Dark Vector

David Slaton and Tru Miller #1

by Ward Larsen

The first book in a blockbuster new series from USA Today bestseller, Ward Larsen!

In the wilds of Siberia, a top-secret Russian fighter goes missing on a test flight. The Russian Air Force begins a search, oblivious to their they are looking in the wrong spot. The pilot, Colonel Maxim Primakov, has crash landed during an attempted defection.

The new chief of CIA clandestine operations, David Slaton, wants desperately to find him, but only one man is in a position to reach Primakov—Tru Miller, a rookie operator. Slaton plots a rescue deep inside Russia, not realizing that he will have to outfox the one other man who knows the truth. Victor Dubonin is a general in Russian intelligence. His search for Primakov is deeply personal—and if he doesn’t succeed it will cost him his life.

Soon a small group of Americans, including its top female test pilot, Kai Drake, find themselves hunted in the wilds of Russia. Their survival will depend on one thing—just how resourceful and lethal they can be.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Action, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Military Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Ward Larsen is the USA Today bestselling author of espionage thrillers. A seven-time winner of the Florida Book Award, his first novel, The Perfect Assassin, has been optioned for film by Amber Entertainment.
A former Air Force fighter pilot, he has also served as an airline captain, and is a trained aircraft accident investigator.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the David Slaton series for some years now and this addition of the Tru Miller characet is really great. I like the fact that Ward Larsen created someone to take over the physical aspect of field work. If you haven't tried any of his books it is high time that you do, they are great. Every single one of them. I do however think that Slaton will have a hard time keeping himself away from the action, but we will see. The events in this book are well plotted and I had a great time reading it and I highly recommend it. I send a big thanks to Forge Books , Macmillan and Edelweiss for giving me an advance copy. The book hits the shelves in early February 2025.

[Steve Rufle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First-time reader of Ward Larsen, and it won't be my last.

Thoroughly enjoyed this David Slaton story of a secret Russian jet, a defector, the CIA agent Tru Miller, whose assignment is to find and rescue the Russian.

The challenges Tru comes across and deals with add to the adventure.

I'm ready for the next novel in this series.

Thanks to Forge Books for making this ARC available to me.

[Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Ward Larsen but i thought it was very entertaining. I won this ARC copy so it has a few grammatical errors but that wasn't much of a problem. It certainly has a lot of action, especially toward the end. From what I understand, there is a whole David Slaton series but this book introduces Tru Miller who just started to work for David as a CIA operative on a dangerous mission. He's a bit of a rogue but gets the job done. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Ward Larsen and Forge for gifting me a galley of Dark Vector.

I've been a fan of Ward's and David Slaton since day one. I had some misgivings when I heard Slaton would move into management. My trepidation was about my love of the series, not Larsen's writing.

Dark Vector is a ballsy, gripping thriller meshing old characters with a worthy new group.

Despite being a “new” series, some things stay the same. Larsen—a pilot—is known for his aviation scenes and Dark Vector has a few mind-bending flight sequences that will raise your blood pressure.

You don't want to miss Dark Vector; it has my highest recommendation

[Daniel Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russian Air Force Colonel Maxim Primakov has set an elaborate and perilous plan to defect to the U.S.—and he's bringing with him the hyper-secret Russian jet fighter called Vector. Inevitably, though, Mr. Murphy is not to be denied, and what can possibly go wrong, does: A piece of FOD punctures a fuel tank on takeoff and Vector must land in the Siberian wasteland to refuel.

The Russians mount a frantic search for the plane and pilot, but good news for Primakov, he's a hundred miles from where his faked official flight plan says he should be. Using a radio provided by CIA, Primakov sends a distress call. Caught out with no experienced Russian officers close enough to help, the Agency sends rookie case officer Tru Miller (his codename is actually ROOKIE) to try to help. Miller has had a tough start in his new career and is only sent because he's close and speaks Russian like a gazetchik in Red Square selling newspapers. But you do what you can and don't whine.

Ward's book "Dark Vector" is a powerful, page-turning actioner that blends the technical DNA of Clint Eastwood stealing a sophisticated Russian jet fighter in "Firefox" with the tension and endangerment of the Russian/U.S. face-off in "Ice Station Zebra." Because this is a Larsen book, the flying and aircraft refs (Ward is a commercial airline pilot) are thrillingly authentic and the narrative is taut with fully realized characters and unexpected turns. I've been a fan of his David Slaton books, and I'm highly confident the Tru Miller series has legs too. It has incredible potential for a pretty great miniseries a la "The Night Agent" on Netflix or "Lioness" on Paramount+.

BLUF: Buy this book today and make no plans other than reading for this weekend. Five ⭐️s. Strongly, unequivocally recommended.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic new spin off!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first foray into the world of David Slaton. I decided to start here since it was REALLY about Tru Miller, and a new chapter for David Slaton and I was not disappointed. I didn't feel like I was reallly missing any key information, BUT it definitely made me want to go start the Slaton series at the beginning so I can get all the backstory ASAP. This one was a VERY good read - non-stop action and edge of your seat scenes that will keep you turning the pages. Highly recommend!

[Chris Boland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite audiobook. I don’t know if it was because of the author or narrator or both, but it was a struggle to complete.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific installment from Ward Larsen!

Dark Vector (David Slaton and TruMiller, Book #1)… looking forward to this wonderful new series… to be continued!

Maxim Primakov is a pilot for Russia. He has been testing their highly functional, multimillion dollar, elite aircraft, Dark Vector. This ship has some AMAZING capabilities!! 😮
Maxim is also looking to DEFECT from Russia…
So, when he and his plane go missing directly after a distress call….
Well, everyone is looking for him!

Did I mention that he is the son-in-law of a high profile Russian General?

So….when things go haywire, as they often do, the US needs to scramble to get some help to Russia…. And who do they send? A very recently graduated agent, Tru (Truman) Miller. He is very skilled in many areas, and is fluent in many languages…. But as they start to gather info on him, they also come to realize that he has his own scars…. Ones that just might blow up ALL their well intentioned plans…

Additionally, Kai Drake, who a phenomenal US test pilot, gets called in to assist as well! She has only DREAMED of being involved in something like this! But can this really work? Or is the whole thing gonna go up in smoke????

This is a very fast-paced, high-action, high-stress kind of book!
And situations can change on a dime…….

Wonderful preview into this brand new series! Cannot wait to read more!!!

All the stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨✨

#DarkVector by#WardLarsen. Narrated stunningly by #NoahMichaelLevine!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which was JUST RELEASED TODAY. 2/4/25!!! So, look 👀 for it now!!

As for me… You can always find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Leane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following his excellent David Slaton series (The Perfect Assassin [2007] is the first.), this one continues the Slaton CH after book #9 2023’s Assassins’ Mark (See my review.), as Slaton begins his assignment as the new chief of CIA Clandestine operations. You need not read the previous books and that whole series but you will miss out on important CH development and relationship explanations, if this matters to you. Many of the same CHs are part of the mix as Slaton tries to recover a Russian defector and his top secret Russian fighter plane using every resource he can, even the wild-card of a new CIA operative with his own devils to dance with, Tru Miller. Miller is a wonderful pairing and a good parallel to the experienced Slaton and that adds humor to this book. The spy craft is well detailed, and adds to the always growing foreboding Tone and increases the Pace of the page turning. Larsen does CH, Setting, and armaments and tech well, with not too much detail but enough for those craving the techno-thriller aspects will not be disappointed. The Plotting contains the requisite twists, and the CHs all vibrate with authenticity. I want another just to see how many explosions Tru sets off—LOL. RED FLAGS: Graphic Violence and Sexual Assault. Again, not necessary, however, I urge you to start with the first in this series, The Perfect Assassin in order to truly appreciate the CH development and it stands as one of my all-time favorite spy thrillers. Definite must for readers who crave more when waiting for a Daniel Silva, or has enjoyed a Jason Matthews, Jack Carr, Frederick Forsyth or early Ludlum.

[Mark Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the authors website: David Slaton has taken on the role of mentor for the new guy in the CIA’s clandestine service, Truman “Tru" Miller. A Russian test pilot has attempted to defect in a top secret fighter, but when the jet goes down deep in the Siberian wilderness, there’s only one operator in the neighborhood who can find out what’s happened: Tru Miller, a rookie who’s never been tested.

