Steven Hartov

Steven Hartov is an American-Israeli author known for military fiction, espionage thrillers, and non-fiction works focused on special operations and military affairs. A former Editor-in-Chief of Special Operations Report, his works are included in the U.S. Army War College's recommended reading lists. His fiction portfolio includes the acclaimed Israeli espionage trilogy comprising "The Heat of Ramadan," "The Nylon Hand of God," and "The Devil's Shepherd." Hartov achieved notable success in non-fiction with the New York Times bestseller "In the Company of Heroes," co-authored with Michael J. Durant. Hartov's screenwriting credits include several feature films, and his novel "The Heat of Ramadan" was adapted into the film "The Point Men." His journalism work spans multiple prestigious publications including The Journal of International Security, Playboy, and Reader's Digest. His expertise in military and security affairs has led to appearances on major news networks including CNN and FOX, and his six-year tenure as editor-in-chief of Special Operations Report established him as an authority in elite military operations coverage.

Readers praise Hartov's detailed knowledge of military operations and Israeli intelligence, noting his ability to create authentic action sequences and technical accuracy. On Goodreads, readers frequently mention his complex characters and tight plotting in the Israeli spy trilogy. What readers liked: - Accurate portrayal of military procedures and equipment - Fast-paced narratives with realistic dialogue - Integration of historical events with fiction - Detailed descriptions of locations and operations What readers disliked: - Some found the technical details overwhelming - Multiple plot threads can be hard to follow - Character development sometimes takes backseat to action Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "The Heat of Ramadan" (4.0/5 from 212 ratings) - Amazon: "In the Company of Heroes" (4.7/5 from 448 reviews) - "The Soul of a Thief" averages 4.3/5 across platforms One reader on Amazon noted: "Hartov writes with the authority of someone who's been there." Another commented: "His military expertise shows through without becoming pedantic."

In the Company of Heroes (Co-authored with Michael J. Durant) A first-hand account of Durant's experience as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot shot down in Somalia during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.

The Heat of Ramadan An espionage thriller following Israeli intelligence operative Eytan Eckstein as he pursues a terrorist through Europe during the Islamic holy month.

The Nylon Hand of God A military thriller centered on an Israeli special operations soldier confronting both external threats and internal conflicts during a covert mission.

The Devil's Shepherd The concluding novel in the Israeli espionage trilogy, focusing on intelligence operative Eytan Eckstein's final mission against a dangerous adversary.

The Soul of a Warrior A non-fiction examination of combat psychology and the experiences of soldiers in modern warfare.

The Night is a Machine A thriller following a former military operative who becomes entangled in a complex web of international intrigue.

Daniel Silva writes espionage thrillers centered on Israeli intelligence operations and a recurring protagonist in Gabriel Allon. His work incorporates detailed tradecraft and geopolitical elements similar to Hartov's Israeli-focused narratives.

Gerald Seymour draws from his experience as a war correspondent to create intelligence thrillers set in global conflict zones. His books feature deep operational details and complex characters operating in the shadows of international security.

Frederick Forsyth crafts meticulously researched espionage novels that blend historical events with fictional narratives. His work emphasizes technical accuracy in military and intelligence operations while maintaining focus on the human elements of covert warfare.

Alex Berenson creates spy thrillers based on real-world conflicts and counterterrorism operations. His background as a journalist informs his detailed portrayal of intelligence agencies and special operations.

Brad Thor writes thrillers focused on special operations and counterterrorism scenarios drawing from relationships with intelligence communities. His books incorporate current geopolitical situations and military tactics with emphasis on operational accuracy.