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Armored #1
Armored
A novel inspired by #1 New York Times best-selling author Mark Greaney’s Audible Original drama, Armored .
Joshua Duffy is a Close Protection Agent—a professional bodyguard—and he's one of the world's elite operatives. That is, he was until his last mission in Lebanon. Against all odds, Josh got his primary out alive, but the cost was high. Josh lost his lower left leg.
There's not much call for an elite bodyguard with such an injury. So, Josh has to support his family working as a mall cop in New Jersey. For a man like Josh, this is purgatory on earth, but miracles can occur even in Paramus.
A lucky run-in with an old comrade promises to get Josh back in the field for one last job. The UN is sending a peace mission into the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico, an area so dangerous it's known as Espinazo del Diablo— the Devil's Spine. Only a fool would think they could broker peace between the homicidal drug cartels in the region, and only a madman would sign on to keep those fools alive.
Joshua Duffy is a Close Protection Agent—a professional bodyguard—and he's one of the world's elite operatives. That is, he was until his last mission in Lebanon. Against all odds, Josh got his primary out alive, but the cost was high. Josh lost his lower left leg.
There's not much call for an elite bodyguard with such an injury. So, Josh has to support his family working as a mall cop in New Jersey. For a man like Josh, this is purgatory on earth, but miracles can occur even in Paramus.
A lucky run-in with an old comrade promises to get Josh back in the field for one last job. The UN is sending a peace mission into the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico, an area so dangerous it's known as Espinazo del Diablo— the Devil's Spine. Only a fool would think they could broker peace between the homicidal drug cartels in the region, and only a madman would sign on to keep those fools alive.
512 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2022
1510 people are currently reading
3953 people want to read
About the author
Mark Greaney
60 books6,221 followersMark Greaney has a degree in International Relations and Political Science. In researching The Gray Man series he traveled to ten countries and trained extensively in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close range combative tactics.
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
Learn more at MARKGREANEYBOOKS.COM
Email Mark at MarkGreaneyBooks@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 577 reviews
August 3, 2022
Well, this was different!
Honestly, I didn't think this book was for me nor that I would love it. What a surprise! Mark Greaney delivered a new action-packed series with compelling characters (good and bad guys). I thought of skipping this as it's narco related and I'm glad I didn't (not narco heavy).
Through flashbacks, we get to know Duffy's background and of his wife Nichole, an owner of a small cleaning company (she's also a bada**). They make such a great team.
Three years ago in Beirut. Against orders to leave the spouse of his dead principal behind and get the hell out, Josh Duffy, a contracted bodyguard helped her escape the men who try to capture her. They made it out at the cost of his lower left leg. Now retired from private military, Duffy is a mall cop trying to make ends meet to support his small family. An opportunity arises when he met an old friend who's heading to Mexico on a three-week protection work that pays well. Duffy got the job as a team leader with no experience, without revealing that he's wearing a prosthetic leg and that he's been out of the game for three years. What could possibly go wrong?
There are two editions of the audiobook. One was released earlier, an Audible exclusive that is about 5.5 hours full cast dramatized version. The one I listened to was close to 17 hours long and was p-h-e-n-o-m-e-n-a-l. Adam Gold knocked this one out of the park with such an amazing performance. I finished it in a day'ish. I like my books to be 8-10 hours, but this was something special.
Honestly, I didn't think this book was for me nor that I would love it. What a surprise! Mark Greaney delivered a new action-packed series with compelling characters (good and bad guys). I thought of skipping this as it's narco related and I'm glad I didn't (not narco heavy).
Through flashbacks, we get to know Duffy's background and of his wife Nichole, an owner of a small cleaning company (she's also a bada**). They make such a great team.
Three years ago in Beirut. Against orders to leave the spouse of his dead principal behind and get the hell out, Josh Duffy, a contracted bodyguard helped her escape the men who try to capture her. They made it out at the cost of his lower left leg. Now retired from private military, Duffy is a mall cop trying to make ends meet to support his small family. An opportunity arises when he met an old friend who's heading to Mexico on a three-week protection work that pays well. Duffy got the job as a team leader with no experience, without revealing that he's wearing a prosthetic leg and that he's been out of the game for three years. What could possibly go wrong?
There are two editions of the audiobook. One was released earlier, an Audible exclusive that is about 5.5 hours full cast dramatized version. The one I listened to was close to 17 hours long and was p-h-e-n-o-m-e-n-a-l. Adam Gold knocked this one out of the park with such an amazing performance. I finished it in a day'ish. I like my books to be 8-10 hours, but this was something special.
September 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It’s pure action and adventure similar to a Tom Clancy shoot ‘em up (early Tom Clancy). Which is high praise. The book is long but runs very quickly. There are a lot of characters but Greany juggles them masterfully. I spotted the reveal early on but it did not ruin the read. I have always been a fan of the Gray Man series and will be adding this character to my regular reading list.
The end did lean a little toward a Clive Cussler novel. In one scene a plane is gliding in without engines and has to miss a bridge. All the characters fire their guns out the back of the plane to give the plane added propulsion.