Dark Vector, the next book in the David Slaton series is a must read for action/adventure/thriller fans!! Ward Larsen hits the afterburners at the start of this book and doesn’t back down until the end. Great action, truer than life characters, and a plot that keeps you riveted to the pages makes this read an instant classic.

I was honored to have been selected to read an advance copy of this outstanding book and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Russian pilot takes off in a top secret fighter plane with intentions of defecting. Russia begins a search for him when he disappears from radar. The U.S. also begins a search when he doesn’t arrive as planned. A frozen reservoir in Siberia is where Primakov is suspected to be but who will arrive first. Tru is new in the field but is closest to the area so is sent to search for him. Tru has a reputation of never obeying rules or orders. Throw in a couple of other people who all have different roles to play. They are fighting against time to survive in the brutal cold but also fighting to escape Siberia without being captured by the enemies. This is my first book by Ward Larsen and it left me wanting to read all of his others. Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a box office bender, Jim Carrey was unstoppable once the cinematic laughs took flight with 1994's ACE VENTURA. Following the Pet Detective's antics with a string of box office successes topping the (then) magical one-hundred million dollar mark, Carey took a shot at the yet-nascent reality TV world in 1998, playing Truman Burbank, an insurance salesman who's unaware of being filmed 24/7 and broadcast to the world as entertainment, THE TRUMAN SHOW. While holding true to the tried and tested protagonist David Slaton in his tenth appearance, the spotlight is shines on a new hero, Truman Miller, turning DARK VECTOR into THE TRUMAN SHOW by kicking things off in the greatest surveillance State in the world: China. Reigniting the techno and military race for global dominance between East and West, DARK VECTOR is spy adventure supreme, merging politics, intrigue and treason with fly boys, field craft, and full auto firefights.

Fresh off the farm and ready to open a can of whoopass, Truman 'Tru' Miller is on NOC assignment in the Middle Kingdom not for HUMINT exploitation but for effluent sample collection, leaving him more thirsty for recognition and action than spoiled Billionaires' children. Tru is in luck, David Slaton, CIA Ground Branch hustler extraordinaire, is quasi hanging up the Glocks and easing back in the leathery comfort of DC office furniture, ready to pass the baton to the newbie. Slaton presides over the Special Activities Division at Christians in Action, his soft spot for raw, impulsive officers with a commendable lack of respect for authority an open secret. Thus, fate ushers in the opportunity Truman's been waiting to get into the game, a chance to prove himself and put his abilities and resourcefulness on display in clandestine service; the world of killers, spies, and ruffians.

Tangentially related to Craig Thomas' 1977 book and the big Hollywood movie of the same name it spawned 5 years hence, DARK VECTOR is basically FIREFOX 2.0, just without Clint Eastwood and the bizarre 1980s MAGNUM P.I.-esque mustache. Pitting tradecraft, martial arts, CQB, weapons and tactics of Tru 'Red White and Blue' Miller against the combined strengths and capabilities of Russia and China definitely raises the most formidable stakes in a tale that leans hard on today's international environment and conflicts. Graciously leaving out a direct position on the Ukraine/Russia debacle, DARK VECTOR nonetheless brilliantly swims in said waters and the geopolitical quagmire it presents for the United States and global allies. As always, Ward Larsen's latest is steeped in stick-jockey lingo like NAFOD, DNIF, showstoppers, and fuelies, lifting the material with just the right amount of humor and levity. Solid shoutouts to Craig Johnson and A FEW GOOD MEN accompany hilarious axioms, among them 'speed is life', that you can't put a silencer on a hand grenade, 'it's not the mistakes you make but how you react to them', and that the most important weapon on any fighter is the pilot. DARK VECTOR is high op tempo entertainment, setting the bar high for future Tru Miller adventures, testing his mettle in the fire of his will. A tale as speedy and lethal as a stealth fighter, DARK VECTOR is thumping like out of control EuroPop music; raw, irreverent, exhilarating and tempered by bruises and broken glass.


















Early copy won via contest.
Thanks to Ward Larsen, Macmillan Publishers, Forge Books for the ARC.

[Jim Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I didn’t know what to expect from this book, and was pleasantly surprised. It is a fast paced book that kept me anxious to discover what happened next.

A Russian test pilot of an advanced aircraft that was designed to have minimal radar reflectivity has decided to defect to the “west” by flying east from Russia to Japan. He has made his intentions known to the Americans and been provided with a satellite communication device to communicate his position. On the day of his defection, he takes the aircraft to a previously scheduled test pattern area, but unknown to him at least initially, a small debris object is picked up on takeoff that penetrates one of the aircraft fuel tanks, causing a small leak. When the pilot discovers the leak, he determines that he will not be able to fly to the planned landing site. He decides to land the aircraft on a large frozen lake in north eastern Russia.

Upon learning of this situation, the American authorities decide to try to extract the pilot from his landing site. The closest American asset that could possibly give the downed pilot assistance is located in China several hundred miles from the downed aircraft. The American asset, code named Rookie, but prefers to be called Tru, is instructed to proceed to the downed aircraft and to aid the pilot, who has suffered a broken leg. The journey to the aircraft is difficult and involves several incidents that later draw the attention of a Russian agent determined to prevent any harm to Russia.

The Americans authorities send a sub orbital rocket plane to the site of the downed aircraft carrying an aircraft mechanic and a certified test pilot (female). Upon arrival, these two determine that the aircraft is substantially undamaged, except for the small hole in the fuel tank, and fully capable of flight. This information, along with the condition of the Russian pilot is relayed back to the American authorities, who decide to extract the four individuals by sending in a VTOL aircraft from Japan.

There is a lot of chaos caused by Tru deciding to steal a fuel truck from a local village to provide sufficient fuel for the flight of the aircraft back to Japan. There are lots of explosions, and fights, throughout the book that make the book colorful. And ,of course, the good guys win. A great story.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Vector
David Slaton Tru Miller #1
Ward Larsen
Forge Books
02/24/2025

David Slaton is no longer in the field. He is the new chief of CIA clandestine operations. Dark Vector introduces a new protagonist, Tru Miller. This man is an absolute bad ass. Even though he is a new addition and has recently graduated from The Farm; he is ready for the field (with some refinement). He speaks Russian fluently. Tru Miller is an Olympic level Bi Athlon competitor, a cold weather survivalist, an expert marksman, lethal in hand-to-hand combat, and is fearless of death.

Colonel Maxim Primakov has intentions to defect from Russian along with the technology that was developed between China and Russia called Dark Vektor. Unfortunately, Primakov crash landed in Siberia. Slaton must get a team together to rescue Primakov, get the pieces of technology that are available, and beat Victor Dubonin, a general in Russian Intelligence, to it. Tru Miller is exactly what is needed in this brutal and unforgiving clash of power, set against the harsh and desolate landscape.

Larsen's remarkable talent shines through in Dark Vector, further solidifying his reputation as a must-read author. With captivating characters, thrilling action scenes, and a gripping storyline, he expertly elevates the genre. This novel is a seamless transition from Slaton to Miller, delivering a perfectly paced, intense, and action-packed experience. The stakes are high, and the momentum never lets up. This is an exciting new series, with Slaton taking charge and Miller honing his abilities while tackling even greater challenges.

[Daniel Dvorkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up reading Tom Clancy, so that's always been my standard for spy thrillers. You know, those huge stories where everything connects at the end, with ten different plots happening at once and somehow they all crash together perfectly. Dark Vector is not that kind of book at all. It's much more straightforward, with most chapters picking up right where the last one ended. There's not a ton of mystery either, aside from a few side stories like Tru's sister or Primakov's son. The whole thing feels smaller and more focused. But that is not a bad thing. I loved it exactly the way it is.

The pacing is insane. I could not put this book down. I actually ended up buying the audiobook too so I could keep going while I was on my bike or out running, and I finished the whole thing in two days. The action just never stops. It feels very cinematic. You can totally see this as a movie. The way Larsen writes the action scenes, how the chapters flow, it's all very visual. You can picture everything happening on a screen.

If you're looking for a fast, exciting thriller that doesn't try to be too complicated, this is perfect. It's not trying to be the next Hunt for Red October with all the technical details and massive scope. It's just a really solid, fun action story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I'm definitely going to read more from this series.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review – Dark Vector – Ward Larsen
Aviation thriller author, Ward Larsen’s new thriller “Dark Vector” is a high-octane modern-day aviation spy thriller, that reminded me of the classic Clint Eastwood movie, “Firefox.”

