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Matthew Redd Thriller #1
Fields of Fire
You know Ryan Steck as the Real Book Spy. Now, get to know him as the author of Fields of Fire, his debut thriller featuring Marine Raider Matthew Redd in a battle that will leave you speechless and begging for more. Lock and load! — Jack Carr, Navy SEAL Sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Devil's Hand
Waiting to be deployed on a critical mission, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger and wakes up hours later to learn his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, Redd can't deny the possibility that he's somehow responsible for the information leak that led to the massacre. He's given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the Corps and the life he loved.
As he faces his loss, Redd gets a cryptic message from his adoptive father, J. B.: "Trouble's come knocking. . . . Might need your help." He points his truck home to rural Montana, only to discover that J. B. is dead and the explanation for his death is far from satisfying. Determined to dig up the truth, Redd uncovers a dark global conspiracy with his hometown at the center and no team at his back―except one he might find among past friends, old enemies, and new allies, if he can figure out who to trust.
Waiting to be deployed on a critical mission, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger and wakes up hours later to learn his team was wiped out in an ambush. Unable to remember anything, Redd can't deny the possibility that he's somehow responsible for the information leak that led to the massacre. He's given a deal to avoid a charge of treason, but it means walking away from the Corps and the life he loved.
As he faces his loss, Redd gets a cryptic message from his adoptive father, J. B.: "Trouble's come knocking. . . . Might need your help." He points his truck home to rural Montana, only to discover that J. B. is dead and the explanation for his death is far from satisfying. Determined to dig up the truth, Redd uncovers a dark global conspiracy with his hometown at the center and no team at his back―except one he might find among past friends, old enemies, and new allies, if he can figure out who to trust.
645 pages, Library Binding
Published December 28, 2022
219 people are currently reading
3247 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Steck
8 books506 followersRyan Steck is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, LETHAL RANGE, REDD CHRISTMAS, OUT FOR BLOOD, and the forthcoming Alex Hawke thriller TED BELL MONARCH. He is also a freelance editor, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy, and was named an “Online Influencer” by Amazon. Praised as “One of the hardest working and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). His books have been endorsed by major #1 New York Times bestselling authors James Patterson, Brad Thor, C.J. Box, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, Nelson DeMille, James Rollins, Brad Meltzer, Kyle Mills, as well as Don Winslow, T.J. Newman, Brad Taylor, Gregg Hurwitz, and Steve Berry. Visit TheRealBookSpy.com or email him directly at Ryan@TheRealBookSpy for more details.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
July 4, 2025
This is a remarkable first book in the series by Ryan Steck. It is well written with a very believable but convoluted plot.
Matt Redd is stripped of his ability to be a Marine Raider due to someone using him as an escape goat. He had been in the Marines for the last eight years. After being discharged as OTH he returns home to Montana due to a distress message from J B Thompson who had been his acting father since he was young. From here he faces losses, challenges and grief.
Home is not what it used to be. There are many changes, not all good. FBI, local Sheriff’s department, an angry monstrous Slavic, a land grabbing billionaire, a decimated farm and a estranged girlfriend all come into play. He cannot seem to get ahead of the frustrating situation that keeps him looking over shoulder and might cause his demise. People either want to keep him in the dark or send him to a dark grave.
This is a very worthy read with a remarkable ending. Readers seeking a suspenseful action packed book will find their hunger satiated after reading this novel. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Matt Redd is stripped of his ability to be a Marine Raider due to someone using him as an escape goat. He had been in the Marines for the last eight years. After being discharged as OTH he returns home to Montana due to a distress message from J B Thompson who had been his acting father since he was young. From here he faces losses, challenges and grief.
Home is not what it used to be. There are many changes, not all good. FBI, local Sheriff’s department, an angry monstrous Slavic, a land grabbing billionaire, a decimated farm and a estranged girlfriend all come into play. He cannot seem to get ahead of the frustrating situation that keeps him looking over shoulder and might cause his demise. People either want to keep him in the dark or send him to a dark grave.
This is a very worthy read with a remarkable ending. Readers seeking a suspenseful action packed book will find their hunger satiated after reading this novel. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 3, 2022
Well, this is quite the debut. To say I am impressed would be a huge understatement. Matthew Redd and his unit are training for an upcoming capture/kill mission for a terrorist known as Willow. Redd and his Marine Raider teammates are given liberty for 36 hours but need to stay close. On his way back to base Redd stops to help change a flat tire for a woman who looks to be struggling. Waking up the next morning and before he can get his bearings, MPs take him to the brig for an unexcused absence. They let him stew in the cell, not telling him anything about the mission and his team. When they finally do, its his worst nightmare. His unit was wiped out and he's being charged with treason. They offer him a deal a week later. He gets to walk free but he is loses his pension, insurance, but worst of all the Marines.
While in the brig, Redd's father calls and leaves a cryptic message saying troubles come calling. When Redd isn't able to reach his dad he travels to Montana. With trouble around every corner and unable to tell who he can trust, Redd searches for what happened to his dad and make the culprits pay. He may not be a soldier anymore but he's still a Marine and he's got nothing left to lose.
There was nothing I didn't love about Fields of Fire. Matthew Redd is a a great, great character. It seems like Steck took a few attributes from his favorite protagonists and created a man who is a force to be reckoned with. All of his characters are well developed and complex. Add in a few legitimate surprises and a great story and you have one heck of a book. I have no doubt Matthew Redd will be a fan favorite and I can't wait to see what Steck has in store for him in the future.
My sincere thanks to Ryan Steck, Tyndale Publishing House and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Fields of Fire.
While in the brig, Redd's father calls and leaves a cryptic message saying troubles come calling. When Redd isn't able to reach his dad he travels to Montana. With trouble around every corner and unable to tell who he can trust, Redd searches for what happened to his dad and make the culprits pay. He may not be a soldier anymore but he's still a Marine and he's got nothing left to lose.
There was nothing I didn't love about Fields of Fire. Matthew Redd is a a great, great character. It seems like Steck took a few attributes from his favorite protagonists and created a man who is a force to be reckoned with. All of his characters are well developed and complex. Add in a few legitimate surprises and a great story and you have one heck of a book. I have no doubt Matthew Redd will be a fan favorite and I can't wait to see what Steck has in store for him in the future.
My sincere thanks to Ryan Steck, Tyndale Publishing House and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Fields of Fire.
March 23, 2022
Where do I begin? I love this book, the characters, the setting and the plot, all great. Matthew Redd is one of my new heroes. Fields of Fire is a fantastic debut book from Ryan Steck a name I have seen in many books as a character but apparently he is real and not only The Real Book Spy. The first two thirds of the book took me back in time to reading one of my all time favorite authors Louis L'Amour. the only difference is that the story is set in modern times. But Steck has caught just the right tone that I love about L'Amours work. The last third is more like some of the contemporary authors, I will not mention any because I may forget someone. I do however have so many questions, like did he get a new car on the insurance? Did he get his pension back? When is the next book out? Do I have to wait more than a year for part two? I will not miss the next one and I will tell everyone to read this great new author, well done @RyanSteckAuthor A big thanks to @TyndaleHouse and @edelweiss_squad for letting me read this advance copy of #FieldsOfFire
March 18, 2022
Waiting to be deployed on a critical mission, elite Marine Raider Matthew Redd stops to help a stranger and wakes up hours later to learn his team was wiped out in an ambush.
Wow, what a pleasant surprise. I have been following Ryan Steck, aka The Real Book Spy, for a long time and his book recommendations have never disappointed me. I was stoked to get a chance to read his debut novel in advance and even though my expectations were high I couldn't believe it would be this good.
Just like Ryan, Vince Flynn and CJ Box are two of my favorite authors and it is quite obvious that he has been influenced by these two great authors. The beginning of the book is a mix of Flynn and Box but as the book progress it becomes more of a Joe Pickett book. In the last part of the book the story goes from Joe Pickett to Mitch Rapp again and the action scenes are insane.
The book is so well written and the characters are brilliantly developed. I'm so impressed of this book and I can't believe it is his first book. I highly recommend it and I'm sure this will be the debut thriller of the year. Don't miss out on this fantastic book!
Thanks to the author, Tyndale Publishing and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
Wow, what a pleasant surprise. I have been following Ryan Steck, aka The Real Book Spy, for a long time and his book recommendations have never disappointed me. I was stoked to get a chance to read his debut novel in advance and even though my expectations were high I couldn't believe it would be this good.
Just like Ryan, Vince Flynn and CJ Box are two of my favorite authors and it is quite obvious that he has been influenced by these two great authors. The beginning of the book is a mix of Flynn and Box but as the book progress it becomes more of a Joe Pickett book. In the last part of the book the story goes from Joe Pickett to Mitch Rapp again and the action scenes are insane.
