Guardian Down: A Luis Cortez Thriller

The Luis Cortez Series, Book 1

By: B.D. Godard

Narrated by: Thom Rivera

When the blast killed his wife and son, Air Force Pararescueman Luis Cortez should have died with them.

He didn’t.

Now fighting through brutal recovery and the weight of survivor’s guilt, Luis is drawn into a shadow war stretching from cartel strongholds in Veracruz to Triad syndicates in Shanghai. The same network that destroyed his family is tightening its grip on international finance and blood-soaked trafficking routes.

But Luis isn’t chasing justice. He’s hunting revenge.

With a wounded Combat Controller at his side, a relentless Mexican investigator, and a CIA officer with her own hidden motives, Luis tracks a ruthless alliance of cartel killers and Triad elites. Every step drags him deeper into a conspiracy of money, betrayal, and power—where survival means fighting with nothing left to lose.

Fans of Saul Herzog, Jack Carr, and Mark Greaney will tear through this relentless debut packed with authentic tactics, raw emotion, and a hero who refuses to quit.

Guardian Down launches a new series of international thrillers where every mission comes at the highest cost.

©2025 B.D. Godard (P)2026 B.D. Godard

Do yourself a favor and listen to Guardian Down!

Guardian Down is a fast-paced adventure! The narrator does a great job with the all the voices. The characters are well developed with back stories, fears, struggles, and personal demons. You'll be rooting for Luise Cortez and his team as they struggle against an evil opponent. You'll feel their personal pain as they sacrifice, "so others may live." The plot development is unique and gets you thinking about the implications of our technological prowess unchecked by morality! The story is viceral; you can see the scenes in your mind. The background feels so real and gritty that it could almost be pulled for the news. Really enjoyed the book and can't wait for a second story!

Wow! What a scary scenario!

BD Godard came up with a great story here. A medically viable option for mind control and a scary state-criminal conspiracy to use it! There are lots of unexpected twist and turns in the story and the characterization by the voice actor is great! Highly recommend this audible.