Picture a battlefield strategist turned master storyteller, weaving high-octane thrillers that pulse with authenticity—meet Anthony A.J. Tata! A retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, Tata channels his 28 years of military expertise into gripping action novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From commanding troops in Afghanistan to crafting tales of espionage and heroism, his journey is as thrilling as his books.
The Making of Anthony A.J. Tata
Born on September 7, 1959, in Norfolk, Virginia, Anthony Jean Tata grew up with a passion for service. A 1981 graduate of the United States Military Academy, he earned a Bachelor of Science and later a Master’s in International Relations from the Catholic University of America. His 28-year military career included commanding units in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the 10th Mountain Division, with deployments in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Panama. Retiring in 2009, Tata transitioned to civilian roles, including North Carolina’s Secretary of Transportation, before finding his calling as a novelist.
Anthony A.J. Tata’s Unforgettable Stories
Tata’s novels are adrenaline-fueled thrillers grounded in his real-world combat experience. His Jake Mahegan series, starring ex-Delta Force captain Chayton 'Jake' Mahegan, a Native American from North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is a fan favorite. Foreign and Domestic (2015), a Barry Award finalist, kicks off the series with Mahegan hunting a traitor in Afghanistan. Besieged (2017), a Publishers Weekly Top 10 Mystery/Thriller, delivers a high-stakes cyber conspiracy. The Garrett Sinclair series, starting with Chasing the Lion (2021), follows Army Lieutenant General Sinclair thwarting a nerve agent attack. Tata’s latest, The Phalanx Code (2024), unites his series’ universes in a globe-spanning showdown. His style blends tactical precision with vivid characters, earning praise as 'the new Tom Clancy' from Brad Thor.
Tata’s Threat series, beginning with Sudden Threat (2008), explores brothers Zachary and Matt Garrett navigating military conspiracies. Co-authored Reaper series with Nicholas Irving adds sniper-driven intensity, with titles like Reaper: Ghost Target (2018). His upcoming Zara Sheridan air marshal thrillers promise fresh action. Tata’s narratives tackle timely themes like cyber warfare and global terrorism, making his books both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Why Anthony A.J. Tata Matters
Tata’s impact lies in his ability to humanize military life while delivering heart-pounding stories. His authentic portrayal of soldiers’ sacrifices resonates with readers, and his donation of Threat series proceeds to Wounded Warriors—$27,000 from Sudden Threat alone—shows his commitment to veterans. As a frequent Fox News commentator and public speaker, Tata bridges military and civilian worlds, offering insights into defense and leadership. His novels inspire a new generation of thriller fans, proving that truth can be as gripping as fiction.
- Born: September 7, 1959, in Norfolk, Virginia
- Key Works: Foreign and Domestic, Besieged, Chasing the Lion, The Phalanx Code
- Awards: Publishers Weekly Top 10 Thriller (2017), Barry Award Finalist (2016)
- Military Honors: Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge
About Anthony A.J. Tata
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Foreign and Domestic and dive into Anthony A.J. Tata’s action-packed world of military intrigue!