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When a Canadian diplomat is kidnapped, Captain Matt Lion—once JTF2’s finest—must lead a desperate mission that uncovers a shadow war threatening Canada’s survival. Terrorism, subversion, and foreign powers collide in this relentless special operations, espionage and geopolitical thriller.

Alpha One: A Matt Lion Thriller (The Quiet War Book 2)

Canada is under attack. The problem is, almost no one knows it yet.

From the #1 best selling author of The Quiet War: Canadian Front.

Nine months after a mission shattered him, Captain Matt Lion has walked away from JTF2, Alpha Team, and the life that once defined him.

Then a Canadian ambassador is abducted in South Sudan.

Pulled back into the fight as an intelligence officer, Lion begins hunting those responsible. But the deeper he digs, the less anything looks isolated.

A catastrophic drug crisis is overwhelming Canada’s health-care system. Foreign interference is spreading through the country. Critical national-security decisions are being quietly obstructed. Across continents, seemingly unrelated threats begin converging around Canada.

When Lion realizes Canada cannot fight this kind of war by the old rules, he decides to change them. To survive, Canada will need a force capable of matching an enemy that operates beyond the reach of conventional institutions—unhindered by the politicians and bureaucrats who have left the country exposed.

But creating that force is only the beginning. To take the fight to the enemy, Matt Lion will have to return to the role he walked away from. The one he no longer believes he can fulfill.

Alpha One must return.

Beyond the Frontlines: Stories from The Quiet War

The world of The Quiet War extends far beyond the main series. These companion stories dive deeper into the lives of key characters, explore untold missions, and reveal the moments that shaped the conflict. From short stories and prequels to full-length novels that stand on their own, each offers a new perspective on the war unfolding in the shadows.

The Quiet War: Ready Aye Ready by Michael J. Lalonde

The Quiet War - Book III: Ready, Aye, Ready

A covert alliance of global adversaries challenges Canada’s sovereignty, igniting the most intense naval standoff since the Cuban Missile Crisis. As political tensions surge and war looms, old allies must come together to defy the odds and prevent a conflict that could reshape the world order.

The First Lie: A story from The Quiet War

Emily Foster, a newly minted CSIS intelligence officer, is thrust into a high-stakes investigation that will test her skills, instincts, and resilience. As she navigates the shadowy world of espionage, she uncovers a mystery with devastating implications for Canada’s national security.

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About Michael J. Lalonde, Author

Michael J. Lalonde is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served for 23 years, spending the latter half of his career as an intelligence officer with the rank of captain. Following his military service, he transitioned into politics before attending law school at Osgoode Hall.

He holds an MA in History from the University of Waterloo and an MA in International Affairs from Carleton University, which complement his firsthand experience in military strategy and global affairs. A lifelong storyteller, his passion for writing was ignited by Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising, inspiring him to craft thrillers that blend 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.

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The Quiet War: Canadian Front by Michael J. Lalonde