The book is so well written and the characters are brilliantly developed. I'm so impressed of this book and I can't believe it is his first book. I highly recommend it and I'm sure this will be the debut thriller of the year. Don't miss out on this fantastic book!
Thanks to the author, Tyndale Publishing and Edelweiss for this advanced copy.
March 30, 2023
This solid story is completely worthy of 7 of 10 stars
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April 11, 2023
2.5 Stars >> 3.0 Stars - "It Was Sort-of OK"
Fields of Fire (Matthew Redd) by Ryan Steck
Audiobook: 10:30 Hours Narrator: Chris Abell
A Marine Super-Sniper who gets booted out of the Corps, is the Main Protagonist; a super-mega-billionaire with a super-implausible master-plan to dominate the world, is the Main Antagonist. The MA has corrupted officials in every arm of government, particularly the FBI, and one of your tasks, dear reader, is to determine who really is the bad informant in the FBI - beware, there may be more than one! And then there is the Evil Scientist who has created a Master (Bio) Weapon which will be used to eradicate billions of poor, starving third-world humans, thus eliminating over-population in one fell swoop! There is a battle royal, of course, and the MP prevails, of course... or does he? What happened to the MA? Did he/she survive? Will there be a sequel? We wait with bated breath...!
Oh, and the audio narration was OK, and there was a romantic interest, but no, erm, actual rumpy-pumpy, not that I noticed anyway.
From my Reading Activity:
April 1, @ 44.0%: "A fair amount of action, but the actual story seems to be dragging..."
April 9,@ 83.0%: "This has shaped into a pretty good story. I hope the finale is worthwhile."
April 10, @ 99%: "It wasn't..."
Fields of Fire (Matthew Redd) by Ryan Steck
Audiobook: 10:30 Hours Narrator: Chris Abell
A Marine Super-Sniper who gets booted out of the Corps, is the Main Protagonist; a super-mega-billionaire with a super-implausible master-plan to dominate the world, is the Main Antagonist. The MA has corrupted officials in every arm of government, particularly the FBI, and one of your tasks, dear reader, is to determine who really is the bad informant in the FBI - beware, there may be more than one! And then there is the Evil Scientist who has created a Master (Bio) Weapon which will be used to eradicate billions of poor, starving third-world humans, thus eliminating over-population in one fell swoop! There is a battle royal, of course, and the MP prevails, of course... or does he? What happened to the MA? Did he/she survive? Will there be a sequel? We wait with bated breath...!
Oh, and the audio narration was OK, and there was a romantic interest, but no, erm, actual rumpy-pumpy, not that I noticed anyway.
From my Reading Activity:
April 1, @ 44.0%: "A fair amount of action, but the actual story seems to be dragging..."
April 9,@ 83.0%: "This has shaped into a pretty good story. I hope the finale is worthwhile."
April 10, @ 99%: "It wasn't..."
November 6, 2022
I read the blog, The Real Book Spy, so when the blogger wrote a novel, I decided to give it a try, even if our reviews definitely don't always agree.
It's a decent, middle grade novel about a guy forced out of the marines who comes home and finds the usual tech billionaire buying up everybody's land. The billionaire's son is strutting around acting like a big shot, with a gigantic bodyguard backing him up. The billionaire's daughter seems to have a thing for our hero as well.
Not bad, but I think the author is still trying to find his own voice.
It's a decent, middle grade novel about a guy forced out of the marines who comes home and finds the usual tech billionaire buying up everybody's land. The billionaire's son is strutting around acting like a big shot, with a gigantic bodyguard backing him up. The billionaire's daughter seems to have a thing for our hero as well.
Not bad, but I think the author is still trying to find his own voice.
June 5, 2022
When an encounter with a California surfer girl lands Sergeant Matthew Redd in the brig and ultimately with a dishonorable discharge from the Marine Corps he finds his life upended and without a purpose for the first time in a very long time. When he retrieves his belongings upon release, a voicemail from his father with the message “troubles come knocking... I need your help Matty” brings him racing home to Montana’s big sky country only to find he’s too late… his father J. B. dead under suspicious (if only to him) circumstances he’s left to unravel the mystery alone as to who was behind it and why without knowing just who he can trust. A mixture of Jack Carr and C. J. Box, Fields of fire is quite possibly the best debut novel I’ve ever read and among the best books that I’ve read all year! With a unique plot, the likes of which I haven’t come across before. Thriller fans definitely won’t wanna miss out on this one, the debut novel from a man many thriller readers know all too well, Ryan Steck better known as his online persona “The Real Book Spy” is no stranger to the genre which is why it should come as a surprise to no-one how well crafted the action here is, he’s studied the absolute very best of the craft at their apex and it shows on the pages. I have a feeling we will be seeing Matty Redd for years to come and I, for one can’t wait to see what future adventures bring!
