1984. The Soviet Union is locked in a bitter war in Afghanistan against the Mujahideen. To make matters worse, they are losing. With little hope left, and all odds against them, the Soviet Union grows desperate. In response, they create an exotic chemical weapon with a single purpose: To enhance their soldiers on the battlefield.

To test their creation, a secret mission is underway, and they test it on a Mujahideen hold-out, a massive cave complex on the far eastern border of Afghanistan.

Khost

_

2010. The United States is now at war in Afghanistan. To make matters worse, an elite team of Delta Force Operators have gone missing. There remains a lone survivor: Sergeant C. York.

Sergeant York describes a horrifying tale, a nightmare that has been awakened after two decades.

In response, a top-secret CIA team is brought in. These are members of the elite Special Activities Division, the best of the best. Made up of Delta Force, DEVGRU and a famous Marine sharpshooter, they face sheer terror as they are sent in to do one thing:

Kill everything inside the cave!

*

Chemical weapons have been used since the Stone Age. Sounds crazy, eh? Then, the weapons were in the form of poisoned arrows. These poisons were derived mainly from scorpion or snake venom, and possibly poisonous plants.

Gas warfare can also be traced back to the Spartans. The Mongols used poisonous gas in the 13^th century.

Chemical warfare is not a 20^th century invention. It merely escalated in usage, and more importantly, amount of causalities   The Nazis did it, though they weren’t very successful. Germany also used the deadly Mustard Gas in the first World War.

But during the Cold War, both Soviet and Western governments put enormous resources into the development of chemical and  biological weapons. This time period was this tipping point for chemical weapons. They were used on a wide scale, and the world eventually paid attention. The capabilities of these weapons affected many millions during this conflict, and it marked a time when the world would be forced to address the problem.

The problem is, we focus on the deadly chemicals. You know, the ones that kill you. What we miss is, the ones that make you stronger.

*

*

Have you heard of Khost?

No?

Many things happen in this region, isolated in the far eastern region of Afghanistan. Khost is the name of a province, and one of the deadliest regions in the country.

Khost has a long and interesting history. At one time, it was the alleged hiding place of Osama Bin Laden. But before Bin Laden, Khost was home to the fierce warriors, the Mujahideen.

The Mujahideen were financed by the Americans, using this money to buy arms to fight the Soviets. This was America’s Vietnam, our proxy war against the Soviets.

The Mujahideen took this money and also built many complex cave systems. One is known as the Zhawar Kili Cave Complex. Thus hadmany tunnels, some reaching as far as 500 meters. Powered by a gasoline generator, the cave housed a mosque, an arms depot, a kitchen, a hospital, a radio room and much more.

This is not your average cave. And Khost is not a place to trifle with.

The Soviet War in Afghanistan was a war raged between the Soviet supported Afghan government and the guerilla warriors, the Mujahideen. The war lasted almost ten years.

The Muj were supported by many countries, including the US and Saudi Arabia. On March 21, 1983, Ronald Reagan had this to say about the Mujahideen:

“To watch the courageous Afghan freedom fighters battle modern arsenals with simple hand-held weapons is an inspiration to those who love freedom.”

Khost is beautiful. Khost is also deadly.

Dale

Rivers

Clements

Jefferson

Marcus

Hernandez

C. York

Reynolds

Svetlana

Elizabeth

John

Viki

Kim L

Thank you for this interview, Vincent. Why don’t you begin by telling us what’s inside the mind of a horror author?

Do you really want to know?

I suppose like any other horror writer, I delve into the human mind. Our inner fears, what excites us. What scares us. I’m an observer.

Your novel, KHOST, can be categorized as military horror. Can you tell us about this horror subcategory and what got you into it?

Click Here to Read Interview

Click Here to Read Khost

]]> http://vincenthobbes.com/2013/03/20/interview-with-examiner-com/feed/ 0 vincenthobbes http://vincenthobbes.com/2013/03/14/media-the-story-behind-khost/ http://vincenthobbes.com/2013/03/14/media-the-story-behind-khost/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:12:14 +0000 Vincent Hobbes http://vincenthobbes.com/?p=1110 ]]> Here’s a recent interview I did with The Story Behind the Book.

“Khost is the creation of two men: Vincent Hobbes and A.K. Waters. Khost is a military horror novel, inspired by actual events. Khost is a real place, a province on the far eastern border of Afghanistan—a place of war, a place of death.

It’s 1984, and the Soviet Union is locked in a bitter war in Afghanistan against the Mujahideen. To make matters worse, they are losing. With little hope left, and all odds against them, the Soviet Union grows desperate. In response, they create an exotic chemical weapon with a single purpose: To enhance their soldiers on the battlefield.”

CLICK TO READ INTERVIEW

*

]]> http://vincenthobbes.com/2013/03/14/media-the-story-behind-khost/feed/ 0 vincenthobbes khost in war http://vincenthobbes.com/2013/03/14/united-states-special-operations-forces/ http://vincenthobbes.com/2013/03/14/united-states-special-operations-forces/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:58:39 +0000 Vincent Hobbes http://vincenthobbes.com/?p=1106 ]]> Special Operations Forces

The United States has many military and intelligence organizations popularly known as Special Operations Forces. Each branch of military has their own group of Special Operators. Here is a quick guide for you:

Joint Special Operations Command

1^st Special Forces Operation Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D, Delta Force)—Army

Intelligence Support Activity—Army

United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)—Navy

24^th Special Tactics Squadron—Air Force

United States Army

Army Special Forces—Green Berets

75^th Ranger Regiment—Rangers

160^th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—Night Stalkers

4^th Military Information Support Group

8^th Military Information Support Group

95^th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne)

528^th Sustainment Brigade

United States Marine Corps

Marine Special Operations Regiment

United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance 

United States Navy

United States Navy SEALs

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams

Special Boat Teams SWCC

United States Air Force

United States Air Force Combat Control Team

United States Air Force Pararescue

Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician

US Air Force Tactical Air Control Party

United States Coast Guard

Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group

Intelligence Community Special Units

Special Activities Division—CIA

I was awakened early this morning with the grim news. While on location filming for a new  reality show, a helicopter went down, killing three men. On board was Delta Force member, Mike D.

The helicopter was flying in the early morning hours above Polsa Rosa Ranch—a ‘movie ranch’ that’s used by production companies to film TV shows and movies. The three occupants were ejected when the helicopter crashed into an empty field.

The reality TV show’s producer issued this statement:

“We can confirm that a helicopter crash occurred this morning while shooting a new series for a cable network which resulted tragically in three fatalities. We are cooperating fully with the authorities. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those involved.”

Everyone involved on set were working on the production of a new military reality show.

Prayers for the families and loved ones of the three men killed in last night’s crash.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8987509

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/02/fatal-helicopter-crash-occured-on-movie-ranch.html

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/130210/reality-tv-crew-killed-helicopter-crash

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/10/helicopter-crash-acton_n_2658390.html

Two days ago I received the news from some of my friends in the Special Forces community. Chris Kyle, author of American Sniper, and national hero, was murdered. My heart sank.

Chris was a United States Navy SEAL. He was the most lethal sniper in U.S. history, having 160 confirmed kills. He served four tours of duty in Iraq. That’s right, FOUR tours! He earned two Silver Stars among others for his actions in combat.

In 2008, outside Sadr City, he made his longest successful shot. After spotting an insurgent with a rocket launcher near a U.S. Army convoy, Chris took the 2,100 yard shot, saving his fellow soldiers.

That’s 1.2 miles!

As a fan of marksmanship, the skill it takes to do such a thing is amazing. You’re more likely to graduate from Harvard than you are to enter such an elite group of warriors, and Chris excelled, defending his men, fighting for his country.

Chris spent countless times in combat. Politics aside, he took down those who threatened his fellow soldiers. I’d have done the same.

I’ll note I’ve read online (duh, it’s the net. Full of internet keyboard warriors) some unsavory comments about the man.

Thing is, without men like him, the elite warrior class, our way of life in America wouldn’t be the same. Politicians send men to war. Men like Chris do their duty. I respect that.

Chris served within the Naval Special Warfare Command, serving over four tours of duty. Chris served in every major battle of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Due to his track record of success, Chris was deployed to Ramadi. The insurgents there put a $20,000 bounty on his head. It was later increased to $80,000.

