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Atlas Hargrove #1

The Tears of Odessa

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A trafficked fifteen-year-old girl…

…in a country this killer barely understands.

Atlas Hargrove is officially on the hunt.


From the USA Today Bestselling Author, R.B. Schow, comes the hard-hitting new thriller, The Tears of Odessa.


Former SWAT commander, Atlas Hargrove, just earned himself back-to-back life sentences in a California Supermax prison. One emotionally-charged moment cost him his wife, his family, his life. All is not lost, though. On the fringes of polite society, financiers with leverage and influence are in constant search of a brute like Atlas, an unlikely asset with a perfect alibi and the skill set needed to stir up hell in the middle of hell itself.


Halfway across the globe, an innocent child is moving through the trafficking lines from one country to the next. With time as his enemy and the rule of law behind him, Atlas will rely on a dodgy group of mercenaries and the instincts of his past to find the girl, kill those who took her, and stamp in the minds of monsters a single message: you cannot monetize children.


Fast-paced and packing one hell of a punch, this no-holds-barred action/adventure thriller will send you to the edge of your seat and have you glued to the pages long into the night.


If you like Barry Eisler, Lee Child, Harlan Coben, and JB Turner, you’re going to love Atlas Hargrove in the brand new series-starter that early readers have called, “A resurgence of both power and heart in the thriller genre,” and “2020’s biggest surprise!”


If you’re ready for a night of unputdownable fiction, fire up your kindle, grab some caffeine, and prepare yourself for a wild night with the pride and joy of NorCal State Prison: the enigmatic, unpredictable Atlas Hargrove.

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2020

4427 people are currently reading
455 people want to read

About the author

Ryan Schow

60 books107 followers

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5 stars
2,181 (52%)
4 stars
1,364 (32%)
3 stars
443 (10%)
2 stars
118 (2%)
1 star
85 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Liv.
298 reviews9 followers
September 11, 2025
Reading Journal Details
Book: The Tears of Odessa by Ryan Schow
Format Read: (Audiobook ~13 hours, 2 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)

Quick Take
Relentless and raw, but what could have been a gripping international thriller loses steam with a frustrating protagonist, violence that strains credibility, and one-note antagonists.

Full Review
Some thrillers pull you in so deeply that you forget the world around you. Others push you away with their flaws until you're watching from a distance. The Tears of Odessa landed firmly in the second camp for me.

Atlas Hargrove is thrust into a dangerous mission across Eastern Europe, one he approaches less as a calculated professional and more like a blunt-force wrecking ball. What begins as reluctant involvement quickly spirals into an escalating trail of chaos. Each new stop plays out almost identically, with Atlas storming in, breaking down doors, and leaving behind waves of violence that stretch past believability. Instead of building tension, this constant escalation actually dulled it.

The bigger issue, for me, was Atlas himself. He's portrayed as a man capable of great compassion in one moment and unhinged fury in the next, but instead of complexity, it came across as erratic and grating. I never felt grounded in who he was supposed to be, which made him difficult to root for or like. Secondary characters often felt more engaging, but they had little space to shine. The villains didn't fare much better; rather than exuding menace, they were flattened into clichés, explaining their motives with the clunkiness of a forgettable action film.

That said, the book wasn't without merit. Ryan Schow clearly knows how to stage action; scenes played out in my head like a movie reel, full of grit, gunfire, and tension. The darker atmosphere was effective, and I did appreciate the raw energy that hummed throughout the pages. Unfortunately, atmosphere alone wasn't enough to make up for repetition and a protagonist who dragged the story down instead of carrying it forward.

A bruising ride with plenty of sparks, but without substance, they fizzled fast—firepower without the heart to make it stick the landing.

