Shadow Front: A Luke Ryder Novel

by J. Benedict, Michael Neeb (Narrator)

A covert war. A deadly mission. One man caught between duty and survival.

Former Army special operations officer Luke Ryder is thrust into a deniable mission deep within Russian-occupied territory by a shadowy military contractor. His eliminate a secret GRU safehouse, leaving no trace. But in this treacherous war, where allies are few and betrayal is rife, the deadliest threat might be lurking in the shadows.

As the mission explodes into chaos, Luke must lead his hardened team through brutal trench warfare, relentless drone strikes, and fierce urban combat. Their to unravel a conspiracy with global ramifications. Tracked at every turn and with every bullet critical, there's no backup, no extraction—only the raw fight for survival.

Shadow Front is a gripping military thriller brimming with tactical realism, unforgettable characters, and explosive action. Perfect for listeners who devour the works of Brad Taylor, Mark Greaney, and Tom Clancy.

Audible Audio

Published August 25, 2025

Reviews

[Michael Neeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted military thriller! The best of the best get a call for a secretive mission - action, tension, and a detailed/accurate look into the life of those thrust into war!

[The Bubble Buddies · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Couldn’t Put It Down—Awesome Military Action and Great Characters

This book was such a good surprise. Shadow Front has everything I love in a military thriller—tight action scenes, realistic details, and a hero you actually care about. Luke Ryder feels like a real person, not some over-the-top action figure.

[Shahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Shadow Front, J. Benedict delivers a no-holds-barred military thriller that explodes off the page with tactical intensity and emotional grit. Luke Ryder, a former special ops officer, is pulled into a deniable mission that unravels faster than a bullet leaves the chamber. What starts as a black-ops hit on a GRU safehouse morphs into a deadly game of betrayal, trench warfare, and a global conspiracy. With every scene crackling with battlefield realism and suspense, this short but sharp novel never lets up. Benedict blends the icy chill of covert politics with the heat of combat, crafting a story worthy of Clancy and Taylor fans alike. If you’re looking for raw adrenaline and high-stakes action, Shadow Front hits the target dead center.

[Cole Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Shadow Front explodes off the page. J. Benedict takes a seemingly simple black-ops mission and peels back layers of deception, betrayal, and chaos. The pacing is relentless. Each chapter piles on tension and conflict, with drone strikes, sniper duels, and brutal urban firefights. But what sets this book apart is the psychological depth. The war may be external, but the internal battles Ryder faces are just as gripping. He’s forced to question loyalty, morality, and even his own limits. This isn’t just a good-versus-evil shootout; it’s a harsh look at the grey zones of modern warfare. Absolutely recommended for anyone who craves high-intensity action with a sharp dose of realism.

[Melissa Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Front

This book starts fast and never let's up the plot is solid and the action is good I will buy the rest of the series.