicily to Black Hawk Down. The Rangers are upright, loyal, and never leave their brothers behind.
But now the Rangers may be the only ones who can stop a rogue Black Squadron from leaving everyone bleeding out in the street – and also kicking off a shooting war between two nuclear powers.
It’s Black Hawk Down meets Training Day in this explosive collision of two legendary special-operations units battling to survive and prevail in the most dangerous city on the planet.
They are an elite within an elite (within an elite).
But now they are being deployed to the darkest heart of the last days of the blood-drenched Syrian civil war, where they are surrounded by thousands of Syrian regulars, dozens of head-hacking Islamist militias, the hardest of the hard-core ISIS and al-Qaeda remnants, fierce Kurdish Peshmerga freedom fighters, ruthless Iranian Qods Force agitators, as well as Putin’s hyper-lethal and utterly merciless pipehitters from Spetsnaz GRU.
They’ve also been saddled with a blocking force, a platoon of US Army Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment – a unit that has fought in every U.S. engagement from the invasion of Sicily to Black Hawk Down. The Rangers are upright, loyal, and never leave their brothers behind.
But now the Rangers may be the only ones who can stop a rogue Black Squadron from leaving everyone bleeding out in the street – and also kicking off a shooting war between two nuclear powers.
It’s Black Hawk Down meets Training Day in this explosive collision of two legendary special-operations units battling to survive and prevail in the most dangerous city on the planet.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
261 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stephen Fuchs
57 books492 followersMICHAEL STEPHEN FUCHS is author of the #1 bestselling epic ARISEN series of special-operations military ZA novels, which have repeatedly been Amazon #1 bestsellers in Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction, #1 in Dystopian Science Fiction, #1 in Military Science Fiction, #1 in War Fiction, and #1 in War & Military Action Fiction, as well as Amazon overall Top 100 bestsellers. The series as a whole has sold over 1.5 million copies. The audiobook editions, performed by R.C. Bray, have generated over $5 million in revenue. He is also author of the D-Boys series of high-tech special-operations military adventure novels, which include
D-Boys
,
Counter-Assault
, and Close Quarters Battle (coming in 2026); as well as the existential cyberthrillers
The Manuscript
and
Pandora’s Sisters
, both published worldwide by Macmillan in hardback, paperback and all e-book formats (and in translation). He lives in London and blogs at www.michaelfuchs.org/razorsedge. You can follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or by e-mail.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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February 2, 2021What's another word for prostitute?
You want to know why your book about bad guy seals didn't sell.as well as the previous tomes in your zombie fighting series did? Bad good guys are fine, making the good guys bad, not so much. So you had to get political to sell a story to Hollywood. Pathetic. Low hanging fruit. Just quit in the middle like Ringo did if it hurts so much to write. At least he had the excuse of the woke mob coming after him. Who did your research, MSNBC? This story was like a Rachael Maddow fever dream. The zombies were more believable. By the way, I own all your other books so you are welcome. Glad I could help you keep the lights on. Hope Hollywood can help you in the future.
11HB4
You want to know why your book about bad guy seals didn't sell.as well as the previous tomes in your zombie fighting series did? Bad good guys are fine, making the good guys bad, not so much. So you had to get political to sell a story to Hollywood. Pathetic. Low hanging fruit. Just quit in the middle like Ringo did if it hurts so much to write. At least he had the excuse of the woke mob coming after him. Who did your research, MSNBC? This story was like a Rachael Maddow fever dream. The zombies were more believable. By the way, I own all your other books so you are welcome. Glad I could help you keep the lights on. Hope Hollywood can help you in the future.
11HB4
February 2, 2021
Training Day for the Military and Tier-One operators for sure. Excellent story. Tons of action. Good guys somewhat blurry. The dangers of no-limit combat. Overall a great story. No zombies, but the author did not need them for this thriller. Rangers, Tier-1 operators, and Russian Spetsnaz GRU operators all mixed together. Just following orders....SIR!
Highly recommend this novel.
Highly recommend this novel.
February 15, 2021
The action of Arisen, just no zombies
I am a big fan of the Arisen series, having read all 14 books, great stories, great action, great relatable characters. And very creative, god knows zombies stories are a dime a dozen.
So this is author Fuchs' first foray into non zombie fiction, and it's just as good. This time it's a Ranger squad sent to Syria to back up a squad of Tier 1 Black ops type operators.
Wait, didn't we withdraw from Syria, screwing our Kurdish allies in the bargain. True, and the Kurds, Spetnatz, Iranian special forces, and insurgents all play a role.
As does Potus, not shown here In a good light, who is actually t a king orders from the Russian premier. This will not likely appeal to the far right as it puts Potus and his policies in a very bad light.
But to anyone who likes action with a twist, especially those not fond of the last administration, this is great.
I am a big fan of the Arisen series, having read all 14 books, great stories, great action, great relatable characters. And very creative, god knows zombies stories are a dime a dozen.
So this is author Fuchs' first foray into non zombie fiction, and it's just as good. This time it's a Ranger squad sent to Syria to back up a squad of Tier 1 Black ops type operators.
Wait, didn't we withdraw from Syria, screwing our Kurdish allies in the bargain. True, and the Kurds, Spetnatz, Iranian special forces, and insurgents all play a role.
As does Potus, not shown here In a good light, who is actually t a king orders from the Russian premier. This will not likely appeal to the far right as it puts Potus and his policies in a very bad light.
But to anyone who likes action with a twist, especially those not fond of the last administration, this is great.
February 13, 2021
Nowhere as good as the zombie series. The last 1/4 of the book is close, but the rest is just meh. Its an easy read, and I know how good the author can be which is what kept me going.
March 2, 2021
Tory ass hat.
You're not worth the words. Fuchs off.
Any real Americans that plan on wasting your money, don't. This d bag is as unamerican as they come. Limey fop.
You're not worth the words. Fuchs off.
Any real Americans that plan on wasting your money, don't. This d bag is as unamerican as they come. Limey fop.
March 8, 2023
I'm not sure what I think of this book.
Black Squadron is a group of Navy SEALs being sent to Syria along with a platoon of Army Rangers as backup. The commander of the Rangers is killed in the first action they face, and so Captain Miller, a brand new Ranger is sent to replace him. After working with the SEALs over several nights, Capt Miller is concerned that the bad habits of the SEALs is affecting his Rangers, and that the SEALs are playing fast and loose with the rules. After an ambush that gets several of the Rangers killed, and he finds evidence that one of the SEALs executed his wounded, he rebels against them when they are ordered to attack a medical clinic that has Russian Spetsnaz troops hiding above it.
It's not a bad book, and there is plenty of action in it, but the final ambush by the Russian Spetsnaz troops on the SEALs just seems a little too convenient, and without any real set up. If there had been several 'incidents' between the two groups earlier in the book, I might have accepted it more, but there was no real reason for the attack. Unless Michael originally planned a second book to explain the consequences of the attack and aftermath, which might make more sense.
Black Squadron is a group of Navy SEALs being sent to Syria along with a platoon of Army Rangers as backup. The commander of the Rangers is killed in the first action they face, and so Captain Miller, a brand new Ranger is sent to replace him. After working with the SEALs over several nights, Capt Miller is concerned that the bad habits of the SEALs is affecting his Rangers, and that the SEALs are playing fast and loose with the rules. After an ambush that gets several of the Rangers killed, and he finds evidence that one of the SEALs executed his wounded, he rebels against them when they are ordered to attack a medical clinic that has Russian Spetsnaz troops hiding above it.
It's not a bad book, and there is plenty of action in it, but the final ambush by the Russian Spetsnaz troops on the SEALs just seems a little too convenient, and without any real set up. If there had been several 'incidents' between the two groups earlier in the book, I might have accepted it more, but there was no real reason for the attack. Unless Michael originally planned a second book to explain the consequences of the attack and aftermath, which might make more sense.
September 16, 2023
I think the Arisen series spoiled me, because this just didn't evoke the same level of reader involvement. Of course, Black Squadron was well written with detailed urban warfare, so much action, and excellent description of the surroundings, but it's a despondent read. For me it was the darker feel of the story that felt disappointing. In Arisen you have an underlying current of hope for humanity's survival fueled by the eternal love of teammates and friends. Even with so much death, the series is a feel-good story. Black Squadron is the flip side of that coin. It's a look at how power, war and years of killing can transform anyone into a worse version of themselves. In this book, the guys who still care about saving people are the ones being used up like they're disposable. The only brotherly loyalty seems to be between the underdogs while the seals are portrayed in a darker, negative light. This may be a more realistic snapshot of warfare, but it doesn't stay with me like the Arisen characters. I listened to Black Squadron about a month ago and already forgot everyone's names. However, it did kick off a 4th time of the Arisen cycle so I could get my fix of characters who feel like family.
February 4, 2021
Aleppo was not the theater that the Rangers expected, but attached to Black Squadron, top tier 1 operators, what could go wrong?
Captain Miller, Platoon First Sgt Kirk and the rest of the sixteen man platoon arrive in Syria with sixteen SEALs led by Commander Kristoff and Master Chief Issacs. They hit the ground running with a night operation before they've even settled into their quarters. The Tier 1 operators are indeed poetry in motion as they tear through opposition at a million miles an hour. The Rangers are impressed by the practiced skill of the Seals, but things begin to go wrong from the start.
The actors in this terrible drama are amazing! The Tier 1 guys are death in motion and the Rangers begin to idolize the Seal team for their speed and deadly aim. But things are beginning to go astray quickly and it's the Rangers who start dropping. The action is intense and described by a master storyteller. Hard to put down, this read is outstanding!
Captain Miller, Platoon First Sgt Kirk and the rest of the sixteen man platoon arrive in Syria with sixteen SEALs led by Commander Kristoff and Master Chief Issacs. They hit the ground running with a night operation before they've even settled into their quarters. The Tier 1 operators are indeed poetry in motion as they tear through opposition at a million miles an hour. The Rangers are impressed by the practiced skill of the Seals, but things begin to go wrong from the start.
The actors in this terrible drama are amazing! The Tier 1 guys are death in motion and the Rangers begin to idolize the Seal team for their speed and deadly aim. But things are beginning to go astray quickly and it's the Rangers who start dropping. The action is intense and described by a master storyteller. Hard to put down, this read is outstanding!
September 9, 2025
The performance by RC Bray was absolutely perfect for this book. Gritty, rough, yet with a certain no-nonsense playful tone that he always employs. What I missed with him was bloopers at the end, like with some of his other books.
- - -
As for the book itself -- the story was good. Definitely something you could hear about ripped from today's headlines.
Some parts were descriptive but a little cringe, referencing scenes from movies as a quick descriptor. Not bad, but a little overused, and would be confusing if someone had never seen such movies.
All in all, enjoyable. I'm rating as 4 stars total for performance and story, but the writing itself would shift it back to like 3.75.
I'd be curious to listen to others from this author, especially if read by RCB.
- - -
As for the book itself -- the story was good. Definitely something you could hear about ripped from today's headlines.
Some parts were descriptive but a little cringe, referencing scenes from movies as a quick descriptor. Not bad, but a little overused, and would be confusing if someone had never seen such movies.
All in all, enjoyable. I'm rating as 4 stars total for performance and story, but the writing itself would shift it back to like 3.75.
I'd be curious to listen to others from this author, especially if read by RCB.
February 13, 2021
Loved it!
As with all of this author’s books, it’s awesome! Everything you would expect and more. Non-stop action, plenty of twists and turns and interwoven storylines, questions of morality... and a seriously explosive ending. If you’re already a fan, you’ll be satisfied. If you’re new to Michael Stephen Fuchs’ work, you’ll be hooked and start reading his other works. Great book!
As with all of this author’s books, it’s awesome! Everything you would expect and more. Non-stop action, plenty of twists and turns and interwoven storylines, questions of morality... and a seriously explosive ending. If you’re already a fan, you’ll be satisfied. If you’re new to Michael Stephen Fuchs’ work, you’ll be hooked and start reading his other works. Great book!
May 8, 2021
Good but ........
This was an exciting fast paced read. The only thing it lacked was there were no African American characters of note. And the use of the N word for no apparent reason 🤷🏿 for me that kept me from giving this novel the five stars I would have loved to give it. As a former U.S. army paratrooper myself I love military techno thrillers but using that kind of language for no apparent reason? Makes no sense.
This was an exciting fast paced read. The only thing it lacked was there were no African American characters of note. And the use of the N word for no apparent reason 🤷🏿 for me that kept me from giving this novel the five stars I would have loved to give it. As a former U.S. army paratrooper myself I love military techno thrillers but using that kind of language for no apparent reason? Makes no sense.
June 10, 2021
Fast-paced military action novel. Fuchs knows his business in action scenes and plot. He takes you in a lot of directions and ties all the ends back together to bring you to a satisfying conclusion. Tier 1 operators, Rangers, Spetsnaz operators, Jihadis, high tech operations, buerocrats pulling strings, high stakes its all here. Bad things happen when Tier 1 operators are left off their leashes and Rangers have to pay. Interesting and well done.
January 11, 2023
The best near time combat story I have ever read
The author spins the story up by laying down the basics of the Army Ranger Creed. And then fast marches you into the combat zone. The tension escalates between the Rangers and the tier one operators. Missions are increasingly deadly. Keeping track of all the sides involved is mind spinning. To top it all off.......Nah, you have to read it for yourself.
The author spins the story up by laying down the basics of the Army Ranger Creed. And then fast marches you into the combat zone. The tension escalates between the Rangers and the tier one operators. Missions are increasingly deadly. Keeping track of all the sides involved is mind spinning. To top it all off.......Nah, you have to read it for yourself.
February 2, 2023
Clearly a reference to delusional Trump theories. Not impressed by the story, especially after the accusations of him being a puppet have been exonerated. Portraying Devgru like this was disappointing and borderline disgusting. I couldn’t put the Arisen series down. This will be the last Fuchs book I pick up. Bray’s reading of this garbage was spectacular again however. His performance bumped it to a two star audible book for me.
January 29, 2021
Great Read!
I have always enjoyed Michael’s books, Arisen, D-boys all were great reads. This story takes the current political climate and puts a military angle to it. Is there more truth than fiction in the story, well that’s up to the individual, but you will have to read it to make your determination, So read it and when it becomes a movie definitely watch it.
I have always enjoyed Michael’s books, Arisen, D-boys all were great reads. This story takes the current political climate and puts a military angle to it. Is there more truth than fiction in the story, well that’s up to the individual, but you will have to read it to make your determination, So read it and when it becomes a movie definitely watch it.
February 7, 2021
This was a really good story and worth reading.
I enjoyed this book and thought the author did a good job overall. The. story was good and the main characters were entertaining. Why not five stars? A bit more technical research would have made this a five star book for certain.
I enjoyed this book and thought the author did a good job overall. The. story was good and the main characters were entertaining. Why not five stars? A bit more technical research would have made this a five star book for certain.
February 16, 2021
Amazing, a total bullet-fest
Being totally honest, I didn't fancy this one. I've read and read all the Arizen series and loved every word. I'm a real fan of the Zombie genre but I thought as might try something different for a change. Turns out it's a monster of a book. Acton packed, bullets flying and a superb storyline. Shame Predator was missing though!
Being totally honest, I didn't fancy this one. I've read and read all the Arizen series and loved every word. I'm a real fan of the Zombie genre but I thought as might try something different for a change. Turns out it's a monster of a book. Acton packed, bullets flying and a superb storyline. Shame Predator was missing though!
February 10, 2021
More good action
I have read almost everything he has written. I am never disappointed with his books. There was a storyline that was a little different, but don't want to spoil it for others.
I have read almost everything he has written. I am never disappointed with his books. There was a storyline that was a little different, but don't want to spoil it for others.
August 23, 2021
Fast. Furious. Full Throttle Fighting
This book keeps you on the edge, from beginning to end, delivering endless full paced action. Well crafted. Unbelievably intense. Pure unadulterated adrenaline. Superb!
This book keeps you on the edge, from beginning to end, delivering endless full paced action. Well crafted. Unbelievably intense. Pure unadulterated adrenaline. Superb!
October 21, 2021
You won't stop reading this.
This is an great book for a veteran and a newbie. Written by an author who knows his stuff. I couldn't put it down. I spent my lunch hours reading this. And really believe it would make a top movie.
BRAVO!!!
This is an great book for a veteran and a newbie. Written by an author who knows his stuff. I couldn't put it down. I spent my lunch hours reading this. And really believe it would make a top movie.
BRAVO!!!
February 5, 2022
True Fiction based on True Facts!
This is the kind of story real nightmares are built from. Vivid detail, character development and real pulse pounding action. Anyone afraid to believe this kind of story "might" not be true has their head in a bucket. Fantastic MSF!!!!
This is the kind of story real nightmares are built from. Vivid detail, character development and real pulse pounding action. Anyone afraid to believe this kind of story "might" not be true has their head in a bucket. Fantastic MSF!!!!
February 8, 2022
Wow
This is an amazing story. Action packed with battles, craziness, and betrayals from all sides. This is one of the most exciting, terrifying, and fat paced books I've ever read. Loved it.
This is an amazing story. Action packed with battles, craziness, and betrayals from all sides. This is one of the most exciting, terrifying, and fat paced books I've ever read. Loved it.
March 24, 2022
Terrible tripe
Don't bother. Totally unrealistic garbage, underpinned by a weird political plot. Find the worst Stevan Segal movie and watch it on repeat for a better experience than this cobbled together joke.
Don't bother. Totally unrealistic garbage, underpinned by a weird political plot. Find the worst Stevan Segal movie and watch it on repeat for a better experience than this cobbled together joke.
April 29, 2023
Fantastical
Your written word is superb! Anyone not reading your works will die unfulfilled. I actually read the journey and gripe chapter at the end about arisen, which was epic... I know some producers I could talk to about your script.. No promises.
Your written word is superb! Anyone not reading your works will die unfulfilled. I actually read the journey and gripe chapter at the end about arisen, which was epic... I know some producers I could talk to about your script.. No promises.
May 23, 2023
Relevant
Ties into the behavior of our current president and illustrates how cowardly he and his cohorts are sending our men and women off to die for their greed and power lust and just how dishonest these people are!
Ties into the behavior of our current president and illustrates how cowardly he and his cohorts are sending our men and women off to die for their greed and power lust and just how dishonest these people are!
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February 1, 2021Another series, please
I looooooved this book. My only complaint is that it flows so well, I have to keep reminding myself to read slowly....enjoy the journey
I looooooved this book. My only complaint is that it flows so well, I have to keep reminding myself to read slowly....enjoy the journey
February 2, 2021
This book was a full on adrenalin packed read. Riveting from start to finish. Rangers , Seals and Russians. Who's the good guys ? You'll really want to read this.
February 2, 2021
This was an enjoyable read. A bit preposterous, but quite thrilling. But I didn’t like the politics inserted near the end of the book. Too much hate.
February 3, 2021
Another brilliant story by Michael Stephen Fuchs. Gripping from the beginning, action packed described in his unique 100mph way. Loved it. Another beltet👍
February 13, 2021
We were
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews