What do you think?
Rate this book
The Guardian
From the USA Today bestselling author of Robert Ludlum’s Treadstone series, The Guardian is an action-packed adventure with a hint of romance that’s perfect for fans of Extraction and Romancing the Stone.
When a retired Air Force PJ with nothing to lose is hired to rescue a kidnapped American from the depths of the Congo Basin, what was supposed to be a simple mission quickly turns into a fight for survival …
As a member of the elite Air Force Pararescue, Travis Lane abides by the motto “These things we do, that others may live.” After an injury forces him to consider retirement, he is blindsided when his brother-in-law is killed in the line of duty, leaving Lane as the sole support for his sister and the family farm they can no longer afford.
Desperate for something to help them keep the farm, Lane accepts an offer to join Broadside Solutions, a private company with specially trained military operatives who provide protection for clients all over the world. But it’s trial by fire when his first mission takes him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find and retrieve a kidnapped American in the middle of a densely forested jungle.
Infused with the author’s own experience as a parachute infantryman, this high-octane thriller throws the reader deep into the African jungle on a rescue mission where nothing is as it seems.
When a retired Air Force PJ with nothing to lose is hired to rescue a kidnapped American from the depths of the Congo Basin, what was supposed to be a simple mission quickly turns into a fight for survival …
As a member of the elite Air Force Pararescue, Travis Lane abides by the motto “These things we do, that others may live.” After an injury forces him to consider retirement, he is blindsided when his brother-in-law is killed in the line of duty, leaving Lane as the sole support for his sister and the family farm they can no longer afford.
Desperate for something to help them keep the farm, Lane accepts an offer to join Broadside Solutions, a private company with specially trained military operatives who provide protection for clients all over the world. But it’s trial by fire when his first mission takes him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find and retrieve a kidnapped American in the middle of a densely forested jungle.
Infused with the author’s own experience as a parachute infantryman, this high-octane thriller throws the reader deep into the African jungle on a rescue mission where nothing is as it seems.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
146 people are currently reading
3500 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Hood
24 books424 followersJoshua Hood graduated from the University of Memphis before joining the 82nd Airborne Division. During his five years in the Infantry, he conducted combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
After getting out of the Army, he returned to Memphis TN and spent nine years on SWAT.
He is now a full time writer and proud father of two in Collierville, TN.
After getting out of the Army, he returned to Memphis TN and spent nine years on SWAT.
He is now a full time writer and proud father of two in Collierville, TN.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 1, 2023
The Guardian is Joshua Hood's finest work to date and should be on everyone's summer reading list. Travis Lane is on the cusp of retirement from being an Air Force PJ due to injuries and was looking towards the future and whatever that entailed. His brother-in-law, also a PJ and retiring, was moving to Broadside Solutions;, a private company who promises their clients their own personal rescue team if they ever need to be evacuated or rescued. Anywhere in the world under any conditions they will come get you. Rich people. When Lane's BIL is killed on their last mission, Lane takes his BIL's position at Broadside Solutions in order to save the family farm and is immediately dispatched to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find and rescue an American kidnapped in the jungle. The crap hits the fan for Lane and his new teammates from the word go and the PJ motto of “These things we do, that others may live.” will never be truer if any of them want to make it out of the Congo alive.
This was so freaking good! Hood writes heart-pounding action better than almost anyone today.. Add in complex, authentic characters and the undercurrent of heart coursing just below all the action is a recipe that is hard not to relish.
The Guardian is a topflight thriller and has my highest recommendation!
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Guardian.
This was so freaking good! Hood writes heart-pounding action better than almost anyone today.. Add in complex, authentic characters and the undercurrent of heart coursing just below all the action is a recipe that is hard not to relish.
The Guardian is a topflight thriller and has my highest recommendation!
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Guardian.
November 8, 2023
This is a story that features strong survivors who prevail over their evil nemesis. 7 of 10 stars
April 3, 2023
Joshua Hood is one of my favorite authors and listening to him on various podcasts he seems like a great guy. The Guardian is his latest book and I found it to be an exciting and thrilling story, I really liked it and recommend it strongly. As I understand it a brand new series about Travis Lane ex PJ who leaves the air force due to injury and only wants to take care of the family farm. Well, life happens and he needs money and finds himself in a situation with a great opportunity. He only need to sign up with this PMC and go to Africa and recover a person from trouble. No problems? Well the book is out in stores in the end of June and you really don't want to miss it. It is just great. Fast paced and filled with action and humor. Hood is telling a great story and it's not one of those same old, same old. I think he brings something new to the table and I look forward to the next adventure with Travis. I must thank Blackstone Publishing and Edelweiss for giving me this advance copy and Joshua Hood for coming up with the story.
June 27, 2023
Hood is back with his Glowing PJs
Few people write about characters from Air Force Para Rescue (PJs). If you’ve ever seen the movie Air Force One where soldiers go zipping plane to plane with killer capabilities, Bingo! Taking us back to the brutal and raw warrior stories that few authors aside from Hood can generate without usual tropes, gloves come off in the well-crafted action adventure story with plenty of heart and headshots. I’m so pleased to see Hood writing under his own banner where he can be his own creative self and unleash his writing talents full of his real world soldiering and LE experience.
Few people write about characters from Air Force Para Rescue (PJs). If you’ve ever seen the movie Air Force One where soldiers go zipping plane to plane with killer capabilities, Bingo! Taking us back to the brutal and raw warrior stories that few authors aside from Hood can generate without usual tropes, gloves come off in the well-crafted action adventure story with plenty of heart and headshots. I’m so pleased to see Hood writing under his own banner where he can be his own creative self and unleash his writing talents full of his real world soldiering and LE experience.
March 6, 2025
Are military thrillers my new niche? 🤔
If they're like this one, than YES!
If they're like this one, than YES!
July 1, 2023
Book Review – The Guardian – Joshua Hood
After reading author Joshua Hood’s new book, “The Guardian,” I could only imagine Marvel Comics or DC Comics creating a new ‘action hero’ named “Captain Action!” I think Joshua Hood is one of the best military, action thriller writers in the genre! This book was an intense, ‘petal-to-the-metal’, all out, ‘hold-on-to-your-hat’ action thriller! Protagonist Travis Lane, a former elite combat Air Force Pararescuer - better known as ‘PJs’ - is left with his family farm after his brother’s death but can no longer afford to kept it. Desperate to help save the farm from financial ruin, Lane is paid well because of his elite military background to join a private military company that provides security protection for VIP-like clients all over the world. Lane’s very first mission takes him to Congo, Africa to find and retrieve a kidnapped American client in the middle of the unrelenting African jungle. While saving the kidnapped American, Lane also undercovers an illegal mining operation which complicates the mission to intensifying the innumerous body count. Hood’s personal experience as a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division – known for their parachute assault operations – is evident in this extraordinarily actionable thriller. The plot was genuine, the storyline filled with adrenaline and suspense, and the characters were powerful, absorbing, and realistic. The Guardian was a well-crafted, exhilarating action thriller that is entertaining and literary fulfilling. Nothing typical or mundane about this exhilarating tale. Authentic. Exciting. Compelling and Captivating, The Guardian is a definite ‘must read’ thriller by ‘the master of action’ – author Joshua Hood.
After reading author Joshua Hood’s new book, “The Guardian,” I could only imagine Marvel Comics or DC Comics creating a new ‘action hero’ named “Captain Action!” I think Joshua Hood is one of the best military, action thriller writers in the genre! This book was an intense, ‘petal-to-the-metal’, all out, ‘hold-on-to-your-hat’ action thriller! Protagonist Travis Lane, a former elite combat Air Force Pararescuer - better known as ‘PJs’ - is left with his family farm after his brother’s death but can no longer afford to kept it. Desperate to help save the farm from financial ruin, Lane is paid well because of his elite military background to join a private military company that provides security protection for VIP-like clients all over the world. Lane’s very first mission takes him to Congo, Africa to find and retrieve a kidnapped American client in the middle of the unrelenting African jungle. While saving the kidnapped American, Lane also undercovers an illegal mining operation which complicates the mission to intensifying the innumerous body count. Hood’s personal experience as a paratrooper in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division – known for their parachute assault operations – is evident in this extraordinarily actionable thriller. The plot was genuine, the storyline filled with adrenaline and suspense, and the characters were powerful, absorbing, and realistic. The Guardian was a well-crafted, exhilarating action thriller that is entertaining and literary fulfilling. Nothing typical or mundane about this exhilarating tale. Authentic. Exciting. Compelling and Captivating, The Guardian is a definite ‘must read’ thriller by ‘the master of action’ – author Joshua Hood.