The end did lean a little toward a Clive Cussler novel. In one scene a plane is gliding in without engines and has to miss a bridge. All the characters fire their guns out the back of the plane to give the plane added propulsion.
March 3, 2022
I have enjoyed reading the Gray Man Series by Mark Greaney over these past many years. I have found Greaney to be a master storyteller. When I discovered he came out with a new book that might become a series, I bought it immediately. My first surprise was the audiobook format. It was in the form of a play with many actors and sound effects. The book took me back to memories of my youth listening to radio shows. Only in those days the soundman was king. Not so in this book. The sound effects were poorly done.
The story was interesting about a military veteran, Joshua Duffy, that became a close protection agent. Also key to the story was his wife who was a retired Army Apache helicopter pilot. The story takes place in Mexico. If this does become a series, I will read it.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and thirty-four minutes. The story was well performed by a full drama cast.
The story was interesting about a military veteran, Joshua Duffy, that became a close protection agent. Also key to the story was his wife who was a retired Army Apache helicopter pilot. The story takes place in Mexico. If this does become a series, I will read it.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and thirty-four minutes. The story was well performed by a full drama cast.
January 2, 2023
Highly disappointing for an author of his caliber. 1 of 10 stars
August 4, 2022
This is a great audio book and I enjoyed its exhilarating and captivating plot.
June 1, 2022
Mark Greaney, who is one of the best thriller authors around, gives us a new series that is unlike anything he's written previously. Best known for his Gray Man series and continuing Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series, Armored introduces us to Joshua Duffy, a Close Projection Agent (bodyguard) and former elite soldier. While on duty in Lebanon, his principal comes under attack and some how gets his man out alive despite losing his lower left leg.
Fast forward and Duffy is back home and struggling. One-legged elite bodyguards aren't exactly in demand, so Duffy is working as a mall security guard to support his family. Eager to feel like his old self, Duffy runs into a former friend who is about to start a new job working security for a UN delagation for a meeting with cartel leaders. Duffy, desperate for money and the feeling of purpose, begs for an interview. Out of shape and down a leg, Duffy knows he's probably bitten off more than he can chew but signs up anyway. Once in Mexico, it doesn't take long for the crap to hit the fan and the realization he and his team are in series trouble.
Armored contains everything Greaney is known for: intense action, a high body count, great dialogue and the characters are well developed. If are looking for something akin to Greaney's Gray Man, Armored isn't it. The Gray Man is a one-man wrecking ball while Duffy is more of a field general type. Both The Gray Man and Joshua Duffy are badasses but their badassery are almost mirror opposites of each other. I'm really looking forward to see what Greaney haa in store for Joshua Duffy.
My sincere thanks to Mark Greaney, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Armored.
Fast forward and Duffy is back home and struggling. One-legged elite bodyguards aren't exactly in demand, so Duffy is working as a mall security guard to support his family. Eager to feel like his old self, Duffy runs into a former friend who is about to start a new job working security for a UN delagation for a meeting with cartel leaders. Duffy, desperate for money and the feeling of purpose, begs for an interview. Out of shape and down a leg, Duffy knows he's probably bitten off more than he can chew but signs up anyway. Once in Mexico, it doesn't take long for the crap to hit the fan and the realization he and his team are in series trouble.
Armored contains everything Greaney is known for: intense action, a high body count, great dialogue and the characters are well developed. If are looking for something akin to Greaney's Gray Man, Armored isn't it. The Gray Man is a one-man wrecking ball while Duffy is more of a field general type. Both The Gray Man and Joshua Duffy are badasses but their badassery are almost mirror opposites of each other. I'm really looking forward to see what Greaney haa in store for Joshua Duffy.
My sincere thanks to Mark Greaney, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Armored.
September 21, 2022
Interesting plot on how to handle the cartels in Mexico, it amazes me that most presidents since the early sixties has had a plan to battle narcotica and still it's one of the biggest economies in the world. Armored by Mark Greaney is a new seris with Josh Duffy as the main character and this first book is one wild ride, literally. I had a hard time taking a break from reading it but sometimes you have to work, sleep and eat. I know, life is hell. But when you get a book this good you can stand some of the distractions in life. Apart from some of the Clancy books I have read everything by this author and he is a master at what he does.
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October 18, 20225 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Well, this was different!
Honestly, I didn't think this book was for me nor that I would love it. What a surprise! Mark Greaney delivered a new action-packed series with compelling characters (good and bad guys). I thought of skipping this as it's narco related and I'm glad I didn't (not narco heavy).
Through flashbacks, we get to know Duffy's background and of his wife Nichole, an owner of a small cleaning company (she's also a bada**). They make such a great team.
Three years ago in Beirut. Against orders to leave the spouse of his dead principal behind and get the hell out, Josh Duffy, a contracted bodyguard helped her escape the men who try to capture her. They made it out at the cost of his lower left leg. Now retired from private military, Duffy is a mall cop trying to make ends meet to support his small family. An opportunity arises when he met an old friend who's heading to Mexico on a three-week protection work that pays well. Duffy got the job as a team leader with no experience, without revealing that he's wearing a prosthetic leg and that he's been out of the game for three years. What could possibly go wrong?
There are two editions of the audiobook. One was released earlier, an Audible exclusive that is about 5.5 hours full cast dramatized version. The one I listened to was close to 17 hours long and was p-h-e-n-o-m-e-n-a-l. Adam Gold knocked this one out of the park with such an amazing performance. I finished it in a day'ish. I like my books to be 8-10 hours, but this was something special.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Well, this was different!
Honestly, I didn't think this book was for me nor that I would love it. What a surprise! Mark Greaney delivered a new action-packed series with compelling characters (good and bad guys). I thought of skipping this as it's narco related and I'm glad I didn't (not narco heavy).
Through flashbacks, we get to know Duffy's background and of his wife Nichole, an owner of a small cleaning company (she's also a bada**). They make such a great team.
Three years ago in Beirut. Against orders to leave the spouse of his dead principal behind and get the hell out, Josh Duffy, a contracted bodyguard helped her escape the men who try to capture her. They made it out at the cost of his lower left leg. Now retired from private military, Duffy is a mall cop trying to make ends meet to support his small family. An opportunity arises when he met an old friend who's heading to Mexico on a three-week protection work that pays well. Duffy got the job as a team leader with no experience, without revealing that he's wearing a prosthetic leg and that he's been out of the game for three years. What could possibly go wrong?
There are two editions of the audiobook. One was released earlier, an Audible exclusive that is about 5.5 hours full cast dramatized version. The one I listened to was close to 17 hours long and was p-h-e-n-o-m-e-n-a-l. Adam Gold knocked this one out of the park with such an amazing performance. I finished it in a day'ish. I like my books to be 8-10 hours, but this was something special.
August 15, 2022
This book would make one hell of a movie. The first two-thirds is pretty intense, but the last third is a nail biting thrill ride with plenty of twists and turns right up to the end. Lots of explosions, gunfights, treachery, heroism and more. Josh really stepped up when he needed to.
I originally sat this book aside after reading a few pages and I thought it was going to be a woe-is-me book (should have known better from Mark Greaney), but picked it back up after Kay’s review and, boy, am I glad I did. Thanks, Kay.
I originally sat this book aside after reading a few pages and I thought it was going to be a woe-is-me book (should have known better from Mark Greaney), but picked it back up after Kay’s review and, boy, am I glad I did. Thanks, Kay.
January 20, 2024
Absolute 5 star!!!!!
Loved this book. I ended up eating my words with the wife getting to know husband's activities.
The twists i indefinetly didnt see coming. I did catch the red herring though 😉. Overall if you love thrillers, this will not disappoint.
Loved this book. I ended up eating my words with the wife getting to know husband's activities.
The twists i indefinetly didnt see coming. I did catch the red herring though 😉. Overall if you love thrillers, this will not disappoint.
October 10, 2022
Armored (Joshua Duffy #1) by Mark Greaney
Synopsis /
Joshua Duffy is a Close Protection Agent - a professional bodyguard, and he's one of the world's elite operatives. That is he was until his last mission in Lebanon. Against all odds, Josh got his primary out alive, but the cost was high. Josh lost his lower left leg.
There's not much call for an elite bodyguard with such an injury. So, Josh has to support his family working as a mall cop in Jersey. For a man like Josh this is purgatory on earth, but even in Paramus miracles occur.
A lucky run in with an old comrade promises to get Josh back in the field for one last job. The UN is sending a peace mission into the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, an area so dangerous it's known as Espinazo del Diablo (The Devil's Spine). Only a fool would think they could broker peace between the homicidal drug cartels in the region and only a madman would sign on to keep those fools alive. (less)
My Thoughts /
4.5 ⭐
Mark Greaney is a ‘new to me’ author, so I did a quick little search into what kinds of books he’s written.
There’s a sneaky little line in Mark Greaney’s bio which reads In his research for the Gray Man novels, including Relentless, One Minute Out, Mission Critical, Agent in Place, Gunmetal Gray, Back Blast, Dead Eye, Ballistic, On Target, and The Gray Man, he travelled to more than thirty-five countries and trained alongside military and law enforcement in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close-range combative tactics.
After reading that this author is considered one of the best action-thriller writers around, I was keen to jump into Armored which is the first book in Greaney’s Joshua Duffy series.
At the beginning of Armored we are introduced to Joshua Duffy, a husband, and father of two, a former Close Projection Agent (bodyguard) and elite soldier. While on active duty in Lebanon, Duffy, while working as a CPA for a key, principal figure comes under attack from insurgents. The protectee doesn’t make it, but Duffy was able to extricate both himself and the principal’s wife out alive. But not without casualty, Duffy lost his lower left leg in the incident.
Fast forward a few years and there have been some changes. Duffy is still happily married to wife, Nikki; and loves spending time with their two beautiful children. But instead of living the life of an elite solider and close protection agent, Duffy’s working life now consists of pounding the beat as a full-time mall cop. You see, you can’t be an effective CPA or elite soldier with only one good leg. Or can you????
