What do you think?
Rate this book
Special Operations Group #1
Trident's First Gleaming Lib/E
Stephen Templin's exciting military thriller series begins with this novel set in Syria and Iraq in 2009.Former US Navy SEAL Chris Paladin leaves SEAL Team Six to become a pastor, but CIA officer Hannah Andrade pulls him back into Special Operations Group, the ultrasecret unit that SEAL Team Six operators and others served under to eliminate Osama bin Laden.Chris and Hannah are joined by Delta Force's Sonny Cohen, and together they must stop a new terrorist threat from launching a deadly cyber terror against the United States.
Audio CD
First published August 26, 2014
307 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Templin
21 books506 followersGet your FREE book at www.stephentemplin.com. Steve is a NYT, USA Today and international bestselling author, with the movie rights to one of his books purchased by Vin Diesel. His books have been translated into 13 languages, and he publishes with three of the Big 5 publishers: Simon and Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette UK. Steve's writing is "action packed...harrowing...adrenaline laced" (New York Times).
He wasn't a SEAL, but he completed Hell Week, qualified as a pistol and rifle expert, blew up stuff, and practiced small-unit tactics during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Later, Steve became a missionary. Then for 14 years he lectured as a tenured professor at Meio University in Japan, where he trained in the martial art aikido. His PhD is in education, and he lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Secretly, he's a dark chocolate thief. Feel free to talk with him on Twitter or Facebook.
ALSO BY STEPHEN TEMPLIN
Special Operations Group Thrillers
Trident’s First Gleaming [#1]
From Russia without Love [#2]
Autumn Assassins [#3]
Assassin’s Sons [#4]
Special Operations Group Short Story
Dead in Damascus [#0]
Nonfiction
Navy SEAL Training Class 144: My BUD/S Journal
SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper
I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior (Young Adult version of SEAL Team Six)
SEAL Team Six Outcast Novels
SEAL Team Six Outcasts [#1]
Easy Day for the Dead [#2]
He wasn't a SEAL, but he completed Hell Week, qualified as a pistol and rifle expert, blew up stuff, and practiced small-unit tactics during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Later, Steve became a missionary. Then for 14 years he lectured as a tenured professor at Meio University in Japan, where he trained in the martial art aikido. His PhD is in education, and he lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Secretly, he's a dark chocolate thief. Feel free to talk with him on Twitter or Facebook.
ALSO BY STEPHEN TEMPLIN
Special Operations Group Thrillers
Trident’s First Gleaming [#1]
From Russia without Love [#2]
Autumn Assassins [#3]
Assassin’s Sons [#4]
Special Operations Group Short Story
Dead in Damascus [#0]
Nonfiction
Navy SEAL Training Class 144: My BUD/S Journal
SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper
I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior (Young Adult version of SEAL Team Six)
SEAL Team Six Outcast Novels
SEAL Team Six Outcasts [#1]
Easy Day for the Dead [#2]
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 3, 2014
I waited to start this book until it was released last week on Audible. I finished it last night while driving around my neighborhood because I simply couldn't stop listening.
There are so many things that are right with this book that it is difficult to find a place to start. Here are a few that really stood out for me.
- I've read very few authors of fiction that can so accurately involve the reader/listener into the experience of war. Not just describe the experience. But, truly bring you INTO the experience. The emotions, the thoughts, the smell, the taste of acid in your mouth, the resolve to push forward in spite of fear, understanding the real fear - letting your teammates down, and the war inside of a man of faith who is also a warrior
- In the same way the experience of battle is developed in such understandable detail, the character development of the primary character in this novel is DEEP. You really get to know this guy. He is surrounded by a series of characters that are believable and interesting, each in their own way. I can put a name on each one of these people from someone I know in the Teams, SOG/SAD, or CAG. It reminds me of the best of Vince Flynn and John Gilstrap in how he captures the interactions within the warrior brotherhood.
- I mentioned this previously, but it deserves its own point. The author's willingness to explore the internal conflict of someone who holds himself to the standard of being a man of God, yet has a past, and a talent, that leads him back to the very dark world of men that hold themselves to a different standard of evil. I kept trying to find a comparable author, book, or character to what I experienced while listening to this story and there simply isn't one. It is that good. It is kind of like The Last Jihad series by Joel Rosenberg in that it deals directly and fearlessly with the challenges a man faces if he is to lead a life in accordance with his faith. At the same time, it is not a book about biblical prophecy. It is, however, a story of good versus evil, and of men and women who are willing to step up to face down that evil, up close and personally.
