September 11, 2001: it was Generation X's Pearl Harbor. Over 3000 people killed in a span of less than a half-hour. It is as a result of this that STN, Stop Terrorists Now, is born. It's mission is to hit the terrorists by engaging in the same tacticts they use. Ed Walker and Bilal Ahmed are each recruited as regional leaders of STN, Walker in the US and Ahmed in the Middle East. Walker comes filled with frustration that the world's governments shy away from doing anything not politically correct; Ahmed is seeking vengance for the death of his wife and kids at the hands of HuM. STN is ruthless, well-funded and willing to go after all terrorists without reservation. At the same time, the Peace Envoys, comprised of government representatives from around the world, seeks to stop terrorism thru more peaceful means. These two groups are destined tocollide and when they do, everyone could lose.

"Paradise Denied" by H.J. Kaplan is an amazing book that is as current and realistic as anything I've ever read. While largely fictional in nature, the plot could very easily be the headline in tomorrow's paper. The vigilante group, STN, embodies what many of us would like to do but are unable to because of the rule of law and the sacrifices that such a course of action would require. I can truly identify with the frustration Kaplan displays in his foreword. I myself have felt huge frustration at the apparent impunity with which terrorist groups commit acts of violence. This book is fast-paced with lots of action. I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 stars.

Reviewed on 02/16/2012 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Jud Hanson