Treason

I thought this book was based on a true story. Shame on Zondervan for printing such dribble.

Hands down, this is one of the best series I have ever read, and I read a LOT of books. All three of these book were top notch. Action, Suspense, Christian. I don't want to give away any of the plot. Just read it!

Don Brown's novel Treason is the opening installment in his Navy Justice series, which follows Lieutenant Zack Brewer, a young JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer in the United States Navy. Some may regard this as a literary rip-off of the television series JAG. But Brown himself is a former JAG officer, and his book reflects a great understanding of the United States Military Justice system. Treason opens with a meeting in Zurich between two wealthy Muslim men who discuss the creation of a new terrorism cell called the Council of Ishmael, which will infiltrate the United States military, creating cells within. Fast-forward seven years: a lawsuit against the military results in the Navy being forced to admit Muslim cleric into the Navy Chaplain Corps. A petty officer in San Diego releases grenades at a church Bible study, killing eight people and injuring several others. A marine staff sergeant assassinates the Israeli ambassador to the United States during his visit to a USMC base in California. And in North Carolina, a fighter plane explodes over a lake, and some of the residue found in the wreckage indicates the use of plastic explosives. While investigating the explosion, NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) agent Harry Kilnap discovers that the three incidents are all connected, and Islamic chaplains within the Navy incited all three. Lieutenant Brewer, coming off a huge win in a high profile rape case, is assigned to prosecute the three chaplains and to seek the death penalty for all three. The media begins to bill this case as the "court martial of the century." When Wellington Levinson, a well-known civilian trial lawyer, is hired to defend the chaplains, Brewer enlists the assistance of his longtime JAG rival, Lieutenant Diane Colcernian. Don Brown is a born-again Christian, and this book does have some instances of characters wrestling with faith issues. But this novel is largely about the case of the Muslim chaplains and their connection to the Council of Ishmael, making this a story that both Christians and non-Christians can enjoy. Treason is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would love to see this book adapted for the screen as a movie. Brown offers a lot of detail without becoming overly technical. This is a very fast-moving story with short chapters which are easy for the reader to digest. I am now reading and enjoying Hostage, the second book in Don Brown's Navy Justice series. If you love legal thrillers, I suggest you give the Navy Justice series a read, beginning with Treason. I look forward to more great novels in the future from Don Brown.

NOTE: Yes, this is the same post as I made about its sequel "Hostage," but I felt that it applied here as well. I'm going to be very honest...Greatest book I have ever read! What's amazing about Brown's writing is that it is in so much detail and is easy to understand. Even if you know nothing about the justice system in either the civilian or military courtrooms, he makes it easy to follow. It's the only book I have ever read that I've actually held my breath just waiting to see what was coming up next. I've actually put the book down, and stared at it for about five minutes debating whether I should pick it back up and read it, even though I was late for work. This, as well as its sequel "Hostage," is worth the read, hands down. I do want to mention something said about the "Anti-Islamic" message being sent. One has to realize that this series is about terrorist attacks by Muslims, thus it's going to make them look pretty bad. I must say that I am neither Christian nor Muslim. HOWEVER, when I read this book, I didn't just all of a sudden say "Oh wow. These Muslims are really bad people. Let's not trust them." Is the series harsh on religions? Yes, but not so much that it will convert you. If you know how to separate real life from fiction, then I believe that this is certainly worth the read.

Timely, gripping, entertaining. Just a few of the adjectives that describe this book. If you enjoy CBS' JAG series, you'll love this book. Great new author; can't wait to read more from his pen!

I just read Treason and it is very gripping! I especially enjoyed the fact that it is so timely. Mr. Brown catches you immediately with the bombing of the church and it escalates from there. A page turner! I can't wait for the sequel. Great job for a new author.