Dark Rising by Andrews & Wilson plunges readers into a gripping narrative where the lines between military action and supernatural conflict blur. The novel intricately weaves two primary storylines: the harrowing kidnapping of young Sani Marcelin in the Dominican Republic and the unexpected entanglement of former Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson, leader of the Shepherds’ Special Missions Unit (SMU), in a burgeoning crisis. As these seemingly disparate events unfold, they reveal a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by Manbo Athaliah Guerrier, a powerful Voudou priestess, and her formidable lieutenant, Calypso.  

This installment of The Shepherds series distinguishes itself by masterfully blending high-octane special operations with profound spiritual warfare. It explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle against malevolent forces, all while maintaining a relentless pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The central conflict escalates rapidly from localized child abductions to a global threat, culminating in a climactic confrontation that reshapes the landscape of the spiritual war. The narrative’s unique fusion of gritty tactical realism and unsettling supernatural elements creates a compelling and often chilling experience, solidifying its place as a standout in the action-thriller genre.  

Dark Rising emerges as a compelling entry in a series celebrated for its distinctive approach to the action-thriller genre. The authors, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, have garnered significant acclaim, with #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Greaney praising their ability to craft “grittier and more authentic action” than many of their contemporaries. This reputation for realism and intensity is deeply embedded in the narrative of Dark Rising, offering readers a visceral experience of combat and covert operations.  

The book takes its place within a lineage of military thrillers, yet it carves out its own unique niche by integrating elements that transcend conventional genre boundaries. It introduces a world where the precision of special operations collides with the unsettling reality of supernatural conflict, a fusion that defines The Shepherds series. While the inclusion of overtly supernatural or religious themes might not typically align with every reader’s preference in genre fiction, Dark Rising integrates these elements in a manner that significantly amplifies the narrative’s intensity and unique atmosphere. This deliberate blend sets the stage for a story that is as thought-provoking as it is action-packed, inviting readers to explore a world where the battle between good and evil manifests in both the physical and spiritual realms.  

Dark Rising unfolds with a compelling dual narrative that expertly builds tension and reveals a sprawling, insidious conspiracy. The story begins with the abduction of Sani Marcelin, a young Haitian girl, from her school bus in the Dominican Republic. Sani, possessing a unique spiritual gift, is taken to the seemingly benevolent Amour et Espoir Children’s Home in Port-de-Paix, Haiti. Her immediate unease and subsequent discoveries within the orphanage, including encounters with children who appear to be “zombies,” quickly establish a profound sense of dread and mystery.  

Concurrently, Jedidiah Johnson, a former Navy SEAL and the newly designated leader of the Shepherds’ Special Missions Unit (SMU) known as Joshua Bravo, finds his mandatory vacation in the Dominican Republic abruptly interrupted. His intervention in an attempted child kidnapping, sparked by a desperate mother searching for her daughter, Emelin, leads him into a violent confrontation with Calypso, a powerful Dark One. This encounter, and Jed’s subsequent arrest and release by CIA liaison Gayle James, propel him into an investigation that quickly uncovers a disturbing pattern of child disappearances. The tragic murder of local Shepherd assets, Marcello and Kaprica, by Calypso provides Jed and Gayle with a direct, albeit horrifying, link to Amour et Espoir, compelling them to travel to Haiti to pursue the lead.  

The narrative skillfully leverages the vivid and often unsettling backdrop of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The pervasive influence of Voudou, or Las 21 Divisiones as it is known in the Dominican Republic, is not merely a cultural detail but a central, sinister force within the plot. The authors delve into the complexities of Voudou, explaining its syncretic nature and how its practices, including the chilling concept of “zombies” (depicted as a paralytic and hallucinogenic process used for control), are perverted and exploited by the Dark Ones. This integration of local beliefs and dark magic deepens the threat, creating a unique and terrifying atmosphere that distinguishes the novel. The exploration of Voudou is presented not as a mere exotic backdrop but as an integral component of the antagonist’s power, highlighting how cultural nuances can be twisted for malevolent purposes.  

The central conspiracy revolves around Manbo Athaliah Guerrier, a wealthy and influential Voudou priestess who operates the Amour et Espoir orphanages as a front. Her ultimate goal is to exploit gifted children and ascend to a position of supreme power within the Dark Ones’ hierarchy. The “Dark Rising” ceremony, initially believed to be taking place in the Paris catacombs to select a new leader to replace the defeated Victor, is revealed to be a calculated ruse. This deception underscores Athaliah’s cunning and strategic brilliance, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the spiritual war.  

Dark Rising stands as a compelling and intensely satisfying addition to the Shepherds series, masterfully blending high-octane military action with a deeply spiritual and often unsettling narrative. The authors’ expertise is evident in every meticulously detailed tactical sequence and every nuanced character arc, creating a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience that resonates with readers.

The novel significantly advances the overarching conflict within The Shepherds’ universe. It introduces formidable new antagonists in Manbo Athaliah and her lieutenant Calypso, who represent a cunning and powerful new facet of the Dark Ones’ operations. Simultaneously, the book showcases the evolution of The Shepherds’ operational structure, particularly with Joshua Bravo’s redesignation as an SMU, implying enhanced autonomy and strategic importance. The spiritual gifts of key members, especially the Watchers, are also shown to be growing and adapting to new threats, indicating a dynamic and evolving conflict. The “Dark Rising” ceremony, initially a deceptive maneuver, ultimately sets the stage for a new era of spiritual warfare, with Athaliah poised to become a dominant force, ensuring that the battle against evil is far from concluded.  

The conclusion of Dark Rising leaves readers with a sense of both hard-won victory and lingering threat, fostering high anticipation for future installments. The personal journeys of Jedidiah Johnson, David Yarnell, and Gayle James, coupled with the expanding capabilities of the Watchers, promise even more complex and thrilling adventures ahead. This continuous character development and escalating global conflict solidify the series’ prominent place in the genre.

For fans of military thrillers who are open to, or even embrace, a significant supernatural and faith-based dimension, Dark Rising is an unequivocal must-read. It is a testament to Andrews & Wilson’s ability to craft a story that is both “action-packed” and deeply thought-provoking, appealing to those who enjoy exploring themes of “sacrifice and temptation” within a “pulse-pounding” framework. While the overt spiritual elements might not appeal to every reader, such as myself, the sheer quality of the writing, the relentless pace, and the compelling character development make it a standout narrative for a broad audience.