Book Review: "Armored" by Mark Greaney

 

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. - from Netgalley.com

Thanks to NetGalley.com and the publisher,Berkley Publishing Group, for a copy of this novel to read and review. All opinions that follow are truly my own.

This is the possibly first book in a new series from Greaney, who authored The Gray Man series of books prior. I say possibly, because some book sites list it as a #1 Joshua Duffy, and others do not. Either way, it is a stand-alone if the series does not happen, or if you just want to read it.

After having read all the books in The Gray Man series, I was expecting something somewhat similar in this book. In some ways I was not surprised. There is quite a bit of military slang and tech terms, but Greaney manages to write it in a way that I thought I could understand the different between a Glock 9mm and an AK47 without a lot of wasted detail. The story itself is pretty straight forward, containing the usual near-misses and heroic escapes the main characters usually have happen. Side characters weren't filled out too much, as most die off anyways.

There were a few things I liked, one of which was the main characters wife, Nikki, who is such a supportive spouse - not only during the time Duff was recovering from the leg loss, but just in general. And the lengths that she went for him! At some point, it may be interesting if Greaney would do some sort of side novella, or even a book, about Nikki, as her story seemed to catch my attention a bit as well. I liked that story actually seemed plausible, though a bit unlikely. Also I add, that I truly have no idea how the private security firms work in dealing with jobs like this out of country.

There was not anything in the story I could think to dislike. I do admit, I really don't see another story for a series would lead, but I have been surprised before by authors. I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys action/military/thriller type books.

#NetGalley #Armored #MarkGreaney