Act of Defiance

Jack Ryan #19

by Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson, Tom Clancy

When a Russian superweapon is let loose under the waves, it's up to President Jack Ryan to find a countermove in the latest entry in this #1 New York Times bestselling series.

US intelligence says there's something going on in Russia. While their land forces have been decimated by corruption and incompetence, the Navy seems to be pouring money into some secret project. 

Analysts are stumped, until the knot is untangled by one particularly bright young woman at the Office of Naval Intelligence--Katie Ryan, the youngest daughter of President Jack Ryan. Like her father, she sees patterns where other don't, and she's determined that the Russians are about to launch a super missile submarine, the Belgorod. 

Now the race is on to determine where the sub is and whether it poses a threat to the continental US.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Political Thriller

548 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2024

About the author

Brian is a US Navy veteran, nuclear engineer, and former submarine officer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in psychology, holds a Master's in business from Cornell University, and is a Park Leadership Fellow. He is a principal contributor at Career Authors, a site dedicated to advancing the careers of aspiring and published writers: www.careerauthors.com.

He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:

- DARK RISING: (APRIL)
- SONS OF VALOR 4: (7/22)
- THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (11/4)
- EXECUTIVE POWER (11/25)

In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.

Find Brian online at:

Web: www.andrews-wilson.com
Instagram: @andrewsandwilson
Twitter: @BAndrewsJWilson

Sign-up for his newsletter at www.andrews-wilson.com to stay informed about all his new releases or "Follow" his Amazon Author page!

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Prime series. Would I be happy with my decision?

Tom Clancy actually died on October 1, 2013. So, it is very important to note that he obviously no longer writes this series. (This book was published this year, 2024.) However, a lot of Tom Clancy fans, may look at the cover, which has his named emblazoned on it in large letters at the top, and not realize this fact. The marketers don’t hide the other fact that it also says at the very bottom in smaller letters, “By Andrews & Wilson.”

So, who are Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson? They are Navy veterans who happen to be a writing team. Brian is a nuclear engineer and Jeff is a vascular surgeon and jet pilot who conducted combat operations with an East Coast-based SEAL team. Their credentials seem to lend themselves to continuing Clancy’s characters and legacy.

This 548-page novel, is part of the Jack Ryan series. Not to be mistaken for what any of us may have watched on the Amazon Prime series of the same name. This has moved Ryan forward as the now President of the United States. Yet, this storyline gives more “screen time” to Ryan’s daughter Katie who is now a Lieutenant Intelligence Agent.

The easiest way to describe this book is in free flow words. Fast. Intense. Suspenseful. Well-placed plot. Page-turner. Twists and turns. Thriller.

If you loved Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October,” this one may work for you. Just don’t be intimidated by all the Naval acronyms!

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Act of Defiance by Andrews & Wilson reads like a classic Clancy novel. It has the heft and gravitas as if written by Clancy you’d be hard-pressed to differentiate between them. Act of Defiance and The Hunt for the Red October are loosely connected but not how you might imagine. At least for me. Is it a sequel? Standalone? Companion piece? Maybe a type I can’t think of? None of the above? All? Russia is once again a pariah on the world stage and tensions are mounting inside the Russian gov’t. Russia’s deadliest submarine had been secretly retrofitted with enormous weapon doors. The retrofit causes consternation but what really causes sphincters to tighten is when the sub disappears. None tighter than that of President Jack Ryan who went through something similar as a CIA analyst 40 years ago. Only this time it is exponentially more dangerous. 

I have a special place in my heart for The Hunt for the Red October. Had my first kiss during the movie. Saw it eight more times. I don’t remember reading the book but reading and kissing do not have the same zing. Anywho, A&W surpassed all of my expectations.

By now we are well acquainted with Jack Ryan and his family, especially his wife and son, Jack Jr. His daughter–Katie–has been in the background living her life. Until Andrews & Wilson get their hands on the series. Using Katie as the lead was a complete surprise and desperately needed. The emergence of Katie was one of the many risks A&W pulled off and it is these risks which make Act of Defiance special. 

Andrews & Wilson have injected new life into a beloved series Clancy fans are in for a real treat.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Act of Defiance!