I join others in hoping this starts a long series around this character, Chris Paladin, and his cohorts Hannah and the irascible Sonny.
Great job, Stephen! Thanks for the great ride and for using your talent and experience to spin a tale that was unpredictable and that moved me at the heart level as I read it.
I highly recommend this book!
There are so many things that are right with this book that it is difficult to find a place to start. Here are a few that really stood out for me.
- I've read very few authors of fiction that can so accurately involve the reader/listener into the experience of war. Not just describe the experience. But, truly bring you INTO the experience. The emotions, the thoughts, the smell, the taste of acid in your mouth, the resolve to push forward in spite of fear, understanding the real fear - letting your teammates down, and the war inside of a man of faith who is also a warrior
- In the same way the experience of battle is developed in such understandable detail, the character development of the primary character in this novel is DEEP. You really get to know this guy. He is surrounded by a series of characters that are believable and interesting, each in their own way. I can put a name on each one of these people from someone I know in the Teams, SOG/SAD, or CAG. It reminds me of the best of Vince Flynn and John Gilstrap in how he captures the interactions within the warrior brotherhood.
- I mentioned this previously, but it deserves its own point. The author's willingness to explore the internal conflict of someone who holds himself to the standard of being a man of God, yet has a past, and a talent, that leads him back to the very dark world of men that hold themselves to a different standard of evil. I kept trying to find a comparable author, book, or character to what I experienced while listening to this story and there simply isn't one. It is that good. It is kind of like The Last Jihad series by Joel Rosenberg in that it deals directly and fearlessly with the challenges a man faces if he is to lead a life in accordance with his faith. At the same time, it is not a book about biblical prophecy. It is, however, a story of good versus evil, and of men and women who are willing to step up to face down that evil, up close and personally.
I join others in hoping this starts a long series around this character, Chris Paladin, and his cohorts Hannah and the irascible Sonny.
Great job, Stephen! Thanks for the great ride and for using your talent and experience to spin a tale that was unpredictable and that moved me at the heart level as I read it.
I highly recommend this book!
December 20, 2016
3.5 stars
This is a pretty entertaining book but nothing particularly special. The characters are pretty good but didn't really click for me except for Sonny. There is also a cannibalistic lunatic terrorist!
The story is in part about a preacher Navy Seal (?). Oh yeah, he has sworn a vow of chastity. So he can swear, kill and lie for the country. He can only kiss a nice looking teammate with whom he loves. She loves him too but... Can this relationship ever work? You get the idea. The backstory is pretty good about a terrorist who steals secret information so he can hack into the U.S. Defense system computers to launch terrorist attacks against the U.S. The dialog is loaded with cliches and sometimes are just plain dumb. For example, "..the fecal matter is about to hit the rotating bladed device..." meh.... There are many others though that had me laughing a few times. The plot also has a few holes in it. The whole religious/morality parts of the story never really gained traction with me. This is the second book I have read recently where there is a romantic tension that doesn't go anywhere. It is just there as a teaser which I don't particularly like that kind of literary manipulation.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator does a pretty good job with the book. I would probably recommend the audio book over a printed version of the book.
If you don't mind some of the plot is lacking, this a fun thriller read.
This is a pretty entertaining book but nothing particularly special. The characters are pretty good but didn't really click for me except for Sonny. There is also a cannibalistic lunatic terrorist!
The story is in part about a preacher Navy Seal (?). Oh yeah, he has sworn a vow of chastity. So he can swear, kill and lie for the country. He can only kiss a nice looking teammate with whom he loves. She loves him too but... Can this relationship ever work? You get the idea. The backstory is pretty good about a terrorist who steals secret information so he can hack into the U.S. Defense system computers to launch terrorist attacks against the U.S. The dialog is loaded with cliches and sometimes are just plain dumb. For example, "..the fecal matter is about to hit the rotating bladed device..." meh.... There are many others though that had me laughing a few times. The plot also has a few holes in it. The whole religious/morality parts of the story never really gained traction with me. This is the second book I have read recently where there is a romantic tension that doesn't go anywhere. It is just there as a teaser which I don't particularly like that kind of literary manipulation.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator does a pretty good job with the book. I would probably recommend the audio book over a printed version of the book.
If you don't mind some of the plot is lacking, this a fun thriller read.
November 14, 2014
Great fast paced novel drawing readers deeper into the flames of operational activity hell. Attrition goes beyond body count, Templin captures warriors' souls. Hardware is real, situational responses are real, and the heat of the moment humor is real. There are numerous great thriller writers in the marketplace but Stephen Templin brings great writing and authenticity to the story for an easy to follow thrill ride with a unique characters and twists.
September 3, 2015
Templin got me quickly engaged with an incredibly deep and diverse main character. Once engaged the book was hard to put down and the action fast paced. Templin is really becoming Clancy's heir apparent in my book. Great read. Can't wait for the next installment.
September 9, 2014
What would happen if a terrorist attempted to steal the guidance system for a new predator drone? What happens to a hero torn between his service as a Navy SEAL, and his service to God? Moreover, what would happen, if your hero’s closest friend were a C.I.A. spook, capable of pushing all the right buttons?
Stephen Templin’s newest foray into the military–fiction genre, “Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller,” screams onto the page with heart pounding action, fast-paced writing, and an intense story line. The book is cover-to-cover, nonstop, page turning, cannot put the book down action, sprinkled with flashes of brilliance thrown in for good measure.
This is the author’s third military fiction novel, and by far his best effort. Templin definitely stepped up his writing game to a completely new level for this one. “Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller,” should most definitely be in your “to read” pile of books. Positively inspired entertainment.
Stephen Templin’s newest foray into the military–fiction genre, “Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller,” screams onto the page with heart pounding action, fast-paced writing, and an intense story line. The book is cover-to-cover, nonstop, page turning, cannot put the book down action, sprinkled with flashes of brilliance thrown in for good measure.
This is the author’s third military fiction novel, and by far his best effort. Templin definitely stepped up his writing game to a completely new level for this one. “Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller,” should most definitely be in your “to read” pile of books. Positively inspired entertainment.
September 17, 2014
Fast paced, couldn't put it down at night, a thrill a minute. An ex-SEAL turned minister who is asked by the government to go in find a crashed drone before it gets into the hands of a terrorist that he's dealt with before. He's teamed with a beautiful woman and therein lies a problem trying to be faithful to his religious teachings. I would love to see this as a continuing series. If you're looking for a good thriller that will just blow you away this is the book for you. I'd give it six stars if I could!
May 7, 2015
This was an entertaining read that I listened to on audiobook and had a hard time putting down. I was especially drawn to the story because I was intrigued by the protagonist Navy Seal Chris Paladin who also happens to be a minister. I was curious about the potential conflict or philosophical questions that a highly trained killer and a man of God might run into. And Chris Paladin was the best part of this book. He was the most deeply drawn character. I liked his voice and he always sounds human and vulnerable, not like the fearless Super Hero Navy Seals are sometimes described as being. But, I wish Templin would have delved a little more deeply into the internal tension Paladin feels between his life as a minster and as a Seal. He really had no issues with being a minister and killing, although he did struggle to control his hatred and potential impulse for cruelty. I guess I wanted more philosophy, but this is an action novel, so I'm probably expecting too much.
Hannah has major potential and was a really cool character. She's a bit shifty and ambiguous which is fitting for a CIA agent and she is a total badass in a believable, female way. She's also an atheist and although Chris is very attracted to her, this is obviously an issue. I just wished we had learned more about her. Templin doesn't delve into her character much at all and even during downtime between action scenes when Chris is on a plane with her or sharing a hotel room with her, we don't learn any more about who she is. I want more Hannah!
My greatest issue with this novel and the reason I only gave it three stars was the lack of setting and description. Trident's First Gleaming takes place in Syria, Turkey, and D.C. I spent almost three weeks in Turkey, which is an exotic and incredibly visual place, but I haven't been to Ankara and Templin did not paint a picture for me. I've never been to Syria, (another dramatic looking place, I imagine) and I was very curious to hear what it was like, but again, Templin didn't describe it much at all. I'm almost sure he's been to these places and I hope in his next novel he develops setting more deeply.
And description--there's very little of this also. I know it's no longer the fad to describe characters in exhaustive detail and I don't expect that, but I'd like a little description as the story goes along. Chris and Hannah and Sonny are constantly running and fighting and scheming and I was curious to hear how they were holding up in a visual way. What Hannah might look like after jumping a wall or running for blocks or even just resting in the hotel room. I wanted to know how Chris saw her.
Despite these issues, the story was strangely compelling. I kept listening mostly because I wanted to know, not how the story ended, but what was going to happen to Chris Paladin. I became invested in his character. He is the best and most interesting part of Trident's First Gleaming, which is a good thing, because this story is all about him. I am not one for reading series, but Chris and Hannah are two people I will take at least one more journey with.
P.S. Two other things I liked: Chris' backstory and his spiritual connection with firearms. His relationship to guns is something I never would have imagined--akin to a Samurai and his sword.
Hannah has major potential and was a really cool character. She's a bit shifty and ambiguous which is fitting for a CIA agent and she is a total badass in a believable, female way. She's also an atheist and although Chris is very attracted to her, this is obviously an issue. I just wished we had learned more about her. Templin doesn't delve into her character much at all and even during downtime between action scenes when Chris is on a plane with her or sharing a hotel room with her, we don't learn any more about who she is. I want more Hannah!
My greatest issue with this novel and the reason I only gave it three stars was the lack of setting and description. Trident's First Gleaming takes place in Syria, Turkey, and D.C. I spent almost three weeks in Turkey, which is an exotic and incredibly visual place, but I haven't been to Ankara and Templin did not paint a picture for me. I've never been to Syria, (another dramatic looking place, I imagine) and I was very curious to hear what it was like, but again, Templin didn't describe it much at all. I'm almost sure he's been to these places and I hope in his next novel he develops setting more deeply.
And description--there's very little of this also. I know it's no longer the fad to describe characters in exhaustive detail and I don't expect that, but I'd like a little description as the story goes along. Chris and Hannah and Sonny are constantly running and fighting and scheming and I was curious to hear how they were holding up in a visual way. What Hannah might look like after jumping a wall or running for blocks or even just resting in the hotel room. I wanted to know how Chris saw her.
Despite these issues, the story was strangely compelling. I kept listening mostly because I wanted to know, not how the story ended, but what was going to happen to Chris Paladin. I became invested in his character. He is the best and most interesting part of Trident's First Gleaming, which is a good thing, because this story is all about him. I am not one for reading series, but Chris and Hannah are two people I will take at least one more journey with.
P.S. Two other things I liked: Chris' backstory and his spiritual connection with firearms. His relationship to guns is something I never would have imagined--akin to a Samurai and his sword.
December 17, 2014
Sometimes it is tough to write a bad review. I was expecting to enjoy this thriller, but was very disappointed. Not to be too hard on other reviewers, but this is NOT a 5-star book by any stretch of the imagination, and not even a 4-star. Maybe a 3, maybe. I settled for two.
For one thing, it was too simple. Things came too easy for the 3 main characters in the book. I have read many special ops thrillers and stories by Brad Thor, Jon Land, and David Morrell and this story was not close to any of those. The whole SEAL turned preacher angle was really nothing. Our hero quits the SEALs and becomes a preacher and then is right back into the special ops mix. Only a couple of pages were spent on his time as a preacher. I could done without the love angle aspect as well. A better book to choose along these lines would be:
by James Byron Huggins (on my favorites book shelf).
And some elements of the story were stretched too thin. One of the bad guys took the main character hostage when he was a kid...Then somehow is involved with this guy as an adult? The main villain just happens to choose a SEAL instructor (close to our hero) as one of his victims? Thank goodness I picked up this title on sale. I would be highly upset to have spent big $$ on this. Story was too simple, the preacher/SEAL aspect was not really a factor, the hero kills people at the drop of a hat but won't drink a beer, whines all the time about saving himself for marriage (all very noble, but then he spends most the story working side by side with this hot special agent). As I mentioned above, Huggins's character in The Reckoning was a very religious character as well, but was NOT a wimpy character. Ditto for the main character in
by Ted Dekker. All in all, very bland and too vanilla for me.
