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Operation Firebrand is a trilogy of novels in a newly emerging genre of literature - Christian suspense novels. This new genre employs many of the same techniques utilized in contemporary suspense fiction without the usual offensive language, sexuality, and violence. Scott's earlier Ethan Hamilton technothriller trilogy (Virtually Eliminated, Terminal Logic, and Fatal Defect), the thriller novels of James Scott Bell, and Terri Blackstock's Newpointe 911 series are just a few examples of this emerging genre. Among his other published works, Jefferson Scott (actually this is a nom de plume of a graduate of a Southern Baptist Seminary) has also coauthored with Ryan Dobson Be Intolerant, a non-fiction book that points out the weaknesses of relativism to youth.

The premise of the Operation Firebrand series is the formation of a highly trained covert commando team of Christians with skills unlike a Navy SEAL team, but with a different mission -rescuing persecuted Christians. A widowed CEO of a high-tech defense company funds the operation, providing the high tech weapons and communication instruments used by the team. The series details three main rescue missions - Christian missionaries and the orphans under their care from embattled Kazakhstan, Sudanese Christians enslaved by Muslim raiders, and Christian refugees attempting to escape North Korea.

The stories are well written and the suspense is real. Scott continues the utilization of intriguing high-tech tools as a key element in his novels, such as the use of tranquilizer guns to allow the Christian commandos to avoid killing anyone. The plot development is not only good within each novel, but continues through the three novels. Scott tastefully includes a love interest in the story, a love triangle involving three members of the team. The character development is excellent, as each member of the team struggles with God's will for his or her life. Told from an "omniscient" literary perspective, the reader is given insights into the motives and thoughts of each character.

Suspense novels are written mainly for entertainment, so it is probably asking too much to ask for deeper theological reflection in this genre. The books do afford useful insights about discerning God's will for the difficult decisions of life that would be appreciated by the lay audience for which these books are written. However, given the horrible suffering involved in these three situations in Kazakhstan, Sudan, and North Korea, some deeper conversations about why God allows such suffering might have strengthened the book. But again, it is probably not possible to write a Brothers Karamazov within the genre of suspense fiction.

Although each of these books is a good read taken alone, Operation Firebrand is an excellent trilogy. Unlike some other Christian suspense works, Scott's novels appeal to men. Highly recommended for recreational reading.

Related Authors

• Jefferson Scott

Related Books

• Operation Firebrand: Crusade (Trade Paper)

• Operation Firebrand: Deliverance (Trade Paper)

• Operation: Firebrand (Trade Paper)