Introducing The Quiet War by Michael J. Lalonde
A new kind of military thriller has arrived—and it’s Canadian. I’m Michael J. Lalonde, a former intelligence officer
Michael J. Lalonde Canadian Military Thriller author
Michael J. Lalonde is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, where he served for 23 years, spending the latter half of his career as an intelligence officer with the rank of captain. Following his military service, he transitioned into politics before attending law school at Osgoode Hall.
He holds an MA in History from the University of Waterloo and an MA in International Affairs from Carleton University, which complement his firsthand experience in military strategy and global affairs. A lifelong storyteller, his passion for writing was ignited by Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising, inspiring him to craft thrillers that blend authenticity with razor-sharp attention to detail.
Beyond writing, Michael is an avid scuba diver and a dedicated steak connoisseur, always in pursuit of the perfect cut. His commitment to precision—whether in storytelling, strategy, or a well-seared cow flank—defines both his fiction and his life.
His debut novel, The Quiet War: Canadian Front, is available for pre-order now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to write The Quiet War Series?
I joined the Canadian Army at 17 years old. During my first summer of training, my instructors decided I had committed an egregious offence, the nature of which I can’t remember. As punishment, I pulled more than my fair share of incredibly dull sentry work. My mission was to guard the water truck. Thankfully, the last driver of that truck left behind Red Storm Rising, one of Tom Clancy’s first novels. I read that to pass the time and I was hooked. After reading all of his books and several others in the genre, I noticed an unsurprising lack of Canadian content. I’ve always wanted to write a Clancy-styled book within a Canadian context and have been thinking about it for years, but I never had the time until now.
How often do you plan to publish books?
What originally started as a plan to write one book turned into a series with several books. My first book was so long that it had to be broken up into several different works, which means I will be in a position to publish the first three instalments of the series in quick succession, as most of the material for the second and third books in the series has been written. While I haven’t decided yet on what the interval will be, I can tell you that you won’t have to wait long for the next books to come out. My website will track and publish the progress I’m making so you can keep up to date on where I’m at in the process.
What’s next after Canadian Front?
The second instalment, Ready, Aye, Ready, expands the conflict into the Arctic, where sovereignty is at stake and a gripping naval showdown unfolds. This book also introduces the United Kingdom into The Quiet War, deepening the series' geopolitical scale.
I’m also working on Vanguard Ranger, the origin story of Pat Sanders, a U.S. Army Ranger whose past missions are more connected to The Quiet War than anyone realizes. His story brings the American special operations perspective into the series, adding another layer to the conflict.
Additionally, Veil of Innocence follows CSIS officer Emily Foster’s first mission, diving into the world of espionage and intelligence gathering. Both Vanguard Ranger and Veil of Innocence were originally part of Canadian Front, but due to length, they were expanded into standalone companion stories that enrich the characters and the broader Quiet War universe.
What is The Quiet War series about?
The Quiet War is a military-political thriller series that unravels a global conspiracy to dismantle the Western world—both from within and through direct confrontation. Blending special operations, conventional warfare, espionage, cyber warfare, and geopolitical intrigue, it delivers a high-stakes, realistic portrayal of modern conflict and the covert battles shaping global power.
Do I need to read The Quiet War: Canadian Front before reading later books in the series?
Each book in The Quiet War series builds upon the larger conflict, but I write them in a way that allows new readers to jump in at different points. While Canadian Front lays the foundation, future instalments will explore new theatres of war and introduce fresh perspectives. Having said that, I highly recommend you read them all!
Are your books based on real events?
While fictional, my stories are grounded in real-world military strategy, intelligence operations, and geopolitics, shaped by 23 years of military service—12 as an intelligence officer. I strive for authenticity, drawing from real tactics, cutting-edge technology, emerging threats, and the complexities of modern global conflict.
How do you research your books?
I draw from military doctrine, open-source intelligence reports, real-world conflicts, historical case studies, and my own experience to ensure accuracy. I also incorporate insights from experts in special operations, intelligence, and national security to maintain realism in both tactics and geopolitical strategy.
What is your writing process like?
Once I have an idea, I know where the story starts and how it ends, but I rarely have a rigid plan for how I’ll get there. Instead, I focus heavily on building the protagonist and key characters, developing them until they feel like real people. From there, I let them take control.
Often, when I start writing a chapter, I don’t know exactly how it will unfold—I only know what needs to happen. I begin writing, and the characters tend to lead the way, shaping the narrative based on who they are and how they would naturally react. Staying true to character is one of my biggest priorities. I constantly ask myself: How would Matt Lion handle this situation? What would Sarah Bouchard’s response be? I apply this same process to every character, ensuring their decisions and actions feel authentic.
In The Quiet War series, the sheer number of dynamic characters introduces variables that are impossible to plan around perfectly. The result is a story that evolves as I write, growing in ways I didn’t always anticipate. This approach makes writing unpredictable—but that’s what makes it exciting. While it’s not the most efficient or organized method, I do find it to be the most fun. In a way, I kind of feel like the reader as I’m writing because I never know exactly how the story will turn out.
Do you offer signed copies of your books?
Yes, I periodically offer signed editions and limited-run collector's copies. Check my website or subscribe to my newsletter for updates.
Will The Quiet War series be available in audiobook format?
Yes, I plan to release The Quiet War series in audiobook format. The biggest challenge is the production cost of high-quality narration, so audiobooks won’t be available immediately. However, as the series gains traction and sales grow, I intend to add this option. Sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on release dates and availability.
