**Features:**

- An action-packed, military story with a futuristic setting
- Exploration of how conflict/war is used to further the political and/or economic agendas of the powerful
- A capable and charismatic military leader as the main character

**Summary:**

The Earth Alliance’s war against the Tarkanians has taken everything from Jackson Mason and he has taken plenty of the Tarkanians in return. A sharp and skilled warrior both on land and in the sky, Mason quickly gains a fierce reputation among his enemies and admiration from his allies. But the higher Mason climbs, the more he learns about the true machinations driving a seemingly constant interstellar conflict. In a dangerous, ever changing world, Mason must use all of the tools at his disposal before he loses himself as well.

**Thoughts:**

If you enjoy military books, I would highly recommend picking this one up. This book is not afraid to go deep into the strategy behind the action unfolding and you get a real sense of camaraderie amongst Mason and those around him. The battles are engaging, fast-paced, and brutal in a way that gives you a good idea of how horrific these conflicts are without being too graphic or gory. Jackson Mason starts off as your typical military hero character, but we see him evolve into something a lot more complicated and unique as his perspective grows. Despite its shorter length, this book had me really invested in its characters and world. That being said, I wish it took the time to flesh these things out a little more.

The only thing bringing down my rating of this book is the writing itself. I am not sure if it is an error in the advanced digital copy I received or intentional, but there is a copious amount of exclamation points. There are so many that it actually took away some of my ability to engage with the characters and setting until I gave myself permission to ignore them. Likewise, there are small but unnecessary repetitions that really stand out in the tense, fast-paced scenes. Though these didn’t ultimately ruin my enjoyment of the book, they also prevented it from reaching its full potential for me.

This ibook is good and for all the men it’s most likely great. It has a lot of battle scenes but a little short on character depth and relationships. The political aspect of how Earth hasn’t changed in all of the many years seems about right, but sad. I was hoping Gunnery Jackson would find a girlfriend.

The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason: The Quest for Freedom is an epic tale of loyalty, bravery, and the grit of a marine caught in a galaxy-spanning conflict. Following Jackson Mason’s rise through the ranks, the book blends intense action with moments of deep reflection as Mason uncovers secrets that could change everything. I loved how the story kept me on edge while still grounding me in the camaraderie and honor of its characters. It’s a perfect mix of action and sci-fi.

Strap in, folks, because The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason is a rollercoaster through the galaxy with guns blazing and secrets lurking around every corner! Jackson Mason is the kind of hero who makes you want to grab a rifle (or a snack) and march alongside him. The combat scenes are killer, but the twists? Whoa. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, BAM—another curveball. If you like space battles, badass marines, and a story with guts, grab this book pronto! 🚀💥