Into the Fire

This passage opens Brad Thor's eighth novel in the Scot Harvath series The Apostle: 

              In our nation's war on terror, a new breed of operator has emerged. Passionately dedicated to their craft, they ignore the trials and hardships of their profession and work tirelessly in the face of limited support and bloated bureaucracies to achieve one singular goal — mission success.

          Motivated by a deep and undying love for their country, these operators willingly face intense danger so that America may remain free. 

          Once labeled "true believers," this term no longer applies. These warriors have become Apostles.

Surprised to be summoned by the new less-inclined-to-use-men-like-Scot Harvath president, Scot is asked to do something he's not sure he can morally do. The major donor and close associate to the president's campaign has learned her doctor daughter has been kidnapped in Afghanistan. The ransom for her is the freedom of a jailed terrorist. Scot has no problem with trying to find and free the woman, but exchanging her for the freedom of a brutal terrorist rubs him the wrong way. Nevertheless, he agrees to go after the doctor. 

Scot has friends in unsafe places all over the world and Afghanistan is one of them. As always, they're ready to help with everything he needs including connections in the "neighborhood". The main problems arise from the common reference initials "TIA" (This Is Afghanistan). The Taliban leader in the area is feared and resented, but there are a few men who are willing to risk it all to provide information and assistance.

Meanwhile back in the states, a devoted Secret Service Agent learns the president she voted for might have been involved in a critical act. Although she'd quit the police force to become a Secret Service Agent because she didn't see herself as becoming a detective, she launches a personal investigation into the matter as unobtrusively as she can. At first, it's difficult, but as she speaks with some of her fellow agents, she realizes her suspicions might not be too far off base.

Scot learns where the woman was held and plots a course to enter the Taliban village. Information gathered gives them some new options, but Scot quickly realizes they might have to enlist the assistance of the Canadian liaison who Scot believes is a clandestine operative. His objective was to keep as few persons involved as possible, but circumstances require more help than they have. A surprise move by the Afghan government both surprises and confounds their plans to capture the terrorist they need if an exchange is required. 

Back in the states, the investigation heats up and the outcome requires serious soul-searching for more than one Secret Service Agent.

Filled with incredible descriptions of the Afghan landscape, culture, townships, mini-strangleholds of power, the constant conflicts, the morose circumstances and sometimes forced lifestyles of the citizens of this country, The Apostle is an amazing story of perseverance, bravery, mercy, and courage by people who've been toughened by horrific conditions and/or victims of tyranny. TIA. 

I highly recommend Brad's books because, like Vince Flynn's (and now Kyle Mills), they're real. They tell the truth and, by so doing, they don't pull punches. Scot Harvath clearly will sacrifice himself to accomplish good and he doesn't flinch from putting down evil. Sometimes reflecting on what he must do gives him pause, but when he considers the alternative, he goes forward with purpose and authority. He is an Apostle.

Father, your word is the guide for all we need in this life. It's not easy, but it's Truth. Please help us all to live in truth. Please continue to bless Brad's life, writing, and family. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.