Force of Nature is an action packed thrill ride through the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado that finally reveals the secrets of Nate Romanowski's past. Picking up just a few weeks after the events of Cold Wind, Nate is in hiding after confirming the mysterious Five led by the ruthless Nemecek, his former commander and falconry mentor, are hunting him down. He barely survives the first assassination attempt that leaves three locals dead and makes him the prime suspect in a cold blooded murder. When Nemecek begins to target anyone who can be linked to him, including Joe Pickett and his family, Nate stops running and goes on the offensive, determined to end things once and for all.

Force of Nature is primarily Nate's story though Box doesn't neglect Joe or the characters we have become familiar with in the series. While Nate dodges assassins that have taken apart his entire former Black Ops team, Joe wrestles with his conscience, the ever more boorish Sheriff McLanahan and an irritating trainee.

There is less mystery in this novel than in previous installments, though the fast paced action makes up for it. A boat containing three bloodied bodies discovered in the first few pages sets the tone for the murder and mayhem to follow. I'm reluctant to share too many details because I think Force of Nature works best if you simply hold your breath and hang on for the ride through twisting mountain passes. I will reveal that the conclusion is quite spectacular and I really enjoyed getting to know more about the enigmatic Nate whose depths has only been hinted at previously.

Force of Nature is an exciting page turner and a great addition to this terrific series. I think it works more effectively if you have read at least a few of the previous 11 titles in the series and is a must for fans. I'm looking forward to the next one already.