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The SON Silas Rising
BOOK ONE of the SERIES : When four members of Congress all die within a few months, each of their deaths appear to be from natural causes. But when mysterious messages begin to appear, in the form of quotations from long dead Revolutionary Heroes, one reporter sets out to prove the existence of a serial killer. His search uncovers dark secrets and an assassin shielded by people who need the very services that only he can provide. Book One of Six
386 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 11, 2021
Jonathan Crane has a single goal: rid the nation of its most corrupt politicians, those who damage the country, jeopardize the livelihood of its citizens, and commit unspeakable crimes to accomplish it. Serving as a one-man vigilante, he engineers a string of congressmen’s deaths – all from what appears to be natural causes. A true Patriot who leaves cryptic clues – quotes from our founding fathers – Crane’s orbit slowly expands to include a journalist, a teenage assistant, a District Attorney, a female police officer, all of whom know that justice must be served, even if in the most mysterious ways. A page-turner chocked full of non-stop action, The Son of Silas Rising is highly recommended for those who love thrillers.
January 6, 2023
Doug Dahlgren’s novel The Son Silas Rising, the first book in The Son series, is both fascinating, and bold. It is a thriller-adventure narrative that will not only entertain you, but appeal to your moral values. It will awaken your thoughts to something that we lackadaisically take for granted in our daily lives. Patriotism! it is a compelling read, a contemporary story that looks forward as well as backward to a time when patriotism to a nascent country was considered a crime. Inspired by the American Revolution and the courage of the Sons of Liberty, Dahlgren has given his readers hope! That no matter how far the experiment of the inheritors of the Thirteen Colonies deviated from the intend of its founding fathers, as expounded in the Constitution of the United States, there are citizens – men and woman – who will come forward with the courage and fortitude to put the ship of state back on its course.
One such citizen is Dahlgren’s protagonist, Jonathan Crane, who has an alter ego. Silas Downer, a member of the original Sons of Liberty of 1776. Historically, Silas is known as the “forgotten patriot.” However, in Dahlgren’s contemporary narrative, Jonathan takes on the persona of Silas Downer and through his courage and determination “removes” corrupt politicians from Congress, who primarily “work for themselves and each other, at the expense of the people and country they were sworn to serve.”
Jonathan Crane, known by some as the wayward son, entered the service at eighteen years old and served his country as a fully trained Army Ranger. Seriously wounded in Afghanistan, he returned home with a box of medals: three Purple Hearts, an Army Commendation Medal, a Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross. Moreover, through wise personal investments, that were started by his proud parents, Jonathan had become extraordinarily wealthy, giving him the freedom to pursue his mission of correcting the wrongs that were committed by corrupt politicians in Congress.
Dahlgren meticulously describes in detail the crimes of senators and congressmen who overstep their authority. He also describes how Jonathan – aka Silas - gathers and verifies their crimes before taking lethal action. In effect, Jonathan reluctantly steps into the role of judge, jury, and executioner. But only in the extreme cases would he dispense his lethal justice, contemplating in his own ratiocination that anything less would be a travesty. Dealing with congressional perpetrators who have the power, and the wealth of the government behind them, and who know how to manipulate the system in their favor, Jonathan realizes that the only way to obtain justice is to take matters into his own hands. Is he a vigilante, a hardened killer, an assassin, a murderer, a criminal or an avenging angel? You might answer yes to all the above.
Nevertheless, there is a poignant significance to Dahlgren’s narrative and to these specific titles because they serve as a clarion – like a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones – call to action. In other words, the narrative is not only a remonstration for term limits for congressman, but a wake-up call directed at both the citizens and the politicians of this great country.
Through riveting dialogue and description, Dahlgren suggests that Jonathan would like nothing more than to see a citizenry take a more knowledgeable and active part in the election process, where the ballot box is the only legitimate and civilized way to install or remove the people’s representatives in Congress. Of course, this would only work if the ballot box process has not been corrupted by corrupted politicians and their lackeys.
