Declared Hostile

Battle Born #4

by Jack Stewart

A treasonous plot. Clandestine actors. World order hanging in the balance.

Elite NCIS investigator Emmy "Punky" King, seasoned in global espionage, uncovers the edges of an intricate international conspiracy following the arrest of a U.S. Marine. Relying solely on her sharp intuition, she starts peeling back layers of a complex mystery that links the U.S. president to a clandestine corporation. As she navigates the corruption, Punky finds herself deep in an escalating game that threatens more than just national security.

Halfway across the world in Eastern Europe, Colt Bancroft and the Black Ponies are thrust into a high-stakes mission to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of rogue Russian operatives. But when their operation spirals into chaos following an ambush by an unexpected adversary, Colt finds himself navigating the deadly terrain of enemy territory, fighting for survival.

Although separated by continents, their missions are fatally intertwined. Colt must battle against overwhelming odds while Punky races against time to uncover the traitor behind it all—both unaware that if either fails, the world will plunge into chaos.

From Jack Stewart, former US Navy Top Gun instructor pilot, comes Declared Hostile, the intense fourth installment in the acclaimed Battle Born series. This riveting narrative is a must-read for fans of Tom Clancy and Dale Brown, packing high-stakes action and intricate conspiracy into every chapter.

_____________________

Praise for the Battle Born

“Stewart clearly knows his way around a jet…”—Publisher’s Weekly

“The Battle Born series is a jet fuel-laced thrill ride!” —Jack Carr, Former Navy SEAL sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the James Reece Terminal List series

"Strongly evocative of classic Clancy…Intensely paced and skillfully plotted." —Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Gray Man

"Puts you right up front in the action - in the cockpit and on the ground. Supremely authentic and absolutely unputdownable." —Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Breakneck

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declared Hostile by Jack Stewart is the fourth installment in the Battle Born series with main protagonists Emmy King aka "Punky" and Colt Bancroft. Emmy is still trying to chase down the spy ring that she believes is still active and Colt is tasked with going to Ukraine and seize some portable nukes before the evil russians can. Is there a connection between the two things and why is King crashing all these cars? Well if you get the book although I recommend that you start from the beginning you will find out, maybe. I found this book just as well written as the previous and I am glad I jumped aboard this journey. I get the feeling that Stewart knows what he writes about, especially the flying bits. I also had a blast looking for easter eggs in this book. I like the fact that this series is not stuck on one type of main character, most writers do this. Here we get an active duty pilot and all that comes with that and we also get to follow a NCIS agent on the ground. It's like two for the price of one. Who doesn't like a good deal. This comes highly recommended.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a fantastic week! After a fairly slow start, I just read two 5 Star books in a row - what are the odds?

I have really enjoyed this series, and this book continues along with the overarching storyline that has been running through the last 3 books.

We follow our FMC - NCIS investigator Emmy "Punky" King - as she continues her investigation into the events that occurred a couple of years ago that had her arresting a US Marine and charging him with treason. The Marine is now in prison but Punky can not help thinking that there is more to the story.

We also follow Air Force fighter pilot Colt Bancroft as he and his team get sent on an unexpected top secret mission. There is a very old and forgotten secret bunker of portable nuclear weapons that has just been discovered in Ukraine and there is credible evidence that the Russians are going to make a run to get them and sell them to buyers in the Middle East. His job is to stop them.

As usual, the action starts from the very beginning and it does not let up. Mr. Stewart has a way of ratcheting up the tension and KEEPING it up there for the entire book.

One of the things that I have loved about this series is the way that it makes you feel like you are in the cockpit of a fighter jet along with Colt. Mr. Stewart was an instructor at the Top Gun School and that is so very apparent in his writing.

The OTHER fantastic thing is the fact that this is narrated by Ray Porter (who is one of my all time favorite narrators) and he does an amazing job of bringing this story to life. He especially shines in those scenes in the sky. I can picture things so clearly and it is awesome.

No more info - other than to say if you haven't started this series, I would highly recommend starting at book 1. This is not a stand alone because it has built on the information and experiences of the prior books.

[Steven Netter · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books



Make sure to check out the full review

[Khurley424 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In absolutely no uncertain terms, and I do not take saying this lightly: This is my absolute favorite series, and I cannot wait for more. Jack Stewart creates gripping stories, with interesting, dynamic characters that keep me on the edge of my seat, and I cannot wait for more!! I hope book 5 isn't too far behind Declared Hostile, because after blitzing through it I don't know what I will do in the interim (.....ok, that's a mild lie, there's a new Chris Hadfield Apollo Murders book coming soon and those are also stellar- fighter jockeys write damn good thrillers, full stop).

Fantastic to the last drop. Would give a 6th star if I could.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Another great read in Stewart's Battle Born series.
Colt Bancroft, ace fighter pilot and crew are sent to the Russian battlefields to help the Ukraine's fighters retrieve old nuclear suitcase bombs left over and hidden from the fall of the Soviet Union.
Meanwhile in DC, Punky, using her FBI credentials to move around, is working to uncover the real story behind convicted treasonous Adam Garrett's past and connection to the former VP but now, President.
Great action, suspense and riveting storyline.
Great read.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific story from Jack Stewart. Following the storyline from the first 3 books has Colt on a mission in the Ukraine and Punky following the thread connecting to the spy she refers to as KMART.

A start to finish thrillride.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the publisher. Having fully enjoyed the first three books in the series, I was expecting a good page turner. I was not disappointed. In fact, I believe this is the best of the four. Great characters, multiple subplots and fast paced action are always key ingredients in a great novel. Starting with a treasonable plot and a cast of highly motivated characters, the novel keeps one engaged. Highly recommend

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I haven't read anything this intense and accurate since Tom Clancy in the 1980's. Book 4 of the series. Is this the end or more adventures for Colt and Punky? Hard to tell.

[Jonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced and entertaining read. Overall, 4.5 stars but I rounded up because I like Colt and this series. Plus, the narration was excellent. I liked that the book was set in two locations, Ukraine and DC. The Ukraine action was more interesting and more fast paced to me than the political maneuverings in DC. I'm not a huge fan of Punky mainly because I don't always understand her reasonings and actions.

Of all four books, I think this book stretched the envelope more than the other three. Maybe a few too many situations where the actions were either too auspicious or incongruous. It's not that the story was convoluted but something felt a forced about tying everything up neatly. My recommendation is to definitely read the previous books in this series to fully understand the characters and situations mentioned in this story. It's been a while since I read the first two books and was glad that the author refreshed my memory of the different connections.

If you like the other books in this series, then I recommend reading this one.

[Trad Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment of the Battle Born series by former Top Gun pilot and author Jack Stewart. A traitor in the White House, a futuristic weapon that is deadly, and a race to prevent Russian zealots from stealing nuclear devices is what the reader is in store for in this adventure. The author's obvious knowledge of flying and aircraft is on display in this series and writes in such a way that transports the reader inside the cockpit. The two main characters, pilot Colt Bancroft and NCIS Agent Emmy "Punky" King, are well written characters that feel authentic. This is a very enjoyable series with the books being short, quick reads that give just enough details not to bog down the reader. Highly recommended.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not read any of the previous books in this series, but after having the opportunity to listen to this installment, I am intrigued to see how it all began. The narrator does a very good job of ramping up the tension through his voice! The character's voices are distinct and easy to keep straight. The storyline is fast paced and action packed. The tactical and technical information is just enough to inform readers without overwhelming them with too much detail. When you pick up this book, buckle up and settle in for a heart thumping, adrenaline fueled ride.

[Christopher Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Battle Born series went from 0-100 fast. Emmy King, Colt, and Dave have just enough depth and just enough swag to carry the story. Jack’s experience as a naval aviator, though, is the vein that carries the stories blood. Ray Porter, being the GOAT that he is, was again fantastic. Can’t wait for number 5. Jack is prolific and drops books quicker than most, so we may not need to wait long.

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is a continuation of a great series about espionage and military heroes. There are great characters going after the bad guys. The story keep you guessing throughout the book. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. As with most book series they are better read in order to learn about the main characters.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth in the series pivots to the Russians as the main villains and continues a plot line from the first three novels. Well done and very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next Colt and Emmy adventure!

[Daniel Kinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how end a series, with a bang

Sad to see the end to this series but it ended great. It was not just dropped. It had an actual conclusion. Punky and Colt are interesting enough characters that Stewart can continue if he ever decides to. All 4 books are wrapped up nicely in the end. And what an end. There was a lot of an unfamiliar aviation terminology that actually did not lose my interest. A sign of a talented writer. My only complaint is I would have liked Colt included in the Epilogue. I assume he ended up in a hospital. Pilot career over? Plans? Cannot recommend this series and author enough.

[Allen Kuhns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This is an Outstanding Book in the Battle Born Series. I found it to be a Wonderfully exciting and hard to put down. I am sorry to se the series end.