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-Stars ^^ 5.0-Stars
"I really Liked This Action Audiobook!"
This is a most enjoyable 17 hours (548 pages) audiobook. It is also my first 5-Stars listen for 2025😄! The story is long and detailed, but not complicated, although it does include a lot of naval terminology, technical jargon and acronyms - features I enjoy but I understand why others may not.

As usual, I assume readers of this review will have checked out the book's blurb and I do not intend to describe the storyline here. Suffice it to say that I have already purchased Andrews & Wilson's follow-up, "Jack Ryan #25 - Defence Protocol", which I am really looking forward to hearing.

I had read only four Tom Clancy 'Jack Ryan' novels ('Jack Ryan' #1 to #4 during the 1980s) before joining GR in Oct 2011. It is also probable that I listened to all four during the earlier 2000's when I started collecting and listening to audiobooks in earnest. I was never a real 'fan' of Tom Clancy, nor of the many authors who have published under the Tom Clancy franchised name. However, Andrews & Wilson (Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson) have produced an excellent book for the franchise and I recommend it highly to fans of the "action-wars-military-espionage" genre.

Extracts from My Listening Activity:
@ 0% Andrews & Wilson - Jack Ryan #24 - Act of Defiance
Audible Direct: 17:01 Hours - Narrator: Scott Brick
Commenced: 14/01/2025

@ 51% "I started this yesterday (Tues) and knocked off 8:25 hours (51%) heard in one day/night. That's a pretty good indication that I am enjoying this book! 😁 *yawwnn*😴"

@ 73% "I think 17 hours (548 pages) is probably a bit too long for this well-written story, but I'm still enjoying it a lot! I recently completed JKR's 32 hours (927 pages) Troubled Blood (4-Stars), so I'm not really complaining!"

@ 99% "I had read only four Tom Clancy 'Jack Ryan' novels before joining GR in Oct 2011. I don't remember much about Clancy's actual writing, but in 2011 I rated each of them as 3-Stars.
My rating for "Act of Defiance" definitely will be higher. Thinking... 🤔"

[Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad military thriller novel. The main story of chasing a renegade Russian in this novel was much weaker than the original Tom Clancy novel, The Hunt for the Red October. Brian Andrews’ novel was almost 550 pages & I really felt it didn’t need to be that long. Maybe military related novels all have a lot of technical words & jargons, but this book really over did it. It felt like I couldn’t get pass a chapter where I have to look up Wikipedia or the dictionary for definitions of military or science related words… Unless you love reading military related novels, I would say this one is a pass.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of these stories make better movies because they cut through the boredom.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the day, I worked as a dishwasher in a greasy spoon diner that had an appointment-only bookstore attached. Whenever somebody was scheduled to explore the bookstore, I got to unlock it, tidy it up, and basically get it ready for shopping. That also meant I got to shop for myself, and that’s where I discovered authors like Craig Thomas, Robert Ludlum, Clive Cussler, and Tom Clancy.

The Hunt for Red October was, far and away, my favorite read to be plucked from those shelves, and the movie is one of my favorites as well, a must-watch viewing event whenever it shows up on TV. I haven’t read a lot of the Ryanverse/Clancyverse since Tom Clancy passed away, but when I heard that Act of Defiance was (1) a sequel to Red October, and (2) featured Katie Ryan, Jack’s youngest daughter, I knew I had to read it – and I’m glad I did.

At 560 pages, this is a far cry from the 1000-page doorstoppers that defined Clancy’s later days, and that works in its favor. It’s shorter, faster, and more intense. There are fewer characters, fewer side-plots, and much less technobabble info-dumping. It is indeed a direct sequel to Red October, and one that brings back some surprising characters from that book to help face the crisis, and presents us with a new adversary who has a personal connection to those events. Where it differs from the original is that its rogue submarine commander isn’t looking to defect, he’s looking to help a secret cabal with the Kremlin deliver a devastating nuclear blow to America.

Much to my delight (and relief), Katie is a true heroine, definitely following in her father’s footsteps, but very much her own woman. Like Jack, she’s less about out-fighting the enemy than out-thinking them, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind, even though she’s still green enough to be nervous before authority. The portrayal of women in the genre can often be problematic, but Andrews & Wilson hit the right balance here.

I raced through this, enjoying every moment, and I’ll happily be there for Katie’s next adventure. A great read and a worthy sequel.


https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/...

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and well written. If you like nautical stuff you'll love this one. I enjoyed everything...even that! What a family the Ryan's have grown to become.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shades of Red October! Despite the Red October affair having ended forty years before, the results are still playing out, and a Ryan stands between a rogue sub and the destruction of the United States. That night that Marco Ramius defected to the United States, Captain Gorov's father disappeared following the CIA's refusing to get him and his family out of Russia. Now Gorov is the captain of the newest Russian sub, the Belgorod, which carries two nuclear-tipped torpedoes. The Belgorod disappears on its test run.

Katie Ryan, the youngest of President Jack Ryan's children, now works as a U.S. naval intelligence analyst tasked to explain why the Russians have installed such large torpedo doors on the Belgorod. As she follows a trail of expert advice, she fears that what she finds threatens the U.S.

It was enjoyable to meet characters from earlier books, such as Marco Ramius, Jonesy, John Clark and crew, Juggernaut, and, of course, President Jack Ryan who is proud, but not thrilled, to have his little girl in a face off with a Russian sub with nuclear weapons. The characters and camaraderie are strong. Although some incidents resemble the Red October incident, the story follows a different plotline. Suspense builds until it is hard to put the book down in the last half. I like this book better than Clancy's actual writing because Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson use little bad language.

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time, Tom Clancy wrote some very entertaining novels, “The Hunt for Red October,” “Red Storm Rising,” and “The Cardinal of the Kremlin” among them. They were well-plotted with likable characters and filled with interesting information about whatever topic Mr. Clancy was dealing with, be it submarines, the CIA, U.S.-Soviet relations, Russian defectors, etc. I came away from those absorbing works believing I’d learned something.

But then the quality of the books declined markedly, IMHO. The plots were outlandish, the characters cardboard. The writing seemed all too militant and jingoistic—as if Mr. Clancy was pandering to his readers rather than seeking to educate and entertain.

So, it was with some trepidation that I began “Act of Defiance.” Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! Authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson have written a tale of modern submarine warfare and geopolitical gamesmanship that finds its roots in and is, for the most part, as entertaining as “The Hunt for Red October.”

It is present day. Jack Ryan is POTUS. His daughter Katie is a wunderkind Naval Intelligence officer. The Cold War and the Soviet Union ended decades ago. But various Russian military and government higher-ups detest the kleptocracy their country has become, not to mention its loss of super-power status and subordination to the U.S. on the world stage. Those men have now gone rogue and plan to deal the US a crippling blow and reclaim Russian power and prestige. Their instrument will be Russia's newest submarine armed with experimental torpedoes as catastrophically deadly as any weapon ever made and captained by a man as bent on revenge against Jack Ryan as Ahab was against Moby Dick. Will Jack, Katie, a cast of supporting characters—some from previous “Jack Ryan” novels, others brand new—and the United States Navy be able to figure out what’s going on in time to prevent devastating damage to the U.S.?

Spanning the globe from Washington D.C., to Moscow, to the Bering Sea, to the Atlantic Ocean, and set aboard the super-carrier U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford and various U.S. and Russian submarines, “Act of Defiance” is a tense techno-thriller. It utilizes air, land, sea, and undersea operations as well as intelligence gathering and covert espionage to keep readers turning the pages to find out whether World War III will be averted. The authors seem to have done a wealth of research into the submarines of both nations and how they operate, both day-to-day and in combat.

All in all, a very good read that fans of Tom Clancy’s early works, as well as movies and novels like “Fail-Safe,” “Seven Days in May,” and “On The Beach” may well enjoy.

My thanks to NetGalley, authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, and publisher Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with a complimentary ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic 1st effort from Andrews & Wilson"s take on a Clancy novel; but then A & W are the best tag team duo out there. Jack Ryan, intelligence officer in The Hunt for the Red October way back when is now President of the United States in Act of Defiance. Plenty of action throughout the book, great cast of characters, and plenty of tension that will have you on the edge of your seat. So, just buy the book and try to not read it in one day.
Thanks to Penguin Book Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC. A huge thanks to Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson for their amazing debut novel via the Clancy Estate. BUY and READ this BOOK.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Jack Ryan books since Clamcy passed. This is definitely the best since Mark Greany stopped writing the series. Andrews and Wilson, of whom I was already a fan after loving their Tier 1 series, really show their range here. This type of story is different than the superman special ops hero genre. There are a lot of characters and moving pieces in this type of book that includes spy craft, geo politics, military action, and naval/submarine warfare. They did a great job of pulling all of that off. Also the parallel and call backs to The Hunt for Red October was nicely done. I hope these authors continue the series for awhile.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wading through all the submarine-related technical jargon was a bit of a chore, but it was well worth the effort in the end. If nothing else, it brought back memories of a much earlier book (and a favorite movie) that also dealt with a rogue Russian sub.

This is the 19th book featuring Jack Ryan, now President of the United States. That said, it's far more about his daughter Katie, a Navy officer with the Office of Naval Intelligence. Submarines, though, take center stage throughout - most notably, the Russian Belgorod, a super-secret, super-loaded brand spanking new model that's capable of launching nuclear weapons - if it really exists. U.S. Intelligence suggests it not only does, but it's up to something nefarious. But one of the sub's features is that it's very good at camouflage, so the first order of business - arguably the most difficult - is simply finding it. Assuming that's accomplished, the next challenge is learning what its mission really is.

When they do, it isn't pretty - if, of course, it's accurate. With not much hard evidence, it becomes not only a life-or-death educated guess that, whether right or wrong, could trigger World War III. Needless to say, President Ryan's previous experience with Russian submarine captains comes into play here, as does his daughter's astute observations and conclusions that are eerily similar to those of her father.

Getting to the truth is by no means simple, and it involves a whole bunch of people and the aforementioned technical jargon. But it's also pretty much nonstop action and some really cool-under-pressure dudes and dudesses, making for an exciting adventure every step of the way. Loved it - and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

[David Jonescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big Jack Ryan universe fan and have read every book that’s come out it in. This one definitely reminds me of the original Tom Clancy books, especially Res October. I thoroughly enjoyed bringing in another Ryan into the universe in Katie. I thought the way that her narrative compares to her dads in Red October is fascinating although somewhat predictable. I will say the “coup from an inside part of Russia” seems to be getting old in my opinion (although i do understand the relevance to todays world). Overall i felt that this was a new beginning in the Universe to bring another element and main character into the fold. Also, are we sure Jack Ryan hasn’t gone over 2 terms in office yet?

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dan Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fastest read I have ever done.

This story grabbed me by the throat and never let go. It reminded me of The Hunt for Red October and not because of the subject matter. The pacing, technical details, and shifting locations all are reminiscent of Clancy’s first book. Characters are drawn from the wide Ryanverse, while skillfully incorporating new ones. Now I am going back to read again so I can discover details I missed in the haste to get to the end of the story.

[Teri Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thanks to Andrews and Wilson for the return of feelings from my past. Finishing this book yesterday, I was transported back to the mid-eighties and nineties. Back to my first Tom Clancy books when I hated for the books to end.

Billed as a sequel to the Hunt for Red October, Act of Defiance did not disappoint. It included a great mix of technical Navy info of which I know nothing, so rely on Andrews’ and Wilson’s experience, and the emotional aspects of familiar characters and new ones. Excellent continuation of the second generation of Ryan’s’ beyond Jack Ryan Jr.

I can only hope there are more Clancy books coming from Andrews and Wilson. They certainly have a knack for recreating Clancy’s characters.

[Ann Knepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this book 5 stars don’t I?! Loved that the USS Washington was featured in it, especially XO Knepper. It was great to meet the authors in Norfolk, too! Now to read Hunt for Red October…

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Clancy novels in a while. Andrews and Wilson hit a home run on their debut Jack Ryan adventure. I loved the way they tied in Clancy's first book, "The Hunt for Red October."

