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Fractured Ground : The Ryan Kane Series Book Two
Some saviors wear expensive suits. Some wear brotherhood like a weapon.
Ryan Kane was homeless and broken, one text message away from the bridge's edge.
Skull pulled him back with a salvation.
It was a lie dressed in luxury.
Within weeks, Ryan has everything—a one-bedroom apartment, a paycheck, purpose.
Success floods in like morphine.
His sister disappears. His girlfriend leaves. Skull remains, his concern masquerading as care—subtle comments about
Ryan's memory lapses, his confusion, the way he repeats himself.
Is Ryan losing his mind? Or is someone methodically dismantling it?
Cracks appear everywhere. Burner phones. Cryptic conversations. His mentor's smile never wavering.
Each discovery pulls Ryan deeper into a web he cannot untangle.
Ryan keeps searching for the truth. But every answer leads to a darker question.
And with each question comes the sickening his salvation has been a trap all along.
The only way out is through. And Skull is the only door.
Ryan Kane was homeless and broken, one text message away from the bridge's edge.
Skull pulled him back with a salvation.
It was a lie dressed in luxury.
Within weeks, Ryan has everything—a one-bedroom apartment, a paycheck, purpose.
Success floods in like morphine.
His sister disappears. His girlfriend leaves. Skull remains, his concern masquerading as care—subtle comments about
Ryan's memory lapses, his confusion, the way he repeats himself.
Is Ryan losing his mind? Or is someone methodically dismantling it?
Cracks appear everywhere. Burner phones. Cryptic conversations. His mentor's smile never wavering.
Each discovery pulls Ryan deeper into a web he cannot untangle.
Ryan keeps searching for the truth. But every answer leads to a darker question.
And with each question comes the sickening his salvation has been a trap all along.
The only way out is through. And Skull is the only door.
580 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 15, 2026
This was a long but thrilling journey. Ryan Kane is a Veteran that’s down on his luck. Luck has nothing to do with his life. He suffers with TBI and PTSD. He is at the end when Skull comes into the picture. Skull has money and connections to help Ryan rebuild his life and become a valuable asset to his business empire. Ryan is highly intelligent and good at what he does. Is he good at it because of his own knowledge or because of what Skull has cultivated him to be. Whatever the reasons… Ryan is loyal to Skull but does Skull encompass the same loyalty? I thought the story was interesting but after reading felt let down because it wasn’t a standalone book. I generally love series but only if they are standalone in the series. I have a lot of questions and I’m guessing the answers will be in the next book in this seriesg
September 29, 2026
Some saviors wear expensive suits. Some wear brotherhood like a weapon.
Ryan Kane was homeless and broken, one text message away from the bridge's edge.
Skull pulled him back with a promise: salvation.
It was a lie dressed in luxury.
Within weeks, Ryan has everything—a one-bedroom apartment, a paycheck, purpose.
Success floods in like morphine.
His sister disappears. His girlfriend leaves.
Skull remains, his concern masquerading as care—subtle comments about Ryan's memory lapses, his confusion, the way he repeats himself.
Is Ryan losing his mind?
Or is someone methodically dismantling it?
Cracks appear everywhere. Burner phones. Cryptic conversations. His mentor's smile never wavering.
Each discovery pulls Ryan deeper into a web he cannot untangle.
Ryan keeps searching for the truth. But every answer leads to a darker question.
And with each question comes the sickening realization: his salvation has been a trap all along.
The only way out is through. And Skull is the only door.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
ore of these.
Recommend reading.
Ryan Kane was homeless and broken, one text message away from the bridge's edge.
Skull pulled him back with a promise: salvation.
It was a lie dressed in luxury.
Within weeks, Ryan has everything—a one-bedroom apartment, a paycheck, purpose.
Success floods in like morphine.
His sister disappears. His girlfriend leaves.
Skull remains, his concern masquerading as care—subtle comments about Ryan's memory lapses, his confusion, the way he repeats himself.
Is Ryan losing his mind?
Or is someone methodically dismantling it?
Cracks appear everywhere. Burner phones. Cryptic conversations. His mentor's smile never wavering.