November 6, 2023
I haven't read the book yet, but am already listing it an a highly anticipated book for me in '22! If Ryan has put 1/2 the effort into writing as he has with TRBS in the last few years, then we're all in for a treat.
Can't wait to meet this new character, and enjoy this series for years to come!
Can't wait to meet this new character, and enjoy this series for years to come!
June 19, 2025
This is book one of the Matthew Redd Thriller series, available on Kindle Unlimited.
I knew within a few pages that this new-to-me author wrote what and how I like to read. I was completely absorbed in an adrenaline-fuelled gunfight from the get-go and then by the end of chapter 7 (15% through), I knew this was going to be a fantastic read.
I’d love to be able to share some of the wonderful quotes I’d highlighted, but something went wonky with the clipping tool on my Kindle and I’ve lost them all!
I binge-read this one and instantly searched out others in the series.
I knew within a few pages that this new-to-me author wrote what and how I like to read. I was completely absorbed in an adrenaline-fuelled gunfight from the get-go and then by the end of chapter 7 (15% through), I knew this was going to be a fantastic read.
I’d love to be able to share some of the wonderful quotes I’d highlighted, but something went wonky with the clipping tool on my Kindle and I’ve lost them all!
I binge-read this one and instantly searched out others in the series.
August 20, 2022
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT BEST THRILLER BOOKS
November 27, 2023
Wow!
Well I guess the only thing I really want to know is this: how long must we wait for book 2?!!? This book exceeded all expectations. I honestly thought it might be the cover band version of Mitch Rapp. But The Real Book Spy proved what most critics can not: he can WRITE! He puts that old adage of "those who can't, teach" to shame. This was a fantastic story and I can add Matty Redd to my list of badassery faves that include James Reece, Scot Harvath, and the legendary Mitch Rapp! Fantastic job, Ryan!
Well I guess the only thing I really want to know is this: how long must we wait for book 2?!!? This book exceeded all expectations. I honestly thought it might be the cover band version of Mitch Rapp. But The Real Book Spy proved what most critics can not: he can WRITE! He puts that old adage of "those who can't, teach" to shame. This was a fantastic story and I can add Matty Redd to my list of badassery faves that include James Reece, Scot Harvath, and the legendary Mitch Rapp! Fantastic job, Ryan!
January 12, 2023
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. It was that good. Already one of my favorite reads. Ryan Steck did a great job explaining his story. Even with the conspiracy, he did a great job tying up every lose end.
I can’t wait for his next book. I’m a fan of Michael Redd.
I can’t wait for his next book. I’m a fan of Michael Redd.
July 27, 2024
I'm a fan! This 400 page thriller had me turning pages quickly to see what would happen next to Matt Redd. Tons of action and it was rewarding to have pieces come together at the end. A hint of romance.
Primarily set in Montana, but also portions in Washington DC and California.
Primarily set in Montana, but also portions in Washington DC and California.
February 20, 2024
That was a great, action-packed book! I already have the second book in the series on my TBR.
October 10, 2022
Fields of Fire is a brilliant debut. Ryan Steck in an amalgamation of Brad Thor, Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, and Vince Flynn. For me, this story had everything I love in a good thriller; revenge, gunplay, corruption, conspiracy, non-stop action, and twist after twist. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Buy it, read it, and you will know this guy's a rising star. I can't wait for the next Matthew Redd thriller.
September 25, 2022
When I first started reading thrillers, it was Ryan Steck’s reviews and recommendations that I followed first. He was one of the resounding voices that originally pulled me into this genre, and it has been a wild ride ever since! Now, I am so excited to say that Mr. Ryan Steck is a published author with his debut novel Field of Fire making quite a splash in the thriller genre.
Matthew (Matty) Redd is a member of the esteemed Marine Raider’s, and he and his team are prepping for a time critical deployment. Hours before taking off, Redd stops on the side of the road to help a stranger…only to wake up a day later with no memory of what just transpired, and with the knowledge that his entire team was wiped out. Wrestling with the fact that he may have leaked sensitive information to this stranger, Redd must accept the only deal that will keep him out of prison, to walk away from the Marine Corps.
With his life in shambles, Redd sees a message from his adoptive father, J.B., that he is in serious trouble, and that he needs Redd’s help. Knowing that J.B. never asks for help, Redd heads out to his childhood home in rural Montana. As he arrives, Redd discovers he was too late, J.B. has died. Wracked with guilt at the death of his team, and of his father, Redd starts to dig into the suspicious evidence of J.B.’s death. As Redd digs deeper, he discovers a deep seated conspiracy in his home town, and he must tread lightly has he tries to figure out who to trust.
Although Field of Fire is a debut novel, it reads like a well established series. Steck expertly sets up the novel, and takes the reader on a crazy ride of twisted trust issues as we start to question who is telling the truth? At the culmination of events, Steck throws one bomb shell after an other as the story line unfolds in front of us. Matty Redd is a wrecking ball of fury through the entire read, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!
Matthew (Matty) Redd is a member of the esteemed Marine Raider’s, and he and his team are prepping for a time critical deployment. Hours before taking off, Redd stops on the side of the road to help a stranger…only to wake up a day later with no memory of what just transpired, and with the knowledge that his entire team was wiped out. Wrestling with the fact that he may have leaked sensitive information to this stranger, Redd must accept the only deal that will keep him out of prison, to walk away from the Marine Corps.
With his life in shambles, Redd sees a message from his adoptive father, J.B., that he is in serious trouble, and that he needs Redd’s help. Knowing that J.B. never asks for help, Redd heads out to his childhood home in rural Montana. As he arrives, Redd discovers he was too late, J.B. has died. Wracked with guilt at the death of his team, and of his father, Redd starts to dig into the suspicious evidence of J.B.’s death. As Redd digs deeper, he discovers a deep seated conspiracy in his home town, and he must tread lightly has he tries to figure out who to trust.
Although Field of Fire is a debut novel, it reads like a well established series. Steck expertly sets up the novel, and takes the reader on a crazy ride of twisted trust issues as we start to question who is telling the truth? At the culmination of events, Steck throws one bomb shell after an other as the story line unfolds in front of us. Matty Redd is a wrecking ball of fury through the entire read, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him!
July 3, 2023
To start out with - I am attempting to review this a month after I finished reading it. That's on me - life got busy and I didn't get a chance to review it before now. Perhaps I will reread it in the near future and be able to give it a more solid review immediately after finishing it.
I found myself enjoying this novel more than I expected to. It starts out with "the hook" that many military biographies seem to start out with these days - a moment from some important mission or event in the person's life while in the military and having the opening chapter "end on a cliffhanger" to get the reader invested into finishing the book. I guess since I finished the whole book, it worked on me, too. It starts out slow but picks up speed as the story progresses and the mystery continues to unfold. The character development is decent, overall. There was a bit of a "plot twist" at the end that I did not see coming, which was cool.
While I was reading the book part of me felt like the book could have been shorter; I felt like some stuff was rehashed a couple of times when it did not need to be. But, by the end of the book, I was okay with the length of the book. Granted, the "wrapping up" at the end was really fast, like, superfast and felt like it skipped over a whole year or two. It felt really disjointed, to be honest..
I did enjoy the various windows into the relationship between Matthew Redd and his father. I thought those were interesting and did help to build Matthew's character development more than anything else that happened in the book "in the present". Overall, though, the characters were a bit jumpy - some places the interactions and conversations felt smooth and natural; other times, it felt . . . stilted and forced and not natural. It did get better as the story progressed, through. And let's be honest - it is normal in life to have difficult conversations with people that feel wooden and sticky and uncomfortable and forced. Not every conversation flows smoothly or naturally in real life; maybe it's not a bad thing for it to happen in a book, hahahah.
There was one part that I really liked.
I would not classify this as "Christian fiction", myself. I do not know how other readers might classify it, and it was sold at my local Christian book store, but it is more of a story that happens to have Christians in it than it is "Christian fiction".
The ending was rushed, and that is putting it mildly. Six months have passed between the final chapter of the main story itself and the epilogue ( that sets things up for future novels). It's a quick chapter, and it is a wrap-up. I can't think of any other way to put it. It was there, and then it was over. However, it was enough of a hook to "make" me want to read the second book when it comes out.