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first fell in love with Tom Clancy's novels when I read Hunt for Red October. It truly is one of the best books I have ever read. I've been reading his books ever since and it's great to have another series grow for the Ryan family that is set around a submarine. In ACT OF DEFIANCE, we meet another Ryan character.....a female...... President Ryan's daughter Katie Ryan. The plot is solid, something is going on in the Russian Navy, something too big to remain a secret for long. This is a very good political thriller, ranking 5 stars easily from this long time Clancy fan.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, and wow! Andrews and Wilson knocked it out of the park in their debut in the Jack Ryan Universe. This book could have easily been called The Hunt for Red October II. The Russians secretly send out their most technologically advanced submarine on a secret mission. The Americans are suprised by its launch, and it seems there is more to the mission than the powers in the Russian Government anticipated. Has a rogue captain taken over the most powerful submarine in the Russian fleet? Is the submarine on its way to the United States Coast to start World War III?

Act of Defiance, also introduces the newest Ryan into the Jack Ryan Universe. Katie Ryan, one of Jack’s youngest, twins, is a fast rising Naval Intelligence Officer. She finds herself in the thick of the Russian submarine’s mission. Katie Ryan seems like a great character, whose role will only expand in future books. She seems to have a lot of similar traits and abilities that her dad, Jack, Ryan, possesses.

The story is top notch, and the book itself is a fast read. New characters like Katie Ryan only expanded the universe. Overall this is a top notch thriller that you need to pick up. Thank you to NetGalley, Brian Andrews, Jeffery Wilson, and Penguin Putnam Group for a free advance copy of the book for an honest review.

[Frida Hemborg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jag har läst en bok tidigare i Clancys universum, Konspirationens vittne, där vi får följa Jack Ryans Jr, Ryans son. I denna får vi istället följa Jack Ryan och hans dotter Katie Ryan. Vi har tre huvudperspektiv vi får läsa berättelsen ifrån, Jack Ryan, Katie Ryan och ”the bad guys”. Om ni har läst Jakten på röd oktober (Clancys första bok), så är detta tekniskt sett n uppföljare till den. Finns många easter eggs, och direktkopplingar till den berättelsen, som jag tror kommer vara underhållande att läsa. Men för mig som inte läst den, så gick det lika bra att läsa ändå! 🙏🏼 Det är ju en fristående berättelse i serien, så du behöver inte läst tidigare för att förstå vad som sker. Clancys böcker brukar ha en långsammare start, där författarna bygger upp stämningen, all fakta vi behöver. Upptrappningen mot det som ska hända. Det fick vi verkligen i denna, första halvan gick väldigt långsamt och tog mig längre tid att läsa. Medans andra halvan flög jag igenom (600+ sidor). Gillade verkligen Katies karaktär. Att bevisa sin kunskap och förmåga, som dels kvinna i ett mansdominerat yrke, men också som dotter till presidenten. Skapa ett namn för sig själv, utan det arv hon oundvikligen har.

Det är också mycket fakta och tekniskt snack i denna bok om ubåtar och militära operationer. Vilket gjorde att boken fick en skrämmande verklig känsla. Väldigt realistisk handling, som känns väldigt aktuell i det klimat vi lever i idag.

Sammanfattningsvis gillade jag Jack Ryan Jr boken mer än denna, blev lite för mycket fakta och snack, där jag ville ha mer action. Men jag gillade den ändå, då konversationerna och tankegångarna var väldigt intressanta att läsa. Hur skurken tänkte och resonerade, vem är egentligen skurken? Politik, spioneri och kampen mot klockan. 100 sidor hade vi nog kunnat skala av, så hade den varit ännu bättre! 🙏🏼

[Daniel Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ebook, and I was only at six percent when I uttered my first "HOLY CRAP!" There were more of those exclamations. This book is *that* book.

There are a brace of writers now tapped to write "Tom Clancy" (1947-2013) techno-thrillers, all of whom do a bang-up job. But when US Navy veterans Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson were chosen to extend the franchise, I imagine even the publisher didn't know what an inspired decision that would turn out to be.

The Russian military is a devastated shell of its former self (does that ring any bells?), but its Navy has a secret new sub that has escaped detection leaving its port for open sea. This branch of the Ryanverse is a paen to "The Hunt For Red October," and involves a Russian submarine that may be defecting to the US—or it may be headed to America's coastline to deploy an ultra-fast underwater super-nuke. In grand Ryanverse style, the new protagonist is now President Ryan's *daughter.* Katie Ryan is a Navy intel officer (natch) who ... wait for it ... has to be ferried out to a submarine with vital operational information.

You may be skeptical of the minor narrative similarities between "Defiance" and "Red October," but I'm here to tell you they enrich and further the foundational canon and provide a terrific pathway going forward.

I'm a retired US Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer, and frankly, as the Andrews & Wilson team are already well-known authors (Brian is a former submarine officer, Jeff was a Navy combat surgeon deployed with SEAL teams. Between them they have authored tons of thrillers already, including the "Sons of Valor," "Tier One," and "The Shepherds" series), I was vibrating with excitement when I learned they had been awarded their slice of the "Clancy" pie.

I was not disappointed. You won't be either. All the stars, and strongly, unequivocally recommended.

[Christian D. D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hunt for Red October” redux?

In some ways, this novel feels like a 2024 reboot of “The Hunt for Red October” in addition to being an homage to that novel.

There are also some questionable elements, such as:

(1) the fictitious Russian President Yermilov coming across as a carbon copy of the equally fictitious predecessor President Valeri Volodin in the Mark Greaney-penned novels in this series, i.e. both thinly-veiled stand-ins for Vladimir Putin;

(2) Russian officers calling each other “comrade” (tovarish). I thought that went passé with the end of the first Cold War (although granted, a lot of these characters have a USSR retread mentality).

That said, the novel keeps the pages turning and is very entertaining. And it’s an interesting change of perspective with LT (soon to be LCDR) Katie Ryan at the center of the action as opposed to her dad (Jack Sr.) or older brother (Jack Sr.).

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb! Andrews & Wilson deliver an excellent installment in the Jack Ryan series made famous by the original mastermind, Tom Clancy.

The Cold War has been over for many years but the desire for those in Russian power to restore Mother Russia to its former glory looms. A plot to leverage power over the United States reaches back in history to an incident involving a Soviet submarine named Red October. The past and present collide in a throwback to Clancy-esque action and suspense. A job very well done by Andrews & Wilson!

[Jeff Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 6 stars, or even 7 or 8 I would. It’s that good.
If you like the vibe of a throwback Clancy novel mixed with current Naval submarine ops and technology, mixed with classic Russian antagonists, this is perfection. Doing a sequel to Red October is a very bold move, but Andrews & Wilson crushed it. This book is full of nostalgia, action, and the technical details we expect from a classic Clancy story.
Just might be the best book since Clancy’s unfortunate passing.

[Steven Netter · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books



Make sure to check out the full review

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Act of Defiance" is a must read for those of us who read, or watched, Tom Clancy's "The Hunt For The Red October"! It's 40 years later and another Russian Submarine Captain is about to betray his nation! These 2 stories are linked together, in an effort to prevent World War III. Authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, both Navy Veterans, tell a story that rings true to every Submariner! This is a yarn that I highly recommend to fans of Submarine stories!

[Nick Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot, probably the best post Clancy novel since Mark Greaney stopped writing them. Yep, one or two continuity errors with the established series, but a major bonus is pretty much a lack of Jack Jr. Thank Goodness.

Strong links to Rhe Hunt for Red October here, and young Katie Ryan as an intelligence analyst does a good impression of her Dad when he was at the CIA.
A Russian super sub goes rogue and looks to reset world power. President Ryan, the Campus team and Katie Ryan have to do whatever they can to stop nuclear catastrophe.
Good characters, a good plot and great linkage back to the brilliant Hunt For Red October. The very definition of an excellent techno thriller. Delighted the co-authors are doing the next one too.

[Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of the Tom Clancy books all the way back to “The Hunt for Red October” and this book,doesn’t disappoint. The thing I am thankful about is that even after Clancy’s death we continue to get the high quality techno thrillers. Act of Defiance is a Jack Ryan novel, The author’s Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson continue that strong tradition that fans of Jack Ryan have come to expect from their favorite character. Highly recommended.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hark back to The Hunt for Red October, this gem might be called The Rest of the Story or Part Deux. One never knows until many years or even decades later the results of our actions: great and small. "The sins of the fathers are visited unto the second and third generations. " The neverending excitement and suspense build and build as if you were in command and control center with the principles on both sides.

[Michael Won · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Tom Clancy/Jack Ryan franchise! Andrews and Wilson did a great job with the details, and it was so action packed that I had a hard time putting it down. I felt like this is something Clancy would have written himself! It definitely brought back memories of The Hunt for Red October.