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Eric Wentz is a twenty-six year veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served as an intelligence officer, an interrogator, and a linguist. He has a bachelor's degree in history and English literature, a master's degree in linguistics, and a master of science degree and doctorate in educational administration. His first novel, Piercing the Veil, was published in 2009. He is also a certified SCUBA diver, experienced canoeist, and hunter. Wentz is also an amateur archaeologist who loves to dig up old stuff.
He is currently teaching English literature and working toward a degree in Homeland Security.
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Killing Sharks: De Profundis" by Eric Wentz is in some ways a typical modern political thriller in that it has the elements we have come to associate with such literature – a strong military figure who is something of a maverick, fuzzy ineffectual politicians, a variety of settings in some of the world’s more tortured regions and acts of terror either realized or threatened. However, this novel takes it to a deeper level. The characters are rounded, actions are considered and explained, and there is substance to the emotions portrayed. Lieutenant Commander Grant Chisolm, who has already appeared in a previous novel by this author, is a powerful, resourceful and courageous protagonist, and provides a suitably strong heart for this gritty, pulsating novel. In his new role as liaison officer at Guantanamo he has to have very close dealings with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The threat of terror is constantly there. You will almost forget to breathe when you are reading this book.
The author clearly has a vast knowledge of military matters and history and he shares this with us in this novel. We can’t help but share his fascination as we are pulled into this tightly woven story. We meet a wide cast of characters, from likable and noble to downright evil, and encounter many different emotions. There are touches of humor to lighten the generally serious and suspenseful atmosphere. There is a very helpful glossary of terms which explains terms like jihad, CENTCOM, etc. It is a good thing as you don’t feel silly if these are terms you either haven’t come across before or have never fully understood. There are also notes and a map. I would have preferred not to have the reviews at the beginning of the book. They would be better on the book’s website or at the end. They also mean you have to wait longer to start reading this excellent book. And more is given away by the table of contents with chapters with such headings as ‘Caffeinated Diplomacy’ and ‘A Wary Interview’. Definitely a book to read.
