I must start by saying that I have been a big fan of Stabenow for years. Her Kate Shugak novels are excellent and well written mysteries. However, her last two novels have turned to the thriller genre and are far below the standard that she had previously achieved. Blinfold Game was a 2 star outing and Prepared for Rage is only 1 star in my opinion. Basically, the story devlopment is weak and not very believable. The characters are inconsistent, and coincidence just plays too big a part in holding the story together. Dana, please go back to writing your Alaskan mysteries. You are very good at it - and far better than you are as a terrorist/thriller writer!

We need to set Mutt out to fetch Dana Stabenow back where she belongs,which is writing about Kate Shugak. This glorificatin of the Coast Guard wasn't necessary. First of all, this branch of the Armed Forces serves its purpose, we don't have to try to glamour them up and make them secret agents. Next, the book just doesn't move. Like Dana's Liam Campbell books, they are something we, her dedicated fans, might buy in between her REAL books...the ones about Niniltna and Kate and Bernie and Chopper Jim and the rest. And for a while, Dana was only phoning those in. She's back on track now, with the latest Shugak entry, and I for one want more. Ms. Stabenow, if you read these reviews, please don't worry that you are going to the Kate Shugak well too often. I think that's why you have taken on these other projects, so we don't get tired of the Shugak books. I promise you, we won't. And if we do, then you can try writing about the Coast Guard and Liam and Old Tom Cobbley if you wish, but first, GIVE US MORE KATE. Thank you.

As a sourdough Alaskan, Dana Stabenow's love for, and her knowledge of that great state comes through in every sentence. Her raw talent as a writer, and her passionate delivery of the written word separates her from the pack. She skillfully transports the reader into a world most of us would never, otherwise, visit. In short, this woman can flat write! So enjoy!
Spike Walker

Good book, Dana Stabenow's most recent standalone thriller. Like the first, Blindfold Game, the tale involves the Coast Guard, big fast (and slow) boats and terrorists and will draw, focus and escalate your attention in a way that means you'd best set aside some time to spend with the book. Many characters are so well drawn, you'll feel you've known them forever. And if you like them try one of her mystery series, Kate Shugak and Liam Campbell.

First, I have to say, I have read everything published by Ms. Stabenow. I feel like Kate is a troubled sibling of mine about who I cannot wait to learn of more adventures. This attempt at over glorification of the Coast Guard (great guys and gals), the Florida and some fairly inane props to get both into trouble and out of it, is Ms. Stabenow at her laziest. I bought the hardback, digested it in a couple of sittings, and was never challenged, intellectually or emotionally by the odyssey. I know there are better stories waiting inside this author. Don't waste your time with this one.

Captain Cal Schuyler and the crew of the US Coast Guard cutter Munro are front line off the coast of Florida when a rogue terrorist with a grudge targets the launch of the space shuttle. Cal's lover, Alaskan astronaut Kenai Munro, and a high-profile civilian are set to be on board for this launch. What better target in the United States than its beloved space program?

Stabenow takes us deep into the head of a man who blames the U.S. for personal losses. The first chapter of the book is brutal and heartbreaking-and the ease with which he kills is chilling.

Though the protagonists are new this time around, several characters from Stabenow's first Coastie thriller, Blindfold Game, make appearances as secondary characters in the search for the terrorists.

Stabenow spent two months aboard the real USCG cutter Munro to learn about life at sea and the work that the Coast Guard faces daily. She used this experience to share the dangers, the excitement, and the people of the Coast Guard with us the best way she knows how.

Stabenow's greatest strengths lie in her ability to create characters that come alive, as well as a vivid sense of place. Add to that the suspense of Coasties battling terrorists, throw in some steamy romance and you have one heck of a ride and a scenario that is all too credible for comfort.

Armchair Interviews says: Hold on for this thrilling ride.

When an author has a passion for a subject, it shows mightily. Such an author is Dana Stabenow, who expends great efforts in first-hand research aboard Coast Guard vessels in an effort to portray the men and mission of that service with authenticity. This approach was demonstrated in the previous effort, Blindfold Game, and again in this the author's 15th novel and second standalone, which also adds NASA and a space shuttle launch to the mix, as well as a terrorist plot on a level equal to 9/11.

The Coast Guard's mission during launches is to keep a wide area off the coast of Florida clear of surface ships to avoid collisions with falling debris. In this case, the cutter Munro, captained by Cal Schuler, son of a U.S. Senator, is assigned the duty of directing the operation because it is named for a relative of Kenai Munro. Kenai is one of the shuttle's crew, and also has the role of providing a love interest for Cal.

The "bad guy" goes by many names, the latest of which is Isa, apparently a play on the name of Jesus. He is acting independently of bin Laden and al Qaeda in an effort to establish his rep, and recruits his own cell independently of the terrorist organization. He is determined to strike at the space shuttle, a most visible symbol of the United States on a par with, if not even more important than, the twin towers.

Written with the power and excellence of the previous novels, the book is mind-boggling and eerie, full of action which includes a high-speed ocean chase. It is a clever concept, smartly executed, and is highly recommended.

Dana Stabenow - Prepared for Rage
Get ready for a wonderful story with tension, turmoil, and terrorists. In this case, we know who the villian is, but we're not sure how or when he will be stopped.

This book is exciting, holds your interest, and builds suspense higher and higher, right to the end. I loved it. Ms. Stabenow's knowledge of terrorists and their methods is amazing. I also love the fact that she used a real Coast Guard ship as one of her characters in the story. As a movie, this one would make one very exciting ride, from beginning to end.

First Sentence: She screamed, once, a single, helpless cry of agony, despair, and betrayed innocence.

Her whole life, Kenai Munro has dreamed of being an astronaut. How is her chance as the shuttle Endeavour. Kenai is also related to Douglas Munro, the only member of the Coast Guard awarded a Medal of Honor.

Cal Schuyler is captain of the Coast Guard cutter, Munro. He and his ship have been ordered to protect the waters off the launch site of the Endeavour.

Akil Vihari was the right hand of terrorist as-Zarqawi. He has set off on his own to prove himself by committing an act of terror that will garner the attention of the world and Osma Ben-Laden who, in addition to the intelligence forces of the Western World, is looking for him.

The strength of this book is the characters. Stabenow gives us backgrounds for each of the main characters that allow us to understand their motivations.

Although we know pretty much where the plot is going, it's the way the puzzle pieces fit together that make this a compelling read. Along the way we learn about the Coast Guard, the astronaut program and terrorist cells. The story is horrific, emotional, sexy, humorous and suspenseful. Stabenow's descriptions are evocative and her dialogue crisp.

This, for me, was not her best book, but once started, I didn't put it down until I had finished it.

The author put everything in the book - NASA, US Coast Guard, drug runners, Ben Laden, Iraq war, etc. Unfortunately the only plot line which survives by the end of the book is a romance. It is very disappointing though you should know better right from the beginning when you read about book's main hero. He is an aristocrat, extremely rich, handsome, smart and saved everyone in the aftermath of Katrina... I bet he will end the world hunger in the next book.

I've read all Dana Stabenow's books and particularly liked her last one, BLINDFOLD GAME. She researched the newest, PREPARED FOR RAGE, by living aboard a Coast Guard cutter for several weeks. The result is one of the most convincing portrayals of seaborne policing that I've ever read. I wish I could be as enthusiastic about her characters. The two "good guy" protagonists lack the spark that creates understanding and empathy in a reader. The bad guy is more fully described, but I had difficulty buying into his basic motivation: that after his bigoted countrymen caused the death of his sister because he was too Americanized, he began to hate America instead of the bigotry of his homeland. Still, PREPARED FOR RAGE is what the Brits call "a ripping yarn" -- good entertainment for readers who like plot-driven suspense.

This is an exciting suspense novel about a terrorist named Isa and various CIA and Coast Guard characters who get involved in stopping his attempt at an Evil Deed. The characters are pretty well fleshed out and the plot is one those that tracks various threads until they all come together in a decidedly edge-of-the-seat ending.

Dana Stabenow writes the Kate Shugak novels. They are considerably more interesting than this novel because of the setting (Alaska) and the complex and compelling protagonist. The characters in Prepared for Rage are too competent and mentally healthy!

The novel ends in such a way as to promise another one about some of the same characters. I think perhaps D.S. wrote this novel so that it would make a good movie, which indeed it would....

Well remembered for her readings of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, voice performer Lorelei King gives a stellar rendering of this action packed suspense thriller by Dana Stabenow. As narrative tension increases King keeps her voice at a steady pace, which tends to make what appears to be an impending disaster all the more terrifying. She deftly segues from character to character never giving in to distracting vocal techniques.

Edgar winning author Stabenow has moved from her Alaskan settings to a kinder climate- the sunny waters of the Caribbean just off the Florida coast. Nearby is the Kennedy Space Center and it is here where the next space shuttle mission is to take place. What makes this launch unique is that it is the target of an amoral Pakistani terrorist, Akil Vihari, who hopes to hit America where it hurts the most.

Amidst the efforts to track down Vilhari there is, of course, a love interest. We hear astronaut Kenai Munro describe her impression of Captain Schuyler: "His eyes were very blue. Sailor's eyes. She thought he might be blond, but like every other male crew member she'd seen he'd shaved his head almost down to the scalp in preparation for sea showers on patrol and it was hard to tell. Come to think of it, he didn't look anything at all like Robert Redford. Robert Redford was a troll by comparison."

It's pretty clear where that's going and we can easily surmise what the outcome of the hunt for terrorists will be. However, it's quite a trip getting there as excitement abounds and surprises wait at every turn. Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

was disappointed that it wasn't a Kate or Liam novel but I love her writing and liked the book

Dana Stabenow follows her award winning BLINDFOLD GAME with a second can't put down thriller with the US Coast Guard. PREPARED FOR RAGE opens with a disconcerting scene of life under primitive Muslim rule in a small village in Pakistan. From that point is steams full speed ahead, utilizing some characters from BLINDFOLD GAME as background, but this is a complete stand alone story which will grip you till the dramatic conclusion.
Ms. Stabenow's graphic descriptions of the twisted mind of hate and irrational religious fervor is fantastic and as enthralling as the story itself.
Thanks Dana from an ardent fan, you never fail to deliver.
Nash Black, author of WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

Most Americans take for granted the launching of the space shuttles from the Kennedy Space Center; yet when something goes wrong like with Challenger the entire nation grieves. Thus a Pakistani terrorist with a personal grudge against the United States understands what blowing up a shuttle would do the country's psyche. He has lined up a loyal team of zealots willing to die for success and begins the alternate countdown as NASA prepares for the next launch.

The FBI has heard message trafficking of a major attack soon, but not sure how or where; they and the US Coast Guard led by intrepid Captain Cal T. Schuyler want to keep the Cape Kennedy area safe as that is a prime target especially with a VIP on board the shuttle.

Leaving Alaska for the waters off Florida's east coast, Dana Stabenow proves she is as good at a suspense thriller as she is at a Kate Shugak crime saga. The story line is action-packed whether the readers follow the astronauts especially Kenai Munro preparing, the terrorists, or the Coast Guard. Readers will enjoy this strong tale as Ms. Stabenow's second Coast Guard thriller (see BLINDFOLD GAME) may occur in warmer waters, but the danger seems as plausible.

Harriet Klausner

The opening of this book is one of the most intense, disturbing passages I have ever read. And the book just keeps going from there.

Several different elements, including the Coast Guard and the space program, are tied together as this fast paced book moves along. This is a book to pick up when you have time to read the whole thing - you won't want to put it down!

Stabenow takes threads from real life headlines and masterfully weaves them into a solid spellbinding fabric that is realistic and a terrific read. This one is very hard to put down, from the first chapter which is very emotionally disturbing to the exciting and still rather disturbing conclusion. The character development is rewarding to the reader while moving the plot forward to its final scenes.

This book is written and researched so well, with scenarios out of actual headlines, that for some the book is just *too real* and the fine line between fiction and nonfiction becomes blurred when the tension builds and builds and you can't put it down. It makes your heart pound and your hands grow clammy, but you keep on reading. The characters come alive and before you're through the book, you'd swear you'd known these people before in your REAL life and not through a novel. Dana posted her blog from her two months on the US Coast Guard Cutter last spring, where she was learning, living, and researching for PREPARED. If anything, it's too real, and, as several other reviewers mentioned, the first chapter is brutal... and you just can't reading. I pre-ordered this early from Amazon and, for those who actually read the book, it gets a five stars!!!

This is NOT part of the Kate Shugak series as stated by Amazon. It is a stand alone novel. I did not care for her other stand alone, so am not even reading this one. It is getting returned.