Prior fans of genetically enhanced superwoman Matti Baker will welcome her return in Defcon, while newcomers will easily fall into her world. This is because Matti employs a feisty voice in describing an encounter which once again tests her ability to survive, protect her family, and prove effective in her efforts to thwart the bad guys and support everything she loves.

Matti is one of a triplet of enhanced children. Her strong family ties have resulted in prodigy who also have extraordinary abilities, and who join her in her efforts to neutralize threats to the U.S.

Even seasoned thriller readers will be surprised and amazed by Defcon because Matti's character is spunky, sassy, and infused with proactive thinking and behaviors that permeate a passionate story infused with history and social observation.

Matti's opinions and examinations offer unexpectedly astute considerations of American ideals gone awry as the intrigue and confrontations play out: 

"The first three words are the emphasis, We the People. Doesn’t say Government now, does it?  Governments creation and main role was to protect these rights and if not, ‘We the People’, have the right to revolt.  The Constitution and Bill of Rights established a government.  The Declaration of Independence was for breaking away from government when not serving the people."

These thought-provoking, critical inspections delivered in a brazen staccato first-person reflective voice are part of what brings not only Matti and her family to life, but the principles they are fighting for, in Defcon.

Another unusual device linking action with a contemporary, realistic flavor is the ongoing allusions Matti makes to popular music and songs which pop up in her mind as she undertakes her missions. These cement her activities with a form of drama and social reference that compliment the cat-and-mouse actions of intelligence, counterintelligence, and unconventional warfare that encircle her life and all she loves.

The challenge lies in what label to assign Defcon, because it doesn't fit neatly into any pat genre read. Military in nature, but with a psychological force that lends it a deep personal flavor; thriller in action, but tempered by family relationships and close friendships; and flavored by political and historical information that invite debate and thought, Defcon is quite simply a standout for its adventure, tone, and powerful, driven female protagonists.

Libraries seeking extraordinary characters and stories which are nearly impossible to put down will find Defcon an outstanding choice that holds the ability to attract a wide audience.