Review: What a pleasant surprise
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 26, 2012
This book snuck up on me. I didn't have any expectations because J.L. Saint was a new author to me and I didn't know much about this book. I was strangely drawn to the cover. I couldn't decide whether the model was scary or heroic (I've decided that that particular picture is a bit of both.) Both the book and the main character, Jack Hunter, were a nice surprise.Jack Hunter is a Delta Force sergeant recovering from injuries sustained from a rescue mission gone awry in the Middle East. He is left with confused memories and suspects that a missing business man from Atlanta (Bill Collins), purportedly killed in South America, is the same terrorist he killed in Lebanon. He tries to investigate this mystery "off the books" starting with the businessman's ex-wife, Lauren Collins. This begins the action, adventure, and intrigue that involves murder, mayhem, kidnappings and conspiracies. There is a lot of story, but it is never overwhelming.The highlight of this book is the relationship between Jack and Lauren. Lauren is betrayed on so many levels by her ex-husband. As a suspected terrorist, she and her sons run the risk of being branded the family of a traitor. They also become the target of her husband's ex-boss looking to avenge Bill's theft and betrayal of the bio-fuel formula. Jack tries to protect Lauren and her family. He feels drawn to her and his relationship with Lauren and the twins makes him reflect on the kind of husband and father he has been in the past. Jack's vulnerability is very attractive. Though he starts with the confidence to protect the family, he soon understands that he is in over his head both physically and emotionally. I appreciate J.L. Saints development of this character. He's not your typical Über Alpha Male. He is redeemed (who knew it was going to be with the help of Man vs. Wild's, Bear Grylls?) in the end.Since this is the first book in the Silent Warrior series, there is a compelling sidestory with Jack's boss, Lt. Colonel Roger Weston and Mari Dalton. We are also introduced to several of Jack's team from Delta Force, who I suspect will show up again in future books -- of which I am enthusiastically looking forward to reading