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American Mercenary #0.5
The Ranger Objective
“Jason Kasper’s David Rivers series boils with bold action, exotic locales, and spellbinding intrigue.” Mark Greaney, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of the Gray Man series
Before he was an assassin, David Rivers was a patriot.
One year after the 9/11 attacks, he serves as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan.
His patrol enters the Shigal Valley, a desolate place with a fearsome reputation for enemy fighters—a reputation that David is about to experience firsthand.
As the first shots ring out over the valley, David must decide between military orders and gut instinct...and in the process, discover a hidden truth about himself.
- GenresFiction
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
292 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Jason Kasper
59 books469 followersJason Kasper is a USA Today bestselling thriller author. He served in the US Army, beginning as a Ranger private and ending as a Green Beret captain. Jason is a West Point graduate and a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, and was an avid ultramarathon runner, skydiver, and BASE jumper, all of which inspire his fiction.
Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.
Join his mailing list for bonus content and book updates: https://bit.ly/440lHom
Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @KasperAuthor.
Join his mailing list for bonus content and book updates: https://bit.ly/440lHom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 29, 2019
Charles van Buren
Fine introduction to the character
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2019
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Regiment Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B07KB44BKK
62 pages
A well written short story which serves as an introduction to the series and to its protagonist, David Rivers. Rivers proves to be brave, competent, rash and not enamored with obeying orders. In this story he comes across as a warrior rather than a soldier.
I received a free copy of this story.
Fine introduction to the character
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2019
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Regiment Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B07KB44BKK
62 pages
A well written short story which serves as an introduction to the series and to its protagonist, David Rivers. Rivers proves to be brave, competent, rash and not enamored with obeying orders. In this story he comes across as a warrior rather than a soldier.
I received a free copy of this story.
August 30, 2022
4 Stars for The Ranger Objective: An American Mercenary Series Short Story. (audiobook) by Jason Kasper read by Adam Gold.
This was a interesting setup for the series. This story covers a short battle scene that kind of explains who the main character is.
This was a interesting setup for the series. This story covers a short battle scene that kind of explains who the main character is.
January 19, 2019
Just a quick prequel to get to know David Rivers!!
May 18, 2023
Trying a new author. The Ranger Objective by Jason Kasper is a short story introducing David Rivers. I am not sure but I think one should read this series first and if you still like Rivers you can continue with the Shadow Strike series but I'm not sure of the chronological order. It was good enough that I will try more books.
January 5, 2024
2.5 rounded down
personally, the storyline and concept of the book was not at all intriguing to me (war/military/guns/f-bombs/etc.) BUT the redeeming factor and reason why im giving it 2.5 stars instead of less was the fact that this book was very well-written. i love the way the author decided to portray the story, and i think that the narrator of the audiobook did a wonderful job.
personally, the storyline and concept of the book was not at all intriguing to me (war/military/guns/f-bombs/etc.) BUT the redeeming factor and reason why im giving it 2.5 stars instead of less was the fact that this book was very well-written. i love the way the author decided to portray the story, and i think that the narrator of the audiobook did a wonderful job.
December 5, 2018
This short prequel introduces the reader to David Rivers as a 19 year old Ranger Private as he faces his first fire-fight. The story of this encounter in the development of David and the descriptions of the fire-fight is nothing short of brilliant. The Reader is actually able to hear, smell, see, and feel all of the action through David's eyes. The action is non-stop, and the ending will leave you hungry for more . If you are new to the David River series, this story is a great introduction to this awesome Series. If you have read any or all of the books in the Series, this gives you a fantastic insight into David. Jason Kasper is a consummate author; this book and Series is not to be missed! Treat yourself to each book or better yet delve into the David Rivers Collection of Books 1 through 3. You won't be sorry!
March 24, 2022
ebook Review - Before he was an assassin, David Rivers was a patriot. One year after the 9/11 attacks, he serves as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. His patrol enters the Shigal Valley, a desolate place with a fearsome reputation for enemy fighters - a reputation that Rivers experiences firsthand on his very first outing. As shots ring out over the valley, Rivers must decide between military orders and gut instinct...and in the process, discover a hidden truth about himself. Excellent short story that provides some backstory to David Rivers the Army Ranger. “The Ranger Objective” short story by author Jason Kasper is worth the read if reading the David Rivers series. Good quick read! Great explanation of how David Rivers got his start. Nice 30-minute short story that sets up the series very well. Worth a read for series followers.
September 5, 2021
This is a short, fun introduction to David Rivers, a ranger turned mercenary, by Jason Kasper.
The audio makes this short interesting. There are sound effects to play along with the radio transmissions. Not sure the series of books are for me; I'm not going to rule out picking up the first one.
The narrator, Adam Gold was excellent.
Read as part of Book Tuber Naomi's Bookshelf 30/30 less than 100 challenge (clean my Kindle).
The audio makes this short interesting. There are sound effects to play along with the radio transmissions. Not sure the series of books are for me; I'm not going to rule out picking up the first one.
The narrator, Adam Gold was excellent.
Read as part of Book Tuber Naomi's Bookshelf 30/30 less than 100 challenge (clean my Kindle).
November 27, 2021
David Rivers. Introduction to the series was good
April 24, 2024
Short and ok, action and nothing special.
January 2, 2025
Fast paced short story that has pulled me into a new series.
December 6, 2019
This was so awesome, realistic and detailed, I felt like I was there!! An outstanding start to the David Rivers series!
September 7, 2021
Short exciting read.
December 30, 2018
David Rivers Prequel
I always enjoy reading a story about How the protagonist became the bad-azz operative. David Rivers is heading out on his early deployments as an infantryman. He is learning the ropes, the fighting skills he will need to stay alive, complete his mission and help his unit brothers survive. He does a pretty impressive job, fresh out of the gate.
I always enjoy reading a story about How the protagonist became the bad-azz operative. David Rivers is heading out on his early deployments as an infantryman. He is learning the ropes, the fighting skills he will need to stay alive, complete his mission and help his unit brothers survive. He does a pretty impressive job, fresh out of the gate.
April 20, 2019
Great introduction into David Rivers books. Left me ready to devour The Greatest Enemy since Mr. Master was gracious aka brilliant enough to include a tantalizing introduction into the rangers world post deployments. His past history provides the military knowledge to the readers. We know military personnel are often drafted for nefarious purposes. Great short story. Will continue series!!!
January 19, 2021
Good Explanation ⭐️
This was a good explanation in a very short story on how David Rivers got his start in the U.S. Army’s Rangers serving as a machine gunners ammo bearer. In this story he shows his unwavering fearlessness going after a Chechen sniper on his own.
This was a good explanation in a very short story on how David Rivers got his start in the U.S. Army’s Rangers serving as a machine gunners ammo bearer. In this story he shows his unwavering fearlessness going after a Chechen sniper on his own.
December 4, 2018
Although a short glimpse, it still packs the thrill we've come to expect.
Read
July 21, 2022This series has been recommended to me for quite a while now. I thought because I am an avid fan of the Quinn Colson series by Ace Atkins. Quinn Colson is a former ranger who came home from Afghanistan after many tours and became a Sheriff in a small town in Mississippi.
The book summary for this book labels the MC, David Rivers, as a “Patriot”, which has always made me a little suspect of this series. Because of the political climate for the past several years, whenever I hear the word “patriot”, I am reminded of the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, Patriot Front along with a boatload of other racist, white supremacist, hate groups. As for Quinn Colson? Quinn has absolutely no use and little patience for bozos like that in his life or in his town and makes it his duty and responsibility to run them out any way he can. If these clowns don’t leave on their own accord, Quinn has a way of making sure they typically end up in one of two ways – in jail or dead. This is why I LOVE Quinn Colson.
Anyway, this was a short prequel (46pgs) that I thought would give me a little bit of a feel for the MC to see if the MC is the kind of character that I want to know more about before committing to the series. Basically, I just wanted to know if Rivers was the kind of patriot that was compelled to commit to an oath that he took to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic or was he the kind of patriot that spreads hate and racism with violence and white supremacist bull$#!^. As far as I’m concerned, the latter is a terrorist and NOT a patriot.
I typically don’t read reviews before I read a book, I usually like to make my own opinions about a character and/or story. However, I did read a few on this one though because I wanted to hear what others said about the MC. Someone said, “you don’t have to like a character to enjoy the book, the character just needs to be interesting”. Well, everyone certainly has a right to their own opinion, especially in a book review but, it’s comments like that one that brought up my suspicions about this character again. I prefer to like the MC before committing to the series. Otherwise, the series just becomes a one and done for me.
