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Task Force Valor #1
Allah's Fire
Two Dangerous Missions Collide with Explosive Results
A suicide bomber blows up a hotel in Beirut, killing hundreds of people. A young American woman is kidnapped in Lebanon by terrorists. Connected or coincidence? Despite the government’s difficulty in locating her sister, Liz Fairchild, a reporter from the States, is determined to find her…regardless of the risks. Meanwhile, Sergeant John Cooper and his elite Special Ops team hunt down Palestinian extremists in possession of a new undetectable explosive that will change the “face of terror.” When Liz and Task Force Valor’s paths intersect, more is at risk than their separate missions. While maneuvering through hostile territory, Liz and John realize they need each other to survive. Their antagonism gradually gives way to cooperation—and something more.
Task Force Valor
Explosive Ordnance Disposal—The Bomb Squad
As the global war on terror heats up, the U.S. needs a team of highly trained special operators to deploy overseas to locate and neutralize threats, bringing EOD expertise to the dirty, deadly missions that have no room for error. For the men of Task Force Valor—life is a blast.
A lethal new weapon.
Master Sergeant John Cooper and his Special Ops team of explosives-hunters have a mission unlike any they’ve ever experienced before. A new undetectable type of explosive has burst onto the scene, and it will change the “face of terror” in the world. Washington wants the manufacturers shut down before it turns up on American soil.
A missing sister.
A suicide bomber blows up a hotel in Beirut. Liz Fairchild, an American reporter, searches for her sister, Julie, who is presumed dead in the blast…until Liz uncovers evidence she might be alive. When signs indicate that time is running out for Julie, Liz is determined to find her—regardless of the risks.
A stealthy escape.
As their separate objectives bring John and Liz together, the path ahead takes twists neither of them counted on. Although God works in all things for the good of those who love Him, God’s definition of good might not match theirs. When the mission goes south and politics intrude on their plans, the team must rely on their wits—and guts—to survive. Can they make it…with a wounded team member and a female civilian in tow?
Story Behind the Book
“I met Chuck Holton a few years ago when he took my fiction classes at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. I enjoyed him because my life experience is so different from his. When it was time to develop a new fiction series, I thought it would be fun to combine his military background with my civilian background and write a series right out of today’s headlines. He has basically written the male points of view, and I’ve done the female. Very challenging and great fun!”
—Gayle Roper
A suicide bomber blows up a hotel in Beirut, killing hundreds of people. A young American woman is kidnapped in Lebanon by terrorists. Connected or coincidence? Despite the government’s difficulty in locating her sister, Liz Fairchild, a reporter from the States, is determined to find her…regardless of the risks. Meanwhile, Sergeant John Cooper and his elite Special Ops team hunt down Palestinian extremists in possession of a new undetectable explosive that will change the “face of terror.” When Liz and Task Force Valor’s paths intersect, more is at risk than their separate missions. While maneuvering through hostile territory, Liz and John realize they need each other to survive. Their antagonism gradually gives way to cooperation—and something more.
Task Force Valor
Explosive Ordnance Disposal—The Bomb Squad
As the global war on terror heats up, the U.S. needs a team of highly trained special operators to deploy overseas to locate and neutralize threats, bringing EOD expertise to the dirty, deadly missions that have no room for error. For the men of Task Force Valor—life is a blast.
A lethal new weapon.
Master Sergeant John Cooper and his Special Ops team of explosives-hunters have a mission unlike any they’ve ever experienced before. A new undetectable type of explosive has burst onto the scene, and it will change the “face of terror” in the world. Washington wants the manufacturers shut down before it turns up on American soil.
A missing sister.
A suicide bomber blows up a hotel in Beirut. Liz Fairchild, an American reporter, searches for her sister, Julie, who is presumed dead in the blast…until Liz uncovers evidence she might be alive. When signs indicate that time is running out for Julie, Liz is determined to find her—regardless of the risks.
A stealthy escape.
As their separate objectives bring John and Liz together, the path ahead takes twists neither of them counted on. Although God works in all things for the good of those who love Him, God’s definition of good might not match theirs. When the mission goes south and politics intrude on their plans, the team must rely on their wits—and guts—to survive. Can they make it…with a wounded team member and a female civilian in tow?
Story Behind the Book
“I met Chuck Holton a few years ago when he took my fiction classes at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. I enjoyed him because my life experience is so different from his. When it was time to develop a new fiction series, I thought it would be fun to combine his military background with my civilian background and write a series right out of today’s headlines. He has basically written the male points of view, and I’ve done the female. Very challenging and great fun!”
