John Stratton is the chief character in the John Stratton series of novel by British Royal Mariner turned novelist Duncan Falconer. John Stratton makes his first appearance as the lead character in the novels in the first novel of the series, the 2003 published title “The Hostage”. John Stratton was a British Royal Marine soldier that served in the British Special Boat Service just like the author. The service is one of the most highly skilled and trained division of the Royal Navy whose officers and duties correspond to those of the Navy Seal Division of the United States Marines. John Stratton is one of the best soldiers in the specialized unit that is used in demolition, reconnaissance, rescue, and infiltration all over the world. The Hostage the first novel of the series begins with the chief protagonist as the top soldier in his division. Starting at breakneck speed, it tells of an undercover operation against the IRA that goes horribly wrong necessitating British intelligence to call in their best man Stratton to help them out. It is a dangerous race against time to recapture a taken colleague before he is killed and prevent the IRA from getting to the Republic. Suspecting that there is a mole within MI5 a surveillance mission is …show more content…
John Stratton heads to Yemen on a mission to track down a dangerous Al Qaeda cell at the behest of the Secret Intelligence Service. However, when ruthless Somali pirates kidnap them, they learn how it is to be mere bargaining chips in the hands of men with no regard for human life. What makes the situation even more dangerous is that the Pirates are no ordinary hostage takers, but rather a division of a sickening Jihadist organization. Now facing battle hardened warriors that have no feat Stratton’s ingenuity and skill in difficult situations must be brought to bear of he is to hold on to values he holds dear while remaining