An ‘accidental’ encounter with a former colleague, Mike Gordon, ends up with Duffy working a job with a high-risk security service on a dangerous mission in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. The job – working security for a United Nations delegation who are attending a meeting with leaders of the Mexican cartel. Their brief? To broker peace among warring cartels in Mexico’s Sierra Madre. It was proffered as a straightforward mission and easy money. But even before they reach the treacherous ridge called the Devil’s Spine, guns start firing and the body count starts rising. What follows is a story about cartel hierarchy, drug cartel warfare, drug lords, SAM missiles, political double-crosses, plenty of red-herrings and hidden agendas by pretty much everyone who’s involved! To say there is plenty of action and suspense in Armored is an understatement. This novel is well and truly fast-paced. The characters are well-developed and interesting (even the ‘evil’ ones!) Greaney has created a bevy of misfits for this mission. Most of whom are thought of as “un hireable” and deemed not suited for CPA work. But what these boys have in common, is their ability to pull together in a crisis and they all have one another’s back. The story is told from the POV of both Duffy and Nikki (who is back at home in Virginia). When it becomes evident to Nikki that Josh has ended up way over his head – she springs into action. You see, Duffy’s wife is a badass ex-Army captain and chopper pilot. Still with contacts in the military, Nikki heads over to Mexico to find her husband. She wants nothing more than for her husband to arrive home safe.
My paperback copy came in at approximately 530 pages, and, while I think it could have been trimmed down somewhat in length, it was nevertheless a quick and riveting read. A terrific set-up for what looks like a very entertaining and high octane series.
Synopsis /
Joshua Duffy is a Close Protection Agent - a professional bodyguard, and he's one of the world's elite operatives. That is he was until his last mission in Lebanon. Against all odds, Josh got his primary out alive, but the cost was high. Josh lost his lower left leg.
There's not much call for an elite bodyguard with such an injury. So, Josh has to support his family working as a mall cop in Jersey. For a man like Josh this is purgatory on earth, but even in Paramus miracles occur.
A lucky run in with an old comrade promises to get Josh back in the field for one last job. The UN is sending a peace mission into the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, an area so dangerous it's known as Espinazo del Diablo (The Devil's Spine). Only a fool would think they could broker peace between the homicidal drug cartels in the region and only a madman would sign on to keep those fools alive. (less)
My Thoughts /
4.5 ⭐
Mark Greaney is a ‘new to me’ author, so I did a quick little search into what kinds of books he’s written.
There’s a sneaky little line in Mark Greaney’s bio which reads In his research for the Gray Man novels, including Relentless, One Minute Out, Mission Critical, Agent in Place, Gunmetal Gray, Back Blast, Dead Eye, Ballistic, On Target, and The Gray Man, he travelled to more than thirty-five countries and trained alongside military and law enforcement in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close-range combative tactics.
After reading that this author is considered one of the best action-thriller writers around, I was keen to jump into Armored which is the first book in Greaney’s Joshua Duffy series.
At the beginning of Armored we are introduced to Joshua Duffy, a husband, and father of two, a former Close Projection Agent (bodyguard) and elite soldier. While on active duty in Lebanon, Duffy, while working as a CPA for a key, principal figure comes under attack from insurgents. The protectee doesn’t make it, but Duffy was able to extricate both himself and the principal’s wife out alive. But not without casualty, Duffy lost his lower left leg in the incident.
Fast forward a few years and there have been some changes. Duffy is still happily married to wife, Nikki; and loves spending time with their two beautiful children. But instead of living the life of an elite solider and close protection agent, Duffy’s working life now consists of pounding the beat as a full-time mall cop. You see, you can’t be an effective CPA or elite soldier with only one good leg. Or can you????
An ‘accidental’ encounter with a former colleague, Mike Gordon, ends up with Duffy working a job with a high-risk security service on a dangerous mission in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. The job – working security for a United Nations delegation who are attending a meeting with leaders of the Mexican cartel. Their brief? To broker peace among warring cartels in Mexico’s Sierra Madre. It was proffered as a straightforward mission and easy money. But even before they reach the treacherous ridge called the Devil’s Spine, guns start firing and the body count starts rising. What follows is a story about cartel hierarchy, drug cartel warfare, drug lords, SAM missiles, political double-crosses, plenty of red-herrings and hidden agendas by pretty much everyone who’s involved! To say there is plenty of action and suspense in Armored is an understatement. This novel is well and truly fast-paced. The characters are well-developed and interesting (even the ‘evil’ ones!) Greaney has created a bevy of misfits for this mission. Most of whom are thought of as “un hireable” and deemed not suited for CPA work. But what these boys have in common, is their ability to pull together in a crisis and they all have one another’s back. The story is told from the POV of both Duffy and Nikki (who is back at home in Virginia). When it becomes evident to Nikki that Josh has ended up way over his head – she springs into action. You see, Duffy’s wife is a badass ex-Army captain and chopper pilot. Still with contacts in the military, Nikki heads over to Mexico to find her husband. She wants nothing more than for her husband to arrive home safe.
