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Nine nations hold nuclear weapons.
What if a madman seized control of one of them?

Reed Montgomery's retirement is doomed to be short-lived. After the CIA receives intelligence from deep inside North Korea of a startling new weapon, President Trousdale greenlights an illegal mission to extract the informant.

Reed and his Prosecution Force are tasked with infiltrating the hermit kingdom, undercover and off the books. They won't have backup, and if they are discovered by North Korean authorities, Washington will disavow them.

But refusing the mission isn't an option. Because from inside Pyongyang rumblings of war are echoing across the west. And with a superior nuclear weapon, those rumblings are no longer empty threats.

The Prosecution Force is on the clock. Failure is not an option.

The second title in Logan Ryle's explosive Prosecution Force Series doubles down on the action and international intrigue! From Washington to Japan to the hostile borders of a nuclear nation, there is nowhere Reed and his team won't go to protect freedom.

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

2860 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Logan Ryles

84 books186 followers
Logan Ryles is the author of more than two dozen thrillers, including the bestselling Mason Sharpe and Prosecution Force series. Known for stories that hit like a freight train, his novels deliver cinematic pacing, grit, and tightly woven plots that have earned him a global readership. With over 800,000 copies sold and translations reaching the German market, Ryles’s work resonates with fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and David Baldacci.

His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.

A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.

Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com

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5 stars
1,990 (61%)
4 stars
1,004 (31%)
3 stars
207 (6%)
2 stars
21 (<1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Henry.
876 reviews75 followers
May 17, 2023
Very good second installment in the series. Fast paced, good characters and moves along quickly.
Profile Image for Matt Besherse.
3 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2023
Entertaining and suspenseful. Kept me wanting to read more.
Profile Image for Russ.
303 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2022
Second book in the series. A bit formulaic but still a good read. The main character has his own series which I'm looking forward to.
Profile Image for Laura Witham.
27 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2025
This book was action packed from start to finish! I'm surprised my fitbit didn't think I was working out with how fast this book had my heart racing. This is the second book by Logan Ryles that I've read and I'm pretty close to calling this guy my new favorite author!
98 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2022
first strike

Great read and action filled just the way I like. Like the way you keep the sex and so much angst of wife interference out of your books. I may be a woman and men think that what women always think we want this in a book but (wrong) just action packed with precision action thinking.
350 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2022
fun book

Logan Ryles has some very good characters with Reed Montgomery and his sidekick Turk. They’re great operators with a conscience. The plot is totally unbelievable but still fun because the action is very well written and exciting. Highly recommend
9 reviews
March 29, 2023
Excellent read

The attention to detail in the story is simply amazing. Even though the book is fiction, in the back of your mind, you know that everything in the story could come to fruition in the real world. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series..
1,730 reviews13 followers
June 19, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Reed being fired once more and it looks like he is once again in a bind. Shortly after, he receives a request by the POTUS to perform a mission to bring a party from North Korea. He agrees and along with his friend, Turk, go and meet POTUS to get the necessary information. Reed also requests that Wolfgang, another former associate, have their backs while they are away.

They arrive in North Koorea and begin their search for this individual. They eventually go to his home where they meet his wife and daughter and learn of a location where this individual might be. When they arrive there, they find this person, but the North Koreans launch an attack where this individual and his daughter are captured. Reed and Turk are then redirected to geth them from the prison camp. At the same time, there is a rogue member of the POLIBORO that wants to start a nuclear war and has placed the DPRK President under guard. Reed and Turk are then dispatched to assassinate this individual. They have a journey of ninety miles to get to the city and soon devise a plan to get there. Their plan is now once they complete this latest task, they will meet up with the individual and his family to get them out of North Korea. When they finally arrive at the location for their extraction, once again the North Koreans are waiting.

To discover how Reed and Turk made their trip to assassinate the rogue leader, who was responsible for betraying Reed and Turk and what steps were taken to bring Reed and Turk into North Korea and how they were to leave, then you need to read this book.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,538 reviews24 followers
July 18, 2023
The Prosecution Force’s latest action-packed case.

First Strike, the second book in Logn Ryles Prosecution Fore series is a very good follow-on to Brink of War. Once agon President Trousdale finds it necessary to employ Reed Montgomery and the Prosecution Force to solve a problem that normal government forces cannot undertake. Like its predecessor, First Strike is a no-stop roller coaster ride of action and intrigue that follows Reed and Turk across the Hermit Kingdom as they attempt to extract a CIA asset. The characters they encounter on their quest undergo their own harrowing ordeals as the story progresses.

If you enjoy action thrillers populated with very flawed characters who seek to overcome their flaws in order to do the right thing you might want to investigate this series.
Profile Image for J. Michael Smith.
296 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2023
Reed Montgomery is a former Marine, dishonorably discharged, turned assassin, turned fugitive on the run, turned black ops man-on-call for the president of the United States.

In this novel, he and his pal Turk show up in North Korea to try and bring an "asset" home who has information on a new nuclear weapon being developed there. While there, they encounter mission creep as the president wants them to assassinate a rogue leader trying to overthrow the "beloved dictator," who is more dangerous than the current leader of North Korea.

They encounter a North Korean family and can't figure out until it's too late whether they are friend or foe.

