The word HELLBENDER originated in Greek mythology and referred to a salamander type reptile which rose from the volcanic ash and fire of Hell. The book HELLBENDER is a intense story of survival as two Army Rangers fight a battle on two seperate fronts- Vietnam and their domestic issues back home. One of the warrior Rangers does, however, arrive at ultimate failure due to a wrong turn at a spiritual crossroad. HELLBENDER is a docu-drama with a very interesting pattern of military and human progression. It is also a collection of little-known Vietnam war facts, most of which were only made public during or after 1995 by the release of U.S. Government documents. Four years of research have enabled Ron T. Shaw to glue fact and speculation together in order for the reader to draw reasonable conclusions as to why, for example, the Kennedy brothers were assasinated. Another burning question addressed between the covers of HELLBENDER is- When were drugs first imported into the United States of America and who was responsible for bringing that demon in.? Spiritual forces emanating from a New Orleans Petro (Congo) Loa curse, combined with Vietnam Special Forces action primarily dealing with the Khe Sanh Battle of 1968 (Tet Offensive), weave an elaborate web of love, lust and deceit that will keep the reader wondering which end is up and which character is going down. The assigned curse travels inside its' carrier like a hidden dirty disease, refusing to give up the host until either it destroys the carrier or is transferred to another unsuspecting victim. Ron T. Shaw has created a unique docu-drama Cajun recipe that will satisfy the taste buds of even the most discriminating and inquisitive reader. Although HELLBENDER will be enjoyed by any military or ex-military, it's high-adventure and intense tone will attract anyone who appreciates the out front and behind the scenes drama incorporated into the pages of HELLBENDER. It also has plenty of gender-bridging aspects to insure good reading for all.