My paperback copy came in at approximately 530 pages, and, while I think it could have been trimmed down somewhat in length, it was nevertheless a quick and riveting read. A terrific set-up for what looks like a very entertaining and high octane series.
April 14, 2023
Audiobook Review - If you're familiar with old radio programs back before television, then know that “Armored,” an original story by thriller author Mark Greaney, is done in that style. It was a ‘production’ more so than a narration. This is not a book read by one voice actor playing all the parts. This audiobook has voice actors for each individual character, and they are not doing the usual narrating. I thought each voice actor (some 15+), all did an excellent job. The dialogue gave enough details on the action scenes and the sound effects were spot on! There were a few battle scenes where the production added to the drama, making the skirmishes/firefights more real. The cast gave such a flawless performance, it felt like I was there in the thick of it all with main character, Joshua Duffy, a former military infantry soldier who became a private military contractor protecting VIPs. Duffy, a former military ‘badass’ is down on his luck after losing part of a leg but doesn’t let his disability stop him from providing for his family. He is hired by a high risk security service for a dangerous mission in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. It’s cartel warfare, drug lords with SAM missiles, political double crosses, and numerous hidden agendas by all who’s involved. Duffy and his high threat security detail are escorting high-ranking VIPs to summit with the cartel in an armored vehicle caravan. As expected, things go bad, really bad as the armored caravan travels in cartel territory. The story itself is original, very appealing, and really good! There is plenty of action and suspense and it kept me on edge the entire time. Given Mark Greaney’s track record, the audio production of Armored was no surprise in how good it was. Different, good and very worthwhile! No regrets on the 5+ hours listening to this audio production!
July 22, 2022
I have been a fan of Mark Greany for a long time. I think he is currently the best writer working in the genre. I love the Gray Man series, but I'm starting to love it even more when he decides to step away from the adventures of Court Gentry to do something a little different. His (currently) standalone book, Red Metal, was one of my favorite reads of 2019, and Armored might likewise end up on my best of 2022 list.
In a departure from the style of the Gray Man, which is a series about high level espionage and a very clearly highly skilled badass main character, Armored focuses on Josh Duffy who is a down on his luck former regular Army sargent and contractor who is trauma survivor and amputee. Being in over his head is a catalyst for this story. In writing such a different character so well Greany shows us why he's more than just a great plotter and action writer. He gets us to feel for Josh, his family, and his whole crew if misfits and has-beens he has to team up with. The plot and action scenes were incredible, but I was invested in every one of these characters. That's what put the book over the top for me.
The setting and atmosphere also really worked for me in this book. Greany does such fantastic job of transporting you to the middle of the narco controlled Mexico it's downright scary. The tension and peril of the characters was palpable on every page, and trust me it does not stop until the very end.
I was very satisfied with the conclusion and the book as a whole. I don't know if Greany is going
to turn this into a series with additional sequels, but at the very least I hope every couple of years he continues to give us more of the Every Man type of stories in addition to the Gray Man.
In a departure from the style of the Gray Man, which is a series about high level espionage and a very clearly highly skilled badass main character, Armored focuses on Josh Duffy who is a down on his luck former regular Army sargent and contractor who is trauma survivor and amputee. Being in over his head is a catalyst for this story. In writing such a different character so well Greany shows us why he's more than just a great plotter and action writer. He gets us to feel for Josh, his family, and his whole crew if misfits and has-beens he has to team up with. The plot and action scenes were incredible, but I was invested in every one of these characters. That's what put the book over the top for me.
The setting and atmosphere also really worked for me in this book. Greany does such fantastic job of transporting you to the middle of the narco controlled Mexico it's downright scary. The tension and peril of the characters was palpable on every page, and trust me it does not stop until the very end.
I was very satisfied with the conclusion and the book as a whole. I don't know if Greany is going
to turn this into a series with additional sequels, but at the very least I hope every couple of years he continues to give us more of the Every Man type of stories in addition to the Gray Man.
July 13, 2022
Has the feel of Sicario movie. Very entertaining and lots of action. Another winner from Greaney.
July 20, 2022
This is a 180 from Mark Greaney. Josh Duffy is the total opposite of Courtland Gentry. Heart over head, a protector of life. A bodyguard with people to save. A gripping thriller.
December 27, 2023
Mark Greaney's 'Gray Man' series is one of my favorites. I devour each and every one of those books. So with that enthusiasm, I walked into this one.
I finished the first half yesterday and I came home wondering what the heck I was reading. I was convinced that it wasn't a Greaney novel. I read glowing reviews saying how "action packed" it was and I certainly wasn't feeling that because there was no action...just a bunch of tough security/ex-military guys sitting around whining and posturing. I was wondering if I was reading the same book as everyone else. Yesterday this was a 2 star read.
Now with that said, I finished it up today....and I found out that the action is all in the latter half. Now that is the Greaney I've come to know.
I liked the characters. Duff was great and I liked the way his wife shined.
The latter half was worth it...definitely 4 stars. So considering the bumpy road yesterday, I'll settle for 3 stars.
