Paul Shemella’s works of fiction are very relevant because they reflect social issues that are affecting American society and its people.

Almost a decade after the September 11 attacks, hundreds of fiction and non-fiction works related to terrorism have been published. Many of these books talk directly about international terrorism, and how America faces numerous threats from Islamic states and other foreign powers. Themes like these have produced numerous bestsellers. However, Paul Shemella’s works paint another reality. The reality that America is also waging war with enemies within its continent. The current drug war and the threat of white nationalist terrorist are both real. The Jungle Rules trilogy provides its readers a glimpse of that American reality.

The Jungle Rules

Jungle Rules is book one of the Jungle Rules trilogy by author Paul Shemella. In this book, we get to know Carl Malinowski, a mercenary torn between the life he is living and the possibility of living a life of peace with the girl of his dreams, Gabrielle. Carl and his team just came from a daring mission to capture Colombia’s most notorious drug lord. Just as Carl believed he is on his way to retiring for good, he finds himself in big trouble. Not only is the cartel after him, but Carl’s own government also wants him dead. Shemella writes with conviction and clarity that it’s hard to put the book down once you’ve started. Jungles Rules is filled with action, politics, grit, and wit reminiscent of Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum. 

A More Perfect Union

A More Perfect Union is the second book from the Jungle Rules trilogy. Here, readers are momentarily reunited with Carl Malinowski. Carl and Gabrielle are visiting Washington a year after the events of the first book. They have since enjoyed relative peace, living a quiet life away from the city. Carl has taken up a new identity and works as a fishing guide on an island in South Florida. But there seems to be no peace for Carl and Gabrielle as their tour turned into a tragedy. while visiting the Air and Space Museum, Carl noticed a man purposely leaving his bag behind before quickly heading towards the exit. Carl discovered a pipe bomb inside the bag. He then took the bag away from the crowd and tried to throw it to an excavation pit he saw earlier. But the bomb exploded and killed Carl on the spot. Gabrielle must work with the FBI and Jerry, Carl’s best friend in order to infiltrate a Neo-Nazi terrorist cell, stop the bombings and bring those responsible to justice.

Relevance and Impact 

Paul Shemella’s experience as a career Navy SEAL and his knowledge in matters of warfare, counter-terrorism, national security, and civil-military relations makes him an effective storyteller. The issues discussed in Paul Shemella’s novels are very relevant. Just last month, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador vows to beef up the war against drugs due to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. The Mexican government is bringing its elite force back in the front lines of the war on drugs. In the United States, there still exist Neo-Nazi organizations and hate groups. Racism is still evident in some parts of the country. Recent racist attacks, however, are linked to the coronavirus, targeting Chinese immigrants and establishments. Paul Shemella’s novels remind us that these issues are very real and well-entrenched in today’s society.

About the Author

Paul Shemella is a former Navy SEAL and longtime lecturer on terrorism, civil-military relations, and maritime security. As a naval officer, he planned and executed Special Operations in Europe, The Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. As an academic, he designed and delivered seminars and workshops on civil-military responses to national security threats all over the world. He has published groundbreaking books on terrorism, maritime security, and African governance. Paul lives with his wife in Carmel Valley, California. Now in retirement, he is writing a trilogy of thriller novels.