Into the Fire

The president commits a foolish act which defies the government's "First Commandment" and manages to keep it a secret from one of the most loyal and able covert operatives, formerly a Navy SEAL, formerly Secret Service, who is directly and adversely affected by it. Scot Harvath is shattered when his serious girlfriend is attacked on his front porch and lies comatose on a ventilator in a hospital. When he meets with the president, he is told to "stand down" without further information because the president has people in place to take care of the situation. This doesn't sit well with Scot since he knows he's the most capable of subduing this kind of killer, and he can't imagine why the president won't give him the assignment and the details. When the instruction gets serious and absolute with direct threats to Harvath, Scot realizes this formidable task will be done on his own and much more difficult because of the Direct Order.

Having saved this president's life in the past, Scot is amazed and appalled that he would not only be excluded from pursuing this terrorist but actually threatened by the president if he does after an additional personal act of terror committed against one of Scot's own. Threats or no threats, Scot is going to get this vicious cruel killer and he takes off for Colorado where his friends run an exceptional covert training facility under the umbrella of a fabulous resort. 

The First Commandment by Brad Thor is a bona fide thriller. Confounding, maddening, reminiscent of past conflicts (which are explained well enough for a reader to understand this novel without having read the previous books), with former characters like "The Troll" who is both fascinating and somehow sympathetic, filled with life-threatening action, the direct examples of good and evil, The First Commandment manages to conclude satisfactorily after some terrible – but realistic – acts of brutality by a psychopathic terrorist. The charred relationship with the president is especially good to read.

Highly recommend – but note there are some truly brutal (and heartbreaking) parts.

Father, you've given Brad some excellent stories, access to insider information, much like Vince Flynn. Please continue to bless Brad's life and keep him safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.