Which Submarine Should Canada Buy?
Canada has narrowed its next-generation submarine competition to two boats that represent different philosophies of conventional undersea warfare.
Michael J. Lalonde writes Canadian thrillers that blend military action, political intrigue, and espionage, with compelling characters.
Michael J. Lalonde is a Canadian military thriller author whose writing blends military realism, intelligence operations, and political intrigue. As the creator of The Quiet War, Lalonde introduces a bold new series that puts Canada at the center of global conflict. Drawing on his background in military intelligence and national security, his work offers an authentic and hard-hitting look at what Canada’s warriors are capable of when the stakes are highest.
He served as an intelligence officer in the Canadian Armed Forces for 23 years before entering politics. He holds an MA in History from the University of Waterloo and an MA in International Affairs from Carleton University, academic foundations that complement his firsthand experience in military strategy and global affairs. A lifelong storyteller, his passion for writing was sparked by Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising, inspiring him to craft thrillers that blend operational authenticity with razor-sharp attention to detail.
Beyond writing, Michael is an avid scuba diver and a dedicated steak connoisseur, always in pursuit of the perfect cut. His commitment to precision—whether in storytelling, strategy, or a well-seared cow flank—defines both his fiction and his life.
His debut novel, The Quiet War: Canadian Front, is available for pre-order now.
Deeds not words. To the members of Canada’s Joint Task Force Two, it isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life.
Most Canadians have never heard of them, but when a Canadian veteran and a British intelligence officer vanish in Belize, it’s JTF2 that answers the call.
Sergeant Sebastien “Rocky” Ray, reeling from the disappearance of his friend and commander, must lead Alpha Team for the first time. The objective is clear: rescue the hostages and eliminate their captor. But the enemy is no ordinary zealot. He is part of a larger design, an architect of upheaval intent on reshaping entire societies.
What begins as a hostage rescue spirals into the opening shots of a Quiet War no one realizes has begun. As loyalty collides with duty and a shadowy adversary maneuvers unseen, Rocky must decide whether to cling to the past or embrace the role that could define his future—and the fate of his nation.
Written by Canadian veteran and former intelligence officer, Michael J. Lalonde, The Quiet War: Canadian Front is a gripping novella and debut to a bold new military thriller series with Canada and its allies at its centre.
With its tactical realism, global scope, and emotionally grounded characters, it’s perfect for fans of Tom Clancy, Jack Carr, and military political thrillers rooted in today’s world.
Canadian Front is the first instalment of The Quiet War series, which chronicles a global conflict unfolding across multiple theatres. Canada is the first target but not the last. Future instalments will expand to the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond, showcasing the far-reaching stakes of the war.
Buy now and discover the fight Canada never saw coming.
Works in Progress
Ready, Aye, Ready
Development
50%
Ready, Aye, Ready, the second instalment of The Quiet War series, expands the conflict beyond Canada’s borders. As sovereignty hangs in the balance, the legacy of Crown and Empire resurfaces, igniting the most gripping naval standoff since the Cuban Missile Crisis. With the odds stacked against them, old allies must come together once more, proving that history’s strongest bonds are forged in the fires of adversity.
Vanguard Ranger: A Story from The Quiet War
Development
75%
Vanguard Ranger: A Story from The Quiet War – A full-length novel exploring the origin story of Jason Yates, a U.S. Army Ranger first introduced in Canadian Front. As he reflects on the missions that shaped him, a long-buried truth emerges—an event from his past unknowingly set The Quiet War into motion. Now, in the face of uncertainty, his past and future collide in ways he never expected.
Veil of Innocence: A Story from The Quiet War
Final Formatting
99%
Veil of Innocence: A Story from The Quiet War – A short story chronicling the training and first major investigation of Emily Foster, a CSIS intelligence officer from Canadian Front. As she enters the shadowy world of espionage, Emily must navigate deception, surveillance, and high-stakes intelligence work—all while uncovering a mystery that could jeopardize the mission to rescue Julie Lafleur.
From Michael's Desk
Welcome to my blog, where I explore geopolitics, military and national security, politics, storytelling, and the craft of thrillers. Here, you’ll find insights on my novels, upcoming projects, reviews of the latest in military and political thrillers, and so much more.
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Introducing The Quiet War by Michael J. Lalonde
A new kind of military thriller has arrived—and it’s Canadian. I’m Michael J. Lalonde, a former intelligence officer
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