Review of Bullet Proof (Ranger Thrillers Book 1) by Joshua Harkin
As an avid reader of action thrillers, I was excited to pick up Bullet Proof. The premise of a former Marine Sergeant, Frank Ranger, framed for his wife’s murder while on a desperate quest to clear his name really intrigued me. The blend of military experience with a justice-seeking narrative had me hooked.
The book begins with Ranger on the run, pursued by his vengeful U.S. Marshal brother-in-law, and seeking refuge in the small, oppressive Arizona town of Namrena. The stakes couldn’t be higher—clearing his name while protecting a desperate mother and her son from local thugs. From the get-go, the action is relentless, pulling you in as bullets seem to fly from every page. I agree with the sentiment expressed by AmazonShoppingGurl, who noted that this book feels like a rollercoaster ride, packed with major storyline twists, fast pacing, and an abundance of thrills.
The character development of Frank Ranger is one of the highlights of this book. He is portrayed as relatable and endearing, and his plight evokes empathy. Many readers, including myself, appreciated Ranger’s moral compass and strong sense of justice, aligning with the book’s central theme: "Justice will be done." The action scenes are intense and well-written, allowing the reader to visualize every heart-pounding moment—a quality that felt reminiscent of an action movie.
However, not everything about Bullet Proof is perfect. A couple of drawbacks arose during my reading experience. One prevalent criticism echoed by some reviewers, such as NavyWave62, is the depiction of character motivations and depth. While Ranger himself is compelling, other characters can seem less fleshed out, leaving some readers, including myself, wanting more from their backstories and arcs. Furthermore, the book does dive into dark themes and violence, which may not sit well with everyone. For some, like RH, the violence felt overwhelming, obscuring any genuine connections to the supporting characters.
Despite these drawbacks, I found the pacing to be a strong suit in the narrative. Harkin masterfully maintains a gripping cadence, making it hard to put the book down. Even during quieter moments, the suspense remains palpably high. Ranger’s internal conflicts and moments of reflection are interspersed with action, allowing readers to connect with his character while also enjoying thrilling plot developments.
The setting of Namrena adds a nice layer of tension to the story. The town itself feels oppressive, adding to Ranger’s sense of isolation. Even if some readers found the setting insufficiently explored, I thought it effectively amplified the conflict and danger hovering over Ranger.
In conclusion, Bullet Proof is an exciting and engaging start to a new action thriller series featuring Frank Ranger. While it has its flaws, particularly in character depth and darkness, it largely delivers on its promise of a suspenseful, fast-paced story that kept me turning pages until the end. If you’re a fan of military thrillers or stories of redemption, this book is certainly worth picking up. I can confidently recommend Bullet Proof, and I’m eager to see where Harkin takes Ranger next in the series.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars