Man of War: An Eric Steele Novel

Man of War is Sean Parnell’s first fiction novel after his bestselling memoir Outlaw Platoon. Man of War tells the story of Eric Steele, a decorated veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Steele is about to receive the Medal of Honor, when the ceremony is suddenly stopped, and he’s offered to join a highly classified elite unit called the Alpha Program. The Alpha Program consists of nine elite battle-hardened warriors. Each member answers only to the President, which thus gives them free reign in using any means necessary to stop the bad guys without governmental red tape. Eric Steele jumps at the opportunity. His first assignment is to intercept a dirty bomb headed toward the United States. To make matters worse, it is revealed that the person behind the plot is Nate West, Steele’s comrade-in-arms. Steele was sure West had been killed during one of their tours in Afghanistan. Now, as danger looms near, he is now forced to reckon with the fact that West is very much alive and is hell-bent on revenge confident that he’s been betrayed by his country and his men. Now it is up to Steele and his men to stop West and save America.

The author, himself a highly decorated Special Forces veteran brings an authentic view into the book. The story is very believable with military lingo clearly explained for the layman. The plot is fast-paced with nonstop action. The characters are likewise very developed, even the minor ones. It is very clear that the main theme of the book is loyalty and betrayal with two friends on the opposite sides of the conflict.