A military type thriller by two authors I have enjoyed before seemed like enough for me to dig in. This is a good book. Foster's best friend was on his own behind enemy lines and was killed. This is devastating news for Foster. He is given a chance to get revenge. He goes undercover and the main story begins. I enjoyed the setting and action. It was a good book, but something was missing that keeps me from a 5 star. It was a really good start to a series, and I hope the next one is just as good. I enjoyed the cat and mouse games between all the characters involved.

“How could you spend a week fighting alongside somebody then ask him to wade into the fray and provide cover for you to make your escape?”

Silent Horizons opens with a bang! The quote above shows Foster Quinn’s loyalty to his brothers-in-arms and how he worked in a team. And then he finds himself alone. On a solo mission, he must scout and procure the items crucial to a SEAL unit’s mission. His best friend’s death fueled his desire for revenge, which made this a great military thriller. I didn’t think he’d make it out alive.

Things that could be improved: There were some moments that the story slipped into omniscient pov. In addition, Foster claims he understood what Seth was saying one paragraph above before vocalizing that he didn’t understand the philosophy. All in all this was a great start to a series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

I came across this little piece of the internet, Military Thriller Book Group, about two (maybe two and a half) years ago. This Facebook group has introduced me to a slew of great authors and books to read (or to add to my precariously stacked TBR pile). Sometimes, I come across an author through either another group or a website, and if the book follows a certain theme, I introduce this group to that "new" author. As I read each book, I try to offer a review of said work and my "humble" thoughts.

The book and the author that I would like to introduce this group to is "Silent Horizons" by Chad Robichaux (who partnered with Jack Stewart). I was recently allowed to receive an ARC copy of "Silent Horizons by Chad Richards, his publisher (Tyndale Publishers), and the fine folks at NetGalley in return for an honest review. This novel is scheduled to be released on 13 May 2025.

Silent Horizons starts fast and slugs the reader immediately. In the prologue, we are introduced to the main protagonist, Foster Quinn, an esteemed Force Recon Marine and devoted husband and father, who embodies admirable qualities such as honor, loyalty, and tenacity. Foster is also a dedicated and fierce soldier whose commitment to duties and to his fellow teammates is noble.

SILENT HORIZENS by CHAD ROBICHAUX is an exciting military and political thriller which incorporates a lot of what is going on in the world today, with the war in Ukraine and Russian arms dealers working in Iran.

When a mission he is working is prematurely aborted (after details are posted on social media causing the target to go to ground), Foster returns home frustrated by the failed mission and discovers the loss of a dear friend who suspiciously died while on duty targeting a Russian arms dealer. As Foster deals with the agony of the loss of one of his brothers-in-arms and begins to question his future as a Force Recon Marine and when he makes the decision to re-up (reenlist) to continue his career as a Force Recon Marine. He is asked by his commanding officer to instead assume a role as a NOC operative (an intelligence operative who would play a crucial role in preparing the environment for special forces operations by gathering intelligence, establishing contacts and identifying targets) conducting Advanced Force Operations under a Special Access Program code-named SILENT HORIZONS (as they go on the hunt for a Russian arms dealer in Iran who is intent on purchasing “Suicide Drones” for Putin to use in the Ukraine conflict).

He agrees to take on this position which forces him to leave his wife and daughter behind, enter into Iran under an unofficial cover, build a business from scratch and attempt to catch the Russian arms dealer. He takes this position not only as a matter of duty, but also for two other reasons - to follow this path to go forth as a solitary agent in Iran and finish the job that his former "brother-in-arms" (Robert James) started prior to his death, and to ultimately capture the Russian arms dealer that he believes killed his comrade.

We see how political ambition can bring down an operation. We also see how alone Foster feels without his team and how he does not know who to trust. His family life is affected by his deployments as well.

On my self-determined five-star scale, I would give this book a solid five stars as I really enjoyed the “new-to-me” author. I found the plot to be very realistic with the inclusion of several violent military scenes that were not overwhelmingly gory. The story ends with the hint of a second book in the series, which I am anticipating. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I highly suggest this story to those who enjoy thrillers and/or military themed stories. This is a high-stakes suspense novel filled with action and international intrigue, interwoven with themes of military brotherhood, bravery, and loyalty. I would definitely recommend this novel for fans of Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, and Simon Gervais

As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents worth.

Let’s cut to the chase… When I heard that Chad Robichaux was teaming up with Jack Stewart for a new book, I was intrigued how the pair would craft a novel together. But given chad and Jack were writing a fiction military thriller, I knew Silent Horizons was a must-read!

Silent Horizons starts fast and slugs the reader immediately. We meet Foster Quinn in the prologue during the midst of a deadly operation. Boxes in and accused of spying, the stakes are set high. The readers are then rocketed back to see the journey Foster endures to find himself entrenched in the madness.

Silent Horizons nails everything it sets out to do. Military thriller, check. Espionage thriller, check. Series in the making, check.

Chad and Jack craft a thrilling story that isn’t simply a page-turning military espionage thriller. The authors utilized the genre and added the real world implications. Of course the story consists of arms dealers, realistic espionage tradecraft like developing assets and reconnaissance, all of which feel real. If you told me this is a true story, I may believe it. I don’t say that in a negative way either. Silent Horizons merges real world tradecraft with the dash of fiction. I feel Chad and Jack know how to bring the realism in a way that’s palatable for readers with and without the military background. But the most valuable component is how Chad and Jack built the core of Foster Quinn around family, both his wife and daughter along with his brothers in arms, and not in a cheesy Vin Diesel from Fast and Furious way.

Writing the main character with conflict of how to best serve his country and family the core of the novel was perfection. Readers immediately gravitate to Foster’s plight and root from him through thick and thin. The readers can feel Foster Quinn’s, or should I say Foster Cottle’s fears and anxieties with every situation, line upon line, word upon word.

If you have served away from family and those who have not, I feel like Silent Horizons portrays the strain and struggles in a commanding way. The personal experiences bleed through that pen onto page and we can feel it as we read.

In addition to Silent Horizon’s deep beating thematic heart paired with the real world thrills, the overall story remains compact and approachable. It never feels overstuffed, nor does the story plod around without direction. Unlike other authors, Chad and Jack strike the perfect balance of detailing the deeper information of operations, military scope, and equipment. Each component, especially the military pieces never feel like merely info dumps or regurgitated detail for the sake of it or merely because Chad and Jack know a cool tid bit to share. No, the story is kept tight with incredible pacing leaving readers wanting to turn the page.

Overall, Silent Horizons creates an incredible story of love, brotherhood, and gritty determination while the story is told in expert craftsmanship. Chad Robichaux and Jack Stewart knew what they were doing when they started this journey and they executed in stellar fashion with this thriller novel. Chad and Jack hit hard and fast while keeping readers turning the page to the very end. Bring on book two please!!

Silent Horizons is my first five out of five for 2024.

This book will allow you to see plenty of action in Iran. Fear, anxiety, guns and undercover work. Foster Quinn,a.k.a. Foster Cottle the Hunter, is at it again. As Foster and Reza search for and plan out covert ops they move stealthily about. They're looking for Volkov a suspected arms dealer of very harmful weaponry (well, which weapon is not). Things happen, twists and turns turn up the excitement levels ... better don your armor.

I believe this story will especially appeal to those who have been and/or still are, in the military, especially the Marines and the Navy SEALS. The authors have had similar experience so I'm surmising the actions with the ops and weaponry are authentic and believable. I found that the story dragged a bit for me in places as I'm not familiar with more involved details about such actions. Having said that, it is good to note there there is still plenty to make your hair curl.

An added benefit, in my opinion, is that the story is faith based. Also, that Foster has integrity and is true to his wife and daughter. These are big pluses in my book.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

March 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

"To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail. To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure…”

Moving to Iran and adopting a false identity will allow Foster Quinn to continue his best friend's mission. In doing so, he can approach the weapons dealer in close proximity, laying the groundwork for a crucial assignment.

Due to his pivotal role, readers see Foster Quinn as more than just a soldier. He's the team leader of his military unit; he's a husband and father. I thought it was wonderful how the author depicted Foster's journey and aspirations, showing what it takes to protect our nation; it’s more than just financial resources. Expenses include the loss of lives and the anguish endured by the families of these courageous warriors. The author's depiction of a soldier's life away from the combat was interesting to me. His inner struggle to complete the task at hand and the personal story he shares were both compelling to me because this is written in a way readers get a peek at the viewpoint of a man who has been in this situation.

There is exciting action, suspense, international intrigue, and interesting, likeable, and not so likable characters that make up this well-written story.

I appreciated the story's natural spiritual thread. I enjoyed that there was no explicit language, sexual content, or gore. Some of the twists and turns of this fantastic novel will surprise you. This is the first book in the series. This would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

An exhilarating novel, Silent Horizons by Chad Robichaux, is an excellent Christian military thriller, that encompasses the reader with an enthralling plot and a compelling main character. This enthralling story keeps the reader engaged from the first chapter to the very end of the book.

As a woman with no military background who loves all things girly, I have a keen interest in military thriller stories. I have read and enjoyed quite a few military suspense novels, and Silent Horizons is amongst those that I have enjoyed. Author Chad Robichaux writes with such pristine descriptive narration as readers are introduced to primary character Foster Quinn, an esteemed Force Recon Marine and devoted husband and father, who embodies admirable qualities such as honor, loyalty, and tenacity. Foster is also a dedicated and fierce soldier whose commitment to duties and to his fellow teammates is noble. When a mission he is working is prematurely aborted, Foster returns home frustrated by the failed mission and discovers the loss of a dear friend who suspiciously died while on duty targeting a Russian arms dealer. He is soon presented with an opportunity to resume his late friend’s mission. His decision to accept the assignment is met with challenges as it requires him to again leave his family for an unknown length of time, to serve on a solo undercover mission in Iran. While upholding his undercover identity he must establish himself as a businessman and acquire a trusted foreign ally to help with the operation. The mission is dangerous and poses threats to his life as well as the lives of the other American military soldiers he is responsible for creating a safe means to access and depart Iran with the wanted offender. The arduous operation compels him to exercise profound faith in the Lord, when he becomes unable to control the variables of the mission and must trust in God’s overall plan.

Bursting with an intriguing suspenseful plot, this fast-paced novel is pleasantly entertaining. The story includes complex military jargon that the author depicts understandably to a non-military reader. I was quickly swept into the action and found the incorporation of Christian faith substantially incorporated in the plot. Although not saturated with faith-based content, the main character is a Christian who is portrayed praying and utilizing his faith in God. A few biblical quotes are included in the storyline as well. The plot is realistic with the inclusion of several violent military scenes that were not overwhelmingly gory. The story ends with the hint of a second book in the series, which I am anticipating. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I highly suggest this story to those who enjoy thrillers and/or military themed stories.

Foster Quinn is spec ops trained. He is a solid soldier, a brother to his highly trained teammates, devoted husband, and father. Following his journey through grieving and avenging the death of his best friend takes us in close to give just a glimpse of what life is like for special operators.
This is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure if I would like his style. This is the first book in this new series and I’m looking forward to reading more. This book started out a bit more technical than I could follow but the story doesn’t stay there. All in all I enjoyed having a chance to see things through a “new” author’s perspective and add to my list of authors to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book and the opportunity to “meet” someone new. All opinions are my own.

SILENT HORIZENS by CHAD ROBICHAUX is an exciting military and political thriller which incorporates a lot of what is going on in the world today, with the war in Ukraine and Russian arms dealers working in Iran…..
Foster Quinn, a staff sergeant in the Marines, is asked to leave his team and go as a lone agent into Iran and finish the job his best friend Robert James started, and capture the Russian arms dealer who he believes killed Robert……
We see how political ambition can bring down an operation. We also see how alone Foster feels without his team and how he does not knowwho to trust. His family life is affected by his deployments as well……
There are some very apt biblical quotes and I like to see Foster’s faith in God.
This is an exciting read.
I was given an ARC of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I tried to read this book, but it was too technical, too masculine, too military for my tastes. It’s well-written and I’m sure the right reader will thoroughly enjoy it, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. No slam on the author. I just didn’t choose well.