Overall, I did find myself enjoying the book. It held my interest once I became a bit more invested in it (i.e. - I read enough that I reached my "tipping point" and would have finished the book regardless of how good or bad it turned out to be; there have been very books that I DNF'd, sadly), and it ended on a strong enough note that I want to at least read the second book in the series (and maybe even reread this book at some point in the near future). In the end, I am glad that I took a chance on this book and read it, as it did turn out to be better than I thought it would be after I started reading it.
I found myself enjoying this novel more than I expected to. It starts out with "the hook" that many military biographies seem to start out with these days - a moment from some important mission or event in the person's life while in the military and having the opening chapter "end on a cliffhanger" to get the reader invested into finishing the book. I guess since I finished the whole book, it worked on me, too. It starts out slow but picks up speed as the story progresses and the mystery continues to unfold. The character development is decent, overall. There was a bit of a "plot twist" at the end that I did not see coming, which was cool.
While I was reading the book part of me felt like the book could have been shorter; I felt like some stuff was rehashed a couple of times when it did not need to be. But, by the end of the book, I was okay with the length of the book. Granted, the "wrapping up" at the end was really fast, like, superfast and felt like it skipped over a whole year or two. It felt really disjointed, to be honest..
I did enjoy the various windows into the relationship between Matthew Redd and his father. I thought those were interesting and did help to build Matthew's character development more than anything else that happened in the book "in the present". Overall, though, the characters were a bit jumpy - some places the interactions and conversations felt smooth and natural; other times, it felt . . . stilted and forced and not natural. It did get better as the story progressed, through. And let's be honest - it is normal in life to have difficult conversations with people that feel wooden and sticky and uncomfortable and forced. Not every conversation flows smoothly or naturally in real life; maybe it's not a bad thing for it to happen in a book, hahahah.
There was one part that I really liked.
I would not classify this as "Christian fiction", myself. I do not know how other readers might classify it, and it was sold at my local Christian book store, but it is more of a story that happens to have Christians in it than it is "Christian fiction".
The ending was rushed, and that is putting it mildly. Six months have passed between the final chapter of the main story itself and the epilogue ( that sets things up for future novels). It's a quick chapter, and it is a wrap-up. I can't think of any other way to put it. It was there, and then it was over. However, it was enough of a hook to "make" me want to read the second book when it comes out.
Overall, I did find myself enjoying the book. It held my interest once I became a bit more invested in it (i.e. - I read enough that I reached my "tipping point" and would have finished the book regardless of how good or bad it turned out to be; there have been very books that I DNF'd, sadly), and it ended on a strong enough note that I want to at least read the second book in the series (and maybe even reread this book at some point in the near future). In the end, I am glad that I took a chance on this book and read it, as it did turn out to be better than I thought it would be after I started reading it.
July 8, 2022
Fields of Fire” left me sleepless. This breathtaking debut thriller features Matthew Redd, a tough battle-hardened Marine Raider. In the span of a few days, he loses everything that holds meaning for him. Matt faces facts that don’t ring true as he deals with the shame, defeat, and complete despair over these losses. Now he’s got some tough decisions to make.
The age-old fear of having everything a person loves taken from them due to decisions they’ve made is significant for almost all of us. It’s hard to imagine much worse. For a career Marine whose entire adult life has been based on his strength, integrity, and loyalty, it’s untenable. Yet this is precisely the position Matt deals with as he seeks redemption, struggling to come to grips with his soul-crushing new reality.
Matthew Redd is a fascinating character. He’s tough, strong, quick-witted, and a perfectly honed killing machine. Yet he’s also a fairly complex man who has no qualms about coloring outside the lines. His persona was honed on the rural Montana ranch of his adoptive father, J.B., the only parent Matt has ever known. J.B. instilled a love of the land and a strong sense of justice in young Matt while he filled Matt’s head full of stories about his time in the Corps. It was only natural that Matt would gravitate toward a life as a highly trained, elite Marine Ranger.
“Crap happens to everybody, Son, but stupid is a choice you make on your own.”
The author deftly draws us into his story with a staggering fire-fight. Once he’s gotten our attention, he reels us back to the two weeks previous to this epic event to fill in the details. It’s well done, with crisp writing that produces the always desired yet rarely achieved sensation of “being there.” The author’s concise style and clean prose get the reader engaged in the characters as well as the storyline from page one. The adrenaline-fueled pace does the rest. The result is a book that won’t allow the reader to walk away before the story is finished.
I highly recommend this can’t-miss novel for fans of action or suspense/thriller reads. Whether you’re big on a military-style adventure or not, you’ll find Matthew Redd to be a character you’ll want to root for. His paradox of simplicity and complexity is reminiscent of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett, and just as endearing. However, Matt has sharper edges, tons of testosterone, and a palette full of grays when it comes to the legal system. His own personal code acts as his moral compass as the lines blur between black and white in this masterfully suspenseful novel.
The age-old fear of having everything a person loves taken from them due to decisions they’ve made is significant for almost all of us. It’s hard to imagine much worse. For a career Marine whose entire adult life has been based on his strength, integrity, and loyalty, it’s untenable. Yet this is precisely the position Matt deals with as he seeks redemption, struggling to come to grips with his soul-crushing new reality.
Matthew Redd is a fascinating character. He’s tough, strong, quick-witted, and a perfectly honed killing machine. Yet he’s also a fairly complex man who has no qualms about coloring outside the lines. His persona was honed on the rural Montana ranch of his adoptive father, J.B., the only parent Matt has ever known. J.B. instilled a love of the land and a strong sense of justice in young Matt while he filled Matt’s head full of stories about his time in the Corps. It was only natural that Matt would gravitate toward a life as a highly trained, elite Marine Ranger.
“Crap happens to everybody, Son, but stupid is a choice you make on your own.”
The author deftly draws us into his story with a staggering fire-fight. Once he’s gotten our attention, he reels us back to the two weeks previous to this epic event to fill in the details. It’s well done, with crisp writing that produces the always desired yet rarely achieved sensation of “being there.” The author’s concise style and clean prose get the reader engaged in the characters as well as the storyline from page one. The adrenaline-fueled pace does the rest. The result is a book that won’t allow the reader to walk away before the story is finished.
I highly recommend this can’t-miss novel for fans of action or suspense/thriller reads. Whether you’re big on a military-style adventure or not, you’ll find Matthew Redd to be a character you’ll want to root for. His paradox of simplicity and complexity is reminiscent of C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett, and just as endearing. However, Matt has sharper edges, tons of testosterone, and a palette full of grays when it comes to the legal system. His own personal code acts as his moral compass as the lines blur between black and white in this masterfully suspenseful novel.
March 6, 2023
action packed and it got better in the second part when Steck throw in a nice surprise in the connection between two major characters.
October 7, 2022
It was clear before reaching the "Author's Acknowledgments' at the end that Steck is a fan of the Lee Child/Vince Flynn-style hero and storyline. We've got the 'huge' intimidating trained killer hero, the emphasis on every weapon that gets used during the story, a 'big' plot with some sinister bad guys and a story that burns slowing only to roar into fast paced action about 60 per cent through. It's a fun easy read.
Matt Redd, is a disgraced Special Forces Marine. He went missing before arriving for a mission. Interesting Redd has the same initials as Steck's story hero, Mitch Rapp by Vince Flynn. He returns home to Montana to find a lots changed and someone's trying to take over his adopted father's land. And then things get a little crazy and the action really heats up.
There's a lot to like about this story; the plot is involved and keeps the reader on their toes and the pace once it gets going is good. We must remember it's a first novel and in that context, it's a good one. And Steck has set a solid base for a second story and perhaps an ongoing series.
I struggled a little with Redd for much of the story. In fact, I didn't really like him. He seemed a little too familiar and cardboard-cutout. The cliched bad guys with their 'buxom bimbo' attachments just got on my nerves (aren't we past this style of character?) and it took me a while to believe the linkage of the plot points as it took a while for them to come together.
There's lots of action, and I liked Emily, Redd's childhood sweetheart and I would have liked to have met JB, Redd's adopted father, as he came across as a good man.
It's an enjoyable read and I'll happily check out the sequel as I expect Steck's writing will have further matured.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the story from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Matt Redd, is a disgraced Special Forces Marine. He went missing before arriving for a mission. Interesting Redd has the same initials as Steck's story hero, Mitch Rapp by Vince Flynn. He returns home to Montana to find a lots changed and someone's trying to take over his adopted father's land. And then things get a little crazy and the action really heats up.
There's a lot to like about this story; the plot is involved and keeps the reader on their toes and the pace once it gets going is good. We must remember it's a first novel and in that context, it's a good one. And Steck has set a solid base for a second story and perhaps an ongoing series.
I struggled a little with Redd for much of the story. In fact, I didn't really like him. He seemed a little too familiar and cardboard-cutout. The cliched bad guys with their 'buxom bimbo' attachments just got on my nerves (aren't we past this style of character?) and it took me a while to believe the linkage of the plot points as it took a while for them to come together.
There's lots of action, and I liked Emily, Redd's childhood sweetheart and I would have liked to have met JB, Redd's adopted father, as he came across as a good man.
It's an enjoyable read and I'll happily check out the sequel as I expect Steck's writing will have further matured.
I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the story from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
September 23, 2022
This book was great! Ryan Steck clearly learned how to write an awesome thriller from his years of reviewing this genre on his website The Real Book Spy. I have learned to trust his opinion and have read many of the books he reviewed. I will definitely add his next book to the top of my TBR pile.
February 22, 2024
I bought this book only because I had won the second book on Goodreads and I did not want to go in to second book not knowing what was going on. So now I'm moving on to the second book interested? I really enjoyed this book I'm glad I won the second book it helped me me find some books I could get in to.
September 12, 2022
One of my most anticipated books of this year really delivered in all aspects. Also known as The Real Book Spy, this debut novel from Ryan is well thought out and constructed. The hype is real here and you do not want to skip out. The strong character development sets up well for growth as the Matthew Redd series continues. Ryan’s writing style flows off the pages and he nails the pacing of the story. I found myself finding extra time to read more because I could not put it down; it felt like in the eye, I’d read 50 pages because the story moves so quickly. For fans of thriller writers Vince Flynn, Kyle Mills, Jack Carr, Brad Thor and others, you will feel right at home here, and as you get to the last pages, you’ll find yourself asking when is the next novel due out
August 5, 2023
I've followed Ryan Steck on Twitter for years, trusting his recommendations for new authors and books I had yet to discover. Honestly curious, I wondered what he would do with his own novel.
His years of reading the likes of Flynn, Thor, and others was evident. While one might guess he then copied that pattern, this novel effectively stands out with enough to draw the reader in and engage.
It's not perfect, but I think fans of this genre will greatly enjoy the read. And, I would also suspect they will look forward to the next - as I am.
His years of reading the likes of Flynn, Thor, and others was evident. While one might guess he then copied that pattern, this novel effectively stands out with enough to draw the reader in and engage.
It's not perfect, but I think fans of this genre will greatly enjoy the read. And, I would also suspect they will look forward to the next - as I am.
February 6, 2023
What a debut for The Real Book Spy. I read this book and had a great time! This book feels like a mix of the best Jack Reacher in a CJ Box setting with a global impact of Brad Thor. Yet this character has a backstory of his own that makes it unique. There are tons of twists and turns that’ll have you guessing who to root for, who to root against and a bunch of “I’m not sure”. I’m very excited to see what Lethal Range brings and encourage any thriller fan to check this book out!
September 11, 2022
Disappointed that I didn't enjoy it more because I love his work as The Real Book Spy. The writing was somewhat simplistic, although the fight scenes were well written. Mostly, I am disappointed that basic Montana geography was so wrong. Stillwater County is East of Bozeman, not near the Missouri River, and not accessible from Highway 191 through the Gallatin Corridor. The Gage Food Trust Facility is said to be north of Three Forks which is over 123 miles to the west of the county line, not close enough for the details about its location in the story.
January 7, 2025
Can't-Put-Down Thriller
I've just discovered a new favorite author. As a devotee of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, I'm always seeking a new voice in the suspense/thriller genre, and I'm thrilled to have found Ryan Steck's Matt Redd. While it took me about 20 pages to get into Fields of Fire--mostly due to holiday season distractions--once I reached that point, I couldn't put the book down and finished in a day with the story keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire way.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I've just discovered a new favorite author. As a devotee of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, I'm always seeking a new voice in the suspense/thriller genre, and I'm thrilled to have found Ryan Steck's Matt Redd. While it took me about 20 pages to get into Fields of Fire--mostly due to holiday season distractions--once I reached that point, I couldn't put the book down and finished in a day with the story keeping me on the edge of my seat the entire way.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
October 30, 2022
8/10. Great first book. Can’t wait for the next one
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