As I sat down to craft “Mendacity,” it felt akin to embarking on a new mission, one that beckoned me to delve into memories of courage, camaraderie, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions forged during my 25 years with the US Army Special Forces. My name is Bryan, a soldier turned author, whose life’s odyssey has been an extraordinary adventure, brimming with moments that tested the bounds of fear, loyalty, and honor.

“Mendacity” transcends mere military fiction; it serves as a conduit through which I share a world that has been an integral part of my existence. Brayden Smith’s saga, set against the lush yet perilous backdrops of Central and South America, echoes the complexities and moral quandaries I’ve faced firsthand. Brayden’s odyssey through the abyss, grappling not only with external foes but with internal conflicts, mirrors the battles we all confront, in myriad forms, throughout our lives.

This book stands as a testament to the spirit of adventure that has guided me from the depths of the oceans to the skies above, and now into the realm of storytelling. It pays homage to the silent warriors who wage unseen wars, to the indomitable human spirit that quests for justice against all odds, and to you, my readers, who embark on this journey alongside Brayden.

Writing “Mendacity” was a voyage through time, an opportunity to reimagine and infuse new vitality into the experiences that have shaped me. Through this novel, my aim extends beyond mere entertainment; I seek to ignite a spark of curiosity, empathy, and understanding within your hearts. It’s a narrative steeped in the realities of military life, the blurred boundaries between right and wrong, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

As you navigate each page, my hope is that you discover fragments of yourself within the story, resonating with the trials, the laughter, and the unwavering hope that defines the human condition. “Mendacity” transcends being just a tale; it’s a shared expedition, one for which I am profoundly grateful to have you aboard.

Thank you for granting me the honor of sharing this voyage with you. Here’s to the innumerable stories that bind us, the conflicts that shape us, and the unyielding thread of shared humanity that inspires us to seek truth, in all its forms.