I despise how the present political climate has caused so many (myself included) to question who is a “patriot”. However, because that it has, I don’t want to spend my limited spare time reading about someone who I consider to be the fake, phony and despicable kind of patriot. In my opinion, it’s these types of people who are the greatest enemy. Unfortunately, this prequel didn’t offer enough info on the MC to determine what kind of “patriot” David Rivers is. Enough said.
The book summary for this book labels the MC, David Rivers, as a “Patriot”, which has always made me a little suspect of this series. Because of the political climate for the past several years, whenever I hear the word “patriot”, I am reminded of the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, Patriot Front along with a boatload of other racist, white supremacist, hate groups. As for Quinn Colson? Quinn has absolutely no use and little patience for bozos like that in his life or in his town and makes it his duty and responsibility to run them out any way he can. If these clowns don’t leave on their own accord, Quinn has a way of making sure they typically end up in one of two ways – in jail or dead. This is why I LOVE Quinn Colson.
Anyway, this was a short prequel (46pgs) that I thought would give me a little bit of a feel for the MC to see if the MC is the kind of character that I want to know more about before committing to the series. Basically, I just wanted to know if Rivers was the kind of patriot that was compelled to commit to an oath that he took to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic or was he the kind of patriot that spreads hate and racism with violence and white supremacist bull$#!^. As far as I’m concerned, the latter is a terrorist and NOT a patriot.
I typically don’t read reviews before I read a book, I usually like to make my own opinions about a character and/or story. However, I did read a few on this one though because I wanted to hear what others said about the MC. Someone said, “you don’t have to like a character to enjoy the book, the character just needs to be interesting”. Well, everyone certainly has a right to their own opinion, especially in a book review but, it’s comments like that one that brought up my suspicions about this character again. I prefer to like the MC before committing to the series. Otherwise, the series just becomes a one and done for me.
I despise how the present political climate has caused so many (myself included) to question who is a “patriot”. However, because that it has, I don’t want to spend my limited spare time reading about someone who I consider to be the fake, phony and despicable kind of patriot. In my opinion, it’s these types of people who are the greatest enemy. Unfortunately, this prequel didn’t offer enough info on the MC to determine what kind of “patriot” David Rivers is. Enough said.
December 24, 2018
WOW!! Jason Kasper can really tell a riveting story. The RANGER OBJECTIVE gives the reader some of the back story to the David Rivers character. Describing the first combat action of a 19 year-old Ranger private, one year after 9-11, the reader can smell the cordite, blink away the sweat running in the eyes, hear the roar of the approaching helicopter rotors, and feel the fast-moving air from the bullet that whizzed so close that a loud ringing erupted in one ear. This action rings so true that probably should be listed under autobiography rather than adventure fiction. Strong work, Ranger Kasper.
November 30, 2018
This short story provides realistic, heart pounding, edge of your seat excitement from an author who is a proven master of the story type. Combat is brought home in a way that makes you feel a part of the action. A great prequel to the David Rivers books.
April 10, 2019
Very poor value for money. I finished the "book" before I finished my coffee and 50% of what I paid for is basically advertising the next book in the series.
Author, pay for your own advertising. Me, I am getting a refund and spending the money on something better!
Author, pay for your own advertising. Me, I am getting a refund and spending the money on something better!
August 24, 2023
I enjoy these types of books. This one sets the stage. My only qualm is the over use of the arbitrary term “assault rifle”. Not a single active duty member or veteran that I know refers to their duty rifle that way. It seems a bit forced.
December 4, 2018
It was a hard hitting story that hit upon the Leda many of us had before we really had to come face to face with War. It wasn’t like a movie people really got wounded and killed .
August 1, 2020
Awesome short story, would highly recommend this author
August 31, 2020
A active Green Beret recommend this author to me.
December 7, 2020
Quick little back story. Easy little read
March 26, 2021
Great book now I want to read the rest of the series!
April 2, 2021
Good short story.
April 8, 2021
full of action
August 25, 2021
Love this!
Loved this short story prequel!
Cannot wait to read the next story. Will get it very soon!
Excellent writing done!
Loved this short story prequel!
Cannot wait to read the next story. Will get it very soon!
Excellent writing done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews