The Living Legend

Reviews

The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson is the story of two people with different agendas battling against the same enemy. Becoming just like his father is the only thought Tommy has ever had. His one goal in life is to become JAG and make his father proud. But things don’t go as Tommy hoped. Everything changes when his father dies right in front of him. The person responsible is called the Chameleon. Tommy works harder than before to join the Navy SEALs and prepare for the day he will come across this killer and make him pay. However, he is not the only one looking for revenge against the Chameleon. Makenna wants to put an end to the slave trade of her people. Starting a movement that is based on the efforts of her ancestors, Makenna wants to protect her people before there is no hope left. Both Tommy and Makenna have the same enemy, and when their worlds collide, they will realize fighting the Chameleon might be the hardest thing they have done in their lives.

I have read multiple novels by Dan E. Hendrickson in the last couple of years, and every time, I am surprised by how the author has improved. I don’t think I have ever come across another author who wraps up a story as well as Mr. Hendrickson does. Tommy’s not just your quintessential tortured soul looking for love and acceptance. Tommy is driven by his determination to become better, stronger, and more resourceful so that when he comes across his nemesis, he is ready to win. He is driven, challenging, and hard-headed. Makenna, on the other hand, is the perfect companion to Tommy yet so different from him. She has no personal agenda against the Chameleon; she fights for her people, and her inspiration comes from her great-grandfather. Both of them are important for the story and incredibly fun to read. The narrative is smoother than you can imagine, the plot is complex, and the pace is fast. There are no flaws in the story, no loopholes, and certainly no weak links, which is exactly what you expect from Dan E. Hendrickson.

This high-octane action novel is pretty amazing. From the moment The Commander begins and Jacob enters the scene, you will know that it is about to get heavy. Jacob Edwards is the kind of character who will command your attention from the very beginning. Dan E. Hendrickson did an amazing job at building the tension and making sure the reader was there in the moment with Jacob as he chased down the perpetrators. He was observant and really not subtle with his words (I loved that about him). He had his own personality and his seniority at his job was not going to change that for him. I enjoyed how immersed I was in the story. I was transported right beside Jacob and living the situations with him. The descriptions were vivid and the imagery was phenomenal. I loved this book and I’m pretty sure it gave me an adrenaline rush for hours after I finished it! This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys high-pressure, action novels that keep you up at night and hoping that the story never ends.

Rabia Tanveer

Readers’ Favorite

The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson is a special forces, action thriller with a historical twist. Over a hundred years ago, one Kenyan warrior stood up to make a difference in the slave trade that was so prevalent along the Kenyan coast at the time. Thousands of young Kenyans, mainly girls, were being stolen from their families and their culture to service the brothels and harems of the Middle East. Known just as the Legend, Tumaini Aalee and his band of warriors made it his life mission to rescue these kidnapped children and stop this awful trade in human souls. Back in the twentieth century, Tommy Williams has just graduated from the Annapolis Naval Academy and plans to follow his father’s footsteps into the Naval JAG (Judge Advocate General’s) office. Sitting in a restaurant in Tokyo celebrating his graduation with his father, now the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Tommy sees his father assassinated right in front of him by a mysterious sniper known only as the Chameleon. Consumed by thoughts of revenge, Tommy ditches his planned career and enrolls in SEAL training to learn the skills to track down and kill the Chameleon. In Kenya, Tumaini Aalee's great-granddaughter Makena is determined to rise above the government corruption and carry on her grandfather’s legacy of stopping the pernicious theft of Kenyan children, which is again plaguing the country. Tommy's and Makena’s different quests are destined to bring them together in a climactic showdown that will take place in the deserts of the Middle East.

I have followed author Dan E. Hendrickson’s career from his very first book and have read all of his works to date. I have watched this author grow in style and skill from book to book and The Living Legend shows just how far he has come in a short time. This story gives us three major story arcs, one historical, the other two modern-day, that are welded seamlessly to create a thrilling and exciting action/adventure story that grips the reader from the very first page. This is not a long book and one that can easily be digested in a single sitting. I particularly enjoyed the detailed descriptions of Tommy’s time whilst training to become a SEAL, and the sheer hell these special forces personnel are required to endure before they can become the elite of the elite. One of the underlying features in this author’s books is always a moral dilemma that has to be addressed by at least one of the main characters. For this story, the dilemma for Tommy was the choice between the intense desire for personal revenge against the Chameleon and the power of the call to duty and to serve his country in the most honorable way possible. I loved the way the author poses these questions and then answers them through the characters' actions. If you love action and adventure in a military environment, you will absolutely adore this story. If you just like a good old-fashioned “shoot ‘em up” story with an underlying important social issue, this is the book for you. I absolutely loved this story and can highly recommend it.