I finished the first half yesterday and I came home wondering what the heck I was reading. I was convinced that it wasn't a Greaney novel. I read glowing reviews saying how "action packed" it was and I certainly wasn't feeling that because there was no action...just a bunch of tough security/ex-military guys sitting around whining and posturing. I was wondering if I was reading the same book as everyone else. Yesterday this was a 2 star read.
Now with that said, I finished it up today....and I found out that the action is all in the latter half. Now that is the Greaney I've come to know.
I liked the characters. Duff was great and I liked the way his wife shined.
The latter half was worth it...definitely 4 stars. So considering the bumpy road yesterday, I'll settle for 3 stars.
January 3, 2022
The story doesn’t bring anything new to the table but it’s action packed and entertaining. The audiobook production is great and well worth a listen.
October 30, 2023
Deadly Double Crosses
Shockingly realistic combat practically opens the story of Josh Duffy illustrating the lives of military contractors and anyone who serves in combat operations. The sudden deafening blasts, the need to push through chaos and the blood, with Duffy’s career ending injury where he pushes on against all odds to save the wife of their primary protectee shows you the heart of of the main character.
Because of his injury Duffy went from private military to mall cop which was particularly embarrassing when confronted by former teammate Mike Gordon with whom he had served in the US Army in Jalalabad.
Oscar Cordoza made his living as a back door diplomat for the cartels, using chartered aircraft from different companies, never leaving a trail, keeping the cartel leaders focused on profits. Cordoza becomes the key player in what is ultimately one of the ugliest double crosses in the history of cartel double crosses. What Cordoza doesn’t know is that his double cross isn’t the only one going down in the Sierra Madre Occidental and the UN delegation is right in the middle of it all.
A female interpreter named Flores is the prophet of doom traveling with the UN delegation who has Duffy’s ear, and to make matters worse there are more than 20 SAMs (surface to air missiles) that were stolen and believed to be in the hands of the cartels. On their first night there is an attack where Duffy’s teammates have their first casualty, but Duffy proves his ability to lead. Our characters aren’t getting a sense of something being off, but attentive readers are.
This is a really action packed story that not only gives your adrenaline a lift, but it also gives us a look into the life of the people who live in the Sierra Madres. It’s well written and sensitive to the issues of not just the drugs and the cartels, but the everyday people who get dragged along with them. It’s also more than an action story, there’s a deeper twist within a twist that kept me on the edge of my seat. Mark Greaney has another powerful character to keep up with now. I hope he doesn’t lose the last one!
Shockingly realistic combat practically opens the story of Josh Duffy illustrating the lives of military contractors and anyone who serves in combat operations. The sudden deafening blasts, the need to push through chaos and the blood, with Duffy’s career ending injury where he pushes on against all odds to save the wife of their primary protectee shows you the heart of of the main character.
Because of his injury Duffy went from private military to mall cop which was particularly embarrassing when confronted by former teammate Mike Gordon with whom he had served in the US Army in Jalalabad.
Oscar Cordoza made his living as a back door diplomat for the cartels, using chartered aircraft from different companies, never leaving a trail, keeping the cartel leaders focused on profits. Cordoza becomes the key player in what is ultimately one of the ugliest double crosses in the history of cartel double crosses. What Cordoza doesn’t know is that his double cross isn’t the only one going down in the Sierra Madre Occidental and the UN delegation is right in the middle of it all.
A female interpreter named Flores is the prophet of doom traveling with the UN delegation who has Duffy’s ear, and to make matters worse there are more than 20 SAMs (surface to air missiles) that were stolen and believed to be in the hands of the cartels. On their first night there is an attack where Duffy’s teammates have their first casualty, but Duffy proves his ability to lead. Our characters aren’t getting a sense of something being off, but attentive readers are.
This is a really action packed story that not only gives your adrenaline a lift, but it also gives us a look into the life of the people who live in the Sierra Madres. It’s well written and sensitive to the issues of not just the drugs and the cartels, but the everyday people who get dragged along with them. It’s also more than an action story, there’s a deeper twist within a twist that kept me on the edge of my seat. Mark Greaney has another powerful character to keep up with now. I hope he doesn’t lose the last one!
October 18, 2022
I thought this one started a little slowly for me after the initial action in the Middle East where Josh Duffy lost his lower leg. It definitely got better and picked up speed as the private security contractors he was working for started entering cartel territory in Mexico. By the end it was very good and satisfying, I didn't see the bad guy's background affiliation coming.
Bougainvillea was mentioned on page 298 as covering a building in a quaint Mexican village. I haven't seen it mentioned for a while and was a little surprised to find it included in a Mark Greaney novel.
Bougainvillea was mentioned on page 298 as covering a building in a quaint Mexican village. I haven't seen it mentioned for a while and was a little surprised to find it included in a Mark Greaney novel.
March 3, 2022
Listened to the Audible Original of this and LOVED it! The team dynamic and dark humor were spot on. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 18, 2024
A relentlessly paced action adventure, Mark Greaney shows once again why he is king of the hill. This story will leave you perilously clinging to the edge of a cliff by your fingertips. Appropriate given the setting of the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico. With as many twists and turns as a goat path, Armored is a brilliant story that pulls the curtain back on the dangerous world of private military contracting. Eagerly awaiting his next venture into this arena.
