Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life

A transformative war story that challenges traditional views of toughness and leadership, where masculinity develops from empathy, grit is born from failure, and power comes from placing service above self.

In Darkhorse, Amatangelo “AJ” Pasciuti delivers an entirely new war narrative: an intense exploration of authentic leadership, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. By challenging established notions of masculinity and authority, Pasciuti shows that true strength lies in our hidden potential.

Driven to serve by the events of 9/11, AJ enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17 in 2001. He embarked on a 21-year odyssey through some of the most harrowing battles of the Global War on Terror. Serving as an Infantry Marine, Scout Sniper, and Force Reconnaissance Marine, while completing seven deployments across the globe and leading elite teams in high-stakes special operations missions’ unbreakable bonds were forged.

A pivotal moment came during his legendary sniper vs sniper duel with the infamous enemy sniper, Juba–the first sniper battle since the Vietnam War. His actions saved countless lives and recovered a stolen Marine sniper rifle, highlighting how intellect, strategy, and an ability to look at problems differently could transform the nature of warfare.

Driven by a strong commitment to advocate for the voiceless and a desire to push the limits of possibility, AJ set out to reform the Marine Corps Infantry education system by redefining Marine infantry training to make the finest fighting force the world has ever known even better. The challenge proved to be one of AJ’s toughest battles, confronting the very institution that shaped him. But what kind of person would AJ be if he settled for anything less?

Darkhorse serves as both an impactful memoir and a call to action. It’s a must-read for warriors, leaders, and anyone eager to grasp the strength found in serving others and the boundless potential that resides within us all.

© 2025 HarperCollins Leadership (Audiobook): 9781400255085

Release date

Audiobook: 21 October 2025