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Part 3: Episode 11

Sacrifices are made…
Training is endured…
Wrongs are righted…
Heros are born…

The Free Fleet’s plans are finally coming together. Now, there is a new force for good in the galaxy, and they’re known as ‘Rangers’.

"The First Ranger" is the 11th episode in Part 3 of the Frontiers Fringe Worlds.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2024

192 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Ryk Brown

62 books858 followers
Born in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.

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5 stars
761 (72%)
4 stars
214 (20%)
3 stars
60 (5%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,817 reviews807 followers
June 12, 2025
“The First Ranger” is the eleventh book in Ryk Brown's Fringe Worlds series. As a longtime fan, I've read every book in each of his series. My journey with his work began when I discovered “Aurora” in the local author section of an independent bookstore. That first book captivated me, and since then, I’ve been reading his novels as fast as he can write them. Sadly, that bookstore has since closed, and Brown has moved away, but my enthusiasm for his storytelling remains strong.

This installment continues his signature style—fast-paced and action-packed. However, what truly sets Brown apart is his ability to craft fascinating characters. Each one feels distinct and remarkably real, leaving you with the sense that you know them personally. It’s this talent for creating authentic, relatable figures that keeps me coming back. Brown is undeniably a skilled storyteller, but it’s his ability to breathe life into his characters that truly makes his books stand out.

I experienced “The First Ranger” as an audiobook through Audible, with Jeffrey Kafer narrating. The runtime is six hours and forty-six minutes, and Kafer delivers yet another excellent performance. His voice suits the tone of the series perfectly, enhancing the immersion and bringing the characters to life.

174 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2024
awesome! I will never get tired of this series!

I absolutely love this series! Ryk Brown is a true creator and visionary when it comes to laying out a story and bringing the whole storyline, the settings, the action, the drama and most importantly, the characters all to life. It’s amazing. His books are written so well that putting one down once you start reading is near impossible; it’s one situation, one crisis, one life or death scenario after another and then of course there’s all the interrelationships, the commentary, the humor and the deep character building that has been established that makes each character unique, quirky in some cases, honorable, risk takers, protectors and most of all family. The Free Fleet has become a very large family. But there’s danger out there, always lurking &, as with the some of the Free Fleet & their regeneration cloning machine, are their enemies —one in particular— really gone? Cannot wait for next book!!
Profile Image for John.
Author 28 books96 followers
May 8, 2024
A fun read. Not one of my favorites, but the characters are just so fun to follow.
14 reviews
June 10, 2024
A Fun, Exciting Addition to the Series!

This episode in the series is a fun page-turner - you won’t want to put it down. Josh Hayes earns the distinction of being the first Ranger (SO much better than the Knights of the Dragon name, Ryk! Well done)

If this is the first time you have seen this series, you are in luck - start at the beginning and you have a great, sweeping epic of adventure before you - filled with engaging, well-written characters and great concepts combining many familiar sci-fi tropes with new, creative ones.
Profile Image for Cameron .
205 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2024
Please more!!!

I wait with baited breath for each new episode of The frontiers Saga. I then curse every time I finish the book. Wanting more each time. Fyi Brown has developed a wonderful cast of characters, universe and story and legend befitting the majesty of writings great bards. Just keep reading, and hopefully he will keep writing. Please Amazon pick this up as a tv series....
733 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2025
Corny but fun

For the most part, less serious than the other books, with the primary focus being Josh and the creation of the Rangers. Let's be honest Josh rarely takes anything seriously at least on the outside
What isn't about Josh is mainly about the Jung battle stations, the non operational Explorer class and the setting up of trade. There are the obligatory space battles and for the first time Slavers
Still a good series
263 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
Josh Hayes Ranger

After the head of the pirate empire is killed, the empire disintegrates. The Free Fleet expands its reach and begins setting up its cargo arm.
The Dragon Knight becomes the Ranger and Josh gets his Lair. The Celestia, the Navarro and the Scott begin their journey to their new battle station home. Josh goes on the first real rescue mission as a Ranger.
1 review
May 11, 2024
Great read

Once again I have finished a novel and been disappointed. Disappointed in the fact that I’ve finished and now have to wait for the next in the series. I have read every episode and have loved reading each one. Ryk….. thanks for taking me on a voyage with the Aurora and it’s crew.
3 reviews
May 15, 2024
CAN JUSTICE AND DECENCY TRIUMPH AGAINST UNBRIDLED HUBRIS AND MEGALOMANIA?

