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James Ryker #13
The Enemy Within
Pre-order the BRAND NEW, action-packed Ryker thriller from million-copy bestselling author Rob Sinclair. His past is coming back with a vengeance…
Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he’d prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minko - son to one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers – Gregor was a scared 6-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn’t the mission.
Twenty years on Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help in finding Gregor – now going by the name of Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of ‘crimes against the Russian state’, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.
Fuelled by old demons and painful memories of his own brutal actions in the past, Ryker finds himself once again in the thick of a complicated race against time and who knows how many of the world’s secret services, to find Gregor and get some answers.
As answers turn into more questions, they lead Ryker closer to home… and he can’t shake the feeling that he may be to blame.
A brand new high-stakes thriller. Perfect for fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum.
Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he’d prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minko - son to one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers – Gregor was a scared 6-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn’t the mission.
Twenty years on Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help in finding Gregor – now going by the name of Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of ‘crimes against the Russian state’, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.
Fuelled by old demons and painful memories of his own brutal actions in the past, Ryker finds himself once again in the thick of a complicated race against time and who knows how many of the world’s secret services, to find Gregor and get some answers.
As answers turn into more questions, they lead Ryker closer to home… and he can’t shake the feeling that he may be to blame.
A brand new high-stakes thriller. Perfect for fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2025
233 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Rob Sinclair
34 books680 followersRob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series and James Ryker series of espionage thrillers. His books have sold over half a million copies to date with many reviewers and readers having likened Rob's work to authors at the very top of the genre, including Lee Child and Vince Flynn.
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
Rob began writing in 2009 following a promise to his wife, an avid reader, that he could pen a ‘can’t put down’ thriller. He worked for nearly 13 years for a global accounting firm after graduating from The University of Nottingham in 2002, specialising in forensic fraud investigations at both national and international levels. Rob now writes full time.
Originally from the North East of England, Rob has lived and worked in a number of fast paced cities and is now based near Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, sons and dog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 21, 2025
The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. I really enjoyed the dual timeline, switching between past and present, which added depth to the story. James Ryker is a great main character—flawed but compelling—and his journey is full of twists and intense moments.
The settings, from France to Russia and Ukraine, made the story even more gripping. There’s plenty of action, political intrigue, and unexpected betrayals, which kept me guessing the whole time. I did get a little lost with the time jumps at times, but that didn’t take away from the excitement. The tension builds perfectly, leading to a twisty and satisfying ending.
Overall, this was a thrilling read that had me turning pages as fast as possible. If you love spy thrillers with strong characters and nonstop action, this one is definitely worth reading!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
The settings, from France to Russia and Ukraine, made the story even more gripping. There’s plenty of action, political intrigue, and unexpected betrayals, which kept me guessing the whole time. I did get a little lost with the time jumps at times, but that didn’t take away from the excitement. The tension builds perfectly, leading to a twisty and satisfying ending.
Overall, this was a thrilling read that had me turning pages as fast as possible. If you love spy thrillers with strong characters and nonstop action, this one is definitely worth reading!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
May 12, 2025
I'm unsure how Rob Sinclair does it or where he comes up with these stories, but I'm glad he does. The Enemy Within is a clever, fast-paced thriller that also warmed my cold, black heart. The gist is basically what happens when trying to do the right thing ends up biting you in the ass sometime down the road. Albeit a little more violent than the average person would deal with.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for gifting me an advanced copy of The Enemy Within via NetGalley.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for gifting me an advanced copy of The Enemy Within via NetGalley.
March 10, 2025
Rob Sinclair’s The Enemy Within marks the thirteenth installment in the high-octane James Ryker series, proving once again that espionage thrillers can be both action-packed and deeply introspective. With a gripping dual-timeline narrative spanning twenty years, Sinclair masterfully weaves together past and present, delivering a story filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and raw emotion.
James Ryker, a former intelligence operative, is drawn back into a world he thought he had left behind when two strangers approach him in Antibes, France. Their request? Locate Gregor Rebrov, a fugitive on the run from Russian authorities. But Gregor is no stranger to Ryker. Decades ago, Ryker knew him as Gregor Minko, a terrified six-year-old boy caught in the crosshairs of his father’s dangerous dealings. Now, Gregor has escaped from a Siberian gulag and is determined to settle old scores. Ryker, driven by guilt and a sense of unfinished business, embarks on a dangerous mission that takes him deep into the heart of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where loyalties are tested and nothing is as it seems.