Grant Leishman

Readers’ Favorite

The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson is a military adventure novel involving SEAL training, Kenyan myth, a crack Russian assassin, the Arabian slave trade, mass kidnapping, a desert cave stocked with gold coins, the Iranian Hostage Crisis of Jimmy Carter fame, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and a hit-man rivalry. Tommy Williams is an African American navy SEAL posing as a recruiting poster boy but who is actually a lethal fighter. His ambassador father was assassinated by a notorious Russian sharpshooter, and Tommy has vowed revenge. Across the world in Kenya, a heartbroken mother is trying to free her kidnapped twin daughters from the harems of Arab leaders. She is the great-granddaughter of the legendary hunter of trade slavers, Tumaini Aalee. The question is whether Tommy has the skills needed to free the young captives. Oh, yes, and whether he will avenge his father’s killing by the Russian “Chameleon.”

I read this fast-paced military adventure in a single sitting—I could not put it down. Mr. Hendrickson’s knowledge of SEAL training, ambassadorial protocols, weapons, attack strategy, and Asia Minor geography kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat. Just when things were calming down for me to take a breath, he ratchets up the action, building from a slow boil to a raging conflagration. The core is a breathtaking combination of battling human trafficking from Africa to the Middle East and of Tommy’s much-anticipated vengeance confrontation with the feared Russian assassin known as "the Chameleon.” The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson will be a thrilling read for anyone who loves splendidly-crafted military action.

Jon Michael Miller

Readers’ Favorite

In August 1975, Ambassador Rodney Williams was shot dead at an outdoor cafe in Tokyo. This tragedy occurred in front of his son Tommy while they celebrated his graduation from Annapolis. The world-class assassin was a Russian called the Chameleon. Tommy couldn’t match his expertise just yet, so he switched career paths to undergo grueling training with the SEALs. In July 1979 in Gazi, Kenya, Makena, the great-granddaughter of the legendary Tumaini, continued her ancestor’s legacy. With the help of Undersecretary Bosher, Makena would foil kidnapping and slavery attempts by the Arab nations. The duo stepped on toes, and it spelled doom. Tommy was also on his first assignment at the same time against a kidnapping party, and his opponent was the Chameleon. Can anyone trap a chameleon? Find out in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.

Few books provoke a standing ovation and applause from me, but The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson cut it. Everything about this fantastic and action-packed page-turner was excellent. I was impressed by the continuity, plot, dialogue, writing style, pace, and unpredictable storyline. Dan tackled the story from two sides (Africa and the West) and merged them with finesse at the center. I enjoyed witnessing how the male and female protagonists determined the tide and balance of this novel. The characters were consistent, carefully developed, and made a lasting impression. This book drew me in, moving through themes like deception, politics, corruption, humor, love, bravery, integrity, determination, and more. I never imagined Bosher and Adessa. Wow! That woman made me proud, even though Tommy was my most favorite. I felt like Alysha was a little too much, and Captain/Admiral Fargo had my respect. This novel deserves a sequel.

Jennifer Ibiam

Readers’ Favorite

Dan Hendrickson created a riveting military political adventure novel in The Living Legend. Tumaini Aalee’s village was a victim of Muslim slave traders in 1891. He led an effective attack to end the slavery of his people, but upon his passing, the industry had recommenced. In the modern day, his great-granddaughter, Makena Aalee, gives a speech to the president of Kenya on behalf of her people as human trafficking has become a daily occurrence with the police and military refusing to interfere. The president hears her speech, but undersecretary Arachar warns Makena that the president is not going to follow through with his promises. He sent Colonel Adessa Eloi to keep Makena safe. Meanwhile, Tommy Williams has decided to become a Navy SEAL after a sniper murdered his father. His father had been an ambassador for the United States and was working on a peace treaty that threatened Russian power. Tommy vowed to avenge his father’s death. After successfully excelling at his training, he takes part in a covert operation to investigate human trafficking occurring in the Middle East.

The Living Legend presents engaging characters whose thoughts are relatable. If I had been having lunch with my father, celebrating my graduation, and then a sniper shot him, I would have wanted revenge as well. During Tommy’s training, I found it interesting that the commanding officers chose him as their target. Dan Hendrickson described the war games in the training in exciting detail, and I was unable to stop reading the elaborate plan Tommy used to win the game. The president and his cohorts were despicable in my value system, but that made the story even more engaging. This is an adventure novel that gives history a relevant application to the present. The pace was perfect, with enough detail to picture the setting while allowing the forward momentum of the story. The transition from each character's perspective seamlessly alternated well. The suspense and building anticipation of whether each scenario would be successful kept my interest throughout the entire story. My only sadness came with the ending of the book. There were elements left open, but I believe this was intentional. I am eagerly awaiting a sequel to show Tommy’s progress further in his life.

Stephanie Chapman

Readers’ Favorite

The Living Legend By Dan E. Hendrickson is an adventurous story that follows Tommy Williams, whose father, Rodney Williams, was assassinated while toasting his graduation. While Tommy chooses an adventurous path to avenge his father's death, he will face General Myres, who is bent on stopping him. He is about to get into the "Navy SEAL" program. He is still on his goal to avenge his father's death. He had joined the "SEALs" to get the training he required for his hunt to kill the assassin with the code name "Chameleon." Makena Aalee, the great-granddaughter of Tumaini Aalee, was pursuing to stop the abduction of her folks into slavery. While on this arduous quest, she puts her family at risk. Find out in this heroic book what the "Living Legend" entails.

This book portrays an enthusiasm for freedom and liberty. Tumaini Aalee's great-granddaughter had taken his path to stop what he had always fought for. The adventure and suspense of the whole tale were built on this part of the plot.

I love the fact this book exemplifies what parenthood entails. Rodney Williams had set a humble path for his son to follow as a single parent. Living a life worth emulating should be the objective of parenting. Also, these two share something extraordinary. Their love for each other was unique and real. Also, the end part of the story appears to strike an unimaginable quality about Tommy. He's a man who had envisioned the day he would kill the assassin with the code name "Chameleon." His character offered the reader food for thoughts on the idea of vengeance.

I was quite impressed that the writer addressed real-life situations that are incredibly rising in our society. Human trafficking has been an old-time practice, and it's quite unfortunate that many individuals are still very involved in this uncivilized act. This was the pain of Makena Aalee, as she aimed at continuing her great grandfather's mission. She would have to end the sporadic abduction of her people for slavery. Whether she succeeded or not is what the reader would find out.

I found nothing negative about this book. I will gladly rate The Living Legend By Dan E. Hendrickson 4 out of 4 stars as I enjoyed every bit of the story. The author made this book worth reading. I find just a few errors in this book. It seems professionally edited and well written. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy adventure and vengeful novels.

Online Book Club

Human trafficking has existed throughout history, but our story starts in the year 1891. Somewhere in Kenya, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the slave traders raid Tumaini Alee's home village. His father gets killed in the raid. Tumaini is the chief's son, and he feels obliged to defend his people. He and his men are outrageously outnumbered, but they execute their counter-attacks at night, managing to cause terror among the enslavers. Against all odds, Tumaini succeeds in his attempts, and the legend is born.

Decades later, in 1979, not much has changed. The slave-trading business is still going strong, and young girls face horrific destinies at the hands of slave traders. Tumaini Alee's legend has not been forgotten, but he has been dead for years. Makena Alee remembers her great-grandfather's plea on his deathbed. The time has come for this courageous woman to step up and continue her ancestor's work. She is determined to help her people, who are again falling into the hands of enslavers.

Ensign Tommy Williams is toasting for his graduation with his father in Tokyo when something unexpected happens. Joy turns to grief when a sudden shot ends his father's life. Blindfolded with rage and thirst for revenge, Tommy decides to go after his father's killer, but his plans are harshly interrupted. Tommy finds himself joining the Navy SEALs instead. The training is hard, and to his misfortune, Tommy gets singled out from day one by his trainer. What happens after that? Will Tommy be able to pull through the grueling Navy SEAL training program? Does he get his revenge? And what does Tommy have to do with the legend of Tumaini Alee?

Online Book Club

The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson blended suspense, action, and amazing characters perfectly. Based on this author's other works, I knew to expect a pleasant reading experience, and Mr. Hendrickson did not let me down. The multidimensional plot beautifully tied the history together with the present, fluently creating connections between events and people worldwide. Despite the harsh military surroundings and an inflammatory topic, the author kept the story relatively clean. The book had some profane words, but it was not littered with them. In addition, the scenes were accurate but not too graphic in nature. Due to the author's excellent storytelling skills, the reading experience was smooth and effortless; it felt similar to watching a good action movie. I only needed to sit back and enjoy, occasionally flip the pages, and let my imagination do the rest.

