The Good Soldier: Noble Beginnings / A Deadly Distance

Jack Noble #1 & 2

by L.T. Ryan

In March of 2002, while the eyes of the world focused on Afghanistan, Jack Noble finds himself on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. A Marine in name only, Jack is on-loan to the CIA. Normally an integral part of the team, he finds that he is nothing more than a security detail in Iraq. Jack and his partner Bear have a run-in with four CIA special agents over the treatment of an Iraqi family. Within hours Jack and Bear are detained. All Jack wanted was to finish his enlistment and move on with his life. All he did was intervene and save a family from unwarranted violence at the hands of four CIA agents. But he soon discovers that he did far more than intervene. He has placed himself dead square in the middle of a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of the U.S. government. This Jack Noble political thriller is not for the faint of heart! A DEADLY DISTANCE (JACK NOBLE #2) - Washington, D.C. Midday. A man waits at a bus stop, his intentions unknown. Two government operatives have been stalking him for days, waiting for him to make his move. Unexpectedly, the man takes off running and heads for a deserted warehouse. Jack Noble and his partner, Frank Skinner, believe the man to be part of a terrorist organization that is involved in smuggling drugs and guns and men into the country. But it turns out their plan involves far more export than import, and hits a lot closer to home. As the case in this explosive action thriller unfolds, the man behind it all reaches out to Jack with a simple message... 37 hours.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Action, Amazon, Adventure

518 pages, ebook

First published March 15, 2014

About the author

L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game

BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)

BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal

BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good Soldier is a two-book bundle written by L. T. Ryan. I had learned of this long running series from one of my blog connections. He had told me about this continuing character in the series, so I figured since I don't mind reading long continuing series, that I would check out Noble. The first of the two books are called Noble Beginnings, a play on the main character’s name, Jack Noble. Jack and his Marine buddy, Bear, are working as muscle for a CIA operation in Iraq, but when Jack protests the mistreatment of an Iraqi family by the CIA operatives that they work with, Jack and Bear become the targets. In Deadly Distance, the second novel in the bundle, Jack is working as a stateside federal agent who works a sting operation involving the human trafficking of children when he is again cast as the target of a vengeful killer’s plot. The stories are action-oriented fare, but Jack Noble is a steroidal throwback that I found extremely cardboard. Fun, but brainless, and after reading the first two novels I thought that if I wanted to read about steroidal apes, I could find an overabundance anywhere, and Buddy you were wrong, I did not like this.

[Sandra Shanholtzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Could not put this down. I think I devoured both books in 2 days. Can't wait to read more. After I finally get some sleep first.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 1. Jack Noble and his friend and fellow Marine, Bear, are assigned to work with a group of soldiers clearing out areas in Baghdad. When a family is killed that Jack and Bear saved from death, he and Bear are accused of murder, arrested and taken to prison where they are beaten to get a confession out of them. They are sure they will be rescued by their team heads and they are but they still have to prove their innocence. As each person they come in contact with dies they aren't sure they can survive themselves.

There is a conspiracy that Jack and Bear must uncover and it goes far deeper than they can ever imagine.

Story 2. Jack and his team work undercover to find out what is happening in a home where children are being taken. At first it looks like sex trafficking but then it seems like more than that because one child is targeted several times.

Both of these were good, edge of your seat stories. I look forward to reading more about Jack Noble and his fellow covert officers.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 2-book bundle is in the action-adventure genre and was fun to read. Each book covers one portion of Jack Noble's 'back-story' and both are fast-moving quick reads. Jack fights off and mows down a whole series of bad guys while undergoing only superficial injuries himself. I will look forward to reading more of the later stories (I already own a few of them.) I nearly gave this book four stars, but what held me back was the lack of any depth to Jack's story - possibly inner demons, self-doubts, moral self-examination, for example. Jack is an entertaining, appealing, one-dimensional 'superman', and I guess that's good enough if you're looking for escapist action-oriented fiction.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't recall reading this but I know I did. Will just have to file away and guess a date I finished, lol

[phona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was definitely far too young to read this when I did. Imo this is fine. Typical action/thriller. It's good if you haven't gotten bored of the plot/style of writing

[Toni Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Noble Early Years

This novel is a package of two books “Noble Beginnings” &” A deadly Distance” and both are great escape from reality. The author really knows how to write stories filled with the over the top action played out by men who are pure muscle and high on testosterone.

The two stories are as different as can be but what they have in common both are fast moving with enough twists to make us gulp and both have wonderful main players: Jack and Bear. The two characters make an effective team working for an agency that doesn’t exist….The well-crafted plots are fast-paced and captivating although be ready for the never-ending fighting Jack and Bear get into. Really, there are so much violent scenes at one point it becomes ridiculous but having said this, the action is well- detailed and vividly described to pack a punch. Of course if you don’t take these stories too seriously you will find both to be page-turners and hard to put down. The characterization is a bit shallow but hey they do give us quite a ride into the bowels of espionage with lots of suspense and great amusement.

Of course these types of books may not please everyone but they sure provide a fun light diversion.

[Pontiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good Soldier was all right, I like Jack and Riley's characters. Jack is especially cheeky and humorous, but ready for anything.

I didn't enjoy the style of writing, with too much description of everything and not enough dialogue. There's an emphasis on the drama, but at times the story just dragged along for me.

The relationship between Jack and Jess seemed like a halfhearted attempt to put some emotion into the story. Not quite enough to give it any real impact.

Last, but not least, I really disliked the political ending. I hate it when there isn't justice as it should happen, there's enough of that in real life, I like my books to be tidier, or at least in the vicinity of good ethics.

Not sure I'll read the second book, just not my interest.

[John Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I got this bundle free on Kindle at some point, so I started reading it on vacation.

Noble Beginnings:
The good: It’s a genre I enjoy. It was a quick read with lots of action. Not quite a novel. Not quite a short story.
The bad: Flat characters with a far-fetched plot.

Deadly Distance:
The good: It’s still in that genre I enjoy. It was also a quick read with lots of action. Probably a bit better than the first.
The bad: Flatter characters with an even more far-fetched plot.

[Tulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both are good, but second one is better.

In Noble beginnings, Jack and Bear in Iraq. Before the invasion, all the three and four letter agency involved to feeding us all the lies. They are trying to find the real truth. They get hurt again and again, long, detailed fights.
A Deadly Distance, again many fights. Helpless children are being hurt, all for money and more money. Corruption.

[Daniel Ryker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deadly distance.

It is 6:30 in the morning and I have just finished reading Jack's latest adventure. As a father, I could feel the rage Jack must have been dealing with while trying to resolve the situation. I simply could not put down this story.

[Jesse Owens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Noble is not Reacher. He's not very bright, does stupid things endlessly that are completely unrealistic, only to be bailed out by the author. Reacher chooses his fights intelligently: Noble fey fights just so the author can have a fight.

[Tina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jack!!!!

I love that Jack is so interesting. I am going to read all of the Jack adventures! Can't wait to start reading the next adventure.

[Kevin Bledsoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Good book. A lil Jack Reacher mixed with Jason Bourne. Fast pace and easy to read with a Decent story line

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 1st introduction to Jack Nobel and I am a fan...getting ready to read another so I can learn the back story. Already decided to follow this author.

[Eleanore Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page turner!

I liked this book because it really held my interest. A lot of action., and I became involved with all the characters, but mostly with Jack.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Noble begins his journey.

This, the second of the Noble series, is another action packed introduction to the protagonist. This time he is dealing with the rescue of children who have been taken from their families to be sold or given to others, not necessarily in this country. The antagonists are truly evil. Noble has now joined the SIS, a mysterious US agency that deals with terrorists. He and his partner, while investigating something entirely different, stumble on the crisis with the children and readjust their goals. Going further into the plot would lead to spoilers but suffice to say it is well done and will grab the reader's interest.

[Jay Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not complicated entertainment

At first, I was tempted to just give this three stars because the characters are cliche stereotypes and there's not much to the story. However, then I realized that had been why I came to the books. I had just finished several comp,I acted nonfiction books and wanted something easy to read. It's like when you go to car races versus a chess match. You just want to kick back and watch loud cars, maybe a few wrecks and not worry about complications and strategy you'd find at a chess match. So if you want an easy read to entertain you, these are the books for you.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Jack Noble Thriller a

Great characters with action that never stops. What more can you ask for. Plot acceptable with an ending that could have been improved on. He continually back talked his captors and was smacked around and beat up on several times. Way too many times to have the energy to escape his binds and take out all these involved at the end. A little less "beat up on" would made the he end more believable. But, the remainder 99% of the book is fantastic!! Definitely will keep you awake.

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where did Noble Come From?

Noble will grow on you as he grows. Noble Beginnings is the beginning of his career. And as such it reads a little as if it is Ryan’s early Beginnings, but in his notes he declares he wrote after the series had begun because readers had asked about where Noble came from. But no worry a quarter of the way in Ryan has found his way and the action resumes, love life is on one rail anyway, and Noble is the Noble we have all
Come to expect. It’s a good beginning and if you had questions they are most likely answered.

[MB9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but somewhat predictable. The characters are fairly well defined. A little too much on the fantastic side when it comes to resolving the main character various predicaments. The balance tips too much towards the unbelievable good luck of the hero. But, decent enough to divert oneself from a rainy Sunday afternoon. There are a lot of other books of this standard on the market.

[Jacque Holst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Jack still works for a nonexistent government agency. Someone has to do the dirty work and let's face it he's good at it. But this time the unit stumbles into something a whole lot bigger and dirtier than expected. The cost is high for Jack, very high. This book starts fast and never slows down. The story is gritty but sadly it happens, even in America. No spoilers

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good books, Kept me interested until the end. I feel for Jack, with his chosen work, he can't keep a girlfriend in his life. He is a professional killer and very good at what he does. I hope that as he moves into the next faze of this life, he can find someone to settle down with. I don't know if that is possible but I can hope.

[Ric Ulloa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda hard reading. Reminds me of Jack Reacher novel's which I just dread reading (they'so boring). I guess I expected more in the way of excitement and it just never materialized. In fact, a lot of the characters seemed a bit "cheesy" in their makeup and the way they proceeded through the story. I guess I ended up being disappointed, overall.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinary story about the lust for power and money, people who don't care what they do or who they hurt to get what they want, and those who are willing to risk their lives to take them down. Fiction or not, it's very realistic and action-packed.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Noble begins this two book journey as a covert-op soldier, changes course to become an assassin and at the end of the day walks away once again with the promise of reinventing himself in book three which I look forward to reading next.

[Dixie Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! I mean what a read!

I enjoy this type of book a great deal and the two books in this collection are exactly what I look for! Vividly written, action packed and very suspenseful -- you just can't go wrong when you pick a Jack Noble novel!

[Anthony Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and real hero

Jack is a real hero. Characters not overplayed into a super human like some action heros. Stories were good and not laced with profanity for shock value. I would recommend it to Teacher and Bosch fans.

[Steven Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good bundle, liked it very much.

Good reading. I will read more of the I'm here books and will tell friends about him, really like his style of writing. He explains well about what is going on.

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good one!

The book was put together very well, with a great plot. My only issue was that the main character endured more physical beatings and more pain than I think anyone could without acknowledging it or having to rest or, "catch up" with it. Otherwise, great read!