First Strike: A Thriller (A Dewey Andreas Novel)
By: Ben Coes
Rating: 5 of 5
I picked up this series beginning with the last book, “Independence Day” and was so pleased with the book that picking up “First Strike” was an easy choice. The book takes up shortly after the last one ended and, once again, there is a rush of adventures that culminate with a satisfying end.
The story could have been taken from today’s headlines. It was shocking to have a book talk so much about the atrocities that ISIS is responsible for. At first, I felt like I didn’t want to read about them and then I realized that I should because the author is honest in his appraisal and descriptions of the horrors that this group unleashes.
While I was reading the book, the Orlando terrorist struck and it brought home to me that what I was reading could be something that really could happen and that at some point, something similar would happen.
The books centers on two areas of activity. The first is set in Syria and involves an arms deal between ISIS and a ranking member of the US Government. The explanation of why and how also feels like something lifted from real history. The second front is at Columbia University and involves a terrorist strike on a “soft” target. The target is a dorm with more than 500 people in it. Again, something that could easily happen at any point.
I enjoyed reading the book while at the same time being appalled by the acts of terror it included. It was a compelling read and I will certainly look for more books by Mr. Coes in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher.