Moreover, in the text of the narrative, Dahlgren gives his readers several gems, consisting of historical quotations from historical figures, which I am sure you will recognize from your reading and study of the American Revolution. For instance, Dahlgren begins his narrative with a quotation that is often attributed to Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish statesman, economist, and philosopher. It reads: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Later, Dahlgren gives us a quote from Israel Putnam, who fought at Bunker Hill. He said, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes. Then, fire low.” Another famous quote is from Samuel Adams, who said, “A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.”
Overall, I found The Son Silas Rising to be a compelling read. The characters, the dialogue and the description of time and place were superb and quite engaging. The resolution of the narrative is more than satisfying. As this is the first book of the series – an awakening, a clarion call to action - you will want to follow it up with the sequel. In fact, Jonathan’s work is far from complete. There is more work to be done, and Silas is ready to act. And, while some may see him as an assassin, or a vigilante, others may see him not only as an avenging angel, but an angel, bringing hope, justice, peace, and love to the world.
Thus, I highly recommend this book to all readers, and would not be surprised if it were added to the curricula of high schools and higher educational institutions, as required reading.
One such citizen is Dahlgren’s protagonist, Jonathan Crane, who has an alter ego. Silas Downer, a member of the original Sons of Liberty of 1776. Historically, Silas is known as the “forgotten patriot.” However, in Dahlgren’s contemporary narrative, Jonathan takes on the persona of Silas Downer and through his courage and determination “removes” corrupt politicians from Congress, who primarily “work for themselves and each other, at the expense of the people and country they were sworn to serve.”
Jonathan Crane, known by some as the wayward son, entered the service at eighteen years old and served his country as a fully trained Army Ranger. Seriously wounded in Afghanistan, he returned home with a box of medals: three Purple Hearts, an Army Commendation Medal, a Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross. Moreover, through wise personal investments, that were started by his proud parents, Jonathan had become extraordinarily wealthy, giving him the freedom to pursue his mission of correcting the wrongs that were committed by corrupt politicians in Congress.
Dahlgren meticulously describes in detail the crimes of senators and congressmen who overstep their authority. He also describes how Jonathan – aka Silas - gathers and verifies their crimes before taking lethal action. In effect, Jonathan reluctantly steps into the role of judge, jury, and executioner. But only in the extreme cases would he dispense his lethal justice, contemplating in his own ratiocination that anything less would be a travesty. Dealing with congressional perpetrators who have the power, and the wealth of the government behind them, and who know how to manipulate the system in their favor, Jonathan realizes that the only way to obtain justice is to take matters into his own hands. Is he a vigilante, a hardened killer, an assassin, a murderer, a criminal or an avenging angel? You might answer yes to all the above.
Nevertheless, there is a poignant significance to Dahlgren’s narrative and to these specific titles because they serve as a clarion – like a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones – call to action. In other words, the narrative is not only a remonstration for term limits for congressman, but a wake-up call directed at both the citizens and the politicians of this great country.
Through riveting dialogue and description, Dahlgren suggests that Jonathan would like nothing more than to see a citizenry take a more knowledgeable and active part in the election process, where the ballot box is the only legitimate and civilized way to install or remove the people’s representatives in Congress. Of course, this would only work if the ballot box process has not been corrupted by corrupted politicians and their lackeys.
Moreover, in the text of the narrative, Dahlgren gives his readers several gems, consisting of historical quotations from historical figures, which I am sure you will recognize from your reading and study of the American Revolution. For instance, Dahlgren begins his narrative with a quotation that is often attributed to Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish statesman, economist, and philosopher. It reads: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Later, Dahlgren gives us a quote from Israel Putnam, who fought at Bunker Hill. He said, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes. Then, fire low.” Another famous quote is from Samuel Adams, who said, “A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.”
Overall, I found The Son Silas Rising to be a compelling read. The characters, the dialogue and the description of time and place were superb and quite engaging. The resolution of the narrative is more than satisfying. As this is the first book of the series – an awakening, a clarion call to action - you will want to follow it up with the sequel. In fact, Jonathan’s work is far from complete. There is more work to be done, and Silas is ready to act. And, while some may see him as an assassin, or a vigilante, others may see him not only as an avenging angel, but an angel, bringing hope, justice, peace, and love to the world.
Thus, I highly recommend this book to all readers, and would not be surprised if it were added to the curricula of high schools and higher educational institutions, as required reading.
December 17, 2018
A TRUE SON OF LIBERTY..... DOUG DAHLGREN knows how to spin a good tale and he has done exactly that with THE SON-SILAS RISING. Jon Crane is a loner, at least that is what he wants to be but the world is a cruel jokster. He is a man of deep conviction and high principles. Like some of us, he guards a dark secret, Silas, his other self, the self he has to be when there is important work to be done. As time goes by he allows humanity to pierce his shell, reluctantly. I can tell this is the beginning of a fantastic highly readable fast-paced series. I found Doug's historical references to be spot-on, making this book a real page-turner.
I can tell that Doug put a lot of sweat into the creation of The Son as he painted a very vivid word picture. The book, with its 6 by 9 format makes for a very easy read. Font size and spacing were just right. I loved the texture of the cover and the cover art is uncrowded but perfect. The back cover blurb is very easy to read but sadly Doug's author blurb is much too small. The editing is off a tad but most readers won't even notice it. Keep writing Doug, I loved it and I hope to find the time to read the others in the series.
I can tell that Doug put a lot of sweat into the creation of The Son as he painted a very vivid word picture. The book, with its 6 by 9 format makes for a very easy read. Font size and spacing were just right. I loved the texture of the cover and the cover art is uncrowded but perfect. The back cover blurb is very easy to read but sadly Doug's author blurb is much too small. The editing is off a tad but most readers won't even notice it. Keep writing Doug, I loved it and I hope to find the time to read the others in the series.
December 29, 2019
Doug Dahlgren has written a superb novel that reminds me of the 1980s movie, The Star Chamber, in which a secret organization murders the evil among us.
Doug's main character has many facets. We are introduced to a self-proclaimed Sons of Liberty follower, Silas, who is named for Silas Downer, a member of the original Sons of Liberty. Silas' objective is to rid Congress of its most evil members, such as Lamar LaPointe, who skimmed money from Katrina victims, and Warren Bilstock, who sexually abused young boys.
I pulled for this modern-day Son of Liberty, especially after we are introduced to Jon Crane, Silas' alter ego. I love to see good triumph over evil, as it does in this fast-paced novel...a novel with a sprinkling of safe rooms, voice changers, electronic arms, and tunnels. The SON Silas Rising is an exciting read. And the good news...there are five sequels.
Doug's main character has many facets. We are introduced to a self-proclaimed Sons of Liberty follower, Silas, who is named for Silas Downer, a member of the original Sons of Liberty. Silas' objective is to rid Congress of its most evil members, such as Lamar LaPointe, who skimmed money from Katrina victims, and Warren Bilstock, who sexually abused young boys.
I pulled for this modern-day Son of Liberty, especially after we are introduced to Jon Crane, Silas' alter ego. I love to see good triumph over evil, as it does in this fast-paced novel...a novel with a sprinkling of safe rooms, voice changers, electronic arms, and tunnels. The SON Silas Rising is an exciting read. And the good news...there are five sequels.
October 15, 2018
I don't often get to read a book cover to cover in one sitting, but 8 hours on a plane provided that opportunity. I was intrigued by the history lessons and quotes from the Revolutionary War applied to modern day and riveted by the unfolding story. I would describe the main character as Jack "Reacherish" with a bit of Batman technology thrown in. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series to see how the characters develop and grow. A great read!
July 24, 2025
A Killer Thriller by a master of thriller genres. A great read.
FIVE STARS ALL DAY LONG.
An excellent read, in a genre I love best. Doug Dahlgren writes in a style reminiscent of Stephen Hunter, and he kept me on the edge throughout his very well-written thriller. If you like thrillers, you will love this one. P.s. The good guys win. I highly recommend this book and this author.
FIVE STARS ALL DAY LONG.
An excellent read, in a genre I love best. Doug Dahlgren writes in a style reminiscent of Stephen Hunter, and he kept me on the edge throughout his very well-written thriller. If you like thrillers, you will love this one. P.s. The good guys win. I highly recommend this book and this author.
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May 15, 2020Right on. Great thriller.
December 2, 2024
Surprisingly good. Looking forward to continuing with the Son series.
February 12, 2013
Silas is a patriot taking the short way to remove corruption at the highest levels of government.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews