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Praise for SYREN'S SONG

“Reading this second Connor Stark novel is like meeting up with old friends not seen in a long time. The characters are portrayed with such depth and realism that we are soon reacquainted and riveted on the edge of our seats as they recount this gripping thriller that unfolds over the course of thirty-three days. We have no problems feeling each one’s emotions, good and bad. This complicated tale is told in a way that we easily comprehend what’s happening—even the scientific aspects—and Berube expertly spins separate threads into an intricately woven tapestry that raises the hairs on our necks and sends shivers down our spines.”—Pirates and Privateers

“Impressively well-written from first page to last, Syren's Song is a compelling and entertaining novel that will hold the reader's rapt attention with its deftly construction action that never lets up until the climatic conclusion. A solid entertainment and the kind of novel that block buster action/adventure movies are made from, Syren's Song is very highly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review

"Claude Berube has a gift for novel writing. He has created a fantastic story that introduces readers to the possibilities of an insurgency at sea, potential uses for nascent technologies, and positive attributes of private security firms.  Syren’s Song belongs in the genre of thrillers written by popular and well-known authors such as James Rollins and Clive Cussler."—The Strategy Bridge.com 

“After only a few pages of this new thriller at sea by Claude Berube, it is obvious that the author knows what he’s talking about. The twists of the plot and the authenticity of the conflict make this a recommended read.”—Mystery Scene Magazine

"Syren's Song is an entertaining read for those who enjoy geopolitical thrillers. The novel reinforces an important point: our adversaries exploit their own collaborative networks of commercial interests - both legal and illegal - to meet their objectives."—Information Dissemination.net

“Syren’s Song is a full-octane spy and military thriller. Claude Berube dives straight into action from the first line and is extremely good in keeping your interest throughout this fast-paced thriller. He is one of a handful of authors that mixes in a captivating plot with great character development. I highly recommend this novel if you’re a fan of Tom Clancy or Clive Cussler. You won’t be disappointed.”—San Diego Book Review

"Syren’s Song stirs up a cocktail of classic Tom Clancy plot mix, shaken at a Clive Cussler speed, with a sprig of Dale Brown for flair."—CIMSEC.org

“Having worked at the Office of Naval Intelligence and served overseas with Expeditionary Strike Group FIVE, Claude Berube knows today’s threat environment like no other thriller writer. He brings a solid grasp of his subject matter and a sharp eye for detail to Syren’s Song, the second in his series of Conner Stark novels. Sea battles, jungle ambushes, and struggles in the corridors of power punctuate a gripping tale replete with double crosses, terrorism, and an international conspiracy. Move over, Jack Ryan, Syren’s Song is a tremendously enjoyable thriller and a riveting novel of naval adventure.”

—Chuck Pfarrer, New York Times bestselling author of SEAL Target Geronimo

“It's impossible to read Claude Berube's Connor Stark novels and not be reminded of a fellow named Tom Clancy. Reading Syren’s Song is like riding a bullet. It takes off at supersonic speed and delivers stunning force. Claude Berube is a refreshing new entry into the world of military thrillers.”

—John Gilstrap, author of Against All Enemies and the Jonathan Grave thriller series

“Syren’s Song is an absolute thriller! With the U.S. Navy’s smaller and less engaged presence around the globe, the need to adequately safeguard the sea lanes of communication remains a critical challenge, and Claude Berube takes the fight to the next level. Another amazing accomplishment for this generation’s Tom Clancy!”

—Cdr. Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret.), commanding officer of USS Cole (DDG 67) when it was attacked by al-Qaeda terrorists

Syren’s Song is the second novel featuring Connor Stark, and it promises to be just as engaging as The Aden Effect. This geopolitical thriller begins when the Sri Lankan navy is unexpectedly attacked by a resurgent and separatist Tamil Tiger organization. The government issues a letter of marque to former U.S. Navy officer Connor Stark, now the head of the private security company Highland Maritime Defense. Stark and his eclectic compatriots accept the challenge only to learn that the Sea Tigers who crippled the Sri Lankan navy are no ordinary terrorists.

The Sea Tigers have created a new weapon that not even the West possesses, fueling it with a previously undiscovered element. By creating a localized electro-magnetic pulse (EMP), the group and its ruthless leader, Vanni, can effectively neutralize any ship, airplane, or missile. With this weapon they’re poised to instigate instability throughout the region.

Half a world away a U.S. diplomatic security agent is found murdered and the Iranian-born Damien Golzari is tasked with the investigation. He finds more than just murder, uncovering a conspiracy connected to the Sea Tigers and their new weapon.

Meanwhile in the forests of Sri Lanka a veteran journalist gets close to uncovering the Sea Tigers mining operation. She learns that they are using local children as laborers, but before she can find out what they are mining, she is discovered by the Sea Tigers.

Connor Stark sets out aboard Syren, a former Navy experimental vessel now the flagship of Highland Maritime. Stark and his team race against the clock to prevent another Sea Tiger attack, aided by the help of an old friend leading a U.S. Navy force. Guided by fate or just dumb luck, they unite with Golzari and the journalist. When the Sea Tigers surround Syren, Connor, Golzari, and the journalist must come up with a plan to escape. But the Tigers won’t be beaten so easily, and after cornering Stark and capturing him, he’ll learn firsthand if the relationships he’s cultivated will prove strong enough to beat the odds.

With new allies and new enemies, Stark and company face terrorism, war, conspiracy, and murder. Claude Berube has set Stark up for another exciting adventure.

CLAUDE BERUBE has taught at the United States Naval Academy, worked at the Office of Naval Intelligence and the U.S. Senate, and as an officer in the Navy Reserve deployed overseas. He has been a fellow with both the Brookings Institution and Heritage Foundation. He is the author of three non-fiction books and The Aden Effect, the first book in the Conner Stark series. Online at claudeberube.com