Each discovery pulls Ryan deeper into a web he cannot untangle.
Ryan keeps searching for the truth. But every answer leads to a darker question.
And with each question comes the sickening realization: his salvation has been a trap all along.
The only way out is through. And Skull is the only door.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
ore of these.
Recommend reading.
September 30, 2026
Broken and Rebuilt in Who’s Image?
This is a great, unique psychological thriller that I highly recommend. I also recommend reading the prequel, Hunted, first as it provides good background and really draws one in.
Ryan Kane is a veteran with PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury that is struggling with everything. He is a broken man ready to call it quits on life. That is until a stranger, Skull, offers him a purpose and a job/opportunity to build a new tech business. Is Skull helping Ryan rebuild himself or is he psychologically manipulating Ryan to rebuild him into what Skull wants?
Skull is navigating Ryan through Marlow’s Hierarchy of Needs by first providing his physiological and safety needs. This is his hook; he then provides belonging and purpose. Is Ryan independently moving towards Self Esteem and Self-Actualization or is Skull manipulating Ryan to believe this? Is Skull first building Ryan for his purposes and then structuring his downfall?
This is an engrossing and beautifully written story. As someone who was a victim of an emotional abuser, it brought up parts of my long ago past that I survived. It is rare for a book to affect me at such a deep and personal level.
Overall, just an excellent book although it was long, a bit repetitive in places, and the description of all the business dealings could have been shorter.
This is a great, unique psychological thriller that I highly recommend. I also recommend reading the prequel, Hunted, first as it provides good background and really draws one in.
Ryan Kane is a veteran with PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury that is struggling with everything. He is a broken man ready to call it quits on life. That is until a stranger, Skull, offers him a purpose and a job/opportunity to build a new tech business. Is Skull helping Ryan rebuild himself or is he psychologically manipulating Ryan to rebuild him into what Skull wants?
Skull is navigating Ryan through Marlow’s Hierarchy of Needs by first providing his physiological and safety needs. This is his hook; he then provides belonging and purpose. Is Ryan independently moving towards Self Esteem and Self-Actualization or is Skull manipulating Ryan to believe this? Is Skull first building Ryan for his purposes and then structuring his downfall?
This is an engrossing and beautifully written story. As someone who was a victim of an emotional abuser, it brought up parts of my long ago past that I survived. It is rare for a book to affect me at such a deep and personal level.
Overall, just an excellent book although it was long, a bit repetitive in places, and the description of all the business dealings could have been shorter.
September 17, 2026
The Next Chapter of Life ~
Ryan Kane is a former Army Special Forces and Purple Heart recipient. He cannot get a job, mostly because of the aftereffects of a Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD. That said, it leaves him with dwindling money and nowhere to go.
Skull has been tracking him, following his every move. He then gets an offer he cannot refuse to become a Chief Technical Officer. To say that he is happy about this offer and where it takes him is a great thing at first. Then they start changing things and moving on, as it is better money.
When things start to move in the way he finally sees, he decides to make a change.
To find out all the details and how $5,000 deposits can change his life, read the book!
Thank you, A.J. Ghost, for a good story.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Ryan Kane is a former Army Special Forces and Purple Heart recipient. He cannot get a job, mostly because of the aftereffects of a Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD. That said, it leaves him with dwindling money and nowhere to go.
Skull has been tracking him, following his every move. He then gets an offer he cannot refuse to become a Chief Technical Officer. To say that he is happy about this offer and where it takes him is a great thing at first. Then they start changing things and moving on, as it is better money.
When things start to move in the way he finally sees, he decides to make a change.
To find out all the details and how $5,000 deposits can change his life, read the book!
Thank you, A.J. Ghost, for a good story.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
I read the prequel a little while ago, it was a great teaser. This book really delivered.
Ryan is a believable and relatable character. The way he documents his fall and doesn't lie to himself is phenomenal.
The use of technical language feels completely natural. I like it that the narration doesn't hold the reader's hand or do the "as you know" thing.
All three of the female characters are extraordinarily clever which kind of held me up at first, because the chances of every woman Ryan knows being a genius was small but then I realized that sharks swim with sharks so it felt okay.
The last few pages were perfect. Just perfect. I can't wait for the next installment. I will be recommending The Ryan Kane series to my book clubs.
Ryan is a believable and relatable character. The way he documents his fall and doesn't lie to himself is phenomenal.
The use of technical language feels completely natural. I like it that the narration doesn't hold the reader's hand or do the "as you know" thing.
All three of the female characters are extraordinarily clever which kind of held me up at first, because the chances of every woman Ryan knows being a genius was small but then I realized that sharks swim with sharks so it felt okay.
The last few pages were perfect. Just perfect. I can't wait for the next installment. I will be recommending The Ryan Kane series to my book clubs.
September 27, 2026
Ryan is a Veteran down on his luck when he meets Skull.
I went back and forth while reading this book and I still don't know if Skull is truly evil or someone who wants to help Ryan. I am wondering if everyone that is Ryan's world is there because Skull put them there or do they truly want what is best for Ryan.
I actually have more questions than answers after reading this book and I love it! I can usually see where a book is going and know what is going to happen next. This is the first book that I have read that I can't wait for the next book in the series because I don't have a clue!
If you like reading a book that keeps you guessing as to what is going on, but in a good way, read this book!!!
I went back and forth while reading this book and I still don't know if Skull is truly evil or someone who wants to help Ryan. I am wondering if everyone that is Ryan's world is there because Skull put them there or do they truly want what is best for Ryan.
I actually have more questions than answers after reading this book and I love it! I can usually see where a book is going and know what is going to happen next. This is the first book that I have read that I can't wait for the next book in the series because I don't have a clue!
If you like reading a book that keeps you guessing as to what is going on, but in a good way, read this book!!!
October 4, 2026
If it feels too good to be true, then it’s probably not the direction you should head in. And this is exactly what Skull set Ryan up for. Ryan is a vet that’s hit the bottom of the barrel. Suffering from PTSD, homeless, no job, he’s not sure what to do. Skull comes along and offers him the opportunity of a lifetime. An apartment, a job, and more. Ryan looks at this as a hand up. But Skull has him on a leash. Ryan starts keeping notes about everything that takes place.
This was such an intense read. I couldn’t put this down once I got started. Ryan ended up in a world where he resumed life, but under the thumb of Skull. I loved the way this pulls you into a thrilling psychological mind game. It definitely had me glued to my seat.
This was such an intense read. I couldn’t put this down once I got started. Ryan ended up in a world where he resumed life, but under the thumb of Skull. I loved the way this pulls you into a thrilling psychological mind game. It definitely had me glued to my seat.
September 24, 2026
This intriguing volume has drama, manipulation, denied and conflicting emotions, and great secondary characters. The storyline is well-written, and well-paced. The world-building is vibrant and the MC is defined, conflicted, and groomed to remain in his comfortable prison, while being stretched to his limits. This is an entertaining and thought provoking book where people in different cages can relate to the process.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2026
Within the first several chapters of the book, I had flashbacks to Ayn Rand's books I've read. You discover bit by bit how psychological manipulation works from both sides. This book is clever in that it builds on someone's dream and survival at the same time. It can be related to what is going on in the world around us at the present time. Not only the present, but in all of history. I am an ARC reader and would very highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and conspiracies!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A tale of financial entanglement with a well written storyline and an outstanding cast of strong realistic characters. Skull is using Ryan (and he knows and documents it) but doesn't know how to get out from under his control. A very enjoyable read dealing with salvation, truth, and entrapment.
Highly recommended tale with a next installment to look forward to.
Highly recommended tale with a next installment to look forward to.
September 19, 2026
A veteran who was homeless and on his last leg was saved and given opportunities, with strings attached. Ryan ever grateful but in his mind he knows he should not trust what and who is around him. This was an emotional read for me. It is a great read with though circumstances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2026
Ryan and ex-military man who's hit rock bottom is ready to jump off a bridge, but Skull stops him and gives him a job and things are looking up or are they? Is Ryan a fly caught in a spiders web and the spiders name is Skull? I liked the mystery behind this story I found it intriguing.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews