Rating: 4.72 out of 5

Okay, I need to talk about Exile's Badge right now because I am still recovering. I usually stick to fantasy or romance, but this? This gritty crime thriller actually had me hooked from page one. Sam Holden is the definition of a tragic hero, and I am obsessed with his journey.

The whole vibe of him being an ex-cop exiled to Belize is such a mood. You can literally feel the humidity and the heaviness of his past in every chapter. He lost his family and his badge, and that "broken man trying to survive" trope hits so hard. It is not just about him shooting bad guys (though the gun action is top-tier); it is about him fighting his own ghosts. There is this constant tension where you just know he can not outrun what happened, no matter how far he goes.

The plot is super fast-paced but also deeply emotional. When the fight comes to him in that small town, it feels personal. I was stressed the entire time reading the middle chapters. The way the author describes the "town too small to matter" makes the stakes feel incredibly high because Sam is basically all they have. It gave me major main character energy but in a sad, realistic way.

And can we talk about the climax? I was holding my breath. It wasn't just a mindless shootout; it felt like Sam was finally facing everything he ran away from. The emotional payoff when he decides to stand his ground instead of running again? heavy. I might have shed a tear or two.

The story is just that gripping. It feels raw in a way that matches Sam's character. If you like stories about second chances, intense action, and sad older men finding a reason to fight again, you have to read this. 4.72/5, would definitely get my heart broken by Sam's backstory again.