Brilliant novel of terrorism and the elite Tier One operatives response. Really makes you think about all of the sacrifices and constant danger our special forces endure. We sleep better at night by not knowing the lengths that are taken to keep us safe. Complex characters and wicked plot twists.

"Crusader One" eBook was published in 2017 and was written by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson (http://www.andrews-wilson.com). The pair has published three novels, all in their "Tier One Thriller" series.

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set mostly in the middle east. The primary character is former US Navy SEAL and Tier One operator John Dempsey. Dempsey is now a member of the super-secret Ember.

A terrorist attack on US soil not only kills the Director of Nation Intelligence, but also his Israeli counterpart. The Ember organization is called upon to track down those behind the attack.

Not only are they trying to find those behind the attack, they must try to halt the growing tensions that could easily lead to World War III. Making this even more difficult is the new acting DNI, who wants to end Ember.

I enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 404 page special operation thriller. While I have read the prior books in this series, this novel reads pretty well on its own. I do like the characters and the plotline of this novel. The cover art is OK. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.

Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Crusader One

4 Stars


By Andrews & Williams

Story sucks you in.

Usually spy stories with elite soldiers are written to formals. Not so with Crusader One. The story line features political espionage along with feverish twists and turns - a couple of which were unexpected.

American / Israeli Spy Story, featuring former Navy SEAL and Tier One operator John Dempsey from answering the call of duty—including a mission with the highest stakes he’s ever faced.

As usual in these stories the future of the world rests upon the shoulders of one man.

A well written, if not believable story.

John Dempsey is working for Embers but still has the Seal thinking he'll never leave behind. There are some things from the past he is not ready to close the book on but in this story he has his opportunity and he takes it. The whole thing starts at the home of the DNI director with the Israel counter part visiting. After the bomb goes off John meets with the team and they team up with their counterpart in Israel. Who can he trust? Is this the chance to make Iran pay for the death of his Seal team mates? John has a chance to get his revenge he thinks and does not look at the signs he may be going into a trap. Be sure to read to see how the guys get through this time.

This one is not going to keep you up all night, but it is, nevertheless, a good read typical of the genre. Many of the plot lines from the first two books are wrapped up, and it would seem that ground work has been laid for a new direction in the next installment. Hard to say more without divulging spoilers, so if you like the series or the genre, you should get a few nights enjoyment in front of the fireplace with Jack Kemper, aka John Dempsey, and the Ember crew this winter.

This special operations thriller reflects the authors’ knowledge and experience in military genre. While action packed, each chapter also gives an insight into the characters and their motivation to be a part of the team.

It is 1995 and Lt Commander Kelso Jarvis is a guest in a Defense Personnel Exchange Program between US and Israeli Special Operations. Jarvis recruits John Dempsey as the leader of Task Force Ember.

As leader of this covert ops unit, Dempsey believes Amir Modiri has perpetrated the attack killing the DNI and Mossad Director on US soil along with many others. Can Dempsey infiltrate Iran/Tehran and capture or kill Amir Modiri, VEVAKs number two operator? Modiri has done more to destabilize the region than any other foreign adversary. Modiri’s inner circle appears inpenetrable.

Israel and Iran are preparing for war and this would quickly escalate into World War Three. Prime Minister Shamone is authorizing a retaliatory strike on Persia for the attack. To prevent this escalating into a full-scale Persian-Israeli conflict someone must be held accountable on the world stage.

Elinor from the Seventh Order envisages this operation is made for her and invites Ember to act as support only! She only needs the US Special Forces assistance in northern Iraq for access to the Iranian border. Dempsey insists on a two person team to increase the likelihood of success.

The plot is high-suspense. Military acronyms will not be a problem to readers of military style books but can create knowledge and interest for new readers of military thrillers.