As usual Larsen – a commercial pilot – does an excellent job telling an incredible aviation espionage story that engaging and appealing. I’m just sorry it took me so long to read it!

The tale is about a top-secret Russian fighter that goes missing on a test flight. The Russians search for the pilot, oblivious that the pilot crash landed during an attempted defection.

In steps main protagonist David Slaton, the new chief of CIA clandestine operations to find the defecting Russian defector. Slaton must rescue the downed pilot – deep inside Siberia before Russian Intelligence does.

This is an intense and enlightening plot with bright and unforgettable characters and razor-sharp action. Dark Vector is a highbrow, well-written spy thriller that was vibrant, vivid, and vigorous.

Larsen’s experience has an aviator shine brightly - again - in this new series featuring Tru Miller. And I’m looking forward to adding it to my ‘Must Read’ series list.

A very worthwhile read!

[Daryl J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Readers Copy of DARK VECTOR, the newest novel by Ward Larsen. I’ve been a fan of Larsen and his main protagonist, David Slaton, for years. I’ve read all the Slaton novels. I was expecting a David Slaton adventure. Halfway through DARK VECTOR I became acutely aware that he would play a supporting role, so I was a bit disappointed. There’s going to be a new sheriff in town, I thought. Then I looked at the cover and saw that this was a “David Slaton AND Tru Miller novel.” I understand that characters have to evolve and, at some point, be supplanted. And fortunately, the book was outstanding (which is what I’ve come to expect from Ward Larsen), and it was every bit the page-turner that his other novels have been. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Loved the characters and storyline, the twists and turns, and it looks like there will be more in store for Tru Miller, which is not disappointing!

[Tom Burkholder · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book Dark Vector, author Ward Larsen writes about Russian pilot, Colonel Maxim Primakov, who is test flying a super secret stealth plane called Vector when he disappears. The Russian Air Force begins frantically search for him and the plane in the wrong place, because Colonel Primakov was in the middle of defecting to the United States with the new plane when a fuel leak forced him to make an emergency landing on a frozen lake. Now a race begins to see who can locate the Colonel and the plane first. But the only asset the US has close enough to get there in time is a rookie operator named Tru Miller. And Miller’s track record is not the best. Disaster seems to follow him everywhere. This was a good story that kept moving along. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Ward Larsen and Forge for a free galley ARC!
I’m not typically a reader of this genre, but even so, Larsen’s writing pulled me in immediately! The detail of the covert ops and military were detailed yet concise, showing his expertise.

A Russian test fighter goes missing in Siberia - the Russian Air Force is looking for an attempted defector, Col Maxim Primakov. The CIA was aware of his intentions as well and was prepared to receive him. Now a rescue mission deep inside Russian territory is on with the best available nearby CIA operative, Tru Miller, in motion. But the underbelly of the Russian military is aware of Primakov’s attempt to defect and it’s now personal. Bring in an American rescue team on an experimental flight, and it’s on in the wilds of Russia- a race to get to Primakov (and out of Russia)!

I loved the way Larsen was able to build depth in the characters while also maintaining a quick pacing. This was a great read!
#goodreadsgiveaway

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been three years since we left David in Idaho with his family. This new series just drops in on him, living in Virginia with his family and now director of special ops under his former boss Anna Sorenson.

This book also introduces Tru Miller, a rookie agent in China getting samples at a waste disposal company- how gross! He's suddenly contacted and sent to Russia as fast as he can get there to "find" a Russian test pilot that was defecting with a new test airplane and landed in remote Siberia and tasked to do so before they are both found by the Russians.

It's his job to get out the defector, and David's to send help to extract them both. The storyline is a bit different than David's ex-Mossad sniper/assassin previous series (which based on this initial book, I like better.)

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous David Slaton new series with CIA operative Tru Miller.
Loved it.
David is now the head of the division he used to operate in and his
former director is now the VP of the US.
When a Russian pilot and high commander decides he wants to defect
to the US with a top secret jet, its all hands on deck for David who
has one, inexperienced operative in the area when the defector crashes with the jet
in Siberia.
Tru Miller is a young, new CIA agent who likes to play outside the lines, which lands him in hot water with the higher ups. But he is all David has within distance of the
downed Russian.
So David has to put his trust in him and convince the President that he can do the job.
Great new series with a terrific plot and returning Larsen characters.
Non stop suspense and riveting action.
Could not put it down.
Waiting for Book 2.
Impatiently, I might add.