Breathtaking adventure, spine tingling anticipation and characters so engaging, as mind stretching new possibilities unfold amid powerful plots to exploit and dominate the milky way galaxy our intrepid band of heroes forge on. What a story.
20 reviews
May 16, 2024
Another Fine Example

One of the things that i like about this series is that there is a cast of characters. There are plenty of plots, plenty of action and enough but not too much reflection. I've read all of the books and would recommend them to any science fiction fan. Would love to see more of General Telles. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Mike Nemeth.
674 reviews13 followers
May 13, 2024
Ryk Brown didn't write a masterpiece with "The First Ranger," the 11th installment in his third outing of Capt. Nathan Scott and his band of time-traveling do-gooders. But he created a highly satisfying yarn centered on the progress of pilot Josh Hayes, who is training to become an interstellar cop of sorts, a Free Fleet Ranger. Scott and his ship, the Aurora, have been translated about 500 years into the future and have had to attempt to carve out a place for themselves in an era when technology and society have passed them by. The Alliance, which Scott helped form, has gone to the deep end, incorporating artificial intelligence into nearly every phase of human existence. The reliance has led to many seeking out homes away from the Alliance and into fringe world territory. It's this realm that the Aurora exists, trying to establish freedom without impinging upon individual rights. Theirs is a delicate dance. They must work with what they've got, and in many star systems pirates hold the power. However, that's what Josh Hayes is meant to do, repel scofflaws and allow worlds to operate as they see fit. Brown makes for a very entertaining read. I just wish it didn't have to end.
4 reviews
May 17, 2024
This is a great addition to the series. It will also serve as a great starting point if you’re just getting into it.

Really enjoyed this story line. This could be its own spinoff series. It kept me so entertained that I was surprised that it ended. Looking forward to the next chapter in this saga.
5 reviews
May 24, 2024
Ryk delivers again

The continuation of the Aurora family never dissapoints, the excitement and the way the author moves the story along at a good pace keeps the reader entranced. Every time I finish one of Ryk's novels in the series I have a moment of sadness because I will have to wait for the next one.
35 reviews
June 18, 2024
Absolutely Brilliant series

Disregarding some typos and occasional repeats, this has been one of the best I have ever read. Apart from a need for a proper proofreading the only thing wrong t complain about is when are we going to get the missing episodes??
Please please do not keep us 'hanging' ...
15 reviews
June 20, 2024
The First Ranger a Free Fleet saga

Of all the pilots to pick as the first Ranger, Josh Hayes is the one. This could be the beginning of a great legend befitting the crew of the Aurora and her Captain. I hope that we see more of the Rangers and the rest of the free fleet as they "do what needs to be done".
4 reviews
May 3, 2024
Great book but way too short.

Once again I got to visit old friends in the never ending series as the crew of the Aurora flys thru the galaxy. Thank you Ryk and keep it up. Well written and adventurous but to darn short.
18 reviews
May 4, 2024
Once again, Ryk has woven his magic.

It took me around 2 hours to get through this book. I couldn't put it down. Very fast paced. Great action sequences and lots of information. Loved it. Can't wait for the next episode.
4 reviews
May 8, 2024
Never Disappointed

Every time I read one of Ryk Brown's books from The Frontiers Saga, I'm "never disappointed." I've read them all so far and this series is by far the most original I've ever read. I've read Sci-Fi for over five decades and this series is a winner!
3 reviews
May 8, 2024
These books read too fast!

I dearly love this series of books. I’ve read them from the beginning and hope to continue reading them for a long time to come. I only have one complaint. They go way too fast and I’m done reading them way before I want the story to end. Ryk, hurry up with the next installment please.
Profile Image for Hans Kerremans.
18 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2024
Best sci-fi ever! Awesome story!!

Just finished yet another episode of this series! This series is getting better and better!

Just wish one day it will become a series on TV!!!

Netflix or Amazon, who will be first!!
Profile Image for Elaine Crews.
45 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2024
better and better

I liked the action of saving people in distress rather than fighting pirates as usual. I would recommend that a newbie to this series starts at the first episode. Can’t wait for the next episode!
Profile Image for robert segal.
4 reviews
May 23, 2024
Another very good one by Ryk Brown

The story flowed smoothly. There's never any excessive filler . The only shortcoming I saw was that the book was awesomely short. Hay Mr. Brown, that's easy fixed.
Profile Image for Mordecai.
150 reviews
May 25, 2024
Over Too Soon …

Space opera continues with a solid storyline, gripping action & maybe finally someone to tame Mr Hayes!

Love these books & can’t wait for the next one!

Hurry up Mr Author!
534 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2024
Space opera

The Free F!set is moving forward with it's plans while waiting to see what the Korsens next move will be. The Rangers are in training and their ships are being built. Josh is first and as usual finds himself in sketchy situations.
Profile Image for Kevin.
49 reviews
July 27, 2024
The series never gets old!

The only negative I have is it just as simply not long enough. However, that also means every couple of months we get another book! This is by far the best series I've ever read. Highly recommend
31 reviews
July 31, 2024
Not his best work. I left a more detailed review on Amazon. Basically there’s very little drama going on. The tension was just not there and the story is not compelling. I do enjoy reading about what the characters are going through but it’s just not enough.
47 reviews
October 4, 2024
not RBs best

Three stars compared to other books in series. Its a high bar set but this book is slow and not as interesting as most RB others. Its five stars compared to other Sci Fi but weak for Ryk Brown.
175 reviews
January 14, 2025
The Rangers becomes a reality.

After many tries, Josh becomes a Certified Ranger. The Aurora and the Free Fleet continues to help everyone they can. Kip is very happy with Josh and tells him so.
3 reviews
May 7, 2024
Another successful book

I love reading these books. I hate that it's over in a flash. But the next book comes out soon
133 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2024
The First Ranger

A very entertaining story. Well worth reading.
Could not put the book down. Reading it in one setting was well worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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