April 17, 2023
I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.
The story synopsis that was provided definitely caught my attention, seemingly a good action/thriller story. I was a bit letdown as I started this novel. The immediate start was rushed in my opinion. You have a quick and pretty vague introduction to a few of the characters, showing very little insight as to their backgrounds, and within a very short time, you are seeing decisions being made by the main character in a 'spur of the moment' type way, that definitely does not fit my idea of how this MC should act. I could understand needing to make seat of the pants decisions, but to blindly jump to a job opportunity, to save the "family farm" which he doesn't even own, to take a job that his BIL was supposed to be doing... just too much stretching for me. I admit, I didn't read any further, as I could only imagine how the rest of the story would go. Overall the writing style was fine, just the storyline felt forced, rushed, and just unacceptable to me.
The story synopsis that was provided definitely caught my attention, seemingly a good action/thriller story. I was a bit letdown as I started this novel. The immediate start was rushed in my opinion. You have a quick and pretty vague introduction to a few of the characters, showing very little insight as to their backgrounds, and within a very short time, you are seeing decisions being made by the main character in a 'spur of the moment' type way, that definitely does not fit my idea of how this MC should act. I could understand needing to make seat of the pants decisions, but to blindly jump to a job opportunity, to save the "family farm" which he doesn't even own, to take a job that his BIL was supposed to be doing... just too much stretching for me. I admit, I didn't read any further, as I could only imagine how the rest of the story would go. Overall the writing style was fine, just the storyline felt forced, rushed, and just unacceptable to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
The book is a great start to a new series by the author. Very fast paced book that you won't want to put down. The storyline is easy easy to follow and fun to read. The plot has a few story lines that all tie together very well., same with all of the characters.
The story follows Travis Lane as his military career ends to finding a way to save his family farm joining a private contractor. The story then follows his first mission and what a disaster that becomes.
Would definitely recommend this book and author. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The story follows Travis Lane as his military career ends to finding a way to save his family farm joining a private contractor. The story then follows his first mission and what a disaster that becomes.
Would definitely recommend this book and author. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 13, 2024
Running out of time
July 9, 2023
If you just watched Extraction II and are eager for another one, you can basically just read this book. Joshua Hood's new novel is hopefully the first in a new action series with an original premise and character. Travis Lane is a former Air Force special operator and pararescue jumper who, desperate for cash, is recruited into a private security company that specializes in extracting people from dangerous environments, in this case the Congo. It's an entertaining, fast-paced action thriller, and the premise offers plenty of potential for future stories.
June 30, 2023
Great book, never dull kept me drawn into the story, look forward to a sequel! A PJ ( medic who jumps into combat to rescue injured SEALS and service members)from Air Force leaves active duty to save the family farm about go in foreclosure. Takes job with private security contractor to be on team with Tier one operators to rescue high value clients who been kidnapped.
Not only is he newbie on team and not respected but one of the former CIA desk sitters is corrupt & compromised and is bent on the team failing and getting killed. Will Lane rise to the occasion, earn the respect of his teammates, and save the day?….Read this thriller and find out!
Not only is he newbie on team and not respected but one of the former CIA desk sitters is corrupt & compromised and is bent on the team failing and getting killed. Will Lane rise to the occasion, earn the respect of his teammates, and save the day?….Read this thriller and find out!
January 5, 2024
I would say a 3.5-4. First half of the book was slow but just before midway it picked up and got really good. His writing is detailed and I enjoy that. It was great to see a PJ as the protagonist. By the end of the book I was wanting to see a second book with this character.
December 13, 2023
Plenty of great action
May 27, 2023
The Guardian follows other exceptional books by Joshua Hood. (If you haven't gotten into his Treadstone series, do yourself a favor) The Guardian has great characters, an interesting storyline and enough action to keep you wanting to read more each time you pick it up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The chapters switch between characters, keeping you engaged, needing to see what happens next. It keeps you rooting for the good guys, wanting come-uppance to the bad guys and happy at the end.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
May 31, 2023
This book is well written, and the 2nd half has a lot of entertaining action, but the 1st half is much too slow with a lot of unnecessary descriptions, like how to park a car or how to drink water from a bottle. The author shows off a knowledge of weapons etc., but uses impossible satellite communication as a basis for the plot.
September 22, 2023
Joshua Hood's "The Guardian" takes readers on an adrenaline-fueled journey through the dark and dangerous world of covert operations. This novel, the latest addition to Hood's growing list of military thrillers, delivers a gripping and action-packed narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The protagonist, Travis Lane is a member of the elite Airforce Pararescue who believes in their motto “These things we do, that others may live”. When an injury forces Travis to an early retirement and his brother-in-law killed in a line of duty, he is left all alone to support his sister and their family farm, which they now no longer can afford. Desperate by the financial situation, Travis is forced to take up employment with a company called Broadside Solutions, a private company with trained ex-military operatives, who offer protection to elite clients all over the world and specializes in their exfiltration from perilous and hostile environments.
Travis Lane’s very first assignment takes him to Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa where he and his team are to find and retrieve a kidnapped American client in the middle of dense African jungle. As soon they land in Congo, their team is ambushed and most of the team members are killed, leaving Travis Lane on his own to execute the assignment. While on his mission to save the kidnapped American, Lane discovers an illegal mining operation which further complicates the mission. Adding to this woe, Travis soon learns that one of the former CIA officers is corrupt, which has compromised the mission and is hell bent on the team failing and Travis getting killed.
Can Travis Lane pull off a miracle, exfiltrate the kidnapped American, decimate the adversaries and earn the respect of his teammates?
One of the strengths of "The Guardian" lies in Hood's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to craft realistic and complex characters. Travis Lane is a compelling protagonist, a flawed yet highly capable hero who struggles with his inner demons while facing external threats. Hood's military background shines through in his portrayal of the technical aspects of warfare and the intricacies of special operations, lending an authentic feel to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels you further into the story. Hood's writing is crisp and efficient, and he excels at creating tense and pulse-pounding action sequences. While "The Guardian" is undoubtedly a thrilling read, it does have a few minor shortcomings. The novel's secondary characters, while interesting, could have been further developed to provide more depth to the story.
In conclusion, "The Guardian" by Joshua Hood is a gripping and action-packed military thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. With its compelling protagonist, authentic military detail, and relentless pace, it is a worthy addition to the author's body of work. While it may not break entirely new ground in the genre, it excels at what it sets out to do: delivering a high-octane adventure that keeps you hooked until the very last page. If you're in the mood for a thrilling action-packed ride, "The Guardian" is a book worth picking up
The protagonist, Travis Lane is a member of the elite Airforce Pararescue who believes in their motto “These things we do, that others may live”. When an injury forces Travis to an early retirement and his brother-in-law killed in a line of duty, he is left all alone to support his sister and their family farm, which they now no longer can afford. Desperate by the financial situation, Travis is forced to take up employment with a company called Broadside Solutions, a private company with trained ex-military operatives, who offer protection to elite clients all over the world and specializes in their exfiltration from perilous and hostile environments.
Travis Lane’s very first assignment takes him to Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa where he and his team are to find and retrieve a kidnapped American client in the middle of dense African jungle. As soon they land in Congo, their team is ambushed and most of the team members are killed, leaving Travis Lane on his own to execute the assignment. While on his mission to save the kidnapped American, Lane discovers an illegal mining operation which further complicates the mission. Adding to this woe, Travis soon learns that one of the former CIA officers is corrupt, which has compromised the mission and is hell bent on the team failing and Travis getting killed.
Can Travis Lane pull off a miracle, exfiltrate the kidnapped American, decimate the adversaries and earn the respect of his teammates?
One of the strengths of "The Guardian" lies in Hood's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to craft realistic and complex characters. Travis Lane is a compelling protagonist, a flawed yet highly capable hero who struggles with his inner demons while facing external threats. Hood's military background shines through in his portrayal of the technical aspects of warfare and the intricacies of special operations, lending an authentic feel to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels you further into the story. Hood's writing is crisp and efficient, and he excels at creating tense and pulse-pounding action sequences. While "The Guardian" is undoubtedly a thrilling read, it does have a few minor shortcomings. The novel's secondary characters, while interesting, could have been further developed to provide more depth to the story.
In conclusion, "The Guardian" by Joshua Hood is a gripping and action-packed military thriller that will satisfy fans of the genre. With its compelling protagonist, authentic military detail, and relentless pace, it is a worthy addition to the author's body of work. While it may not break entirely new ground in the genre, it excels at what it sets out to do: delivering a high-octane adventure that keeps you hooked until the very last page. If you're in the mood for a thrilling action-packed ride, "The Guardian" is a book worth picking up
June 15, 2023
Joshua Hood has created a character who I want to continue reading about in Travis Lane. When I started the book I thought this was going to be a more "in country" book and I was excited as I've grown a little weary of all the "save the world" and "war" books. I thought Lane's trek back to the family farm would keep him in Tennessee, so when he headed off to the Congo I admit to being somewhat disappointed. But that didn't last long. The action is engaging, and the technology is scary. You know the military and military contractors have access to technology and weapons that are probably 20 years out for the regular population, so it's easy to buy in and roll with it. It's not like Samantha Stevens in Bewitched, after all.
The story is fast-paced, and the book is hard to put down. The plot unfolds nicely without wrinkles and I can picture each character and situation in my mind as I am reading. Some writers have that gift — that after reading a book I sometimes can't remember if it was something I read, or something I watched.
Travis is someone you definitely want on your side, and I love the fact that though he is strong, he is no longer in his twenties and he has to rely on his wits and experience more than just his brawn. The supporting cast of characters make this book a must-read.
The story is fast-paced, and the book is hard to put down. The plot unfolds nicely without wrinkles and I can picture each character and situation in my mind as I am reading. Some writers have that gift — that after reading a book I sometimes can't remember if it was something I read, or something I watched.
Travis is someone you definitely want on your side, and I love the fact that though he is strong, he is no longer in his twenties and he has to rely on his wits and experience more than just his brawn. The supporting cast of characters make this book a must-read.
September 19, 2023
As blistering as the firefights detailed within, THE GUARDIAN is a full-throttle, non-stop freight train of action on a collision course with your prefrontal cortex. Reading Joshua's latest is like watching the extended action of The Expendables films combined with the intricacy of the John Wick sequences. I loved the use of an Air Force Pararescueman for the story, which IMHO is an underused pedigree in the lexicon of military thriller heroes. Like any amazing story, the devil is in the details, and in this Joshua delivers again and again. From the in-depth medical knowledge PJ's are required to employ at a moments notice to the touch and feel of the environments Lane finds himself in, the reader is completely immersed. I could feel the oppressive heat of the jungle humidity, saturating the character's clothing, while also feeling the searing heat of 40mm grenades exploding, experiencing two very different sensations simultaneously. Joshua's writing is that good. This story is that good. Stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door. You're going to want to jump into this book as soon as possible.
October 4, 2023
Oh My Gosh!
Didn't think I would ever say this BUT....Mr. Hood has created not one but two amazing characters that I want to know a lot more about. Boy if he doesn't write a sequel I am going to be so disappointed.
Folks this book has an amazing amount of action sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat. I still can't believe anyone with that much lead being shot at them could survive....BUT our hero did and I believed it!
Our hero Travis Lane is an ex pararescue soldier who winds up working for a private military company and the action starts right there! The "damsel in distress" is anything but. I loved her attitude and gumption to play nice (sort of) with the boys!
Mr. Hood, please please please write another story for these two characters as soon as possible! I can't wait to see how you grow these folks! Hell they are already part of my "book family"!
Enjoy this book!
Didn't think I would ever say this BUT....Mr. Hood has created not one but two amazing characters that I want to know a lot more about. Boy if he doesn't write a sequel I am going to be so disappointed.
Folks this book has an amazing amount of action sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat. I still can't believe anyone with that much lead being shot at them could survive....BUT our hero did and I believed it!
Our hero Travis Lane is an ex pararescue soldier who winds up working for a private military company and the action starts right there! The "damsel in distress" is anything but. I loved her attitude and gumption to play nice (sort of) with the boys!
Mr. Hood, please please please write another story for these two characters as soon as possible! I can't wait to see how you grow these folks! Hell they are already part of my "book family"!
Enjoy this book!
June 30, 2023
Joshua Hood knocks it out of the park again!
The Guardian is the hopefully first book in a series about Air Force PJ Travis Lane, after he leaves the Air Force and begins working for a cutting edge PMC who specializes in extracting the well-to-do from in extremis situations.
The book opens with Lane wrapping up his final deployment before leaving the military, with every intention to go home and work the family farm. But as it is wont to do, life gets in the way, and Lane is presented with an offer too good to pass up to join Broadside Solutions.
Lane’s first day on the job seems him rapid deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo to locate an FBI agent.
I’m a big fan of seeing PJ’s and CCT’s represented in action thrillers. I feel like they are severely underrepresented and I really enjoyed this book.
The Guardian is the hopefully first book in a series about Air Force PJ Travis Lane, after he leaves the Air Force and begins working for a cutting edge PMC who specializes in extracting the well-to-do from in extremis situations.
The book opens with Lane wrapping up his final deployment before leaving the military, with every intention to go home and work the family farm. But as it is wont to do, life gets in the way, and Lane is presented with an offer too good to pass up to join Broadside Solutions.
Lane’s first day on the job seems him rapid deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo to locate an FBI agent.
I’m a big fan of seeing PJ’s and CCT’s represented in action thrillers. I feel like they are severely underrepresented and I really enjoyed this book.
July 4, 2023
I've been dithering between a 3 and 4. Definitely a 3.5 but to go up or down. It delivered exactly what I was looking for in terms of easy, fun, brain candy type of read. Maybe a wee bit simple on the character development but then again I don't think this genre, for me, is too much about the deep dark of who the MCs are. I did very much enjoy the quick pacing of this novel. Also, (and this is a big one for me) I appreciated that there wasn't a ton of torture, especially sadistic and graphic.
I very much enjoyed the strong female lead. I liked that it wasn't so much that she was a secret ninja or anything but that she was just flat out determined in her approach to solving any problems be they realistic or not. Never having been in any of these types of situations I am content to "go with the flow" on these issues. So in short - I rounded to a 4.
I very much enjoyed the strong female lead. I liked that it wasn't so much that she was a secret ninja or anything but that she was just flat out determined in her approach to solving any problems be they realistic or not. Never having been in any of these types of situations I am content to "go with the flow" on these issues. So in short - I rounded to a 4.
June 28, 2023
Josh Hood knows how to write and exciting military thrillers and does not disappoint here.
Travis Lane leaves an extensive military career to join an independent force who focus on the rescue of kidnapped high profile individuals. Highly trained and equipped Broadside Solutions are ready to go at a moment’s notice. Circumstances dictate that Lane is deployed immediately on a risky mission that leaves him alone in the most dangerous of circumstances.
The author has been there and done it, so he clearly knows his stuff and has the talent to turn that knowledge and experience into page turning thriller.
This is great stuff. I hope this is the start of a series.
Travis Lane leaves an extensive military career to join an independent force who focus on the rescue of kidnapped high profile individuals. Highly trained and equipped Broadside Solutions are ready to go at a moment’s notice. Circumstances dictate that Lane is deployed immediately on a risky mission that leaves him alone in the most dangerous of circumstances.
The author has been there and done it, so he clearly knows his stuff and has the talent to turn that knowledge and experience into page turning thriller.
This is great stuff. I hope this is the start of a series.
August 26, 2023
Travis Lane is close to retiring from the Air Force Pararescuers when is Brother in Law is killed. Heading back to the family farm he finds he must take his brother in law’s place with a private soldier for hire company to save the family farm. His first assignment is to rescue an American stuck in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was very fun listen. There is tons of action and Travis Lane is an interesting character. I think this sets up to be a nice recurring series should Mr. Hood decide to go that way with it.
Overall a intense thriller with lots of good action. We’ll worth picking up.
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was very fun listen. There is tons of action and Travis Lane is an interesting character. I think this sets up to be a nice recurring series should Mr. Hood decide to go that way with it.
Overall a intense thriller with lots of good action. We’ll worth picking up.
October 18, 2023
New series featuring Travis Lane, former Air Force Pararescue operator who retired with a knee injury. He no sooner gets home than he is drawn into a mercenary global rescue company- Broadside that his best friend and sister's ex-husband signed up for to get money to save the family farm.
Enter Mia, FBI agent and her quest to find a bad guy named Roos. The storylines intersect but it takes a while (leadups to each person's story takes a while).