August 24, 2023
Bravo with the new Duffy series. Always enjoy anything Greaney writes.
Glad to see the action continues successfully.
Glad to see the action continues successfully.
July 11, 2022
This one was a surprise. I had thoroughly enjoyed the author's Gray Man series, so I knew what to expect. But still: this book was an impressive debut for a new series!!! I like the gritty feel this book had; I liked the plausibility of the story line. But most of all, I liked the style the book conveyed. Hopefully, the rest of this series stacks up like the debut novel did. My props to Mark Greaney for a story well told!!
August 3, 2024
I am a huge fan of Greaney's Gray Man series, a near unstoppable one man war zone. This isn't that.
Josh Duffy is a personal protection specialist who lost his lower leg on a job in Beirut. He is having trouble making ends meet since no protection agency is particularly interested in hiring a one legged man.
Josh and his wife are struggling for money when he runs into an old cohort while on his job as a mall cop. This leads to a mission into Mexico guarding a group of UN delegates into bandit country that turns to shite.
Good story detailing the MC's perseverance against prevailing odds and betrayal
Josh Duffy is a personal protection specialist who lost his lower leg on a job in Beirut. He is having trouble making ends meet since no protection agency is particularly interested in hiring a one legged man.
Josh and his wife are struggling for money when he runs into an old cohort while on his job as a mall cop. This leads to a mission into Mexico guarding a group of UN delegates into bandit country that turns to shite.
Good story detailing the MC's perseverance against prevailing odds and betrayal
July 13, 2022
1/2 way through and I still can't stand it. I think one person said it... it's a book missing a plot
DNF
DNF
June 23, 2025
2.5 stars (at best)
My wife and I drove to suburban Chicago last weekend. I keep a library of audiobooks (in rating order) for her to choose. She skipped over a handful of several historical fiction, a nature book, and chick lit to select "Armored" by Mark Greaney.
We finished the book a block away from our house, so that was perfect. My lovely wife said it was "exciting, the whole time."
Uhhhhhhhh. Okay.
I'll give her "exciting." It wrapped up nicely.
Thing is, there was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much description of the guns and tactics. If you're looking for military porn, this is your book! Lots of jargon. Lots of acronyms. Lots of testosterone-filled, shit-talking between the assorted military types of this security unit.
I haven't used "my catchphrase" in a long time, but this book needed a really good edit.
It ended up being an "okay" book, but I would have punted within the first hour or two.
My wife and I drove to suburban Chicago last weekend. I keep a library of audiobooks (in rating order) for her to choose. She skipped over a handful of several historical fiction, a nature book, and chick lit to select "Armored" by Mark Greaney.
We finished the book a block away from our house, so that was perfect. My lovely wife said it was "exciting, the whole time."
Uhhhhhhhh. Okay.
I'll give her "exciting." It wrapped up nicely.
Thing is, there was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much description of the guns and tactics. If you're looking for military porn, this is your book! Lots of jargon. Lots of acronyms. Lots of testosterone-filled, shit-talking between the assorted military types of this security unit.
I haven't used "my catchphrase" in a long time, but this book needed a really good edit.
It ended up being an "okay" book, but I would have punted within the first hour or two.
December 16, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE Mark Greaney fan. HUGE. The Gray Man series is probably one of my all time favorite series' and for someone who reads as much as I do, that is quite a statement. So, when I saw that Mr. Greaney had a new series launching as an Audible Original, I immediately hit the "Pre-order" button.
This is one of those audio books that is done with a full cast that also has the additional sound effects going on - a kind of movie for your ears. I have to admit that sometimes this type of audio works brilliantly, but there have also been times when it fails just as spectacularly. I wasn't sure which category this story was going to fall into in the beginning because it begins with a crisis in a war time environment. In this scenario, there was so much gunfire and yelling going on that I was worried that it was going to take away from the actual story - I actually had a hard time following exactly what was happening in the moment. Luckily though, things settled down and once the story seem to land on its feet, things began to get better.
We are introduced to a new male MC - Josh Duffy - who has a military history of exemplary action during war time deployment followed by the same type of close, personal protection detail as a contractor after his separation from the military. Unfortunately, Josh has now been permanently sidelined from action due to an injury (the loss of his lower leg) that occurred during one of his protection details - action that he not only survived, but also managed to shield and survive to bring his protectee to safety. The story begins when Josh finds out about an opportunity to join a mission utilizing skills that he did not think he would be able to use again. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem.
Without going into any spoilers we also get to meet Josh's wife, who also has military experience and was in the armed forces as well. We are given the story from their different POV's as she soon becomes entangled in the drama that is unfolding in Mexico. There are many, many moving parts in this story and it becomes pretty clear that Josh just may be involved in events over his head.
As in full Greaney style, once the story takes off, there is not a break in the action. I enjoyed the full cast narration and soon became completely invested in the story. Josh is a character that is easy to like and very easy to root for. He is honorable and fair, and the group of "guys" on his team are each distinctive with their own personalities and quirks.
I'm not sure if this is the beginning of a new series, at times I thought yes, and then at others I wasn't sure. If it is, I would love to see more of him. He and his wife make for an interesting and dynamic couple.
So, was this full cast drama a success? I would very enthusiastically say...... "yes".
Let me start by saying that I am a HUGE Mark Greaney fan. HUGE. The Gray Man series is probably one of my all time favorite series' and for someone who reads as much as I do, that is quite a statement. So, when I saw that Mr. Greaney had a new series launching as an Audible Original, I immediately hit the "Pre-order" button.
This is one of those audio books that is done with a full cast that also has the additional sound effects going on - a kind of movie for your ears. I have to admit that sometimes this type of audio works brilliantly, but there have also been times when it fails just as spectacularly. I wasn't sure which category this story was going to fall into in the beginning because it begins with a crisis in a war time environment. In this scenario, there was so much gunfire and yelling going on that I was worried that it was going to take away from the actual story - I actually had a hard time following exactly what was happening in the moment. Luckily though, things settled down and once the story seem to land on its feet, things began to get better.
We are introduced to a new male MC - Josh Duffy - who has a military history of exemplary action during war time deployment followed by the same type of close, personal protection detail as a contractor after his separation from the military. Unfortunately, Josh has now been permanently sidelined from action due to an injury (the loss of his lower leg) that occurred during one of his protection details - action that he not only survived, but also managed to shield and survive to bring his protectee to safety. The story begins when Josh finds out about an opportunity to join a mission utilizing skills that he did not think he would be able to use again. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem.
Without going into any spoilers we also get to meet Josh's wife, who also has military experience and was in the armed forces as well. We are given the story from their different POV's as she soon becomes entangled in the drama that is unfolding in Mexico. There are many, many moving parts in this story and it becomes pretty clear that Josh just may be involved in events over his head.
As in full Greaney style, once the story takes off, there is not a break in the action. I enjoyed the full cast narration and soon became completely invested in the story. Josh is a character that is easy to like and very easy to root for. He is honorable and fair, and the group of "guys" on his team are each distinctive with their own personalities and quirks.
I'm not sure if this is the beginning of a new series, at times I thought yes, and then at others I wasn't sure. If it is, I would love to see more of him. He and his wife make for an interesting and dynamic couple.
So, was this full cast drama a success? I would very enthusiastically say...... "yes".
June 18, 2022
ARMORED is the beginning of a new series by popular author Mark Greaney, of Grey Man and assorted Tom Clancy book fame. The hero in this book, Joshua Duffy, has sustained a career-killing injury and at the onset of this book is depressed, frustrated and, without sufficient family income, working as a mall cop. He lies about his skills and finds a way to get himself a private contractor gig, hoping to get back to his preferred work and earn some decent money. Greaney is an excellent writer, with taut and tense scenes and details about weaponry, field conditions and characters that make all of his books spark and come alive. Usually they are impossible to put down for any reason. I have no idea why I had such trouble sticking with this book; I could not get into it no matter how I tried. I didn’t love the characters as much as usual and I found the mission less than engaging. I am clearly in the minority of reviewers. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
March 13, 2025
Greaney doesn't do the Gray Man here. He has a new hero character that is an ex-military who lost one of his legs in his last action as a soldier. He isn't seemingly indestructible or invincible as Gray Man was. He doesn't have that 'I'll get it done one way or another' attitude. He also isn't a lone wolf with no family,,,, anywhere. His strength shows as he goes through his conflicts with more of an attitude of a leader who must get all his men back alive at all costs. He also makes decisions based more on what's right and just than attaining victory. His attitude is one that listens to his men and considers their advice and doesn't have to have every single thing his way all the time. The story here is wild and wooly and their are some surprises that you would never find in a Gray Man book. The end will have you on the edge of your seat and cheering when the conclusion comes. There is also an epilogue that follows him back to his wife and kids which is nice. There are a lot of factions in here too which is sort of typical of Greaney but it is very interesting here. I would recommend this to Greaney fans and anyone who likes the tales of action, heroism, and loyalty.
November 19, 2025
2,5
Actionreicher Pageturner. Fängt relativ chaotisch und schwach an und pendelt sich dann zum Glück langsam ein. Aber so richtig interessant fand ich die Hauptfigur nicht. Seine Beinprothese erschien mir eher ein Gimmick zu sein um seiner langweiligen Persona etwas mehr Tiefe und Brüche zu geben.
Die cineastischen Actionszenen sind teilweise extrem unrealistisch aber immerhin halbwegs unterhalbsam geschrieben. Für Fans des Genres lesbar.
Actionreicher Pageturner. Fängt relativ chaotisch und schwach an und pendelt sich dann zum Glück langsam ein. Aber so richtig interessant fand ich die Hauptfigur nicht. Seine Beinprothese erschien mir eher ein Gimmick zu sein um seiner langweiligen Persona etwas mehr Tiefe und Brüche zu geben.
Die cineastischen Actionszenen sind teilweise extrem unrealistisch aber immerhin halbwegs unterhalbsam geschrieben. Für Fans des Genres lesbar.
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