For one thing, it was too simple. Things came too easy for the 3 main characters in the book. I have read many special ops thrillers and stories by Brad Thor, Jon Land, and David Morrell and this story was not close to any of those. The whole SEAL turned preacher angle was really nothing. Our hero quits the SEALs and becomes a preacher and then is right back into the special ops mix. Only a couple of pages were spent on his time as a preacher. I could done without the love angle aspect as well. A better book to choose along these lines would be:
by James Byron Huggins (on my favorites book shelf).And some elements of the story were stretched too thin. One of the bad guys took the main character hostage when he was a kid...Then somehow is involved with this guy as an adult? The main villain just happens to choose a SEAL instructor (close to our hero) as one of his victims? Thank goodness I picked up this title on sale. I would be highly upset to have spent big $$ on this. Story was too simple, the preacher/SEAL aspect was not really a factor, the hero kills people at the drop of a hat but won't drink a beer, whines all the time about saving himself for marriage (all very noble, but then he spends most the story working side by side with this hot special agent). As I mentioned above, Huggins's character in The Reckoning was a very religious character as well, but was NOT a wimpy character. Ditto for the main character in
by Ted Dekker. All in all, very bland and too vanilla for me.
November 11, 2014
Loved it! Non stop action with very likable characters. I was initially hesitant after reading that the main character was a former SEAL turned preacher, but having read all of Mr. Templin's previous works, I knew this one would be a trip.
September 9, 2014
Trident's First Gleaming by Stephen Templin
Once again Stephen Templin pulls his plot from current events. Chris Paladin is the protagonist who is trying to balance his SEAL handle of Reverend with his self image and personal identity when faced with grossly immoral terrorists.
Drones and cyber warfare are in the news daily. Templin combines the two for an action adventure that includes a great deal of soul searching by Chris Paladin. Paladin's character is highly complex and very introspective. He is contrasted against Dr. Mordet, a psychopathic terrorist with a mystical streak.
The action and adventure are fast and often brutal. The characterizations are adequate with Paladin and Mordet receiving the most detail. Paladin's attempt to justify his role as a SEAL and protector of our freedom with his role as an actual Reverend and his need to protect his and others souls add a intriguing level of complexity to what might otherwise be just another terrorist oriented action adventure.
I enjoyed the book.
Once again Stephen Templin pulls his plot from current events. Chris Paladin is the protagonist who is trying to balance his SEAL handle of Reverend with his self image and personal identity when faced with grossly immoral terrorists.
Drones and cyber warfare are in the news daily. Templin combines the two for an action adventure that includes a great deal of soul searching by Chris Paladin. Paladin's character is highly complex and very introspective. He is contrasted against Dr. Mordet, a psychopathic terrorist with a mystical streak.
The action and adventure are fast and often brutal. The characterizations are adequate with Paladin and Mordet receiving the most detail. Paladin's attempt to justify his role as a SEAL and protector of our freedom with his role as an actual Reverend and his need to protect his and others souls add a intriguing level of complexity to what might otherwise be just another terrorist oriented action adventure.
I enjoyed the book.
September 9, 2014
A great read! A believable modern day scenario unfolds on the pages as our main character finds himself caught between two worlds; literally Heaven and Hell. Does he choose the path of righteousness, or the way of the gun? You have to read "Trident's First Gleaming" to find out! Stephen Templin has done an excellent job on this by pulling from his knowledge of Naval Special Warfare and the war on terror to bring us a book that leaves you on the edge of your seat. This is a must read for the action fan!
November 15, 2014
I'm an early bird reviewer. Got caught-up in this exciting, special operations e-book crafted by the Master of the Trident thrillers. The true-blue characters have real technique and skills which are honed only in the USA. Antagonist, Evil Mordet sears through the pages of the book offering special operators as a sacrificial rite to anarchy. The stimulating color cover of the e-book fascinates your imagination just enough to begin the e-book.
November 28, 2014
If you like full throttle action, this is the book for you. I particularly enjoyed the moral dilemma faced by the protagonist as he tried to balance his call to be a SEAL and protect America, and his calling to be a minister. Another interesting twist was that the mission turned out to be grounded in the hero's personal history. Make sure you don't have any critical meetings in the morning because this will keep you up reading late into the night.
November 23, 2014
I really enjoyed it! There were a few bits that didn't grab me but I think they were more personal for the author. I was dodging bullets and right there alongside the characters. Look forward to reading more by Stephen Templin.
November 3, 2014
Good book, but a bit too heavy on the religious stuff for my liking. I should have known by reading the blurb about a SEAL who turns to the cloth. I will still keep an eye out for Mr Templin's next book though.
October 13, 2014
Good book and love the authentic SEAL details.
July 11, 2015
Copy received in exchange for my honest review -
This book combined many of the interests I have in a great story - military, action, espionage, and great writing skills. I had never had the pleasure of reading a book by Stephen Templin before so I was open to my expectations. What I loved was that this book started out with a ton of action and it kept up through the entire book. I read most of this book in one afternoon because I just could not stop reading.
The story takes a page from today's issues in the Middle East. While some bits of the story is probably not completely plausible, it is realistic enough and written in a way that you are buying into the storyline in a big way. The author is fabulous at keeping you in your seat with loads of action and breath-holding scenes that will rock your world.
I love the main lead, Chris. He is written to be a really nice guy with loads of ethics and morals and a bad-ass to boot. I found myself cheering him on, plus wishing for a little something-something to happen with his partner in crime, Hannah. (I am a girl after all... ) Super strong characters that are likeable, and many more that are just really unlikeable, combine in this fast paced book. I loved the story and the energy this book invoked in me. I kept telling my husband and son that they need to read this book too, as I turned those pages faster and faster.
I thoroughly enjoyed Trident's First Gleaming and I am looking forward to reading some of Stephen Templin's other books too. Written by an ex-SEAL, you get the real deal with this author's books. Loved this one, for sure!
This book combined many of the interests I have in a great story - military, action, espionage, and great writing skills. I had never had the pleasure of reading a book by Stephen Templin before so I was open to my expectations. What I loved was that this book started out with a ton of action and it kept up through the entire book. I read most of this book in one afternoon because I just could not stop reading.
The story takes a page from today's issues in the Middle East. While some bits of the story is probably not completely plausible, it is realistic enough and written in a way that you are buying into the storyline in a big way. The author is fabulous at keeping you in your seat with loads of action and breath-holding scenes that will rock your world.
I love the main lead, Chris. He is written to be a really nice guy with loads of ethics and morals and a bad-ass to boot. I found myself cheering him on, plus wishing for a little something-something to happen with his partner in crime, Hannah. (I am a girl after all... ) Super strong characters that are likeable, and many more that are just really unlikeable, combine in this fast paced book. I loved the story and the energy this book invoked in me. I kept telling my husband and son that they need to read this book too, as I turned those pages faster and faster.
I thoroughly enjoyed Trident's First Gleaming and I am looking forward to reading some of Stephen Templin's other books too. Written by an ex-SEAL, you get the real deal with this author's books. Loved this one, for sure!
January 17, 2015
Chris Paladin is a member of Seal Team 6 until a mission makes him question his life choices, he leaves the team to become a pastor, something he is very good at. Until one day CIA operative, Hannah Andrade shows up at his church and asks him to consider going back into military action, she has a special mission and needs Chris' skills on her team. With the threat of failure meaning the U.S. may face a cyber attack of epic proportions, Chris is left with no real choice, he says goodbye to his church and once again heads into the chaotic life of a military man, all the while fighting his inner demons of events he would much rather forget.
If you like military thrillers this book is definitely for you. Stephen Templin has crafted an action packed thriller. The military aspects of this book are so detailed it's easy to understand that Stephen Templin is writing from experience, it definitely shows through and enhances the story. The only negative for me personally was that I felt one particular part of the storyline was mentioned a little much, not enough to stop me from reading it again - I just felt like it was reminding the reader incase they forgot because it is a big part of the character's storyline, I hadn't forgot so it felt a little too much, but with that being said I will definitely be looking for more books from Stephen.
The full audio book review can been found at www.audiobookreviewer.com
If you like military thrillers this book is definitely for you. Stephen Templin has crafted an action packed thriller. The military aspects of this book are so detailed it's easy to understand that Stephen Templin is writing from experience, it definitely shows through and enhances the story. The only negative for me personally was that I felt one particular part of the storyline was mentioned a little much, not enough to stop me from reading it again - I just felt like it was reminding the reader incase they forgot because it is a big part of the character's storyline, I hadn't forgot so it felt a little too much, but with that being said I will definitely be looking for more books from Stephen.
The full audio book review can been found at www.audiobookreviewer.com
March 8, 2015
I'm not your typical military thriller reader. I think the last one I read was Tom Clancy's "Hunt For Red October" back when it was in paperback. When I came across "Trident's First Gleaming" the cover drew me in as well as the unique title but the premise of a Former SEAL, Chris Paladin, leaving SEAL Team Six to become a pastor once he returned from his last mission was what made me hit the "one click" button to buy it.
Chris is believable in the scope of his job killing bad guys and returning to take on a mission with CIA friend/colleague Hannah Andrade as his skills with weapons and explosives make him the best fit. The author balances Chris' skills at killing and his religion nicely and the touches of humor he added were effective at showing a SEAL dealing with stress.It was an intriguing glimpse inside the mind of a man that has to wrestle with good vs. evil and his faith in God is at the center of his belief system as SEAL training only goes so far at times.
I would read another book with Chris as the central character as I liked his authenticity and he didn't have a hero complex but was a compelling good guy that felt fear at times and admitted it. The depiction of his mission and the shooting scenes were fun to read and the chapters went by quickly.
One caveat for the reader: if you're not totally familiar with the military lingo you may want to scope out the glossary the author has provided before you dive in.
Chris is believable in the scope of his job killing bad guys and returning to take on a mission with CIA friend/colleague Hannah Andrade as his skills with weapons and explosives make him the best fit. The author balances Chris' skills at killing and his religion nicely and the touches of humor he added were effective at showing a SEAL dealing with stress.It was an intriguing glimpse inside the mind of a man that has to wrestle with good vs. evil and his faith in God is at the center of his belief system as SEAL training only goes so far at times.
I would read another book with Chris as the central character as I liked his authenticity and he didn't have a hero complex but was a compelling good guy that felt fear at times and admitted it. The depiction of his mission and the shooting scenes were fun to read and the chapters went by quickly.
One caveat for the reader: if you're not totally familiar with the military lingo you may want to scope out the glossary the author has provided before you dive in.
October 21, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Stephen Templin, and it won't be the last.
This story makes you feel like this was or is your story, just the names were changed. Right from the very start, you are a SEAL named Chris, on a mission. As you continue to read, you just can't put it down. You feel the conflict of being a SEAL, going on missions, the pain vs the anguish, and how all of this clashes with the want to be a priest. Can one human vessel house two distinct personalities trying to live in two worlds? Peace vs War...Chris is one of the best at both. Who wins?
Let's throw in a female, feelings, duty to protect the country, duty to bring souls to Christ....Stephen ties all this together in this literary masterpiece. You can tell he has a great respect and knowledge of the military. I am not one to usually read books like this, but Stephen writes so well. He just bowled me over. Not only did I learn new things, he grabbed me with his words and made me love this book.
This is real life. SEAL missions and wars aren't pretty, so expect realistic things happening. There are no illustrations or pictures. There is humor, conflict, hate, love, dedication...everything you could want in a book. I hope you decide to give it a chance. I did and I am very happy that I did. Thank you Stephen for a wonderful book.
This story makes you feel like this was or is your story, just the names were changed. Right from the very start, you are a SEAL named Chris, on a mission. As you continue to read, you just can't put it down. You feel the conflict of being a SEAL, going on missions, the pain vs the anguish, and how all of this clashes with the want to be a priest. Can one human vessel house two distinct personalities trying to live in two worlds? Peace vs War...Chris is one of the best at both. Who wins?
Let's throw in a female, feelings, duty to protect the country, duty to bring souls to Christ....Stephen ties all this together in this literary masterpiece. You can tell he has a great respect and knowledge of the military. I am not one to usually read books like this, but Stephen writes so well. He just bowled me over. Not only did I learn new things, he grabbed me with his words and made me love this book.
This is real life. SEAL missions and wars aren't pretty, so expect realistic things happening. There are no illustrations or pictures. There is humor, conflict, hate, love, dedication...everything you could want in a book. I hope you decide to give it a chance. I did and I am very happy that I did. Thank you Stephen for a wonderful book.
November 10, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Stephen Templin's book Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller is a book that once you begin it, it will grab you and hold you down. From the first page you will find yourself turning page after page after page and turning pages some more until you get to the end. There are twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are written in a way that they seem very real and you seem to be included in the story. At the end we have a special operations officer decide to leave and he becomes a minister. Will this choice satisfy everything in him? Will he ever regret anything he has done in his past? If you enjoy thrillers and suspenseful stories then you will enjoy this one. I recommend this to everyone.
Stephen Templin's book Trident's First Gleaming: A Special Operations Group Thriller is a book that once you begin it, it will grab you and hold you down. From the first page you will find yourself turning page after page after page and turning pages some more until you get to the end. There are twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are written in a way that they seem very real and you seem to be included in the story. At the end we have a special operations officer decide to leave and he becomes a minister. Will this choice satisfy everything in him? Will he ever regret anything he has done in his past? If you enjoy thrillers and suspenseful stories then you will enjoy this one. I recommend this to everyone.
February 3, 2016
This a decent, but not great action thriller. It has the interesting twist in that the main character is a Navy Seal (can't have a military-type novel without SEALs, or Delta, or Rangers, right) who is a Christian. He leaves the service to become an assistant pastor in a church.
He is called back to do a mission, and accepts. The action goes to Syria, and Turkey, and back to the U.S. Bad guys are dispatched 'with extreme prejudice'.
I think the tension between his faith and the mission is decently done.
I imagine that any believer serving in the military has to balance the need to kill if necessary and not losing the relationship with the Lord. The author manages to not fall into maudlin emotionalism, and yet allow prayer and calling upon the Lord for help.
He is called back to do a mission, and accepts. The action goes to Syria, and Turkey, and back to the U.S. Bad guys are dispatched 'with extreme prejudice'.
I think the tension between his faith and the mission is decently done.
I imagine that any believer serving in the military has to balance the need to kill if necessary and not losing the relationship with the Lord. The author manages to not fall into maudlin emotionalism, and yet allow prayer and calling upon the Lord for help.
September 12, 2015
A great book. I can be a little apprehensive about reading a Special Operations type book. I am wondering if the author will get the terminology correct. Also, I am considering with how realistic the book will be. I have a lot of respect and admiration for the men in the Special Operations Command. With a few very minor incidents, Stephen Templin does it very good job telling a story. I could not put the last third of this book down. I am looking forward to reading more books in the special operations group series.
December 10, 2014
Chris Paladin, who has become a minister after leaving a special military unit, is persuaded to join a new mission by Hannah. In search of a special drone, it takes them to Syria, where they meet up with Sonny Cohen. This is quite adventuresome. One memorable character is the evil Mordet, who eats his adversaries.
May 21, 2015
So much fun!
I love how this author mixed the religious beliefs of the main character with the tension of war and fighting. Being a believer and a Vietnam Vet I appreciated the tension of living in both worlds. Great action, good plot, great characters.
I love how this author mixed the religious beliefs of the main character with the tension of war and fighting. Being a believer and a Vietnam Vet I appreciated the tension of living in both worlds. Great action, good plot, great characters.
October 20, 2015
The book is an interesting combination of "shoot-'em-up" techno-military thriller, coupled with an Evangelically devout SEAL. Added to the military life aspects, our hero is concerned about his relationship with the Higher Power. How interesting!
December 4, 2015
This is the first Seal story I have read that was a fiction novel. Thought I seriously doubt that a Seal would be recalled to duty by the CIA after being out several years, it was a good story. I liked the characters too. Listened on my iPhone.
April 2, 2015
One of the worst action thrillers I've ever read. The plot and characters are so far-fetched and ridiculous, they make me gag.
April 7, 2018
Good Story
Although the writing is somewhat stilted at times, The overall plot and descriptions were well-written. The author's descriptions of hand-to-hand combat were believable while the intermediate actions such as the romanticism were unrealistic. The dialogue was sometimes bordering on silly. In general, it was a good read.
Although the writing is somewhat stilted at times, The overall plot and descriptions were well-written. The author's descriptions of hand-to-hand combat were believable while the intermediate actions such as the romanticism were unrealistic. The dialogue was sometimes bordering on silly. In general, it was a good read.
February 7, 2017
Unsung warriors.
This is a excellent story with some very interesting characters, a interesting plot with some very good sub plots. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fighting terrorism.
This is a excellent story with some very interesting characters, a interesting plot with some very good sub plots. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in fighting terrorism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews