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John Taylor #1
A Summer Cruise
After a long year Caspian and his family decide to take a relaxing summer cruise through the Caribbean.
Sadly, it seems things never go as they are planned for Caspian. His summer vacation is interrupted when some new friends need a helping hand.
Sadly, it seems things never go as they are planned for Caspian. His summer vacation is interrupted when some new friends need a helping hand.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2016
105 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Travis Starnes
47 books91 followersTravis writes science fiction, fantasy, and thriller novels (and the occasional coming-of-age story), with the hope of transporting and enthralling readers. Publishing novels since 2015, Travis’s passion is creating worlds and characters that live and breathe, and experiencing the joy of those stories with his readers.
When not writing, Travis enjoys connecting with readers and other writers, managing the popular Complete Marvel Reading Order website, where he works on his other passion for comics and graphic novels, and spending time with his family.
When not writing, Travis enjoys connecting with readers and other writers, managing the popular Complete Marvel Reading Order website, where he works on his other passion for comics and graphic novels, and spending time with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 20, 2024
An exceptional book.
I loved the beginning, with the chatter back and forth with his Special Forces buddies when they were on a mission. Then there is a bit where not much is happening, but it still moves quickly along, and it is still interesting enough to keep reading. When the story ramps up, then it is all systems go. To say it is fast-paced is an understatement there is no time to draw breath. I liked the main character John, from the beginning he doesn't talk himself up to be the big man he is just very likeable. A brilliant read, I loved every bit of it, and I recommend it to everyone.
I loved the beginning, with the chatter back and forth with his Special Forces buddies when they were on a mission. Then there is a bit where not much is happening, but it still moves quickly along, and it is still interesting enough to keep reading. When the story ramps up, then it is all systems go. To say it is fast-paced is an understatement there is no time to draw breath. I liked the main character John, from the beginning he doesn't talk himself up to be the big man he is just very likeable. A brilliant read, I loved every bit of it, and I recommend it to everyone.
August 31, 2022
Fast paced read with lots of action, a great main character in John Taylor. I can't wait to read the next one.
April 1, 2023
Not bad, I enjoyed it.
April 3, 2016
The reader meets the hero of Rebirth, John Taylor, when he and his Special Forces team are attacked by Afghanistan insurgents. He’s the only survivor and is held captive for three years, tortured and forced to do work for his captors. Instead of breaking him, the experience makes Taylor grow stronger mentally and he finally manages to escape. After the doctors repair most of the damage done to him, he sets out to locate his fiancee. Predictably, she has married and moved on, thinking he was killed along with his comrades. After leaving her house, he stumbles across a U.S. Marshal and the witness she’s protecting. They are pinned down in a shootout with mobsters and…I’m going to stop there before I give out too many spoilers.
Normally when I read a book that badly needs an editing, I simply don’t finish it. The fact that I was still caught up in this one despite the errors is testament to the fact that it’s a really good story. It’s a Lee Child type novel and John Taylor is a Jack Reacher-type hero, and I like that type of book. But because the book so badly needs a copyedit, I’m rating it as “it was okay” versus “I really liked it.” And I did really like it. I was so caught up in the story that I simply “corrected” the mistakes in my mind and kept reading. Please, Mr. Starnes, get this book edited and upload the polished version and you’ve got yourself a winner!
I read this book for a Goodreads review round and got it through Unlimited.
Normally when I read a book that badly needs an editing, I simply don’t finish it. The fact that I was still caught up in this one despite the errors is testament to the fact that it’s a really good story. It’s a Lee Child type novel and John Taylor is a Jack Reacher-type hero, and I like that type of book. But because the book so badly needs a copyedit, I’m rating it as “it was okay” versus “I really liked it.” And I did really like it. I was so caught up in the story that I simply “corrected” the mistakes in my mind and kept reading. Please, Mr. Starnes, get this book edited and upload the polished version and you’ve got yourself a winner!
I read this book for a Goodreads review round and got it through Unlimited.
September 2, 2023
Five Stars
A new author for me together with a new character, John Taylor. I really enjoyed the book. It had lots of action and the main man was very likeable. I am pleased to say it was mission accomplished as I will now start to read the next book in the series, False Signs. A big thank you to the author and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A new author for me together with a new character, John Taylor. I really enjoyed the book. It had lots of action and the main man was very likeable. I am pleased to say it was mission accomplished as I will now start to read the next book in the series, False Signs. A big thank you to the author and from me a well deserved 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 3, 2016
Started reading this book during lunch today and could not put it down, fast paced, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
October 14, 2017
Wow
Book ones in this awesome series explains how John Taylor gets captured, assumed dead, and spends three years in captivity before finally escaping and ending up back in the US but booted out of the army. He comes looking for his fiance only to find out she's married and pregnant. He's wandering Miami and accidentally gets tangled up with the Russians and the sex trafficking ring they're running out of Miami. He rescues a girl,Renata and promises to protect her while dodging bullets and out running Russians.
This is a fast paced page turned and I couldn't put it down. If you're in to Jason Borne etc then this is a good series for you.
Independent wife Romance Authors That Rock.
Book ones in this awesome series explains how John Taylor gets captured, assumed dead, and spends three years in captivity before finally escaping and ending up back in the US but booted out of the army. He comes looking for his fiance only to find out she's married and pregnant. He's wandering Miami and accidentally gets tangled up with the Russians and the sex trafficking ring they're running out of Miami. He rescues a girl,Renata and promises to protect her while dodging bullets and out running Russians.
This is a fast paced page turned and I couldn't put it down. If you're in to Jason Borne etc then this is a good series for you.
Independent wife Romance Authors That Rock.
October 18, 2021
“Rebirth” is a bare bones story written in an understated and staccato style.
John Taylor spends three very unpleasant years after being captured by insurgents in Afghanistan. On his return to the USA he finds his fiancée is now married, and heavily pregnant.
While walking aimlessly he gets into a deadly firefight – in a sense this is where the book really starts.
It's Jack Reacher reborn!
He's on the run with Renata, a kidnapped sex slave and informant, from a Russian sex-trafficking mob which has infiltrated the local and possibly, national, authorities.
The action never stops.
There's nothing very new in “Rebirth” but it does the job professionally.
3.5 Stars.
John Taylor spends three very unpleasant years after being captured by insurgents in Afghanistan. On his return to the USA he finds his fiancée is now married, and heavily pregnant.
While walking aimlessly he gets into a deadly firefight – in a sense this is where the book really starts.
It's Jack Reacher reborn!
He's on the run with Renata, a kidnapped sex slave and informant, from a Russian sex-trafficking mob which has infiltrated the local and possibly, national, authorities.
The action never stops.
There's nothing very new in “Rebirth” but it does the job professionally.
3.5 Stars.
December 28, 2021
OK, you got what it takes for me to keep buying your books.
I'm going to call you Travis because we are going to become great friends. You keep writing books and I'll keep buying them
I'm going to call you Travis because we are going to become great friends. You keep writing books and I'll keep buying them
February 23, 2020
3.5 stars. Basically a simplified Jack Reacher. I'll try the sequel.
October 12, 2020
Good read
Fast paced this a good start to the rest of his stories. A good use of kindle unlimited. Like II.
Fast paced this a good start to the rest of his stories. A good use of kindle unlimited. Like II.
July 20, 2021
Good story!
Decent characters, good action and plot. It brings to mind a comment about not being complacent about stuff. I'll probably read another of these.
Decent characters, good action and plot. It brings to mind a comment about not being complacent about stuff. I'll probably read another of these.
May 1, 2024
It was ok. Nothing new, straight to the point, no faffing around with a decent plot which makes a change.
December 15, 2024
SO GOOD
Would have been five stars but Starnes desperately needs an editor.
I couldn't put this book down. I'm so looking forward to diving into more Travis Starnes novels!!
Not sponsored
Would have been five stars but Starnes desperately needs an editor.
I couldn't put this book down. I'm so looking forward to diving into more Travis Starnes novels!!
Not sponsored
April 8, 2016
Fairly interesting concept, poor execution.
I'll start with the positives: this is a very fast-paced book. Lots of action, lots of violence. The plot is interesting enough: an American soldier, struggling to reintegrate into civilian life following several years of captivity, gets himself embroiled in a high-stakes adventure involving international crime syndicates. Pace and plot alone will appeal to many readers who do not mind the things I am about to describe.
The writing is bad. This is the only book I have read by this author, so I cannot judge whether this is a pattern, but the impression I have is that the writing was treated as a secondary concern compared to the story. What do I mean by that? First and most obvious, the book desperately needs an editor. I estimate there are probably several hundred errors in the text, the vast majority of which could have been caught by someone well-grounded in English usage. There are other issues of style—repeated use of the same words, for example—that will irk readers who look for something more than purely functional language in the novels. Again, not everyone will mind these things.
The characters are a mixed bag. I personally found the protagonist to be fairly unlikable, and in general the cast of characters are a standard roundup of stereotypes: evil mobsters, crooked cops, despicable white trash, and of course the ex-special forces superman. Yet despite being cliche they function effectively for what the author is trying to accomplish.
Despite the turbocharged pace, I found little to get excited about here. But I believe the book will be more rewarding for readers more interested in a quick thrill-ride than in character development and contemplation.
A free copy of the book was provided to me in exchange for a fair review.
I'll start with the positives: this is a very fast-paced book. Lots of action, lots of violence. The plot is interesting enough: an American soldier, struggling to reintegrate into civilian life following several years of captivity, gets himself embroiled in a high-stakes adventure involving international crime syndicates. Pace and plot alone will appeal to many readers who do not mind the things I am about to describe.
The writing is bad. This is the only book I have read by this author, so I cannot judge whether this is a pattern, but the impression I have is that the writing was treated as a secondary concern compared to the story. What do I mean by that? First and most obvious, the book desperately needs an editor. I estimate there are probably several hundred errors in the text, the vast majority of which could have been caught by someone well-grounded in English usage. There are other issues of style—repeated use of the same words, for example—that will irk readers who look for something more than purely functional language in the novels. Again, not everyone will mind these things.
The characters are a mixed bag. I personally found the protagonist to be fairly unlikable, and in general the cast of characters are a standard roundup of stereotypes: evil mobsters, crooked cops, despicable white trash, and of course the ex-special forces superman. Yet despite being cliche they function effectively for what the author is trying to accomplish.
Despite the turbocharged pace, I found little to get excited about here. But I believe the book will be more rewarding for readers more interested in a quick thrill-ride than in character development and contemplation.
A free copy of the book was provided to me in exchange for a fair review.
April 3, 2016
Lazarus Rose From The Dead!
Since Marc enjoys this genre so much I turned to him to read and provide his thoughts on this book that is sure to resonate with many readers that enjoy stories written around our beloved military.
Join the members of the Army Special Forces deployed in Afghanistan where just staying alive is a day to day struggle for the main characterJohn Taylor and his adrenaline junkie band of brothers in Travis Starnes' first book in the John Taylor series. In the first installment, John and his team members Reeves, Alvarez, and the team medic Perl endure hardcore engagement with Taliban fighters. After experiencing the worst ambush of his deployment, John's luck runs out as he is captured by the self-proclaimed leader of the local Taliban General and his ragtag team of fighters. After enduring days of torture and abuse by his captors, John begins to break, much to the delight of the evil general. After his near death experience as a P.O.W. John seeks normalcy in life which sends him on a quest to reunite with Claire, a love a lifetime ago. John's quest is a roller coaster of emotions that seems all so familiar as former military I have perceived life much like John in terms of finding one's self. Well done, I enjoyed the realistic journey of the main character who very much mirrors many people's lives including mine.
Disclosure: This product was received for free/discounted however this in no way influenced this review. Only honest reviews are written regardless of whether a product is purchased at full price, at a discount, or received for free.
Since Marc enjoys this genre so much I turned to him to read and provide his thoughts on this book that is sure to resonate with many readers that enjoy stories written around our beloved military.
Join the members of the Army Special Forces deployed in Afghanistan where just staying alive is a day to day struggle for the main characterJohn Taylor and his adrenaline junkie band of brothers in Travis Starnes' first book in the John Taylor series. In the first installment, John and his team members Reeves, Alvarez, and the team medic Perl endure hardcore engagement with Taliban fighters. After experiencing the worst ambush of his deployment, John's luck runs out as he is captured by the self-proclaimed leader of the local Taliban General and his ragtag team of fighters. After enduring days of torture and abuse by his captors, John begins to break, much to the delight of the evil general. After his near death experience as a P.O.W. John seeks normalcy in life which sends him on a quest to reunite with Claire, a love a lifetime ago. John's quest is a roller coaster of emotions that seems all so familiar as former military I have perceived life much like John in terms of finding one's self. Well done, I enjoyed the realistic journey of the main character who very much mirrors many people's lives including mine.
Disclosure: This product was received for free/discounted however this in no way influenced this review. Only honest reviews are written regardless of whether a product is purchased at full price, at a discount, or received for free.
April 22, 2016
Travis Starnes has created a novel that is fast paced and endearing but maintains a flawed execution. While the book was riddled with errors equivalent to the amount of gun usage in this story, the main character comes across as flawed yet endearing. I came away from the novel really liking the main character, John Taylor. John is an ex-military POW that returns home to find his life flipped upside down. The woman he loved and wanted to marry is taken. He has no family or real friends. So he sets out on his own, searching for his meaning in life. He quickly finds out that what he's good at, can be used to help others, including himself. Saving a girl turns into being hunted. Using his wit and guile, he embarks on a journey to keep her safe while getting to the bottom of a pretty bad kerfuffle.
Starnes writes like he speaks. So many times, the reader may feel the story pattering along in a rudimentary fashion. Still the action sequences make the story a thrill of a ride. With a more advanced writing style, this story could become the next Jason Bourne-esque novel. Overall, I enjoyed the ride even with the clunky writing and editing errors and that, my friends, is hard to do.
* Received a copy free from the author for an honest review through Goodreads
Raging Book Reviews
Starnes writes like he speaks. So many times, the reader may feel the story pattering along in a rudimentary fashion. Still the action sequences make the story a thrill of a ride. With a more advanced writing style, this story could become the next Jason Bourne-esque novel. Overall, I enjoyed the ride even with the clunky writing and editing errors and that, my friends, is hard to do.
* Received a copy free from the author for an honest review through Goodreads
Raging Book Reviews
April 30, 2016
So Addictive!
After being held captive for three years by Afghan terrorists, John Taylor (part of the US special forces) barely escapes with his life only to find his fiancé Claire has moved on with hers, and is now pregnant. Usually this is where the story ends, but not for John. As he walks aimlessly through Miami he comes upon a shootout involving a Marshall. His decision to help this officer will change his life forever, because hidden in the backseat is Renata, a young East European girl who is not only a victim but a key witness to a Russian crime syndicates involvement in human trafficking. This powerful syndicate will use all its connections including corrupt officials to get Renata back while John will be forced to use all the skills he has learnt throughout his career to keep her safe.
This fast-paced thriller could easily be turned into a movie. It reminds me so much of Taken starring Liam Neeson. It has it all from shoot-outs to car chases, and moves at such a quick pace that before you know it, the books finished. The background research this author has done is evident and everything flows so well. I did feel it ends a little too quickly and doesn’t quite satisfy the build-up however I believe this is a series so I’m sure there is a lot more to come from this author.
After being held captive for three years by Afghan terrorists, John Taylor (part of the US special forces) barely escapes with his life only to find his fiancé Claire has moved on with hers, and is now pregnant. Usually this is where the story ends, but not for John. As he walks aimlessly through Miami he comes upon a shootout involving a Marshall. His decision to help this officer will change his life forever, because hidden in the backseat is Renata, a young East European girl who is not only a victim but a key witness to a Russian crime syndicates involvement in human trafficking. This powerful syndicate will use all its connections including corrupt officials to get Renata back while John will be forced to use all the skills he has learnt throughout his career to keep her safe.
This fast-paced thriller could easily be turned into a movie. It reminds me so much of Taken starring Liam Neeson. It has it all from shoot-outs to car chases, and moves at such a quick pace that before you know it, the books finished. The background research this author has done is evident and everything flows so well. I did feel it ends a little too quickly and doesn’t quite satisfy the build-up however I believe this is a series so I’m sure there is a lot more to come from this author.
April 4, 2016
John Taylor has just suffered through 3 years as a POW, and came home crushed to find the girl of his dreams now out of his reach. Wandering aimlessly, he comes upon a firefight, and his military instincts just kick in. Can he save the girl and survive the Russian mob?
The first in a series starring washed up war hero John Taylor, Rebirth is an origin story fit for the character. It is written in a blunt, no nonsense style, and feels like a vet is talking you through his options as Taylor carefully but decisively considers his options. He has a honed sense of justice and take no prisoners attitude. This is a quick, easy read for those of us who appreciate character driven plot without too much frilly stuff on the side to distract. I have a feeling though, I will enjoy more of the series and discovering Taylor’s ability to outrun his demons.
The first in a series starring washed up war hero John Taylor, Rebirth is an origin story fit for the character. It is written in a blunt, no nonsense style, and feels like a vet is talking you through his options as Taylor carefully but decisively considers his options. He has a honed sense of justice and take no prisoners attitude. This is a quick, easy read for those of us who appreciate character driven plot without too much frilly stuff on the side to distract. I have a feeling though, I will enjoy more of the series and discovering Taylor’s ability to outrun his demons.
April 25, 2016
When John Taylor completes his physical therapy for injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, he finds himself ousted from the military with nowhere to go. While walking around wondering what he was going to do, he stumbles upon and gets involved with a shootout. He then finds himself on the run with a witness in tow, trying to stay one step ahead of the Russian mafia, as well as the FBI, at least until he can ascertain how far up the corruption goes.
I loved the plot, the characters, and the entire storyline of the book. The way it is told helped me to grasp the full depth of the main character. His personality was such that he never compromised. I liked how he continually emitted humor, even in the midst of the seriousness of the situation. John Taylor has quickly become my favorite character, and I hope he has more adventures to come.
I loved the plot, the characters, and the entire storyline of the book. The way it is told helped me to grasp the full depth of the main character. His personality was such that he never compromised. I liked how he continually emitted humor, even in the midst of the seriousness of the situation. John Taylor has quickly become my favorite character, and I hope he has more adventures to come.
March 28, 2016
A vert good thriller
This is a good start to a series. A captured and tortured veteran escapes his captors and makes his way to freedom. Once he is healed, at a loose end, he stumbles on a ambush on a US Marshall protecting a witness. Surviving the ambush, he must protect the witness from the mob while being on the run.
This is a good start to a series. A captured and tortured veteran escapes his captors and makes his way to freedom. Once he is healed, at a loose end, he stumbles on a ambush on a US Marshall protecting a witness. Surviving the ambush, he must protect the witness from the mob while being on the run.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews