The Philippine Pact: A Connor Stark Novel by Claude Berube


The Philippine Pact: A Connor Stark Novel
Title : The Philippine Pact: A Connor Stark Novel
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1620064901
ISBN-10 : 9781620064900
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 256
Publication : Published April 30, 2023

Connor Stark returns in this high-stakes naval thriller in the South China Sea. Connor Stark has foiled China’s efforts to change political landscapes twice before. But China won’t let him do it again. This time, they’ve set up an ambush for Stark and his private maritime security company (Highland Maritime Defense) to take the fall for a massacre at a Philippine Navy base on a remote island in the South China Sea. When a nationwide blackout and assassination of the Philippine president occurs, one of the largest terrorist groups in the world take control of the island and take out Highland Maritime. Stark’s ally, former Diplomatic Security Agent Damien Golzari, is on the trail of an illicit human trafficking network that leads back to the island Stark is defending. Meanwhile, National Security advisor CJ Sumner is helping the US President manage the international crisis and navigate the destabilization of the Far East. As an international coalition of warships approaches the region, it may come head to head with China’s fleet and start World War III. Unless Stark’s team can stand in their way.

The Philippine Pact: A Connor Stark Novel Reviews

  • Eugene A.<span class=

    More compelling than your average thriller, with captivating subplots, connections, and characters.

    The story centers on a little-known but strategic Philippine island at the southern tip of the archipelago. A Philippine Navy training program conducted by a private naval company becomes tangled in a strange security incident. Events quickly spread to mainland Asia, Paris, Washington DC, and beyond. A massive reaction responsibility fell to a small, courageous team that grappled with potent adversaries to control vital shipping lanes and ensure American and Filipino national security. Building suspense, the outcome hangs in the balance until the final pages. Even then, a few omitted details presage a fourth volume in the Connor Stark series.

    The book is chocked full of fascinating geographic insights and irregular conflict knowledge that only a veteran naval and national security expert could provide. The book features innovative uses of cyber-attacks, drones, electrical weapons, and misinformation warfare, which “ring true” given current 21st-century conflicts. These geopolitical and military devices impress readers with the plot’s plausibility, which separates the book from many far-fetched action thrillers.

    Further, readers with historical interests will appreciate the American Revolution connection. Others will enjoy the “seat at the table” observing the government and other leaders make tough life-or-death decisions. I highly recommend The Philippine Pact to all to expand their horizons and think about what could happen in the Pacific while having fun with an enjoyable read.

  • Issa Bacsa<span class=

    The Philippine Pact, A Connor Stark Novel by Claube Berube (30 April 2023) Sunbury Press, Inc., Milford House Press

    The novel opens with a prologue where a plane carrying the Philippine President Quinta explodes.

    Connor Stark, a former military officer and owner of a private security company called Highland Maritime Defense is conducting a military exercise with the Philippine Navy on Balabac Island, Palawan. Unexpectedly, their exercise is interrupted by an ambush on that island. Connor and the Philippine Navy are left to figure out the mystery behind the ambush and the disappearance of most of the island’s inhabitants.

    Elsewhere, Damien Golzari is investigating a human trafficking case in France, leading him to Portugal. At the same time, Ambassador CJ Sumner who is known to be close to US President Dunner, is analyzing the events in the Philippines.

    This is the third book in the Connor Stark series, and I haven’t read the first two. So for a new reader like me, I’m properly introduced to Connor, Damien, and CJ in snippets of what they’ve done together in the two previous novels.

    The Philippine Pact is a novel that examines politics, navy, and crime thriller in one plot. Though it may seem too incredible for some Filipino readers like me, the themes of treason and loyalty are still present in the face of tension between the Philippines and China. The author’s background in naval history and maritime security is well-displayed in this book. As a result, I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars.

  • J.C. Gatlin<span class=

    The Philippine Pact is the third book in the Connor Stark series by Claude Berube, after The Aden Effect and Syren’s Song, and it’s a page-turner. It takes off running from the first page and never lets up. The author excels at writing thrillers with geopolitical affairs, and he drops Stark into escalating tensions as China encroaches on the Philippines territory. The book is well researched and completely on topic with current events. It’ll appeal to military thriller readers and is a ready-made streaming series. Amazon Prime, are you listening?