Forty years ago (wow) Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October created an entirely new genre of fiction: the military thriller. Last spring, that book was honored by the publication of a brilliant contemporary counterpart, Act of Defiance. Jeff Wilson and Brian Andrews, both Navy veterans, did an outstanding job of keeping true to the Clancy spirit. The technical detail, the shipboard banter, and characters who are nothing short of iconic, headlined by Jack Ryan—now President of the United States. Don’t miss it!
Win An ARC Of DARK VECTOR!
Dark Vector arrives on February 4, 2025, but a few lucky winners will get a sneak peek! This is my most intense novel yet, and David Slaton is being joined by new characters, including a young special operator named Tru Miller. Sign up here to have a chance at winning an advanced reader copy!
ASSASSIN'S MARK Now Available In Paperback
Assassin’s Mark has been released in paperback. This is the most recent David Slaton novel, and a great lead-in to Dark Vector. Get your copy today!
Ward Recommends: ON DESPERATE GROUND
I’m currently listening to On Desperate Ground by Hampton Sides. The Korean War is often called the “forgotten war” and most Americans know little about it. This is a fantastic account of a conflict that still has great relevance.
Where's Wardo
Assassin’s Mark and I were recently in Istanbul, Turkey. This is an exotic place where East meets West. This picture was taken across the Bosphorus—standing on Europe and looking at Asia. David Slaton and Tru Miller are bound to end up here.
Veterans Day
Our freedoms are tenuous and can never be taken for granted. Veterans Day is Monday, November 11th, and I’d ask that you join me in reaching out to thank those who have served.
Nominate a current Military member or a Veteran (including yourself) to win a free edition of Assassin’s Edge.
Where's Wardo
I recently had a unique chance to tour the battlefields of Gallipoli. The Gallipoli Campaign took place during World War I, pitting the Ottoman Empire against Britain, France, and Russia. Australia and New Zealand were also part of the “Entente” powers. The campaign ended in a bitter defeat for the Entente forces, and was a formative event for Britain’s First Lord of the Admiralty—none other than Winston Churchill.
In the accompanying photos, I’m standing near the ANZAC memorial, and also holding a shard of the shrapnel that still litters the area after more than a century.
November Book Deals!
The following books will be featured on Kindle for $1.99 on November 10th. Get ‘em while they’re hot!
Where's Wardo
I recently had the pleasure of a long day in San Diego. The USS Midway is on the waterfront, a retired aircraft carrier that’s been turned into a museum. Veterans Day is right around the corner!
Ward Recommends: Museums
And speaking of museums . . .
In the course of my travels, I’ve stumbled on some terrific museums, and few can top our national World War I and World War II exhibitions.
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is located in downtown Kansas City. I really learned a lot here, and particularly enjoyed an exhibit explaining the world circumstances that brought the conflict to bear.
The National World War II Museum is in New Orleans, and concentrates on the American Experience in the greatest conflict our world has seen.
If you get a chance to visit either of these museums, take it—you won’t be disappointed!