I loved every bit of this story. Following Tommy's path through military training and watching his character grow was especially enjoyable. The only detail that felt slightly annoying was that Tommy's character came out almost too perfect. His presence felt nearly inhuman at times, but luckily, it did not prevent him from getting into trouble. However, adding some little faults in his character might have made it easier for the reader to identify with the young man. Having said that, I must add that creating almost inhumanly perfect heroes for his stories seems to be a part of this author's signature style. Furthermore, it did not threaten my enjoyment of the book.

Based on what I've said above, the only suitable rating for this book is 4 out of 4 stars. The story was exquisite, and the editing was exceptional; there were no errors to be found. I can't wait to read more books from Dan E. Hendrickson, and I have just added his name to my list of favorite authors.

Unlike most books in the given genre, the author has built this story on a pure set of values. If you enjoy brutally violent scenes described in great detail or prefer wicked or mischievous characters as protagonists, be warned; you will not find any of those in this story. Instead, I recommend The Living Legend to those readers who enjoy action-filled military fiction with multidimensional plot twists, lovable characters, and a breeze of history.

Online Book Club

Two different but intertwined gripping stories were the bedrock of The Living Legend, a work of fiction written by Dan E. Hendrickson. Aalee Makena was the great-granddaughter of the historic Kenyan freedom fighter, Tumaini Aalee, who made it a point of duty to fight against the slave trade, an inhumane act perpetrated in Kenya. However, when he died, the substantial progress he had made went down the drain as the activity heightened again. Due to this, Makena came into the picture to save her country and continue the legacy that was built by the notable Tumaini Aalee. Will she succeed?

Right in front of Tommy Williams, his father, Ambassador Rodney Williams, was assassinated in cold blood. Afterward, Tommy swore to find his father's killer. As a result, he enlisted in the United States Navy SEALs to rival the executioner's expertise, who was revealed to be a skilled Russian sniper. Will he achieve this?

Online Book Club

The Living Legend is a well-written book with realistic and compelling characters. In addition, the description of occurrences was detailed. For this reason, I understood the stories since I was able to create a vivid picture of them. I liked the fact that the author highlighted certain aspects of politics and humanitarian involvement that were aimed at mitigating human trafficking. Furthermore, I discovered the level of training undergone by people in the military. This includes the tedious drills and the degree of discipline that is instilled in them.

It is necessary to state that I did not find anything unappealing about this book. In fact, I picked up some lessons from it. One of these is the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges to make room for growth and success. Also, the lifestyles of some characters re-emphasized the notion that anyone can achieve anything if they put their mind to it.

I did not come across any kind of error while reading this book. Hence, I believe that it was an exceptionally well-edited novel. Grammatical and punctuation errors are distractions that reduce readability. I'm glad the author ensured that his book went through thorough editing.

Given my appreciation of The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson, I will give it a rating of four out of four stars. There was no reason to deduct any points.

This book will appeal to individuals who like military fiction and those who have an interest in topics such as politics and humanitarian activities. As a result, I recommend it to them.

Tommy had recently completed his studies at the Annapolis Naval Academy. While in Tokyo, he celebrates in a café with his father, Rodney Williams, a retired Annapolis Navy JAG lawyer and the 187th African American United States ambassador. The Chameleon, a ruthless Russian gunman, assassinates his father unexpectedly. Tommy sees his father die before his very eyes and swears to avenge him.

Meanwhile, on another continent, lives another character named Makena Aalee. She continues what her great-grandfather, Tumaini Aalee, had started. Tumaini was a legendary Kenyan freedom fighter who liberated his people from Muslim slave traders. Makena becomes involved in the fight against slave trading in Kenya, a cause that results in people hunting her down. Makena and Tommy, though living in different parts of the world, find the Chameleon as the link that will connect them to fight a common enemy. Will they achieve that? Read this book to find out.

Online Book Club

The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson is a unique action thriller. This fast-paced military adventure kept me intrigued until I got to the last page. The book is full of suspense and has an unpredictable development. I was shocked to later find out about the relationship between Bohar, the undersecretary of Kenya, and Adessa, a colonel. The book was a terrific read that kept me hooked because of Hendrickson's vast knowledge of SEAL training and weaponry. I found myself rooting for Tommy to graduate successfully from the vigorous SEAL training he undertook. This book will take one on a roller coaster ride as the different amazing scenes unfold. From Tommy's training centre to various military and conflict zones, the author did an outstanding job explaining the scenarios and settings. I felt like I was right in the middle of the action in the action scenes. As I read how these situations unfolded, I was struck with dread.

