What do you think?
Rate this book
Once a Soldier
An extremist cult is threatening Seattle. Can an ex-soldier put aside his own demons to stop them?
Ex-military contractor Harper Knox has taken over his family’s farm in eastern Washington, ripped up the cherry trees and planted grape vines, hoping that the wine life will ease his PTSD-riddled soul. But he still has nightmares, and he’s still diving into the dirt every time a kid sets off a firework.
Desperate to taste battle again, he accepts a bodyguard gig in Seattle protecting a doctor involved with controversial AI research. Sometimes the only way to deal with the fire is by jumping back into the flame.
Things go bad quickly, and Harper and Italian mercenary Francesca Daly join forces to make things right. Technology and religion collide as the two vigilantes race through Seattle on a hunt for a madman.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2019
657 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 27, 2019
Nice Hardcore Thriller, A Fun Read.
Soldier of fortune signs up for one last job. Only to lose his best friend to baddies. Revenge hijinks ensue against crazy religious cult. It ain't WAR AND PEACE, but it ain't bad.
Soldier of fortune signs up for one last job. Only to lose his best friend to baddies. Revenge hijinks ensue against crazy religious cult. It ain't WAR AND PEACE, but it ain't bad.
June 4, 2020
As a whole, this might not be a terrible book. Like, when it comes to the overall plot and such. But I didn't get very far before I started noticing things I didn't like and, to be honest, life is too short to waste on bad books.
To put things simply, it was fine until the first woman arrived, upon which it became painfully obvious that this book is written by a man. As in, the way she was described was horrible and her introduction was an eyesore. And maybe I react more than most people would — I'm very much a feminist — but that doesn't make it okay.
Even worse — and what really made me drop this book like a hot potato — was the transphobia. I mean, when a man lists "transgender" as one of the reasons why said woman should consider him unavailable and undesirable, you've lost me. Some might argue that maybe it's only the character who is transphobic, not the writer, but, considering that this wasn't adressed or called out in any way, I won't hold my breath.
So no. This is not for me and I don't recommend it.
To put things simply, it was fine until the first woman arrived, upon which it became painfully obvious that this book is written by a man. As in, the way she was described was horrible and her introduction was an eyesore. And maybe I react more than most people would — I'm very much a feminist — but that doesn't make it okay.
Even worse — and what really made me drop this book like a hot potato — was the transphobia. I mean, when a man lists "transgender" as one of the reasons why said woman should consider him unavailable and undesirable, you've lost me. Some might argue that maybe it's only the character who is transphobic, not the writer, but, considering that this wasn't adressed or called out in any way, I won't hold my breath.
So no. This is not for me and I don't recommend it.
September 9, 2021
very entertaining thriller
Great insight to the mind and strengths and fears of a soldier in the contract business. Extremely likable Harper Knox joins a buddy in protecting a futurist scientist at a convention which turns fatal. The ensuing chase to find the answers as to who and why provide the bulk of the action. Harper is aided by a female soldier that breaks thru his PTSD trauma and navigates the dangerous territory with him. Unexpected twists and turns take us from the vineyards of Red Mountain to Seattle to some farm in the country where the answers are laid bare. Great read!
Great insight to the mind and strengths and fears of a soldier in the contract business. Extremely likable Harper Knox joins a buddy in protecting a futurist scientist at a convention which turns fatal. The ensuing chase to find the answers as to who and why provide the bulk of the action. Harper is aided by a female soldier that breaks thru his PTSD trauma and navigates the dangerous territory with him. Unexpected twists and turns take us from the vineyards of Red Mountain to Seattle to some farm in the country where the answers are laid bare. Great read!
October 4, 2021
STICK WITH YOUR RED MOUNTAIN CHRONICLES BOO
After red mountain chronicles, which I loved, I couldn't connect with the main character, no feeling of caring just a big cheap b rated action movie that I couldn't wait to finish, justin case there would be some deep hidden philosophy of caring for the wine making and the people surrounding Otis, Brooks and Jake. This book was a no go and will stay away from your so cold "action" stories.
