First came the man: a young wanderer in a fatigue coat and long hair. Then came the legend, as John Rambo sprang from the pages of First Blood to take his place in the American cultural landscape. This remarkable novel pits a young Vietnam veteran against a small-town cop who doesn't know whom he's dealing with—or how far Rambo will take him into a life-and-death struggle through the woods, hills, and caves of rural Kentucky. Millions saw the Rambo movies, but those who haven't read the book that started it all are in for a surprise—a critically acclaimed story of character, action, and compassion.

John Rambo. Vietnam vet. American. First Blood unleased the fury of his rage. Now in prison for his bloody one-man war against a small-town sheriff. Colonel Trautman. Green beret. Rambo's former commanding officer. With a signed release form—if Rambo will take on what would be a suicide mission for most men. One: Penetrate the remembered jungles of Hell, and find the missing Americans who are still being tortured there. Two: Don't rescue them. Only bring back photos. Don't engage the enemy. Don't get revenge. For Rambo the first part is rough. The second, impossible...

John Rambo thought he had finally found some measure of peace. No more war. When asked by his former commander, Colonel Trautman, to accompany him on a top-secret mission into Soviet occupied Afghanistan, Rambo refuses. But when he learns that Trautman is captured by the Soviets and is being held prisoner in a hellish medieval prison Rambo once again picks up his guns and goes on a desperate one-man rescue mission. This time Rambo won't be fighting for himself or a government. This time Rambo is fighting for a friend and freedom. John Rambo is coming to Afghanistan and Hell is coming with him!