MWSA Review

Benjamin Spada hits it out of the park with his debut novel FNG: A Black Spear Novel. The American government has run its share of off-the-books “black ops,” but none blacker than “Black Spear.” Even among the military, no one seems to be sure if they exist. But exist they do, and when the really bad guys come calling, Black Spear is our best defense. Made up of only the absolute best operators, this small unit operates in five-man squads whose only rules of engagement are “accomplish the mission,” and they do so by all means necessary. When conventional forces and sworn lawmakers can’t get their hands dirty, it’s time to send in Black Spear.

A disgruntled veteran has a vision for revenge against the government, and has gained a following of other former servicemen along with access to one very dangerous bioweapon. Black Spear’s Cerebrus Team is down a man and pulls in a recruit for one tremendously action-packed first day. Black Spear has no rules to follow but their own, but will it be enough to stop a madman with a deadly bioweapon and an intense thirst for vengeance?

This story is a non-stop thrill ride from the first page. The heroes are likable, the villains deplorable, and the action fast-moving, graphic, and exciting. It’s very much like the “A-team” of the 80s TV show on steroids. Fans of spec-ops stories or techno-thrillers should enjoy this very much. Personally, I can’t wait for the next one!

Review by Rob Ballister (March2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

FNG: NOUN. INFORMAL. MILITARY TERM, "F****** NEW GUY":

A PERSON JUST OUT OF TRAINING OR NEWLY TRANSFERRED INTO THE UNIT, WHO EITHER HASN'T PROVED THEIR WORTH OR DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO OPERATE PROPERLY DUE TO LACK OF EXPERIENCE. 

"Welcome to Black Spear." With these four words Cole West is immediately thrust into the shadowy world of the military's most deadly black-ops program. No warning. No training. No choice but to buckle up as Black Spear conscripts him to fight against a paramilitary group of renegade veterans known only as "Terminal." Terminal is no ragtag militia but a veritable private army of disgruntled soldiers with one mission: Stop at nothing to topple the government they think failed them. 

Armed with a highly volatile bioweapon capable of absorbing the properties of other contagions, they plan to wash the country clean through an ocean of blood. It's up to Cole West and Black Spear to prevent Terminal's terrorist attacks and stop the insurrection before it can happen. To survive in Black Spear, West will have to prove himself. But even on day one, there are no second chances...

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller

Number of Pages: 328

Word Count: 86700