A powerful and morally provocative debut novel set in the Middle East, written by a former soldier. As summer heats up in Afghanipakiraqistan, Team Leader Dutch Shaw grapples with the loss of his grandmother, his last connection to civilian life. However, mourning is put on hold when two helicopters from a sister squadron are shot down, prompting Shaw and his team to be deployed into insurgent territory. They face a new threat from a mysterious organization, Al Ayeelaa, attracting high-value targets across the region. As they advance deeper into hostile territory, it becomes clear that their path may have been orchestrated by unseen forces. This intense narrative, rich with authenticity, explores the complexities of military life, contrasting moments of camaraderie with the darker, lonelier aspects of their experiences. The story unfolds through vivid scenes, from lighthearted horseplay to tense, Ambien-fueled helicopter rides, immersing readers in the gritty reality of modern warfare. The novel serves as a fast-paced journey into the moral ambiguities of the American wars of the twenty-first century.
Ross Ritchell Books
Ross Ritchell is a former member of a direct-action team within a United States Special Operations Command, engaged in classified operations across the Middle East. These formative experiences imbued him with a distinct perspective, which he later honed through an MFA from Northwestern University. Residing in the Midwest, he now channels his past into his writing, exploring profound themes with a unique literary voice.
