Don't count on getting much sleep once you start reading Dominant Species! Michael Marks has crafted a first class suspense filled page-turner. It is almost unbelievable this is his first novel.

Dominant Species plunges the reader full throttle into the middle of a squad of future special ops Marines on a mission filled with plot twists and suspense. The interplay between the characters, real-world tactics, descriptive action sequences, and weapons that are in reality just around the corner, are all spot-on and very believable.

Those familiar with the execution, tempo, tactics, and the all too often “oh s**t” moments that occur in special operations once the first boot hits the ground, will quickly realize this is no run of the mill sci-fi thriller. Mr. Marks' obvious knowledge of the world in which today's shadow warriors operate, combined with the inclusion of many of the devices currently on DARPA's wish list, makes Dominant Species a must read for any student of special ops. The dialogue is some of the most realistic and believable that you will find in any special ops story -- fact or fiction.

While Dominant Species is a sci-fi thriller, Mr. Marks has not sacrificed real characters in order to spotlight “gee wow” technology -- although there is certainly enough of the latter to satisfy even the most savvy techno geek. Cut off from all communications and any hope of assistance, what pulls the squad through is their indomitable warrior spirit and ability to improvise, adapt and overcome.

Congratulations and semper fi to Mr. Marks for a job well done on such an incredible first book. I can't wait for his second!