Roos is predictable in his quest for money at any cost and of course there is an internal problem at Broadside that puts the teams in danger more than once.
It dragged a bit in places.
Enter Mia, FBI agent and her quest to find a bad guy named Roos. The storylines intersect but it takes a while (leadups to each person's story takes a while).
Roos is predictable in his quest for money at any cost and of course there is an internal problem at Broadside that puts the teams in danger more than once.
It dragged a bit in places.
December 17, 2023
I found this to be a highly thrilling novel by the author of Robert Ludlum's Treadstone series.
Travis Lane was a member of the Air Force Pararescue. An injury makes Lane consider retirement and when his brother-in-law is killed in the line of duty, he becomes the sole support for his sister and her family.
To help keep the farm, Travis Lane accepts a job with Broadside Solutions, a private company which provides clients with protection by specially trained military operatives around the globe.
Lane's first mission takes him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find and get a kidnapped American out of the African jungle.
I bet this may become an ongoing series in itself.
Travis Lane was a member of the Air Force Pararescue. An injury makes Lane consider retirement and when his brother-in-law is killed in the line of duty, he becomes the sole support for his sister and her family.
To help keep the farm, Travis Lane accepts a job with Broadside Solutions, a private company which provides clients with protection by specially trained military operatives around the globe.
Lane's first mission takes him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find and get a kidnapped American out of the African jungle.
I bet this may become an ongoing series in itself.
July 2, 2024
This book has a good plot and ample action to make it a fast read. This is my first book reading about USAF Special Warfare PJs. It was enlightening to learn about what they do versus Navy Seals or Green Berets. I found Lane to be a believable character; Mia not so much. Because of her character and a few gaps in story, I rounded down from 4.5 stars instead of up. It was a tough decision because I thought it was a solid 4.5 stars.
I hope there is another book in the series. The epilogue definitely leaves the possibility open. Although Brick was overly excited at times, it was still a good narration. He gave distinctive voices to each of the characters.
I hope there is another book in the series. The epilogue definitely leaves the possibility open. Although Brick was overly excited at times, it was still a good narration. He gave distinctive voices to each of the characters.
February 24, 2023
Retiring from the elite Air Force and its pararescue team, Travis Lane heads home to work the family farm. His brother, however, haunts him even in death as Travis is forced to work for a private military company to pay off his brother’s commitment and debt.. Finding himself called to work immediately, as the new guy, he’s given little respect and lots of grunt work. He soon proves his skills and the rescue begins with so many conflicts that the story never slows. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
January 1, 2024
"The Guardian" by Joshua Hood is a tale about a privatize military-like, rescue-for-hire company. The main protagonist is Travis Lane who was a Para Jumper in an elite Airforce company. He damaged a knee during a mission, rehabs it but is moved to a less prestigious unit. He decides to retire along with his brother-in-law. On their last mission, the brother-in-law is killed. Upon returning to his sister on the family farm, in TN, Travis discovers the farm is in foreclosure & the brother-in-law, his sisters dead husband, struck up a deal to pay all the farm's debt off by joining a Broadside Solutions a private client protection group. Travis decides to replace him. After jumping through questionable assessment hoops, Travis & team are sent to DRC, The Congo, on a suspicious rescue mission where they have to deal with mercenaries, traitors & other evil doers. Pacing of the tale is irregular especially in a slow first half. Too much identification of weapons in use, including, costs detracts from the storyline.
April 23, 2023
If you are a fan of James Reece, Mitch Rapp and Scot Harvath, you will love this book. Very fun and exciting book. Extremely fast paced with great character development. The story developed its intriguing and easy to follow, yet leaves you wanting more answers and more back stories. Sequel, yes? Travis Lane is a character worth developing even further. I am sensing some good Travis and Mia collaborations in the future. Great work Mr. Hood. Can't wait for the next one.
April 30, 2023
Loved this book! It drew me in from the beginning with an intriguing story. The story follows Travis Lane as his military career as an Air Force PJ ends to finding a way to save his family farm joining a private contractor. This one ends with some threads of the story still being open so I look forward to what could come from future books.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for giving me this advance copy and Joshua Hood for coming up with this great story!
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for giving me this advance copy and Joshua Hood for coming up with this great story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews