Steven’s Comments (group member since Apr 15, 2014)

Steven’s comments from the SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group group.

That’s woke culture for you. My suggestion, don’t try and grasp it. It’ll only lead to a whole lot of head scratching & head shaking

Also, while they say that each book can be read as a standalone, imo it is definitely key to read them in order. You’ll grow with the character. You’ll gain valuable insights into his personality, and the various hurdles and missions he undertakes sequentially

Def start w/ Gray Man and move fwd from there. The others you mentioned are standalone books, not in the Gray Man series.

I bet Ted Bell would know!

Look into story boarding. Basically a way of visualizing the storyline of your book. If you listen to podcasts, check out the first Joe Rogan episode with Jack Carr. Carr talks a lot about his writing process. Fascinating stuff.

Can’t go wrong with the classic rogue/bent US SpecOp Operator. Maybe a SEAL/CAG soldier turned by a rogue CIA agent, chasing money/facilitating security for cartel/terror group. That way you can outfit him in all the newest, high-tech kit…Peltor headsets, HK rifles, Thermal optics, etc. Or, if setting is in the past, I’ve always loved the idea of a Vietnam thriller featuring a rogue green beret, seconded to the phoenix project, who goes “Col. Kurtz”. Either way, I always love thrillers where the antagonist is comparable/seems superior in terms of skills to the protagonist…makes for a phenomenal climax. Jack Carr does this better than anyone imo

Notice he never plays music while driving his foreign coupes. Tbh I think listening to music is just another triviality in the life of a secret agent. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if he kept some Marvin Gaye at his bedside…

I imagine the only music Bond listened to was elevator music whilst coming/going….he was too busy chasing tail and filling jails lol

The Will Slater series by Matt Rogers is fantastic, and Slater is one of the most badass protagonists out there. It’s a stand alone series, which continues alongside his partner Jason King in the “King & Slater” series.

I’d be happy to read! Anything I can do to help, just let me know! Shoot me a msg.

Brett “Blood” Thorpe (can’t remember last name for sure) in Brad Taylor’s ‘Pike Logan’ series. Though he’s just a team member, he’s still been a presence in most of the books. Dude is super fast, lol

You're definitely gonna wanna check out Scott McEwen's "Sniper Elite" series. Also make sure to check out Jack Coughlin's 'Kyle Swanson' series. 2 of the very best series out there. Coughlin's my personal favorite no doubt.

Hey Dony- I just wanted to post real quick and tell you how much I truly enjoyed your book, The Warrior Spy! Your character development was key, I loved the way you kept the mysticism Re. Rainey throughout the book by briefly touching on his past/accolades without going too heavy into describing every little detail about him that really isn't all that necessary! Also, I loved how you kept Christ an active role in Reagan's life, that was refreshing and something you don't really see in other comparable series (Flynn, Thor, Greaney, etc.) and yes- I def put your story up there with theirs. Anyways, I truly hope that there will be more Reagan Rainey novels in the future! I introduced The Warrior Spy to my book club and it got excellent reviews so I know I'm not alone in how much I enjoyed it. Well done sir, well done!

Just downloaded it will start today! Thanks!!

Anyone read any Jonathan Maberry books? I saw 'Patient Zero' pop up on my rec's...

Just preordered!

What what what?? Movie?

Which btw Gray Man series was f'n awesome if you haven't read them Id highly recommend

You know what, I've actually got them downloaded but I've been reading Greaney's 'Gray Man' series and just finished it so I think I'll start them up. Give me a couple days and I'll get back!

Mark Greaney! Awesome series!!