Cardiac Gap

The United States in the late 2020s enters a death spiral. Economic crisis spreads in a way not seen for ninety years. The jobless line the streets. An impoverished government cuts military forces and overseas presence to the bone. The Russians smell weakness and make a bold move for Middle East oil.

Against this backdrop, Cardiac Gap follows the struggle of former Special Forces operator Mark Elliot. When Silicon Valley billionaire Courtney Simons pushes a mercenary solution to the Russian challenge, senior military officers implore Mark to join that effort in hopes of guiding a good outcome. Along the way, Mark discovers dark forces at play. He feels trapped and powerless. But when Mark learns the full details of a devastating plot, he has no choice but to risk it all and join one last, desperate fight to save his country.

Woven into this fast paced story, Cardiac Gap asks: What does it mean to stand together as citizens? Will we rally as a country when it matters most?

Absolutely riveting futuristic thriller based on the author’s life as an Airborne Ranger Special Forces officer. Takes today's geo-strategic situation and brings it forward to a grim future possibility. Could not put it down!  - - Colonel (Retired) Patrick O. Carpenter, US Army Ranger, Former Army War College instructor

An immersive experience into a dystopian future.  Bill Raskin combines a lifetime of Special Operations knowledge with expertly weaved staccato storytelling that will absolutely drag you into this book.  Readers are given a rare, and emotional, glimpse into the real relationships, personal sacrifices and leadership required of a professional military in the service of their nation. - - Colonel (Retired) Fredrick C. Dummar, U.S. Army Special Forces

The geopolitical scenario Raskin paints is a frighteningly realistic warning about the dangers of political complacency in a world changing much faster than we realize.  The pacing is nimble, the details and insights of Special Forces operations are brilliantly authentic, and the action explodes with an intensity that can only come from firsthand experience. - - Geoffrey M. Odlum, Department of State Foreign Service Officer and Senior Advisor 1989 - 2017; Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Counter-terrorism specialist

As someone who spent decades in the company of special operators, I know this book vividly reflects the character and ethic of our nation’s very best warriors.  As someone who has spent decades following strategic trends in national security, I feel this book paints a plausible and frightening scenario.  And as someone who enjoys an action-filled and thought-provoking read, I found this book was one I could not put down...highly recommended! - - Colonel (Retired) Mike Lwin, US Army.  Career senior military advisor on Information Operations to Defense civilian leadership