This is a novel of shallow characters, silly dialogue, unbelievable luck, and defiance of reality. But it's suspenseful and a great escape. Gave it too many points, but I'm feeling grateful for the diversion.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,712 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2022
If you have been following along, you know that Reed would do anything for America, but he doesn't color inside the box. He has gotten Maggie Truesdale out of more scrapes than she can count and she wouldn't have been Governor let alone President if not for Reed. She likes the results but not the method. Now he and Banks are married and have a son. He is out of a job, because his method doesn't work in the civilized world either. The North Koreans have plans for a weapon that makes a guided missile look like a sling shot. Let's send Reed. He is expendable and we have deniability. Excellent read!
717 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2022
As fast paced as ever

Put reality on hold and just accept 2 Americans can wander around North Korea unnoticed
If you can get past that piece of disbelief then the rest of the book is another excellent fast paced and exciting joy ride
Reed & Turk at it again, Wolfgang helping out in the background and all 3 of them trying to stop the DPRK from launching a hypersonic nuclear missile
41 reviews
July 18, 2022
already waiting for the next installment

This installment started a little slower than most, but in the end it was worth the wait. Don’t give up, complete the task and the reward come to those who finish the race.

Keep up the good work. I am fully invested in the lives of these great characters. Looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. Don’t make me wait too long.
Profile Image for Matt Fryar.
155 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
President Trousdale faces another international crisis and turns to Reed and his team for support. As tensions rise in the Far East, though, it remains to be seen whether the Prosecution Force can save the day against all odds.

Another solid political/action thriller… There were certainly points where the plot was advanced purely by convenience and coincidence, but I still enjoyed the adventure!
Profile Image for Tim Mullen.
189 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2024
Excellent

The second instalment of The Prosecution Force series doesn’t disappoint. Struggling to cope with civilian life Reed Montgomery and his battle buddy Turk are deployed to North Korea as the world hurtles to nuclear oblivion. Striking a really good balance between political manoeuvring, military action and person relationships this avoids falling into the trap of gung-ho American military personnel and invests in its characters.
212 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2025
This is my second Logan Riles book and he is an amazing action/adventure thriller writer. His books are hard to put down and his main character is flawed but has a warrior mentality to do what is right for his country and has no qualms about killing bad guys! He kills a lot of bad guys. There is usually someone that is supposed to be a good guy…that really isn’t. I think of his books as fun romps to read between my heavier literature.
247 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2023
For some reason, I just got bored reading this book. Impossible situations were remedied out of hand. for example, entry into North Korean capital was just too convenient. The rain stopped thousands of hostile soldiers from challenging Reed and Turk. Come on man. The getaway to the coast was way too easy. Just didn't add up.
Profile Image for Stacey Belser.
16 reviews
March 29, 2024
Heart Racing

I enjoyed the multiple POVs with this book and seeing the story told from several angles and locations. Reed & Turks camaraderie and loyalty keep you hooked and the book is packed with action packed scenes. There was a small twist toward the end that surprised me. Overall this series keeps me coming back for more.
353 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2024
Five Stars

Non stop action. As usual it was almost impossible to put the book down. This was another great read from start to finish. A big thank you to the author Logan Ryles and from me another well deserved five stars. I will now start to read the next book, Election Day ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
106 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2022
Great read

I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Most books in this genre require a willful suspension of reality if you want to enjoy them And First Strike is no exception. That said it's a well paced fun action story. The prose is good and the editing is solid.
228 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2022
Action Packed Thriller

Another wonder6action packed, suspenseful addition to the series. Reed Montgomery is an enter6and believable anti-hero and Maggie is the type of President well actually need. Bring on more!
Profile Image for Jim Cerone The Perfect Host DJ MC.
366 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2022
Ryles Keeps Improving

Excellent action thriller with a great cast of characters. It’s fascinating how author Ryles has successfully taken the Reed Montgomery series in a global direction. This book is even better than the last.
2 reviews
October 26, 2022
Nonstop read

Amazing and believable story. Solid page turner with ever increasing intensity until the final chapters. I had to make myself put the book down so I could go to work!
34 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2023
Really, Really good

The characters are real and The excitement and action Does not stop. Another well written in a continuing series that I will finish. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
61 reviews
April 14, 2023
Action Filled

Lots of action throughout. Interesting look at the inside of North Korea. Like the banter between the characters. The dark humor and concerns are realistic. Look forward to reading the other books the series.
Profile Image for Dorrie.
181 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2023
A fast-paced and exciting read that sees America edge to the brink of nuclear war with North Korea. The author is creative and imaginative in his handling of the situation, and the first female president of the United States remains calm, cool, and decisive under mounting pressure.
403 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2024
Feels like insight

While reading Prosecution Force thrillers you feel like you're getting an insight to CIA and government operations. There are times I have to remind myself to breathe.
16 reviews
February 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - even more than first book & that in my estimation was brilliant - I was on the edge throughout - I felt I was there with them - I loved that all characters had their say - you got their perspective - thank you for such a riveting read.
375 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2024
Reed and Turk sneak into North Korea to rescue a scientist who is reporting the development of nuclear weapons. Things accelerate quickly as a political instability threatens the country and the world. Great action sequences. This series is total escapism.
1,181 reviews6 followers
December 25, 2024
Another Excellent Story

An excellent second story in the Prosecution Force series with lots of the usual characters. A great storyline that moved along at a very fast pace with plenty of twists and turns. A gripping ending.Looking forward to reading in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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