The strong themes it portrays—themes of love, bravery, integrity, humour, corruption, and more—were my favourite aspects of this exciting novel. Makena is my favourite character. She realised it would be difficult to carry on her great-grandfather's legacy. This was what led to her husband's death, putting her children's lives in jeopardy. Even though she lacked the financial means, resources, or connections to protect herself and her family, she continued to struggle against the corrupt practices in her society. I admire and respect her for taking such a brave step. This book serves as a wake-up call to anyone who observes terrible activities, corruption, and injustice in the world yet does nothing to change it.

There is nothing I disliked about the book. The characters were adequately developed and consistent. They also leave a lasting impression on the reader. I felt deeply connected with these characters. The book is smooth in flow and pace. The diction is easily understandable, and the dialogue is engaging and compelling, portraying the characters' unique traits. This book is a must-read for all readers as it highlights the basic factors affecting humanity.

The book is exceptionally well-edited. I rate this book four out of four stars. It is filled with life lessons that readers will learn from. This book is for you if you love action, adventure, and excellently crafted military action.

Online Book Club

The premise of Dan Henrickson newest book, The Living Legend is that Lt. Commander Tommy is out to avenge his father’s death by a paid assassin, The Chameleon. He gets asked to assist in the removal of muslim terrorists, who are trafficking in women and children in Kenya who have now kidnapped Bosher Arachar, Makena Aalee, and her daughters Chineye and Adimu. Kenya's little issue does not appear to be on the world’s radar because Iranians have just overtaken the US Embassy in Tehran.

Now you know the background let me tell you. At first I was like no way when this book was first recommended to me because I was alive during the Tehran uprising and the fall of the US Embassy. Now, I can say with certainty that Dan Hendrickson took some liberties in his writing of history, because this fiction book but nothing he wrote was out of the world of possibilities. The nations in the book did exist during this time period and the tools, weapons etc and time period were accurate. Being a fan of history and not a huge fan of military history probably assisted me in liking Dan's book. I can say the characters are realistic and you honestly pray that the hero makes it to the end and takes out The Chameleon. That being said I think he did leave us longing for more and there were parts I wish he had expanded on and as an avid reader I can say he probably was avoiding the wordy content but I want more. It is only two hundred and forty-three pages and takes less than five hours to read. You need to take the time and pick this up for your summer reading. It would be a good read for anyone who is into history both military and not and enjoys a good action packed story

Jessica Bone

Amazon

I am a huge fan of political and war-based thrillers. Much like Tom Clancy and Brad Thor, Dan Hendrickson absolutely delivers in this fantastic story about conflict, vengeance, and the determination of good to triumph over evil. The story follows Tommy Williams, a Navy SEAL seeking to get retribution for his dad's assassination. I really enjoyed the character origins and development of Tommy, showing him early on from his training to building up to becoming a badass SEAL. His character arc is complemented well by Makena, a Kenyan woman whose goal is to end the corruption of human trafficking in her country. Although they have completely different motivations, they find themselves brought together by an assassin known as the "Chameleon". The dynamic and chemistry between them work very well and allowed me to empathize with each of their missions, even when I had personal objections to their methods. Although the book goes through different periods of time, it is primarily set in the late '70s. I prefer stories set in the past because of the way characters have to use the resources of their time and their ingenuity to accomplish things that modern technology makes all the easier. Hendrickson does a great job of describing the various settings, as he takes us all over the world from D.C., Afghanistan, and Tehran. He keeps the story going and although a lot is happening, you are never overwhelmed with the suspense and drama that is unfolding. The only real "downside" I had was that when I was finished with it, it left me wanting more. But I think that is probably a good thing.

Justin Harris

Amazon

“The Living Legend” by Dan Hendrickson is an absolute masterpiece that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. This captivating novel combines elements of revenge, international intrigue, and the pursuit of justice in a thrilling narrative that will leave you breathless.

The story revolves around Tommy Williams and Makena Aalee, two individuals driven by their personal missions. Lt. Williams seeks revenge for his father's assassination, while Makena Aalee is determined to put an end to human trafficking in Kenya. As circumstances draw them together, they find themselves facing a common enemy, the Chameleon.

One of the remarkable aspects of “The Living Legend” is the way the author seamlessly weaves together different timelines and locations. From the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran, these historical events serve as a backdrop to the protagonists' gripping journey. It requires concentration to follow the intricate plot and not miss any of the carefully crafted details.

Dan Hendrickson's expertise in narrating action is evident throughout the novel. Every scene bursts with heart-pounding suspense and pulse-quickening excitement. The author's ability to create intense and adrenaline-fueled sequences is truly commendable. From high-stakes missions to breathtaking confrontations, the book is a rollercoaster ride of non-stop thrills.

I found myself completely absorbed in the world Hendrickson created. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. The suspenseful twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end.

If you're a fan of gripping thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read.

Luz

Amazon

In the enthralling novel, “The Living Legend,” the lives of Tommy Williams and Makenna Aalee intertwine in a tale of passion, purpose, and a shared enemy-the elusive assassin known as the Chameleon.

Tommy, the son of a respected United States ambassador, is driven by tragedy when he witnesses the ruthless execution of his beloved father. This fuels his desire for justice, leading him to join the Navy’s elite special forces, the SEALs. Through rigorous training and unwavering determination, Tommy becomes a formidable warrior ready to confront the embodiment of evil that stole his father’s life.

Makenna Aalee, the great-granddaughter of Kenyan hero Tumaini Aalee, fights against modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Inspired by her ancestor’s bravery, Makenna dedicates herself to reclaiming the freedom of the oppressed. As fate would have it, her quest intertwines with Tommy’s, both seeking vengeance against the Chameleon.

Through vivid prose and rich character development, the author transports readers from the Kenyan coast to the streets of Tokyo. Amidst shadow and deception, Tommy and Makenna’s struggles, triumphs, and growth come alive, capturing hearts along the way.

“The Living Legend” celebrates courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of humanity. It explores the legacy of ancestors and the indomitable will to combat injustice. Tommy and Makenna’s journey becomes a testament to the redemptive power of love and unity, as their lives become entwined.

In this tale of honour, sacrifice, and retribution, readers will be captivated by the epic clash between legends. Tommy and Makenna’s unwavering determination and the resurrection of Tumaini Aalee’s legend serve as a beacon of hope. Their story inspires us all to stand tall in adversity, fighting for what we believe in.

Abhinav

Amazon

Calling all Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn Fans. There's a new obsession waiting for you. THE LIVING LEGEND is a timeless kind of read.

Navy Seal Tommy Williams seeks revenge for his dad's murder. Far away, Makena is on a ruthless mission to stop human trafficking in Kenya, her home country. But distance is no match for a common enemy. When they join forces, this action-packed read pulls no punches about how far people are willing to go to conquer evil no matter the means or consequences.

I loved the foreign locales and the well-developed, life and death stakes of the main characters. Hendrickson does a remarkable job of keeping an already exciting book even more exciting with surprising twists and troubles you don't quite know how his characters are going to navigate. There's nothing predictable about his plot, and therefore, heart-pumping and sweaty palms are almost guaranteed. I love this sort of suspense that is so hard to realistically master. I was rushing through the pages to see how it would end!!!

So, dive headfirst into heady, heavy themes and great characters with this intense ride. I feel confident in saying that YOU won't be disappointed.

Laura A.

Amazon

In, The Commander, we meet Commander Jacob Edwards just as he is promoted to being the youngest Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard and given command of the refurbished Coast Guard Hamilton Class Cutter, First Responder. Jacob, his wife and nine-year-old daughter are required to move to where the cutter is based but thankfully that is the same place as his wife’s parents live, so Jacob will feel more comfortable about leaving them alone when he is off on patrol. As he takes command of First Responder, it becomes increasingly apparent, to the Coast Guard, that something big is brewing out in the Gulf of Mexico. It seems that terrorists may be planning to sabotage one or more of the deep-sea oil rigs based in the Gulf, to try to strangle the U.S, supply of oil. Captain Tommy Williams (The Legend) is tasked, by the President, with finding out who is planning the terrorist attack and thwarting it. Tommy knows the best men for that job will be Commander Edwards and the rest of his top-secret military task-force that he is in charge of. So begins an epic showdown in the Gulf of Mexico between a desperate band of criminals and the might of the United States Coast Guard.

The characters Hendrickson has created in this series are fascinatingly overdrawn. At one end of the scale you have the evil mastermind of the criminal enterprise, Boris Rasmov, his family and criminal enterprise, while at the other end we have the dedicated, moral, and powerful leadership of Commander Edwards, his extended family, his crew, and his paramilitary team. What I liked particularly was those fringe characters who were at or near the top of the Coast Guard’s hierarchy but who were morally flawed and therefore able to be manipulated and indeed subverted by the evil Rasmov.