—Gayle Roper
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2006
8 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 9, 2016
#1 Task Force Valor
Liz Fairchild has one mission: rescue her sister!
Task Force Valor have one mission: find the ITEB and get it out of there!
Simple. All they have to do is go in, get their objective, get out.
Except nothing goes to plan!
The mission has been compromised, and Task Force Valor plus Liz now have to get to safety.
And someone wants to make very sure that doesn't happen!
A wild ride through Lebanon ensues, dodging terrorists with a deadly weapon intent on wreaking havoc and destruction to see their vision come true.
A great start to the series and am looking forward to finding out what happens next to the team in #2.
My only complaint: I really wish they had chosen a different title for this book. It's the name that's been given to the explosive and I am ok with that, but the more I see it as the title, the more I dislike it. The story itself however is great and I was caught up with the action all the way through.
#1
#2
#3
Liz Fairchild has one mission: rescue her sister!
Task Force Valor have one mission: find the ITEB and get it out of there!
Simple. All they have to do is go in, get their objective, get out.
Except nothing goes to plan!
The mission has been compromised, and Task Force Valor plus Liz now have to get to safety.
And someone wants to make very sure that doesn't happen!
A wild ride through Lebanon ensues, dodging terrorists with a deadly weapon intent on wreaking havoc and destruction to see their vision come true.
A great start to the series and am looking forward to finding out what happens next to the team in #2.
My only complaint: I really wish they had chosen a different title for this book. It's the name that's been given to the explosive and I am ok with that, but the more I see it as the title, the more I dislike it. The story itself however is great and I was caught up with the action all the way through.
#1
#2
#3
October 18, 2017
I was intrigued with the plot summary. However, this was a DNF. It was a lot grittier than I expected. I read about the first third and during that time came to the realization that this is just not my type of book. I even returned the Kindle book for a refund.
I don’t like to read the POV of creepy, delusional people. Do. Not.
There was a lot of senseless killing, a lot of violence. The summary may have hinted at terrorists, but I was not prepared for dealing with the level of violence and distress on every page.
I did not connect with the Christian parts of the story. Though not overdone, the tone seemed a little...maybe...“in your face” to me.
I just did not feel a connection with any single character even one third of the way through the book.
I liked the writing. I was just not comfortable with the subject matter.
I don’t like to read the POV of creepy, delusional people. Do. Not.
There was a lot of senseless killing, a lot of violence. The summary may have hinted at terrorists, but I was not prepared for dealing with the level of violence and distress on every page.
I did not connect with the Christian parts of the story. Though not overdone, the tone seemed a little...maybe...“in your face” to me.
I just did not feel a connection with any single character even one third of the way through the book.
I liked the writing. I was just not comfortable with the subject matter.
January 2, 2025
A pretty good story. Since Chuck Holten is a Veteran and a War Correspondent, he has pretty good first hand experience in the Middle East and dealing with people of the very different Culture, in Lebenon. The story does tug at the heart, expecially the plight of women in the society in the Refugee Camps there.
January 25, 2018
Every word well-used
If you don't enjoy military action adventure, you may still love this reading. Every part of the story, the action, the romance, the Word of God is written to add extra special enjoyment. Worth a second read!
If you don't enjoy military action adventure, you may still love this reading. Every part of the story, the action, the romance, the Word of God is written to add extra special enjoyment. Worth a second read!
February 6, 2009
With Allah's Fire, Roper and Holton have delivered a novel chock-full of non-stop action and suspense. The story begins by rapidly alternating between sisters Julie and Liz in Beirut, Cooper on the Ivory Coast, and the terrorists planning an attack that will rock all of their lives and test their faith. The paths of each of these individuals are set on a collision course when Julie is kidnapped after barely surviving the terror attack that firebombs a World Bank meeting and kills her husband. Her sister Liz refuses to give up the hope that Julie somehow survived. Cooper has scars of his own, having recently recovered from injuries sustained by a car bomb that sent him to the States. Cooper's team is sent to investigate the bombing in Lebanon and the threat of a new, untraceable explosive. The clock is ticking for Julie -- will Cooper and Liz be able to rescue her in time, and thwart the terrorists' plans?
I have to say -- doesn't this book have a fantastic cover? I love it, and it does a very classy, smart job of conveying the action-packed, adrenaline laced feel of the novel. I also have to add that the editing of this collaborative effort was done extremely well -- Roper was quoted as saying that she wrote the female point of view sections, and Holton the male pov -- and both are seamlessly blended. Holton's military background lends this story an genuine, realistic feel, and adds authenticity to the interaction and relationships between the members of Task Force Valor.
This book is a stellar beginning to what promises to be a fantastic series. The authors do an incredible job of exploring the theme of "faith under fire," and how individuals cope with real questions and struggles about their faith and belief in a good and just God in the midst of horrific, stressful circumstances. If you enjoyed Dee Henderson's Uncommon Heroes series, pick this novel up. I only wish I didn't have to wait until Spring 2007 for the sequel.
I have to say -- doesn't this book have a fantastic cover? I love it, and it does a very classy, smart job of conveying the action-packed, adrenaline laced feel of the novel. I also have to add that the editing of this collaborative effort was done extremely well -- Roper was quoted as saying that she wrote the female point of view sections, and Holton the male pov -- and both are seamlessly blended. Holton's military background lends this story an genuine, realistic feel, and adds authenticity to the interaction and relationships between the members of Task Force Valor.
This book is a stellar beginning to what promises to be a fantastic series. The authors do an incredible job of exploring the theme of "faith under fire," and how individuals cope with real questions and struggles about their faith and belief in a good and just God in the midst of horrific, stressful circumstances. If you enjoyed Dee Henderson's Uncommon Heroes series, pick this novel up. I only wish I didn't have to wait until Spring 2007 for the sequel.
June 23, 2024
I read this book and wrote the following review in 2016:
This is the first in a series and I would probably read another. I like the military/anti terrorism genre even though the plot was fairly predictable. I did skim through some of the narrative about exactly how they were going to do what, etc. what I REALLY appreciated about this book was that (contrary to almost ALL other romantic relationships in books) the characters involved did NOT always assume/understand the worst, but actually took the context into account. As an example, the male hero refuses to do something the female heroine wants and rather than be "well, he's such a jerk and I'm over him," she actually - although hurt - considered WHY he would do that. Again, I just hate reading these plot lines where either romantic interest ALWAYS misinterprets/takes personally every little action. I suppose it's for "dramatic tension" but if people who do this on real life would never "get the man" or vice versa. Just my little opinion :)
This is the first in a series and I would probably read another. I like the military/anti terrorism genre even though the plot was fairly predictable. I did skim through some of the narrative about exactly how they were going to do what, etc. what I REALLY appreciated about this book was that (contrary to almost ALL other romantic relationships in books) the characters involved did NOT always assume/understand the worst, but actually took the context into account. As an example, the male hero refuses to do something the female heroine wants and rather than be "well, he's such a jerk and I'm over him," she actually - although hurt - considered WHY he would do that. Again, I just hate reading these plot lines where either romantic interest ALWAYS misinterprets/takes personally every little action. I suppose it's for "dramatic tension" but if people who do this on real life would never "get the man" or vice versa. Just my little opinion :)
February 9, 2016
Chuck Holton and Gayle Roper have created a great Romantic Suspense novel. It is fast paced and action packed but doesn't shy away from profound life lessons and tackling complex spiritual topics, either. There are multiple facets to this tale including international intrigue, terrorist activities, uneasy cultural co-existences, secret military operations, East - West clashes, less than perfect families, male and female perspectives, and Honour/ Shame versus Justice/ Guilt worldview. This book packs a punch without apology.
February 6, 2010
I really enjoyed this Christian fiction novel by "A More Elite Soldier" author Chuck Holton. It's obvious from his writing that he has experience with military special forces and the men and women that comprise such groups. It was refreshing to read such a fun adventure with likable characters who honor God and country with their lives.
August 14, 2008
Pretty exciting novel about an American woman whose sister is kidnapped by terrorists in Lebanon and an American Special Ops team working to prevent the widespread use of a scary new explosive. The authors definitely did their research, and I learned a lot about modern-day Lebanon.
June 6, 2012
Gayle Roper, the storyteller, teamed up with Chuck, the Army Ranger to concoct this page-turner. The war on terror heats up in this book. Don't start to read it unless you're prepared to stay up all night!
March 17, 2013
A great book by Chuck Holton, I enjoyed the entire task force series, but this one is my favorite! Liz is an awesome heroine, strong, loyal...I loved her character. A sprinkle of romance, lots of action, overall a wonderful suspense novel that I'd recommend to anyone! 5 stars!
January 7, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It seemed realistic. The action was continuous and the mild romance wasn't sappy. I plan to read the next book in the Task Force Valor series.
August 25, 2014
An high speed action story on a solid foundation!
February 5, 2016
These guys know how to write a thriller! Based in Lebanon, you believe you are there fighting along side these guys. Good book for Muslim/Christian viewpoints and how each thinks.
July 1, 2020
Very good book, with lots of action and a nice dose of romance.
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September 4, 2017shelved under Holton
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews