Firefly Blue (Chapter 16: Waging War on Terror, Book 2) [Paperback]

Jake Thoene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 2003

When barrels of sodium cyanide are stolen and two federal agents murdered during a truckjacking in Mexico, Agent Steve Alstead and the FBI's counterterrorism team, Chapter 16, are called into action. The clues expose a large-scale terrorist plot, and the team must race against the clock . . . before tragedy strikes. Readers of this gripping techno-thriller are guaranteed heart-stopping action.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jake Thoene is the coauthor of nine books--six mysteries and three historical novels. His research on Domestic Counter Terorism (DCT) included hand-to-hand combat and small-arms training. He teaches English, trains, and researches on the West Coast, where he lives with his wife, Wendi, and their three sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (May 13, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842353623
• ISBN-13: 978-0842353625
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,164,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars powerful stand-alone thriller, July 19, 2003

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Firefly Blue (Chapter 16: Waging War on Terror, Book 2) (Paperback)

In Mexico, the police stop a truck driver transporting 100 barrels of sodium cyanide. They kill the driver and steal 52 barrels. Four are placed in a pick-up truck while forty were put inside a semi. They then replaced the manifold with its 100 barrels replacing it with 96 barrels. Not long afterward, the police announce that they found the stolen shipment of 48 barrels.

Agent Steve Alstead heads up the Special Circumstances Operations of the Chapter 16 counterterrorist group that was formed following the Patriot's Act. He tries desperately to regain the cherished relationship with his beloved wife and become a full time father to their two young children. However, Steve soon lacks time, as he must stop an evil terrorist attack involving 4 deadly barrels of sodium cyanide that could prove devastating to the United States.

Though references to the first novel abound (see SHAITON'S FIRE), fans will enjoy this powerful stand-alone thriller, as the bad guys prove quite clever from the start. Readers will find most interesting the debate between individual liberties vs. security as staff of the Chapter 16 group argue about surveillance. However, the key to this tale is the wholesomeness of Steve, a professional who is a religious upstanding individual struggling to balance his work and his family. His dilemma provide a superb reminder that those who try to do the right thing often do so at a high cost, and in many cases the sacrifice leads to family problems.

Harriet Klausner

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Singin' the Chapter 16 blues!, June 18, 2005

By 

Wolfe Moffat (Franklinville, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Firefly Blue (Chapter 16: Waging War on Terror, Book 2) (Paperback)

Yeah, I guess sometimes that would be the description of Steve Alstead, right? Keeps getting pulled away from that lovely wife of his and he sings the blues on occasion. So, while this didn't completely blow me away, it did keep my attention after getting it going, and I'm glad that I sang the blues with Jake Thoene.

WE'VE GOT CYANIDE! Oh, and Miles has a cool thing going on, and it happens to be called "Firefly", right? That's where the title comes into play. We have a few Mexicans to deal with, and like Taco Bell said before, "SEND 'EM RUNNIN' FOR THE BORDER!" or was it Ray Charles that said, "Hit the road, Jack"? But hey, a decent addition to a series that started off very well. Senator Morrison and the rest of the team makes sure the action is pure, yet interesting entertainment. Add Kristi Kross, and ask Steve's wife how exciting it can get! Just kidding.

What I appreciate the most about Jake Thoene is his love for country. Not only that, but he isn't ashamed of his God either. The God that built my America! That's something you don't always see these days. SO, while I prepare myself for "Fuel The Fire", I'll probably need a good pitcher of iced tea on hand. Good flames the whole way around so far.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Today's Headlines Ripped Right from Thoene's Book!, May 5, 2003

By 

Tim Wolf (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Firefly Blue (Chapter 16: Waging War on Terror, Book 2) (Paperback)

Firefly Blue, the sequel to the timely first novel in the Chapter 16 series, Shaiton's Fire, was even better than anticipated.

From the first chapter, it seemed as though the story was ripped right from today's headlines...
...Terrorists attempt to infiltrate the US through the vulnerable Mexican/ American border to carry out an attack with a stolen shipment of Cyanide on one of the country's most highly prized locations...

Elements of the military's recently de-classified Electronic Warfare technology, internet surveillance, Syria and Homeland Security also play major rolls in the plot.

...So realistic and prophetic are the events within Firefly Blue, it might be more accurate to say,

"Today's headlines have been ripped right from the pages of Thoene's book!"

Tim Wolf