[Shannon Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The main character will be carrying on the assignments where David Slaton left off, it sounds like. I can't wait to learn more about him and see how he faces new challenges.

This book was a little like the Hunt For Red October and the movie Firefox so there weren't a lot of surprises in the book. I figured out what was going to happen early on. Still, it was a question of how or if they were going to get away with it based on all of the people looking for them. I did read this book in three days because I needed to find out what happened.

The ending was cryptic so now I need to wait till the next installment of the series comes out. I will be waiting with baited breath.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and it got off to a great start as I found a lot to like with the characters that are an add on to the David Slaton series. it was a plot and settings that were well put together and the more I found out about the characters the better I liked them.

My one complaint was the end was stretched a little too long and ended up with some accomplishments from the heroes that were a bit too much coincidence and far fetched in the terms of what the leading characters were able to achieve against overwhelming odds. The is not unusual for this genre, but this one stretched it more than I thought was necessary.

[Patricia Gussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine the crash of a Russian super-spy plane in the frozen terrain of Siberia. The pilot survives in the act of defecting to the United States. He’s able to get out one call to the Americans indicating his location. Then all goes dark. He is alone, injured, and the focus of a brutal hunt by the Russians . . . and the Americans. If you’ve read a David Slaton novel, you can predict the intensity and the physicality of the race. And this time, David has a new hero, one that single handedly charges into Siberia to save this defecting pilot. And there’s a super-woman pilot involved, as well as a surprise ending! Espionage at its very best!

[Jan Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! this story started out a bit slow and all of a sudden it went supersonic It was a fun ride but sadly our hero Slaton played it but the books in this one (well almost)!

I enjoyed this story; it's got everything you want in an action story. Our good guys and lots of bad guys trying to stop a defector from leaving Russia with some very interesting items and information that would be a great help to our military....and that's all I am going to say about the story! You must read this one to get a front row seat to the party Mr. Larsen has created for us.

I look forward to the next installment of insane action from Slaton and Miller.
Enjoy!

[Athena Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new character has been introduced. The "Pigpen" character in "Peanuts" attracts dirt, and the character "Tru" attracts explosions. He looks back at most of his actions and thinks that next time he won't do that. He manages to achieve his objectives (with a bit of help) but he is hilarious. We now have a hapless puppy for our hero David Slaton to train.
As to the story, the reader will probably feel like they are on a slide that is getting steeper and steeper. All the subplots are on other slides with the same angles and they are all about to converge. There is even a super henchman thrown into the mix. This latest offering from Mr. Larsen is a winner.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tense, well-written novel of a missing Russian super jet piloted by a Russian colonel who has decided to defect. Colonel Primakov had crash-landed in a deserted area in Russia and the race is on between the Russian military and a group of American military headed by the chief of CIA clandestine operations (David Slaton) and a rookie operator, Tru Miller. This area is thousands of miles from Russian civilization and home to an enormous reservoir under many feet of ice.
Will the small group of Americans prevail, or will the Russians find their missing super plane and return it to one of their air bases?
Ward Larsen has written a 339 page page turner that was a joy to read.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride. I've been a fan of Ward Larsen for a long time. I've read the entire David Slaton series. This book didn't disappoint. If you are already a fan of Tom Clancy novels like I am, you'll love this book. It was hard to put down. At the end of each chapter, I would always tell myself "just one more chapter...." before continuing

I really like the new character Truman "Tru" Miller, and I can't wait to read the next novel. The book ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm hoping it won't be too long before it comes out

Highly recommend for fans of this genre 👌

[Monica Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Mr Larsen did a great job introducing Tru Miller to us while keeping "true" to the David Slaton we know and love. I can't give anything away, but the action started and didn't let up. I keep trying to tell you more, although I keep giving more away. If you enjoyed David Slaton you're going to enjoy meeting Tru!
Yes, this book was given to me as an ARC. Thank you to Ward Larsen and the publisher!! Please know this does not mean I will give a good review! This review is real!