During his four tours in Iraq, Chris was shot twice, as well as caught up in six separate IED explosions.

Yet he survived.

Chris gave his all to defend his country. I’ve spoken to members of the Special Forces community that knew Chris personally. They have nothing but the utmost respect for the man and his accomplishments. They are distraught by his death. It’s quite a sad irony, actually. People like Chris (Special Forces community) live wild and dangerous lives. They do things that 99.9% of us could never imagine doing, could never even fathom. While we sit on our couches and go to our dull jobs, men like Chris face constant danger. The irony is this: A warrior should die in combat. He should die protecting his men. Or, if lucky enough to live through it, should die an old man, honored for his service.

After leaving the Navy in 2009, he moved to Texas with his wife and two children.

In 2012, Chris’ autobiography was released. American Sniper is a wonderful read, and a best-seller. (I recommend purchasing this book. It’s a wonderful read, and the royalties due to him would help his grieving family).

To add to his honorable work, Chris paired with FITCO Cares Foundation, a non-profit group that provided help and life-coaching to in-need veterans with disabilities. He worked diligently with those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

And two days ago, his life was tragically cut short.

Chris was helping a Marine who had PTSD at an event on a private ranch. This Marine, for reasons yet unknown, shot Chris and another man point blank. Chris was young, and spent the majority of his time helping returning vets. He died too soon, and in a tragic way, leaving behind a wife and two young children. He’s survived some of the most dangerous situations a man could face, and yet died in such a manner. This haunts my soul. He died HELPING a fellow soldier, not in combat, but back home, where life should be safe, where he should have been able to continue his good work.

I offer my condolences to his friends, his family, and his team mates. The entire Special Forces community has suffered a tragic loss.

Click Here to buy his book

*And on a personal note. To all the enemies of the United States: Fuck You!

-Vincent Hobbes (Author of Khost)

Coming Soon!

The great Billie Sue Mosiman got scammed, as well.

You see, I’m a nothing compared to her greatness. She’s a woman I look up to very much, both as a writer and as a person. I’ve enjoyed every single book I’ve read of hers. In my opinion, she’s the Queen of the Indie World.

Same story, and it goes like this. She was promised a ‘custom’ cover. Here, take a look:

I like it.

But wait a minute . . . hold on!

Mr. Neil Jackson’s ‘one-of-a-kind cover’ he promised wasn’t all that original.

Don’t believe me? Here, take a look:

I mean, REALLY???

How many seconds did it take to adjust some colors?

That ain’t custom, folks. Not by a long-shot.

I’m disgusted by this. How many more have been scammed? Hopefully, this outrage from the Indie Community will shut him down. We’ll be keeping a careful eye, because new authors pop up daily, and all are targets for such scams.

Mr. Neil Jackson, this could be a simple fix. Apologize publically. Say you’re sorry, clarify to authors that you’ll re-use their covers, and this would be over.

Thing is, you probably won’t.

Why? Because no author would want their cover repeated.

I’m wondering if Mr. Jackson figured he’d sell more of his own work riding the coat-tails of Billie Sue Mosiman. Perhaps. Or, perhaps he’s just lazy. I don’t know.

So, while we wait for the apology (and I’m the forgiving sort), I would like to share something.

A good friend of mine created a true CUSTOM cover for my next book. I paid handsomely, and it was money well spent.

Here, check it out:

Wait a minute . . . something looks familiar . . .

Vincent

Why?

Integrity.

Indie Authors want rules that are fair, they want an even playing field—they want a chance in this insane industry of publishing books. An excellent article discussing paid reviews can be viewed here:  

My name is Allison M. Dickson, I’m Self-Published, and my Reviews are Real!

I highly recommend reading it.

Now, I’m not the sort to hold a grudge. I’m not the sort to go pick a fight, or join some cause. I don’t brag about my donations to charity, I don’t join the effort to save every single stray animal. Nothing wrong with causes, they’re just not for me. Causes are reserved for other people, and I’m not one of them.

I’m just a writer trying to make his way. No more, no less.

I do understand something, and that’s this: People DO make mistakes. Trust me, I’ve made plenty, everyone has. It’s part of the learning experience, and as the Indie World expands, thousands more join up. They do so not for money or fame, but for one simple reason: They love books!

Some will attempt writing. Some will attempt to open a publishing company.

Others will attempt designing book covers.

And many are clueless as to what they’re getting themselves into. Some adapt and make it, others fail. But that’s just life now, isn’t it?

But it’s Integrity that brings this topic at hand. (I know, what is the topic?).

Custom covers!

You see, I’m a HUGE fan of Jaime Johnesee’s work. She’s a wonderful writer, and an amazing person. Over the months I’ve been privileged to get to know her on a personal level, and I’m honored to call her a friend.

So, the story goes like this: She works hard . . . blood, sweat and tears and all that shit, and compiles a beautiful collection of short stories. She edits, rewrites, the whole mess that we writers face.

The fear of publication, the snags, the worries . . . . if you’re a writer, you understand.

Done! She’s finished and ready to get her book on the market.

Jaime then finds a ‘respectable‘ cover designer, cheap rates, a promise to create for her a ONE-OF-A-KIND cover. So she coughs up her hard-earned money and receives her ORIGINAL cover. Why must it be original you ask? Because a book must have its own identity, both within its pages as well as on the cover.

Here’s the ‘custom’ cover she purchased:

Looks great, right?

And all is well until . . . .

Hmmmm. Looks like this one-of-a-kind custom cover isn’t so custom after all, is it?

Like I said earlier, I don’t subscribe to causes. Maybe that’s not really true, though. I do follow one cause: I ALWAYS defend my friends.

Jaime Johnesee is indeed a friend, and I know how hurt she was when she discovered this, that her custom cover was being re-packaged and re-used. It’s deception, plain and simple.

I’m sorry Mr. Neil Jackson, but changing a few colors just doesn’t cut it.

Integrity, please!

Again, we all make mistakes, and if it was a mistake, the designer should make it right. He should issue an apology,  refund her money, or perhaps do what he originally promised and give her a CUSTOM cover.

If anything, he should have made it clear, that this cover would be used over and over again. I’d venture to guess Jaime wouldn’t have spent her money on a cover that wasn’t unique and would be resold.

So once more, we have another issue of lack of integrity. If you remember, it wasn’t so long ago that the wonderful Mandy DeGeit got screwed by the ‘publisher who won’t be named’. That guy was an ass. Now, we have designers lacking of integrity.

My question is, will he make it right? Will he calm his ego, will he treat authors with the respect they deserve? I hope so, but I’m a realist, and don’t expect such.

Now, for a MUCH better blog on the situation, check out Todd Brown’s article on the matter. I’m glad there was someone with the courage to speak out on the matter, and figured I’d do the same and offer my support.

Did I just join a cause? Damn, I hope not.

Anyway, here’s his wonderful blog:

Artistic Identity Theft

Now, before I end this, I will say that the story isn’t quite over. Don’t fret, it actually has a happy ending. Jaime Johnesee has a new cover, a much BETTER cover. Here, take a look:

I’d also advise everyone to check out Jaime’s work. She’s quite talented, and if you’d like to download this wonderful collection of short stories, just click here:

Oh, The Horror

by: Jaime Johnesee

Only $2.99

–Vincent Hobbes

-Vincent

I’m stoked.

I definitely suggest if you like zombie stories.

Five-Star. I will read more of his work.

It’s the future, and the world is in chaos. Four hundred years ago, humans stopped aging. Few knew why, and the Change cast the world into despair. Now, the powerful elite, The Establishment, rule the world.

And a bleak society it is.

Food is limited. Jobs are limited. Homelessness and slavery are the norm as people struggle to get by.

I love dystopian novels. The Immortality Virus was a wonderful read. I loved the beginning, where the author set up a bleak world. People fighting over food. Death and mayhem exist everywhere, and people don’t seem to care. As is typical in dystopian-and what causes me to love it-is people’s acceptance of such a bleak life. A life where collective thought has brought humanity to its end.

The author’s writing is engaging. Dialogue is solid, and the story moves quickly. I felt there were a few slow moments, but nothing distracting. My only complaint is the book cover. There were times I felt I wanted to know the characters better, but again, nothing distracting.

Overall, The Immorality Virus is a wonderful book. The author has talent, and I will read more of her work.

To find out more about the author:

Click Here