As with all of Hendrickson’s books the action is fast and furious and the author’s research, to this lay-reader, anyway, appears impeccable. The author knows his onions when it comes to the U.S. Coast Guard, its hierarchy, its weaponry and its procedures. Commander Jacob Edwards appeals partly because of his heroism and all-American ingenuity (Bondish or McGyverish in many ways) but what makes him so likeable and identifiable as a real person, is his willing acceptance of other’s ideas and talents. He will always listen to ideas from anyone, and give them credit for them, no matter what their rank. Yes, he’s a lead-by-example hero but he’s more than that. He has a genuine care and concern for his fellow “Guardies” and also for humanity in general. There is a lot to like about Commander Jacob Edwards.

As a reviewer who has reveled in and enjoyed watching Hendrickson’s growth as an author over the past couple of years, I can definitely proclaim The Commander: Last Enemy Series Prequel as the crowning jewel of a superb action/adventure Coast Guard series. Dan E. Hendrickson has arrived, in my opinion, and I am eager to see where his fertile imagination will take him next on his literary journey. I can highly recommend this book and the entire series. It was a truly enjoyable and satisfying read.

Goodreads

This is my first Dan E. Hendrickson thriller, and I am hooked. He opens “The Living Legend” in 1891 Saudi Arabia. Tumaini Aalee, the new chief of his Kenyan village, leads his men to retrieve their women who have been kidnapped by Muslim raiders and avenge the murder of his father. Then we flash forward to the main timeline of the novel, the 1970s. Tommy Williams witnesses the murder of his father by a notorious assassin. His drive for revenge is set free of its restraints when the assassin is reported to be involved in the kidnapping of Kenyan women, children, and officials with the intention of human trafficking.

I’m a sucker for an historical flashback/establishing of a legend, and I loved the parallels drawn between Tumaini Aalee and Tommy Williams throughout the novel. It was a fun ride through history and politics, and military connections. Strangely, I really enjoyed the respect The Chameleon feels for Tommy and his skill. I like it when an author can draw his characters well enough to give them multiple levels of thought and action. It makes them more human. It would be easy for The Chameleon to be just a shallow, uncaring murderer. But he also has fear and respect. And I think Hendrickson has left the door open for a sequel, which also makes me happy.

Goodreads

The Living Legend sets out from the perspective of a noble ruler, Tumaini Aalee, who plots to rescue his mother and sisters from Muslim raiders who attacked his people and killed his father. Defeating the brutal slavers from Asia, Tumaini Aalee earns the name, "The Legend" among his people and his legacy lives on for years to come. Years later, the son of a US Ambassador, Tommy Williams, witnesses his father's tragic assassination and thereafter dedicates his life to finding the murderer, the Chameleon, one of the top assassins in the world. With a vengeance, Tommy decides to train to become a Navy Seal to gain the combat skills he’ll need to take down his father's killer. On a mission to rescue a Kenyan diplomat, Tommy uncovers the country's history, remnants of Tumaini Aalee's legacy, and crosses paths with his greatest enemy. Underlying Tommy's drive is not only a fight for justice, but a desire to make his father proud. An enigma among his peers, Tommy remains determined to save lives and ultimately fulfills his father's last words by exceeding expectations and becoming the man his father had always envisioned him being. If you are looking for an adventurous, action-packed story, this is a terrific book to read

Goodreads

This is one of the first historical fiction books I’ve liked! Hendrickson’s amazing attention to detail and rich story takes us back in history to set the stage for high-stakes adventure through past and present. His characters were fantastic, and you absolutely have to root for Tommy—especially after learning about his father’s murder. This is the best political/historical thriller, and the perfect introduction to a genre I didn’t even know I needed.

What I loved most about this, though, was that it was so easy to get invested in Tommy’s quest for justice after his father was murdered in front of him alongside Makena’s determination to get revenge. I was hooked from the first page. The lengths they were willing to go for two intensely different motives were so interesting and it was fascinating to see them come from the same place.

Political intrigue, historical elements, and the military aspect gave his thriller an edge that works beyond anything I was expecting. I’m absolutely obsessed and hope to see these characters again. For now, I’ll have to content myself with reading his other work.

Goodreads

Tommy Williams witnessed the death of his father, Ambassador Rodney Williams, when an assassin by the name of Chameleon, shot him in the head while they were celebrating Tommy’s graduation in a café in Tokyo, Japan. After his father’s tragic death and with revenge in his mind, Tommy joined the US Navy SEAL, and because of his exceptional skills and intelligence he was able to join in just five months. In Kenya, Makena Aalee, great-granddaughter of Tumaini Aalee, was doing her best to end human trafficking in her home country.

Overall, the story is well written and easy to follow. Even though the story revolves around two different people, the inclusion of dates and places surely helps in the turn of events, and readers will be guided throughout the story. I enjoyed the story and the development of each character, and I loved the thrill fueled by revenge that the story provided. I found the plot very interesting, and the information provided in the book surely came from thorough research. This is an enthralling read, and I recommend it!

Goodreads

Author Dan E. Hendrickson weaves a complex story of history, honor, and righteous justice in his new novel The Living Legend, a harrowing journey of vengeance.

Following the horrific death of his father, Tommy Williams redirects his life for the long game of revenge, joining the Navy SEALs to acquire the skills he’ll need for retribution. Determined to punish the assassin responsible for his father’s murder, but hiding that true intent from his superiors, he overcomes years of grueling training that molds him into a relentless and deadly weapon.

Makena Aalee is fighting a very different battle, determined to inspire change in her government’s response to the continuous slave trade running through the Kenyan coast. However, holding the torch for monumental change is a dangerous business, and her cause quickly places a bullseye on her back. As a grassroots movement begins to form around the issue of human trafficking, her ancestral warrior spirit is put to the ultimate test. Rescuing dozens of victims is one thing, but when hundreds are liberated, and then thousands, the powers-that-be decide that her flame must be snuffed out, along with her family.

Breathing new life into an old legend, both Makena and Tommy are seeking vengeance for great evils done to those they care for, and both must go through more pain to find lasting peace. Their lives have been upended by the same Russian agent, known only as The Chameleon, and this common enemy unites their missions in a dramatic collision.

Not only does the plot delve into the personal demons of violence, anger, and the repercussions of justice, but it also shines a light on the mindset of the American military – meticulous, methodical, brutal, and effective. Balancing backstory and history with whizzing bullets and daring rescues, this story flips gender roles and military expectations in a noble and surprising tale of redemption. The Living Legend is an inspiring and pulse-pounding novel overall that crosses oceans and generations to remind readers about the true nature of heroism

Self Publishing Review

On one side of the world, Tommy, a man seeking vengeance for his father’s murder; on the other side, Makena, a woman seeking to stop the slavery of her people. We’ll find out how their worlds collide in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.

It was 1975 and African-American United States Ambassador to Japan and retired naval academy commander and JAG lawyer, Rodney Williams, was shot dead at a downtown cafe in Tokyo while toasting his son’s graduation. Navy junior commissioned officer Tommy Williams graduated 2nd in the naval academy and was set to attend an Ivy League school to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a JAG lawyer but, having had witnessed his father’s murder by a skilled sniper, he decided to join the special forces branch SEAL. As a SEAL, Tommy hoped to get the training he needed to hunt after his father’s killer. After several grueling years going through the SEAL training program, Tommy embarked on his very first assignment. Little did he know that this assignment would lead him straight to his father’s killer, the Chameleon.

In 1891, Tumaini Aalee traversed the Red Sea and went into Saudi Arabia to liberate his people from slave traders. From then on, he was known as “The Legend” by the people of Kenya. Many decades later, his great granddaughter Makena Aalee, together with Kenyan Undersecretary Bosher Arachar, would fight to continue his legacy. Corruption made it such that Makena was never able to address the Parliament about her advocacy against slave trading, but Undersecretary Bosher was finally able to help her get the audience. After Makena’s speech and presentation to the Parliament, with several big news outlets picking up on the story, the corrupted members of the government involved in the modern day slave trading set out to silence Makena and Bosher.

The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson is a military action fiction prequel to his bestselling book, A Last Enemy. This is about two people living in different parts of the world coming together to fight for their loved ones - one seeking vengeance and the other seeking freedom - as their worlds converge in one dramatic action-packed story. This is a well-written book with a charming main character, consistent characterization, well thought-out plot, and balanced pace. It tackled corruption, modern-day slavery, and politics in a way that is realistic and grounded. I enjoyed following the main character, Tommy, who was highly intelligent, persistent, and a man of principle. I also liked seeing his strategic mind in the War Games during his SEAL Qualification Training. The part nearing the end of the story where Tommy was finally able to come face-to-face with the man he’s been dreaming to kill provided an especially good long look into who Tommy is as a person. Tommy is a main character I’d definitely rally behind.

Quill says: The Living Legend is a military action novel about a man seeking vengeance and a woman seeking freedom as they come together to fight for the principles they live for.

Kimberly Trix Lee

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Born in Sheridan Wyoming in 1962 near the rustic Big Horn mountain range, to Carl and Helen Hendrickson. Dan went to school in…

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