Features & Vibes
🔥 Volatile, destructive energy
💥 Jason Bourne-style intensity
🌍 International goose chase through Slavic cities
🩸 Violence pushed past believability
🎥 Villains straight out of a B-movie
🙃 A volatile, unlikeable lead
52 reviews
March 21, 2023
This book started well, had a good premise, INITIALLY an interesting lead character in Atlas, and some well-written action scenes. The actions is more reminiscent of 1980's Chuck Norris than of Jason Bourne - but still good. Then, the author's politics not only come out - but they become quite pushy. Not only are the Villains straight from Trump political ad - all those damn lefties are corrupt pedos - but the Villains feel the reason to explain their actions to the protagonist in a Dr Evil kinda way or early James Bond villain fashion. The Villains are capable of a masterful conspiracy, but can't figure out that Atlas is coming for them. Make up your mind - are they smart or are they quite stupid.

Then there's the unnatural love affair that is forced upon

I find a lot of espionage or international thriller books have this very political leaning. I will read the 2nd book - as long as its available for free on Prime.
60 reviews
March 23, 2022
Violent, graphic, super-human

I believe this is Book 1 in an evolving series revolving around an ex-cop, swat team commander (Atlas) who succumbs to his primal instincts and winds up in a privately managed maximum security prison serving a series of life sentences. Periodically, Atlas is released from custody for special assignments where his primal instincts are allowed to run free for the larger good. Although I found this first entry to be incredulous and totally bizarre, I enjoyed it and, if you’re into Mad Max/Die Hard genre fiction, I would recommend it for light—albeit graphic, absurdly violent—weekend reading.
Profile Image for Shelley Barr.
44 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2023
Wow, how did I miss this series?! This book was fantastic! A lil different from what I like to read, well it was very different from what I prefer to read. However I’m no stranger to reading RS books. And I was not disappointed. I especially loved how he incorporated Monarch, from the Swan series into this story. What an unsuspecting lil twist. As usual the level of violence that Ryan puts out there was spot on. Characters, the good and the bad were well written and like-able.. I am ecstatic that there’s 6 books in this series. I would highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to jump into the next one.
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,389 reviews14 followers
June 17, 2024
Atlas Hargrove, is a cop on suspension. He's dealing with the kidnapping of his daughter and just discovered his wife is cheating on him. Suddenly there's a police chase and the perps are heading straight towards a school and mow down a number of children. Atlas follows, helps subdue the perps but the smirks on their faces just makes him snap. He kills them all, goes on trial and is incarcerated for life.

Then, a billionaire's daughter is kidnapped and a fixer named Leopold comes with a proposition. Help him find the girl and he will help Atlas locate his daughter. How can Atlas help from prision, well Leopold has a way out for "ops". There are a few others that will help Atlas track down the girl in Russia and Ukraine but everytime they get close, they miss her. The same scene plays out over and over, captured abused girls, bad guys, Atlas in a rage and finally the rescue and Atlas's return to prision.

It's implausible, violent and not entertaining.

81 reviews
May 19, 2024
Brutally Horrible and Satisfying

Atlas Hargrove is a former detective with a missing daughter and a severe anger management problem. Circumstances lead to him using his skills and taking out his anger on child sex traffickers. This was well-written, fast paced read, and Atlas was a somewhat more realistic tough guy than most action heroes in that he had doubts and a heart that could be ripped out by the things he saw, and the rage reaction humans are prone to rather than just cold confident calculation. I think this was a cut above the average good action thriller, but be warned; the sex trafficking related stuff is brutally awful (making his vengeance palatable) and may be hard to read for many.
449 reviews5 followers
November 26, 2024
Dismayed by the futile conclusion

Taking out an international ring of sex traffickers and paedophiles doesn't get you a clear slate?
Verse what's the point?
I admire the crafting of the character but I should think somehow there needs to be a debt paid and a future restored. Otherwise, where's the payoff for turning out to be a still decent but perhaps chastened dude who would still just keep on being a fall guy for the continuing depravities of the powerful elites?
I expected some gratitude not ongoing punishment in the form of3 life sentences.
Even the Menendez brothers seem to be more likely to be forgiven. And they ARE real life monsters, not fictional characters locked in endless purgatory.
Done with this unhappy tale of miscarried justice.
Profile Image for Tara Wowra.
246 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2020
Full of action. I definitely. recommend this book.

This book is full of action but it surprised me with the frequent swells of emotion. The characters were well fleshed out, their reasons for doing what they are doing. I really enjoyed this installment and read it in record time. I look forward to the next installment. I'm sure I will read it in record time as well. There were a few little spelling errors and a couple of words that should have been deleted. Better editing, that's all.
Profile Image for John Brandon Brandon.
Author 1 book
November 20, 2020
Pulse Pounding Adrenaline Rush

Buckle up. You've not been on a trip like this before.
Great, believable antihero. Atlas does things many of us would never dream of and yet some of us see as neccessary justice in this twisted world. The pacing was page turning. I enjoyed the action, so 5 stars. I did have a hard time with some of the scenes with the girls, but every scene was in context to the plot, rescue the kidnapped and trafficked children and serve justice with a vengeance from a cop turned executioner.
7 reviews
December 31, 2021
Terror from Solitary Confinement

The main character, Atlas, is someone that I could not imagine existed in a writer’s mind.
This guy is pure evil when he needs to be and then, he can be (normal).
The plot was excellent and the action kept flowing. As I kept reading, I kept saying to myself, where did the writer come up with this character?

I want to read more about this character Atlas and see if he ever becomes “normal” .
I recommend the book but don’t say you weren’t warned about the action!
25 reviews
January 28, 2023
Solid: action, education, excellent plot and characters you struggle to like

The author has a well plotted novel with characters who stick with the reader beyond the novel. They are memorable. The plot is international in scope but not to tourist attractions. His attention to a social issue is accurate and does not spare the reader. Read, learn, brace yourself, and go on a rescue mission with a team that pulls together somehow. It's good and haunting. it will make you want to do something to help address the horror.
Profile Image for Katherine.
745 reviews33 followers
June 14, 2025
Too Violent!

The writing and character development in the book are very well done. The basic plot is such that, despite the unbearable violence and horror of the sex trafficking that is the setting, I finished the book. I needed to know if the mission was a success and what the outcome would be for Atlas. Though I shared his disgust and anger at the people who support and use these children so heartlessly, his own unbridled violence was as unpalatable to me. For that reason, I won't continue with the series.
Profile Image for Frida Dillenbeck.
541 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2025
Atlas is not a hero but when children are concerned he will do anything possible to protect or rescue them and punish the ones who cause harm to the young innocents. He now lives in a corrections facility in Northern California and is released to a man named Leopold whenever Atlas’s particular uninhibited skill set is needed. He joins up with Kira, a bald mute militant killing machine, Cira a beautiful blond facilitator who can handle herself in combat and a few of locals to rescue Kayle, a 15 year old girl born into wealth.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,697 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2025
Audiobook--This was, several times, very nearly a dnf, but I managed to hang on til the end. I don't, however, plan to continue the series. I just don't understand the high ratings.

There was nothing about this book that I enjoyed, and that includes the narration. None of the characters were likeable. Atlas was a hot mess--occasionally coming across--insincerely--like a sentimental good boy but mostly acting like a deranged madman. I tend to gravitate toward gritty thrillers, but this one was a big flop for me.
Profile Image for Robbie Fisher.
3 reviews
March 29, 2021
A thrill from start to finish. Wonderfully crafted characters and locations

A wonderful book and a nonstop thrill. I felt so drawn to the flawed, yet lovable, Atlas Hargrove. The multiple points of view shown in this story allow a clear image to be made and the story overall was so captivating. (Not necessarily for the faint of heart, as some parts get pretty dark)

Love it!! Definitely recommend!
162 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2021
Hardcore

This a grueling, gritty, gut wrenching story. This is a story about real evil. The no holds barred, hardcore reality of child sex trafficking & the people who facilitate, enable & break the souls & bodies of children. Enter Atlas Hargrove and the people who try to put an end to this evil. The only good pedophiles & traffickers are dead ones. A well written, in your face, heartbreaking action filled thriller.
Profile Image for book_luv_r.
1,447 reviews
May 20, 2024
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧

Jason Bourne on steroids. The whole “getting out of prison” so he can do good deeds against bad people was so implausible. I think this book started out so strong, but once he committed a terrible crime I had a hard time staying interested. I also have a very hard time reading about child sex trade atrocities. It’s not graphic or descriptive, but the implied crimes against children is hard to stomach.
162 reviews
January 30, 2025
Deep and dark

This is one of those that you can either handle reading or not. It dives into the darkest, most inhumane aspects of evil. While the story line and characters are intriguing, the subject matter may not be for everyone.
I found myself rooting for the good guy (who's kind of a bad guy) and his team. I have to read the next one because now I'm drawn into the "what happens next" realm.
1 review
Read
February 12, 2025
Probably the most graphic descriptions of torture, depravity, and gore ever - Yet a truly compelling novel. I had a hard time putting this one down. Again this is XXXXX for violence definitely not for young readers. Some amazingly i8nteresting characters and a super-fast moving plot. Nothing intellectual about this book - just action and more action. This is truly "escape literature". Enjoy but be prepared.

JG
33 reviews
September 14, 2020
Thank you Ryan!

Thank you for letting me read this.. It took longer than it should because I wanted to feel each feeling, cry each tear. Devastating in truth. This book gives hope that every last horrible person, man or woman will get their due! Can't wait for the next Atlas Hargove book!
140 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2020
Another Eye opening story.

If I had been given the highlights of this story, I would have said No Thank You! But because it was Ryan's book I knew it was worth a look. I was not disappointed! There is so much in this world that society turns a blind eye to. This story needed to be told! Great job Ryan!
36 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2020
Edge of my Seat

Seemed to start a little slow but once it began to move this book was on fire! The social problem addressed in this action packed book made me uncomfortable but in a way that made me more aware of this issue and wanting to see justice done. Overall, a hugely satisfying book.
264 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2020
What a ride!

I am a huge fan of Ryan's work. This book shows a side of his talent that I was unaware of, that he writes more than one genre. This book gives us a grisly peek into the nasty side of humanity, traders of children. While I know this is a work of fiction, this book speaks to my soul.
Profile Image for Craig D Orzel, Sr.
80 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2021
Amazing

A view into the vile world of sex trafficking that leaves the reader cheering for the main character on his search for his daughter while he deals death to the evil people that wreak havoc on children. There is a special place in hell for people that take innocent children for their own evil purposes. I highly recommend this book.
2 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Fast easy read.

This book is an absolute page turner. Thanks for writing it and now I’m off to the next one. From watching atlas go from psychotic to good guy to psychotic is a tad dizzying. But good. And you kinda root for him to get out and stay out of prison. Hope ThTs the way it goes.
36 reviews
October 5, 2021
Intriguing

The brutal force in this book to a little time to adjust to, but the author draws you in and doesn’t let go. Revenge is best served cold, and Atlas and his crew do it beautifully. Starting book 2 of the series and looking to be pulled in again, by Atlas, Leo and the gang
Profile Image for Monroe Bryant.
412 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2022
An interesting novel

An interesting story but a bit over the top on violence, the reason for three stars. Having said that, I couldn’t put it down, waiting to see how Atlas got out of his predicament. A bit of a cliffhanger, which I truly detest. Not sure if I’m going to read the next one or not.
4 reviews
January 24, 2022
Great book.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. It was somewhat confusing at first. However as I continued to read and follow the story, it drew me in.
I am looking forward to reading the whole series.
If you enjoy action and adventure and a hero that is flawed and very human, this is your book.



Profile Image for Ken Barrett.
Author 7 books5 followers
February 16, 2023
Good story

A good story but not for the faint of heart. The book involves child abuse and sexual exploitation. It also includes graphic violence. Beyond that the book is well written, the characters interesting, and the world well described. It’s a good book for those with a strong stomach.
33 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2023
difficult to read

It is hard to believe these kinds of people exist, even in a work of fiction. The violence and evil recounted is disturbing. I did finish the book, although it took a long time - I could read only a chapter or two at a time. I wanted to find out what happened to Alabama.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews

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