Into the Fire

Tim Moynihan gives the Prodigal Avenger story an authentic feel and with what I consider to have two protagonists.

Jake "Snake" Drecker is on a mission in a burqa with two special operators along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border aiming to take out a major leader in Islamic terror networks. Aside from the size of his feet, Jake's disguise covers his gender and his weapon, and momentarily draws the curiosity of the intended target. 

The missions continue with multiple teams, mysterious goat herders, and the capture of an American missionary who is former military. This missionary's rescue is of tantamount importance to Jake and he forms the plan for what could wind up being a suicide mission. Somehow it gets tentatively approved with a fatalistic contingency.

Not too much later in the story the reader becomes familiar with Michael "Pancho" Sanchez, "the Executive and Operations Officer for the Prodigal Avenger project's clandestine special operations task force for operations in Afghanistan and its neighbors" and a man of faith. Pancho is on the eve of retirement as a new Colonel and longs for one last mission even though he knows his behind the scenes directorial prowess – and his age – have slowed him down some. 

In the finalized rescue mission for the missionary prisoner, Pancho takes his prized sniper rifle and accompanies the team to the discovered location of the top Jihadist target and the captured American. He watches the plan unfold in his assigned perch and then waits.

Prodigal Avenger is a story of military realism with thriller tendencies, explored faith, sorrows, joy, and an exposé on the differences between those who see missions from a strictly military viewpoint and those who factor in their career and political advancements. Needless to say, there are distinct differences. It's obvious Moynihan has experienced all of these factors. His characterizations ring true as do his situations and conflicts.

Recommended for those who want a real look at conditions and hazards of special operations in the Middle Eastern theater in a fictional account. Well done. 

Father, you know Tim's heart for you, his work for your glory. Please continue to bless his life in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.