I cherish my friendship and conversations with legendary DEA Agent Mike Vigil for many reasons. We've had numerous talks about his long career, the dangers he faced, and the logistical challenges he successfully navigated in his battles against drug trafficking networks from Mexico to Afghanistan. But it's more than that. Almost without exception, at some point our discussion would turn to the people hurt most by the narco networks and cartels. Whether it's through corrupting government and justice systems, or spreading the ruthless violence that washes the cities and towns in the blood of the innocent, it's always the law-abiding citizens who are hurt most by the drug warlords and their armies. As an undercover agent, and later as a supervisor who rose to the head of international operations at DEA, Mike Vigil never forgot about the people. I was reminded of that as I read his latest novel, Ursula, Child Soldier. It is from this well of compassion tempered by long experience in the field that Vigil draws the compelling portrait of Ursula, a brighteyed Colombian girl kidnapped off the streets of Saravena by armed revolutionaries who brazenly blended their politics with drug trafficking and violence. This exciting novel reads with a degree of authenticity that's hard to match. And why not? It's written by Mike Vigil, the ex-agent who spent his career on the front lines of the endless battle against drug trafficking. One of Mike's favorite sayings is, "You cannot lead from where you have not been." That's true - especially in the world he knows like few others. Fortunately for us, we can follow Mike's lead through the pages of this book. -John L. Smith Author of Saints, Sinners, and Sovereign Citizens: The Endless War over the West's Public Lands URSULA, CHILD SOLDIER MICHAEL S. VIGIL