[Matty Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

I really hope for a book 5. What a shame to end it here. I doubt I will get my wish

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect way to bring the series into one at the end. What I liked most is how it pulled everything together from the earlier books—characters like Adam Garrett, the Russian plot with the dragon line, and Punky King—all of it comes full circle here. The action is nonstop, but it also feels meaningful because you see how much has been building to this point. By the end, it ties the whole series together in a really satisfying way and makes you appreciate the journey even more. Loved the local aspect to this one too, being from Maryland it was awesome to hear the local spots shouted out.

Cannot wait for the next one by Jack Stewart from Severn River Publishing.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the whole Battle Born series with its main characters Punky and Colt. While I did enjoy Declared Hostile and it did include many exciting sections, it didn't excite me as much as the prior Battle Born series books. Don't get me wrong though, if you've read the earlier books in this series, you should definitely read Declared Hostile.

[Ramon Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t get enough of the technical aviation and air combat elements, makes this series stand out as fresh in the genre and hard to put down. A much needed change of pace in the spy/thriller aisle.

[Chris Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good next book in the series. A continuation of the story with good amount of action.

[Steven Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Jack

This was a hell of a series. The action was nonstop and the move to the brisk paste. You used characters we were familiar with that grew throughout the series. Loved it!

[William Viergever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another FTW Book

Awesome follow up to the prior book.
Slick plot, great action, and intense ending; although I have questions. It’s not clear if the next book will address these.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colt and Punky on separate missions? Or are they...and who really is Adam Garret? Across the US and into Ukraine its a race against time

[Michael Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic fourth and best book so far!

The Battle Born series by Jack Stewart is a collection of military thrillers with a focus on aviation and espionage. All of the books have been enjoyable and should be read in sequence starting with Unknown Rider.

[W. R. Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good theme, but drags on and on and on, unnecessarily. Too much irrelevant information that is unneeded. Very unusual for me, as I read 2-3 books/week, I had a hard time staying interested and not discarding.

[DC Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action!

[Cheryl Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad to get the last book in this series to get to the outcome of the hunt for Victor’s cohorts. I enjoyed the series. Would recommend to anyone that likes to read this genre.

[Jacques Hollands · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s be clear upfront — Declared Hostile is not a bad book. It’s a solid read, and Jack Stewart still knows how to pull off slick military scenes and punchy pacing. But if I’m honest, the series has lost a bit of its shine.

The main gripe? Why on earth are we swapping out the F-35s — the pinnacle of aviation tech and a core part of what made earlier books so exciting for Tucanos? I mean... really? This isn’t a diss on Tucanos, but they’re light aircraft, not stealthy fifth-gen fighters capable of breaking the sound barrier and launching cutting-edge missions. It feels like going to a monster truck rally and finding a lineup of souped-up golf carts instead. I wanted afterburners and dogfights, not training aircraft and propellers.

The plot itself has its moments, and there’s no denying that Stewart can write action well. But that adrenaline-fueled energy that kept the previous books flying has taken a bit of a nosedive. The shift in hardware isn’t just cosmetic — it changes the tone of the entire book. The stakes feel... smaller. And in a series built around elite fighter pilots and global conflict, that shift is hard to ignore.

I still enjoyed it enough to finish. Stewart writes clean, well-paced chapters that keep you turning pages. But I can’t help but feel a little cheated. I came here for F-35s doing what they do best. Instead, I got Tucanos puttering around. Fun? Sure. Thrilling? Not quite.

A decent read — but only 3 stars from me this time. I really hope the next one returns to form.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review – Declared Hostile – Jack Stewart
“Declared Hostile” is ‘Aviator Author’ Jack Stewart at his best. This fourth entry in the Battle Born series fires on all after burners—combining razor sharp authenticity, relentless pacing, and a globe spanning plot that feels ripped straight from the news headlines.

Stewart’s background as a former Navy Top Gun instructor stands out in this novel. The aerial combat sequences are vivid and immersive, the special operations scenes pulse with tension, and the political intrigue is layered with just enough realism to make your stomach churn. You don’t just read this book—you strap in for it.

Emmy “Punky” King continues to be one of the most compelling investigators in modern thrillers. Her hunt through a web of corruption and clandestine power is gripping from the first chapter. Meanwhile, Colt Bancroft’s mission in Eastern Europe delivers some of the most intense, cinematic action Stewart has written yet. The way their separate storylines converge is masterfully executed and deeply satisfying.

What elevates Declared Hostile above so many military thrillers is its balance – explosive action, smart plotting, and well-developed characters. Stewart builds tension with precision, then unleashes it in spectacular fashion. The stakes feel enormous because the world he creates feels frighteningly plausible.

This is an absolute must read for military thriller enthusiast. Stewart doesn’t just match the genre’s heavyweights—he proves he belongs among them.

A searing, expertly crafted aviation thriller.