Mikael Carlson’s Sua Sponte: The Minneapolis ADOZ is a high-octane political-military thriller that blends the grit of combat realism with the chaos of civic unrest. Set in the aftermath of a brutal ambush in Syria, the story follows Staff Sergeant Emmit “Chicago” Haskins as he reintegrates into civilian life, only to find himself caught in the spiraling tensions of post-Floyd Minneapolis. The novel weaves together threads of political intrigue, media manipulation, grassroots activism, and the enduring loyalty of a brotherhood forged in war. It’s fast-paced, cinematic, and unapologetically opinionated.

What struck me first was how Carlson plunges you into battle from page one. The prologue doesn’t ease you in; it throws you into a searing ambush near Al-Tanf, Syria. The action is visceral. The description of RPGs ripping through MRAPs and Emmit refusing to abandon his wounded Rangers was raw, heroic, and honestly had me holding my breath. Carlson writes combat like he’s lived it. The whole opening sequence could easily rival any war movie for sheer intensity. I loved that it wasn’t just about firepower. It was about values. Loyalty. Brotherhood. Carlson knows what makes soldiers tick.

The narrative then shifts sharply to Minneapolis, where the tone grows considerably more serious. The city’s social fabric is fraying, and Carlson addresses these tensions with striking candor. The character of Police Chief Vanessa Campbell is placed in a particularly precarious position, as she navigates the volatile intersections of political pressure, internal departmental conflict, and a mayor whose priorities appear driven more by public image than justice. In a particularly jarring scene, the mayor demands the immediate termination of an officer who deployed a taser on a knife-wielding suspect, well before any investigation is completed. His curt command, “Fire him. Today,” delivered while he examines his fingernails, underscores the indifference to due process. The moment is deeply unsettling. It illustrates a system more concerned with optics than with truth, and it’s difficult not to sympathize with Vanessa, who is forced to balance integrity with job security. The tension feels uncomfortably authentic.

The narrative also delves deeply into the interplay between media and activism, presenting a nuanced examination of their power and volatility. Kai, an independent journalist, emerges as one of the novel’s most compelling figures. Intelligent, jaded, and visibly fatigued by the ongoing culture wars, he nevertheless remains committed to uncovering the truth. His analysis of the gathering at Gold Medal Park deliberating whether it constitutes a peaceful protest or the beginning of something more volatile is astute. His observation, “This somehow feels…organized,” resonates strongly, and Carlson’s willingness to confront the ways in which grassroots movements can be manipulated is both bold and unsettling. Landon, the charismatic agitator, delivers speeches that are disturbingly persuasive. When he declares, “Let’s take this protest to the steps of City Hall…or burn it down,” the moment lands with alarming intensity. It captures the razor’s edge between civic expression and orchestrated unrest, and Carlson handles it with disturbing authenticity.

What kept me reading, though, was the emotional heart of the story. Emmit, trying to find a purpose post-military, is such a solid anchor. His conversations with his sister Kenyala were unexpectedly touching and even funny. She’s tough, witty, and won’t let him wallow. Their back-and-forth gave the book some much-needed softness. It’s easy for stories like this to get lost in the adrenaline and outrage, but Carlson brings it back to the human level just enough to keep you invested in more than the politics.

Sua Sponte: The Minneapolis ADOZ is well-suited for readers who appreciate political thrillers that are unapologetically direct and thematically provocative. The novel confronts its subject matter without hesitation, offering a narrative that some may view as politically charged, while others may interpret it as daring and uncompromising. The story delivers a gripping and unflinching exploration of the challenges veterans face both abroad and upon returning home. For those drawn to narratives where the battlefield extends into civilian life, this book is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0F6RMBYG7