"Protect and Defend" by Vince Flynn

A Vince Flynn novel is a very special thing.  It is a very guy thing; but most especially, it is a very American thing.  If you love your country, and you want to see it strong in the world – if you want to see the bad guys get theirs – Vince Flynn is definitely for you.

With ‘Protect & Defend’, CIA Counterterrorism Specialist, Mitch Rapp (a type of American James Bond), is called upon by the President.  After the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facility, and their incessant blaming of the U.S. and Israel, the President, using a football analogy, is tired of playing defense.  He wants to go on offense.

Unfortunately, there are more parties involved here than the U.S. government is aware, leading to a disastrous kidnapping of CIA director Irene Kennedy.  This action was hard for me to swallow, as I personally can’t see the terrorists sharp enough to pull off such a feat.  However, once I began looking at Kennedy as Rapp’s boss and friend, rather than as the CIA Director, the reality of is was easier to believe.  It also pushed the truth of what the fight against terrorism entails – and how dearly the country needs more Mitch Rapps involved to lead that fight.