After red mountain chronicles, which I loved, I couldn't connect with the main character, no feeling of caring just a big cheap b rated action movie that I couldn't wait to finish, justin case there would be some deep hidden philosophy of caring for the wine making and the people surrounding Otis, Brooks and Jake. This book was a no go and will stay away from your so cold "action" stories.
March 1, 2023
I just think the writing was not of great quality. Clumsy prose. And also, I don't personally enjoy deeply flawed characters. I got very tired of Harper Knox almost immediately. PTSD, blah blah blah, heard it all before, ducks when he hears fireworks etc etc. Not many original ideas in the story. The only bright spot was the Singularity concept which is not a spoiler as it is introduced right away.
April 7, 2025
A Soldier Forever
This book has heroes, villains, laughs, fast and furious action, and romance! What more could you ask for? There's tragedy and suspense, torture and . . .well, let's not give everything away! I read this in just a couple of days (I did have other things demanding my time), and thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Every character, good or evil, was well-drawn. I can give it 5 Stars without a second thought! An Excellent Read!!!
This book has heroes, villains, laughs, fast and furious action, and romance! What more could you ask for? There's tragedy and suspense, torture and . . .well, let's not give everything away! I read this in just a couple of days (I did have other things demanding my time), and thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Every character, good or evil, was well-drawn. I can give it 5 Stars without a second thought! An Excellent Read!!!
July 5, 2020
Thriller and romance! Well written novel!
Have now read all this author's novels on Kindle list available!
That is a lot of great novels!! All are very great! My favorites are the Red Mountain series! I hope this review will help some oth. ers pick them up and enjoy them as much as I have!Thanks to Boo for his work!! Annette Graham -- Texasg
Have now read all this author's novels on Kindle list available!
That is a lot of great novels!! All are very great! My favorites are the Red Mountain series! I hope this review will help some oth. ers pick them up and enjoy them as much as I have!Thanks to Boo for his work!! Annette Graham -- Texasg
January 5, 2022
Benjamin Blackmore will lead you into a journey that you will thoroughly enjoy and keep in your memory for months.
Start reading any book Benjamin Blackmore has written and I will guarantee you will search for and read everything he has ever written! Absolutely wonderful writer so just sit back with any of his books and enjoy the ride. It's memorable!
Start reading any book Benjamin Blackmore has written and I will guarantee you will search for and read everything he has ever written! Absolutely wonderful writer so just sit back with any of his books and enjoy the ride. It's memorable!
October 2, 2023
I’m glad this was not the first book of yours that I read otherwise I might not have gone any farther. This was difficult for me to read……to violent and graphic for me. I know AI is out there and hopefully will not have to deal with it in my lifetime . I read all the Red Mountain book and enjoyed thoroughly!
December 28, 2025
If you loved Red Mountain, read this!
Living in Seattle, it read a little too close to feeling like it could be in the headlines in the not-too-distant future! Some very interesting concepts to ponder (ones that I have and new ones as well!) and thoughts to help keep a “balanced” perspective on these topics…if that’s even possible!
Living in Seattle, it read a little too close to feeling like it could be in the headlines in the not-too-distant future! Some very interesting concepts to ponder (ones that I have and new ones as well!) and thoughts to help keep a “balanced” perspective on these topics…if that’s even possible!
December 23, 2019
A very good read
I really rather enjoyed this novel. Being picky I thought the pace could have been tightened a little but I especially enjoyed the location, Puget Sound is an area ripe for novel settings.
I really rather enjoyed this novel. Being picky I thought the pace could have been tightened a little but I especially enjoyed the location, Puget Sound is an area ripe for novel settings.
September 25, 2020
If you like real bad had guys and even worse good guys, this is for you
This book takes us into disturbing territory, it will keep you up all night wanting more. This will definitely keep you turning pages.
This book takes us into disturbing territory, it will keep you up all night wanting more. This will definitely keep you turning pages.
January 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this read. It was very suspenseful and action packed.
I really enjoyed this read. It was very suspenseful and action packed. Also, I enjoyed the twist at the end.
I really enjoyed this read. It was very suspenseful and action packed. Also, I enjoyed the twist at the end.
July 29, 2022
A former soldier gets dragged back into contracting.
A great read, fast moving great characters. Interesting plot touching on PTSD as well as a much loved Red Mountain wine country area.
A great read, fast moving great characters. Interesting plot touching on PTSD as well as a much loved Red Mountain wine country area.
March 15, 2024
Former soldier foils terrorists.
The book was suggested by Kindle after reading a Boo Walker book. It was a very good read. The ending could use tweaking. A bit too predictable. If you like mystery-romance you will like this.
The book was suggested by Kindle after reading a Boo Walker book. It was a very good read. The ending could use tweaking. A bit too predictable. If you like mystery-romance you will like this.
April 12, 2024
A Reader’s Writer
Finally, an author that can write and doesn’t make punctuation or spelling errors! Great story line. Written about the ultra fringe in Seattle. This could be a very real occurrence.
Finally, an author that can write and doesn’t make punctuation or spelling errors! Great story line. Written about the ultra fringe in Seattle. This could be a very real occurrence.
September 14, 2024
Spectacular
It was a wonderful read and hoping that there may be more soon!
I truly couldn't put it down and hopefully all that have the opportunity to read it enjoy it as much as I did.
It was a wonderful read and hoping that there may be more soon!
I truly couldn't put it down and hopefully all that have the opportunity to read it enjoy it as much as I did.
January 5, 2020
Too much bad language, graphic sex, "soldier" does not seem like a soldier. Could have been a good story without the bad fluff.
February 28, 2020
Scary but great
Love the characters. This story line is only scary because it is so believable. Definitely recommend this book, will be reading more by him.
Love the characters. This story line is only scary because it is so believable. Definitely recommend this book, will be reading more by him.
June 30, 2021
great story
October 17, 2022
Excellent writing
Didn't know why I wanted t[ read about an ex soldier, but from start to finish the book was quite satisfying.
Didn't know why I wanted t[ read about an ex soldier, but from start to finish the book was quite satisfying.
August 3, 2023
Great Read
One of the best books I have read; packed with a lot of action and a story that held together until the end.
One of the best books I have read; packed with a lot of action and a story that held together until the end.
March 10, 2025
Fascinating premise with the technology implantation. I couldn’t put this book down!
June 17, 2025
Cult
He had stepped away from war to grow grapes, but his best friend needed him. He went reluctantly, and his worst fears were realised
He had stepped away from war to grow grapes, but his best friend needed him. He went reluctantly, and his worst fears were realised
December 13, 2025
Great book!
I can't write words, but I can read, and when I read a book as good as Once a Soldier, I REALLY wish I could tell everyone who reads!
I can't write words, but I can read, and when I read a book as good as Once a Soldier, I REALLY wish I could tell everyone who reads!
December 16, 2019
Soldier
Another author that believes literature consists of four letter expletives, particularly "f". That's too bad, as there is so much better language to use.
Another author that believes literature consists of four letter expletives, particularly "f". That's too bad, as there is so much better language to use.
March 18, 2025
Another excellent read from Boo Walker
December 3, 2019
Well Worth Your Time
I read many, many books and am often not motivated to write a review. This book is exceptional. The story was good and kept my attention throughout. I recommend it highly.
I read many, many books and am often not motivated to write a review. This book is exceptional. The story was good and kept my attention throughout. I recommend it highly.
November 22, 2019
Enjoyable read. Enjoyed the characters, writing style was good. A couple of small inconsistencies, but these were not enough to detract from the entertainment of the book.
November 13, 2019
Is it a romance?
An absolutely wonderful book that keeps your heart pumping. This would make a great action movie, satisfyingly any die hard fan of the genre. Surprisingly it would also appeal to the romantics for a fantastic date film, for now it’s just an entertaining read that is hard to put down once started. Don’t miss this!
NickTheMoose
An absolutely wonderful book that keeps your heart pumping. This would make a great action movie, satisfyingly any die hard fan of the genre. Surprisingly it would also appeal to the romantics for a fantastic date film, for now it’s just an entertaining read that is hard to put down once started. Don’t miss this!
NickTheMoose
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews