This is Willy Trent's story from before his time with the rest of the Corps Justice team. See where Willy began and why the former #1 football recruit in the nation made the decision he did.
C. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
Willy Trent had the entire world in his hands. The number one high school football player in the nation. Then his mother, who raised him alone died of a massive heart attack. The recruiters stopped coming to see him. But his good. Friend and assistant coach visited him 67 times. Never once trying to influence his decisions. Just kindness. When the day came to choose the college of his choice, it was easy. The United States Marine Corps.
A well written short story by Mr. Cooper which gives the Corps Justice readers the beginning of Willy "Top" Trent's journey to become a Marine. The story gives the reader an immediate jump start to Willy's start as a Football All Star leading his high school team to a State Championship. The real drama begins after the championship is won that leads to Willy joining the Marine Corp. It's a MUST READ for all who have read or is beginning the Corps Justice Series!
You have to realize that life will go on no matter what happens. It's up to you to make it happen. You either make it or break it. Listen and learn from the best and it will all work out. Your life is your own and what you make of it will determine who you are and what you work for.
Wonderful story about a high school student who chose to enlist instead of going of to college on a bright football future because of his friend who stood by him and helped him through a difficult time and took care of him when no one else did.
Very short story, but very intense. I read all three of the prequels in a row on one night. This one moved .me the most. I can't recommend this book enough, especially if you are a fan of the "The Corps of Justice" series
Short, but so spot on! Lots more opportunity to expand on this one Author Cooper. Maybe some highlights of his military career, what he looked through after his military career, his choice of a new career, his military partners…
'Chosen' was an emotional short story. Willy has always been a great guy in my opinion. And now I know why. His Momma was an angel. I truly enjoyed Willy's story. A good short read.
Only 25 pages long, but this short story packs a punch. In his senior year of high school, Willy Trent (Top) was a standout football player and could attend any college of his choice on a scholarship. His "mama" had instilled the importance of studying to grow and anything else was secondary. It comes time to choose in a formal ceremony and his choice may surprise you. Great back story to learn more about this likable character! Great job Mr. Cooper, keep them coming!
John Podlaski, author Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
This is a short story about Willie Trent and how he became a Marine. Willie is a key character in the Corps Justice series and this gives us a glimpse of what caused him to be the man he is today. I have read all of the Corps Justice books and C. G. Cooper writes books that are timely and relevant. As a beta reader for the Corps Justice books, I have read this story many times and I still get teary when I read this one.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to see Willie in action start at the beginning of the Corps Justice series or pick any one that appeals to you. They can stand alone. The author is stellar at keeping you interested, on the edge of your seat, and makes you wish the characters were here today. He writes the West Wing of military action novels. A solid writer you won't be able to put the book down
A short story in keeping with all of the other excellent stories by C.G. It provided a basis with which to understand Trent and what transpired to make him who he was. Understandably, as a Marine, the concluding conversation between Trent and Vasquez made so much sense. Another winner C.G.
I loved learning about Willy's history but wish his time in boot camp and early days as Marine were addressed...story was well written as usual..C.G.Cooper has never disappointed me.
This book explains a lot of things! Things like where Trent got his work ethic, and why he is so protective. It explains, both implicitly and explicitly, what makes Trent tick. Great background for the Corps Justice series!
Short, and to the point. It is nice to have the back story of the characters. This story shows where Willy Trent gets his loyalty, caring nature, drive, commitment, and honesty.
I was hooked from the beginning and found myself projecting into his future, which will be heroic, based on his strong values and courage. Can't wait! Jerry Izor
I know the rest comes later, but the shortness leaves one a bit upset. You wonder why you finishes before you start. you get more in a description before you buy.
I cried while reading this book, I have read all of the books in the series and Willy is probably my favorite character. He will do anything hint for his friends, but his best friend will always be his momma.