In this novel, a Pashtun American soldier stationed in Afghanistan faces religious zealots as well as a dangerous, clandestine U.S. group.

In his final year as a med student, Mohammed Karram decides to become a combat medic. He and fellow American soldiers protect Pashtuns in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But many local citizens see the U.S. presence as an invasion. Indeed, the U.S. has killed innocent civilians, and a colonel treats Mohammed as appallingly as blatant racists back home in Denver. Nevertheless, the takfiri zealots who kill in the name of Islam are the undisputed enemy of both locals and soldiers. Mohammed eventually meets and grows fond of Shahay, a widowed mother and warrior skilled with a knife. While he fights off takfiri attacks, Mohammed is not yet aware of another threat. A CIA unit closely monitors “educated Muslims” and their associates in highly illegal fashion. One agent seems to be planning a move against Mohammed’s friends, most notably Shahay. Soon after he’s caught in a blistering firefight, Mohammed learns that someone may have kidnapped Shahay and her son. Finn’s immersive novel ably addresses such issues as American ethnocentrism. Not every soldier in this book is villainous; some, like Mohammed, are respectful and obliging. Frenzied action scenes are depicted with suitably staccato prose: “Pry artery up. Gently. Gently. Need vein. There. Tie off. Section two and a half inches. Slit open. Seat over slash. Suture. Thirty stitches. Not too tight. Release tourniquet. Good pulse.” Engrossing backstory further develops initially mysterious Shahay, who suffered an abusive husband. Other memorable characters include Mohammed’s soldier friend Tony Mitchell and the man who originated and runs the loathsome CIA group.

This military tale features rich culture, abundant action, and sublime characterization.