Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Embarrassingly Bro.
I’m not against bro-lit, but this one checked all the bro-boxes in all the bro-est ways. No real conflict no real plot, bro bros through all the bro things in the most bro possible way, and gets his incredibly pat and bro-culturally appropriate bro-ending.
Normally you’d expect the protagonist to learn something, or change in some meaningful way. Not this guy. He’s completely perfect, and therefore boring.
It gets two stars because it was a quick and easy read, but that’s the only thing it’s got going for it.
I’m not against bro-lit, but this one checked all the bro-boxes in all the bro-est ways. No real conflict no real plot, bro bros through all the bro things in the most bro possible way, and gets his incredibly pat and bro-culturally appropriate bro-ending.
Normally you’d expect the protagonist to learn something, or change in some meaningful way. Not this guy. He’s completely perfect, and therefore boring.
It gets two stars because it was a quick and easy read, but that’s the only thing it’s got going for it.
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ryan Steck aka The Real Book Spy takes his turn in writing a thriller and absolutely crushed his debut novel. Fans of CJ Box and Jack Carr will love this book. Non stop action from start to finish and the ending is amazing! Ryan has taken his career of reviewing thrillers and written an amazing one of his own. Can’t wait for the next one. Go get this on the day it comes out. You will not regret it!
adventurous
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
What a kick ass debut! After years of reviewing thriller novels as The Real Book Spy, Ryan Steck has knocked his first book out of the park. Marine Raider Matty Redd is a hard ass, loyal Devil Dog that can sniff a cover up a mile away. When he learns of his adoptive father’s passing he refuses to believe that his loyal steed would knock him off to his death. He trusts his gut and never gives up, even when the odds are stacked against him. Redd comes face to face with, seemingly, the one man that could knock him on his ass for good, but hard headed Matty doesn’t go down without a fight. With a twist that even I didn’t see coming, from start to finish, this read kept me hooked to the end and has left me wanting more. I absolutely enjoyed reading Mr. Book Spy’s first thriller and I look forward to reading his Matthew Redd novels for years to come.
If you don’t follow Ryan on discord and twitch, you’re missing out. He discusses all things thrillers and gives us the latest scoop on upcoming novels and, of course, shares early access to Matty Redd content. Steck has grown a community of readers that brightens my day.
JOIN OUR DISCORD
https://m.twitch.tv/legit_twitch
If you don’t follow Ryan on discord and twitch, you’re missing out. He discusses all things thrillers and gives us the latest scoop on upcoming novels and, of course, shares early access to Matty Redd content. Steck has grown a community of readers that brightens my day.
JOIN OUR DISCORD
https://m.twitch.tv/legit_twitch
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was extremely well written. I loved the main character...he was just awesome. It had a terrific plot. I was up til 5:30 am reading this book. I am on vacation and did not need to get up early.
But the bad. This is a Christian novel published by a Christian publisher. And it had all kinds of bad language in it. Several uses of the vulgar term for urinating, used in place of ticked off. At least one use of bastard, not in the original meaning. King James Donkey Clowns, a few uses of BS.
Come on. One reason I read Christian fiction is to avoid language like that in books.
There really wasn't much Christian about the book til the very end - slight spoiler, the main character seems to become a Christian.
There is a second one coming out, and I am debating about reading it. Hopefully it doesn't have the language this one does.
But the bad. This is a Christian novel published by a Christian publisher. And it had all kinds of bad language in it. Several uses of the vulgar term for urinating, used in place of ticked off. At least one use of bastard, not in the original meaning. King James Donkey Clowns, a few uses of BS.
Come on. One reason I read Christian fiction is to avoid language like that in books.
There really wasn't much Christian about the book til the very end - slight spoiler, the main character seems to become a Christian.
There is a second one coming out, and I am debating about reading it. Hopefully it doesn't have the language this one does.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you, Partners @crazy4fiction, @ryansteckauthor, @therealbookspy, and @tyndalehouseand for my #gifted book and spot on the tour!
Fields of Fire is the first in the Matthew Redd Thriller series by Ryan Steck. Waiting to be deployed on a critical mission, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger and wakes up hours later to learn his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, Redd can't deny the possibility he's responsible for the information leark that led to the massacre. He's given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the Corps and the life he loved.
The premise of this book intrigued me. I've not read this author before and am glad I did. The book is action packed and well written. The characters are well developed and full of depth. I also loved the backdrop of Montana and how the state almost becomes a character itself. The pace of the book is well timed and kept me engaged from start to finish. I also enjoyed the country music references. I look forward to reading more from this series!
Fields of Fire is the first in the Matthew Redd Thriller series by Ryan Steck. Waiting to be deployed on a critical mission, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger and wakes up hours later to learn his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, Redd can't deny the possibility he's responsible for the information leark that led to the massacre. He's given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the Corps and the life he loved.
The premise of this book intrigued me. I've not read this author before and am glad I did. The book is action packed and well written. The characters are well developed and full of depth. I also loved the backdrop of Montana and how the state almost becomes a character itself. The pace of the book is well timed and kept me engaged from start to finish. I also enjoyed the country music references. I look forward to reading more from this series!