How can I stay updated on your future books?
The best way is to subscribe to my newsletter, where I share exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes insights, and early announcements. You can also follow me on social media or check my blog for updates.
Can I interview you for a podcast, article, or event?
Absolutely! I’m happy to discuss writing, geopolitics, military and national security matters, military thrillers, and the real-world inspirations behind my books. Contact me through my website’s contact page for details.
Do you read fan messages and feedback?
Yes, I love hearing from readers! Whether it’s a question about the series, thoughts on a particular book, or just a message of support, I always appreciate the engagement. You can reach me through my website or social media.
Will you ever write outside of the military thriller genre?
While The Quiet War is my primary focus, I have some cool ideas for an Epic Fantasy series that I may explore in the future. I have also written extensive Star Wars fan fiction culminating in two full series worth of novels that I haven’t released anywhere yet. I’m still holding on to hope that they may one day get published under the official banner, but if that doesn’t end up happening, I will release them for free on my website.
Are your books available internationally?
Yes! My books are available on Amazon and other major retailers worldwide. Some regional restrictions may apply based on the retailer, but most readers should be able to purchase a copy. If you should find yourself in an unlikely situation where you cannot purchase through a retailer, contact me, and we will find a workaround.
Do you take book recommendations or requests?
I’m always open to recommendations! If there’s a particular topic, conflict, or historical event you’d love to see explored in a future book, let me know—I enjoy integrating real-world inspiration into my writing.
Works in Progress
Ready, Aye, Ready
Development
50%
Ready, Aye, Ready, the second instalment of The Quiet War series, expands the conflict beyond Canada’s borders. As sovereignty hangs in the balance, a legacy of King and Empire resurfaces, igniting the most gripping naval standoff since the Cuban Missile Crisis. With the odds stacked against them, old allies must come together once more, proving that history’s strongest bonds are forged in the fires of adversity.
Vanguard Ranger: A Story from The Quiet War
Development
75%
Vanguard Ranger: A Story from The Quiet War – A full-length novel exploring the origin story of Jason Yates, a U.S. Army Ranger first introduced in Canadian Front. As he reflects on the missions that shaped him, a long-buried truth emerges—an event from his past unknowingly set The Quiet War into motion. Now, in the face of uncertainty, his past and future collide in ways he never expected.
Veil of Innocence: A Story from The Quiet War
Final Formatting
99%
Veil of Innocence: A Story from The Quiet War – A short story chronicling the training and first major investigation of Emily Foster, a CSIS intelligence officer from Canadian Front. As she enters the shadowy world of espionage, Emily must navigate deception, surveillance, and high-stakes intelligence work—all while uncovering a mystery that could jeopardize the mission to rescue Julie Lafleur.
A soldier on the edge, a government in crisis, and an enemy already inside the gates.
For decades, Canada has neglected its military and national security, resting easy under the protection of its allies. Politically fractured and socially divided, the nation has never been more vulnerable. Now, a shadowy global organization, ruthless and highly coordinated, has begun its campaign to destabilize the West—starting with Canada.
When mercenaries in South Sudan abduct Canadian diplomat Julie Lafleur, Captain Matt Lion—once JTF2’s finest but now haunted by his past—is called back into action. Tasked with leading an elite team of special operators and intelligence professionals, Matt must navigate a high-stakes mission to rescue Lafleur. But the operation uncovers far more than anyone expected, revealing a global conspiracy with dangerous implications.
Sarah Bouchard, a seasoned war correspondent and Matt’s closest confidante is drawn into the fray as her reporting exposes political fractures at home. While tensions rise in Ottawa, a young and untested politician is thrust into a leadership role she never sought, forced to make decisions that will define Canada’s future.
Mercenaries strike abroad and at home, infiltrators manipulate from within, and the clock is running out. What begins as a rescue mission spirals into a battle for Canada’s survival, where every move carries dangerous consequences. For Matt Lion, the stakes are personal, and failure isn’t just an option—it’s a reckoning he may not survive.
With unflinching authenticity and edge-of-your-seat tension, Canadian Front takes readers into the heart of Canada’s elite military operations, espionage, and political intrigue. In this debut from The Quiet War series, author Michael J. Lalonde delivers a tale of courage, betrayal, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Fans of Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney will be immersed in Canadian Front, a gripping military and political thriller in which action, strategy, and psychological depth collide.
Canadian Front is the first instalment of The Quiet War series, which chronicles a global conflict unfolding across multiple theatres. Canada is the first target but not the last. Future instalments will expand to the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond, showcasing the far-reaching stakes of the war.
Buy now and discover the fight Canada never saw coming.
From Michael's Desk
Welcome to my blog, where I explore geopolitics, military and national security, politics, storytelling, and the craft of thrillers. Here, you’ll find insights on my novels, upcoming projects, reviews of the latest in military and political thrillers, and so much more.
Book Review: Play Dumb by Cole Chase
Play Dumb by Cole Chase is the second installment of his latest series, The Valiant Thrillogy. It is
Book Review: Cold Hit by Cole Chase
Cole Chase’s Cold Hit is the first installment of his latest series, The Valiant Thrillogy, which follows his
Get the first chapter free when you subscribe to the newsletter
Sign up for my newsletter and get the first chapter of The Quiet War: Canadian Front—free. Step into a world of high-stakes military operations, political intrigue, and covert warfare before the battle truly begins. Stay updated on new releases, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes insights—delivered straight to your inbox.