Sinclair’s storytelling is razor-sharp, balancing explosive action sequences with well-developed characters. Ryker remains a fascinating protagonist—hardened by years of experience but burdened by the weight of his past decisions. The alternating timelines offer a compelling look at how his past missions shaped him, adding layers to his character that longtime fans will appreciate while keeping the novel accessible to new readers.
The Enemy Within is relentless in its pacing, pulling readers through a maze of deception, shifting alliances, and pulse-pounding confrontations. The action is intense, the stakes are high, and the emotional weight of Ryker’s journey adds a poignant depth to the narrative. Sinclair does a fantastic job integrating real-world geopolitics into the story, making it feel all the more urgent and relevant.
While The Enemy Within is part of a long-running series, it works well as a standalone, offering enough context for newcomers without slowing the story down. Fans of espionage thrillers, from Robert Ludlum to Mark Greaney, will find themselves hooked from the very first page. With a gripping plot, a morally complex protagonist, and a powerful conclusion, this is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A gripping and intense espionage thriller that keeps you on edge until the very last page!
James Ryker, a former intelligence operative, is drawn back into a world he thought he had left behind when two strangers approach him in Antibes, France. Their request? Locate Gregor Rebrov, a fugitive on the run from Russian authorities. But Gregor is no stranger to Ryker. Decades ago, Ryker knew him as Gregor Minko, a terrified six-year-old boy caught in the crosshairs of his father’s dangerous dealings. Now, Gregor has escaped from a Siberian gulag and is determined to settle old scores. Ryker, driven by guilt and a sense of unfinished business, embarks on a dangerous mission that takes him deep into the heart of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where loyalties are tested and nothing is as it seems.
Sinclair’s storytelling is razor-sharp, balancing explosive action sequences with well-developed characters. Ryker remains a fascinating protagonist—hardened by years of experience but burdened by the weight of his past decisions. The alternating timelines offer a compelling look at how his past missions shaped him, adding layers to his character that longtime fans will appreciate while keeping the novel accessible to new readers.
The Enemy Within is relentless in its pacing, pulling readers through a maze of deception, shifting alliances, and pulse-pounding confrontations. The action is intense, the stakes are high, and the emotional weight of Ryker’s journey adds a poignant depth to the narrative. Sinclair does a fantastic job integrating real-world geopolitics into the story, making it feel all the more urgent and relevant.
While The Enemy Within is part of a long-running series, it works well as a standalone, offering enough context for newcomers without slowing the story down. Fans of espionage thrillers, from Robert Ludlum to Mark Greaney, will find themselves hooked from the very first page. With a gripping plot, a morally complex protagonist, and a powerful conclusion, this is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A gripping and intense espionage thriller that keeps you on edge until the very last page!
February 15, 2025
The Enemy Within
by Rob Sinclair
Release date: Feb 15, 2025
An electrifying thriller where the past never stays buried.
Some books grip you from the first page and refuse to let go—The Enemy Within is one of them. Rob Sinclair delivers a high-octane espionage thriller filled with danger, deception, and a relentless chase across the globe. Fans of tightly woven plots and morally complex heroes will find themselves completely immersed in James Ryker’s world, where trust is scarce and old ghosts refuse to stay buried.
James Ryker, a former intelligence agent with a past he’d rather forget, is thrust back into action when two mysterious figures track him down in Antibes, France. Their request? Find Gregor Rebrov, a fugitive with a history of defying the Russian state. But Ryker knows Gregor by a different name—Gregor Minko, the scared six-year-old boy he once had to abandon for the sake of a mission. The weight of that decision still lingers, and now, two decades later, Ryker is forced to confront the consequences.
What follows is a relentless, pulse-pounding journey that takes Ryker across dangerous landscapes and into the crosshairs of powerful enemies. As he pieces together Gregor’s tangled past, Ryker finds himself questioning everything—his choices, his loyalties, and whether he himself might be to blame for the chaos unfolding around him. The deeper he digs, the more sinister the truth becomes, leading him right back to a place he never expected: home.
Sinclair’s writing is razor-sharp, balancing intricate spy craft with raw, emotional depth. Ryker is a protagonist who feels real—hardened by experience yet haunted by regret. The tension is unrelenting, with each revelation hitting like a well-placed punch, keeping the reader constantly on edge. The novel’s pacing is masterfully executed, with short, gripping chapters that make it nearly impossible to stop reading.
For fans of espionage thrillers with a human touch, The Enemy Within delivers everything you could want—action, intrigue, and a deeply personal story of redemption. Sinclair doesn’t just tell a spy story; he makes you feel the weight of every decision, every loss, and every betrayal. If you’re looking for a gripping read that will keep you hooked until the very last page, this one is a must.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this advance copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.
by Rob Sinclair
Release date: Feb 15, 2025
An electrifying thriller where the past never stays buried.
Some books grip you from the first page and refuse to let go—The Enemy Within is one of them. Rob Sinclair delivers a high-octane espionage thriller filled with danger, deception, and a relentless chase across the globe. Fans of tightly woven plots and morally complex heroes will find themselves completely immersed in James Ryker’s world, where trust is scarce and old ghosts refuse to stay buried.
James Ryker, a former intelligence agent with a past he’d rather forget, is thrust back into action when two mysterious figures track him down in Antibes, France. Their request? Find Gregor Rebrov, a fugitive with a history of defying the Russian state. But Ryker knows Gregor by a different name—Gregor Minko, the scared six-year-old boy he once had to abandon for the sake of a mission. The weight of that decision still lingers, and now, two decades later, Ryker is forced to confront the consequences.
What follows is a relentless, pulse-pounding journey that takes Ryker across dangerous landscapes and into the crosshairs of powerful enemies. As he pieces together Gregor’s tangled past, Ryker finds himself questioning everything—his choices, his loyalties, and whether he himself might be to blame for the chaos unfolding around him. The deeper he digs, the more sinister the truth becomes, leading him right back to a place he never expected: home.
Sinclair’s writing is razor-sharp, balancing intricate spy craft with raw, emotional depth. Ryker is a protagonist who feels real—hardened by experience yet haunted by regret. The tension is unrelenting, with each revelation hitting like a well-placed punch, keeping the reader constantly on edge. The novel’s pacing is masterfully executed, with short, gripping chapters that make it nearly impossible to stop reading.
For fans of espionage thrillers with a human touch, The Enemy Within delivers everything you could want—action, intrigue, and a deeply personal story of redemption. Sinclair doesn’t just tell a spy story; he makes you feel the weight of every decision, every loss, and every betrayal. If you’re looking for a gripping read that will keep you hooked until the very last page, this one is a must.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this advance copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.
January 21, 2025
The past can have a very nasty way of catching up with you, as James Ryker discovers in his latest adventure The Enemy Within, as he becomes involved with seeking out and destroying a group of arms dealers and smugglers, which rips open a past he thought was well buried.
Rob Sinclair uses past and present day in this fast paced journey into the dark side of life and hatred that is just below the surface at any given time, as Ryker is asked to seek out a man whom he last saw as a child of six years old; Gregor Minko, now known as Gregor Rebrov, a man who has become his fathers’ son in so many ways.
Ryker is none too sure why he has been asked to find Rebrov, but when his former controller and now friend Peter Winter meets him, agreeing to back him, Ryker sets about doing what he does best, seeking out those who do not want to be found.
He does not expect what fast becomes a becomes a very challenging time, to create such internal conflict, as at every turn his past reaches out to confront him. When he does finally discover what it is all about, far more than arms smuggling, he wonders if perhaps his past actions make him responsible for the damaged, angry and violent man who is now Gregor Rebrov.
As London comes under possible attack by a man who blames the SIS and the world of Spies for his parent’s death and his terrible life from that time onward, Ryker is pushed to the limit both emotionally and physically. Is he really to blame, is the question that is uppermost in his mind.
Based on the Russo-Ukranian war and their annexing of Crimea in 2014, Sinclair has used this still ongoing conflict, now melding into the Russo-Ukrainian conflict of current times, to create an all to believable plot using any means possible as weapons to eventually become the ‘winner takes all.’
The Enemy Within needs to be read carefully as Ryker’s past life, mixes with current day reality rapidly at times, often in a situation which involves several differing aspects of crime and subterfuge which without due care can become confusing, but as with adventures in the James Ryker series, this one is gripping until the very last page.
Rob Sinclair uses past and present day in this fast paced journey into the dark side of life and hatred that is just below the surface at any given time, as Ryker is asked to seek out a man whom he last saw as a child of six years old; Gregor Minko, now known as Gregor Rebrov, a man who has become his fathers’ son in so many ways.
Ryker is none too sure why he has been asked to find Rebrov, but when his former controller and now friend Peter Winter meets him, agreeing to back him, Ryker sets about doing what he does best, seeking out those who do not want to be found.
He does not expect what fast becomes a becomes a very challenging time, to create such internal conflict, as at every turn his past reaches out to confront him. When he does finally discover what it is all about, far more than arms smuggling, he wonders if perhaps his past actions make him responsible for the damaged, angry and violent man who is now Gregor Rebrov.
As London comes under possible attack by a man who blames the SIS and the world of Spies for his parent’s death and his terrible life from that time onward, Ryker is pushed to the limit both emotionally and physically. Is he really to blame, is the question that is uppermost in his mind.
Based on the Russo-Ukranian war and their annexing of Crimea in 2014, Sinclair has used this still ongoing conflict, now melding into the Russo-Ukrainian conflict of current times, to create an all to believable plot using any means possible as weapons to eventually become the ‘winner takes all.’
The Enemy Within needs to be read carefully as Ryker’s past life, mixes with current day reality rapidly at times, often in a situation which involves several differing aspects of crime and subterfuge which without due care can become confusing, but as with adventures in the James Ryker series, this one is gripping until the very last page.
February 15, 2025
We are back with James Ryker…. for his 13th adventure! 13 is unlucky for some but not Rob Sinclair!
The Enemy Within jumps from past to present and allows the reader the chance to get to know Gregor Rebrov.
Gregor hasn’t had a great upbringing, and he’s again got himself in trouble.
Ryker is approached one day and informed of Gregor’s plight…Ryker has history with Gregor and his parents from a past mission so sets out to find him.
Of course it’s not going to be as simple as that in Ryker’s world. Firstly who were these two who informed Ryker.. and how do they know so much about him? Something doesn’t smell right.
Looking at the past we learn not only of the fate of Gregor and his family but also Ryker himself. We see how the job has changed him and also a little bit more about Ryker’s history with those who pull his strings, Mackie and Winter.
Back in the present we now understand why Ryker wants to help Gregor.. he owes him.. owes his mother.. Ryker isn’t the same man he was.. still as deadly but the toll of the job has really changed him. Is this Ryker’s chance at a little redemption?
What Rob Sinclair has done wonderfully is weave a fresh story for Ryker but at the same time added character development.. you’d think by now we would know what makes Ryker tick, but he never ceases to amaze me. Ryker has his flaws, but it’s these flaws that have made him the man he is.
Events have also changed Gregor and Ryker has to try and figure out if any of the boy he knew still remains.. it’s as he gets to know him that we finally understand Gregor’s own motivations.. the devastation that has brought him to where they are now..it’s a horrific and brutal punch that even rocks Ryker.
The setting was very poignant too as the author explores the war between Ukraine and Russia, it just makes those poignant moments all the more real.
The Enemy Within is packed full of action, political intrigue, betrayal and blood with a healthy dose of character development. For me it was all about the motivations…the depth and emotion.. Simply wow!
The Enemy Within jumps from past to present and allows the reader the chance to get to know Gregor Rebrov.
Gregor hasn’t had a great upbringing, and he’s again got himself in trouble.
Ryker is approached one day and informed of Gregor’s plight…Ryker has history with Gregor and his parents from a past mission so sets out to find him.
Of course it’s not going to be as simple as that in Ryker’s world. Firstly who were these two who informed Ryker.. and how do they know so much about him? Something doesn’t smell right.
Looking at the past we learn not only of the fate of Gregor and his family but also Ryker himself. We see how the job has changed him and also a little bit more about Ryker’s history with those who pull his strings, Mackie and Winter.
Back in the present we now understand why Ryker wants to help Gregor.. he owes him.. owes his mother.. Ryker isn’t the same man he was.. still as deadly but the toll of the job has really changed him. Is this Ryker’s chance at a little redemption?
What Rob Sinclair has done wonderfully is weave a fresh story for Ryker but at the same time added character development.. you’d think by now we would know what makes Ryker tick, but he never ceases to amaze me. Ryker has his flaws, but it’s these flaws that have made him the man he is.
Events have also changed Gregor and Ryker has to try and figure out if any of the boy he knew still remains.. it’s as he gets to know him that we finally understand Gregor’s own motivations.. the devastation that has brought him to where they are now..it’s a horrific and brutal punch that even rocks Ryker.
The setting was very poignant too as the author explores the war between Ukraine and Russia, it just makes those poignant moments all the more real.
The Enemy Within is packed full of action, political intrigue, betrayal and blood with a healthy dose of character development. For me it was all about the motivations…the depth and emotion.. Simply wow!
March 12, 2025
Read as a NetGalley review copy, this is my honest feedback based on my reading the book.
This is high-stakes thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Packed with adrenaline-fueled action, suspense, and surprising emotional depth, The Enemy Within is another electrifying entry in the James Ryker series.
Former intelligence operative James Ryker, the protagonist, thought he had left his past behind—until two strangers track him down with an urgent plea; Find Gregor, a fugitive on the run from Russian authorities. But this isn’t just another mission. Gregor was once a terrified six-year-old Ryker met in Ukraine, the son of a ruthless arms dealer Ryker had no choice but to abandon. Now, after escaping a Siberian gulag, Gregor is out for revenge, and Ryker is dragged into a deadly game where deception is everywhere and trust is a dangerous luxury.
Rob’s storytelling is masterful, striking a perfect balance between relentless action and rich character development. Ryker remains a fascinating protagonist—hardened by experience yet haunted by his past. The dual timelines weave together seamlessly, offering longtime fans a deeper look into Ryker’s past while making the story fully accessible to new readers.
From the sun-soaked streets of France to the icy battlegrounds of Russia and Ukraine, The Enemy Within hurtles forward at breakneck speed. Rob also injects real-world geopolitics into the plot, making every twist feel urgent and authentic. The action is intense, the stakes are sky-high, and Ryker’s personal journey adds a surprising emotional punch to the thrills.
Though this is the 13th book in the James Ryker series, it stands firmly on its own, delivering a gripping, high-octane experience for both loyal fans and newcomers. If you love smart, fast-paced espionage thrillers with complex characters and heart-pounding suspense, this one is a must-read.
This is high-stakes thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Packed with adrenaline-fueled action, suspense, and surprising emotional depth, The Enemy Within is another electrifying entry in the James Ryker series.
Former intelligence operative James Ryker, the protagonist, thought he had left his past behind—until two strangers track him down with an urgent plea; Find Gregor, a fugitive on the run from Russian authorities. But this isn’t just another mission. Gregor was once a terrified six-year-old Ryker met in Ukraine, the son of a ruthless arms dealer Ryker had no choice but to abandon. Now, after escaping a Siberian gulag, Gregor is out for revenge, and Ryker is dragged into a deadly game where deception is everywhere and trust is a dangerous luxury.
Rob’s storytelling is masterful, striking a perfect balance between relentless action and rich character development. Ryker remains a fascinating protagonist—hardened by experience yet haunted by his past. The dual timelines weave together seamlessly, offering longtime fans a deeper look into Ryker’s past while making the story fully accessible to new readers.
From the sun-soaked streets of France to the icy battlegrounds of Russia and Ukraine, The Enemy Within hurtles forward at breakneck speed. Rob also injects real-world geopolitics into the plot, making every twist feel urgent and authentic. The action is intense, the stakes are sky-high, and Ryker’s personal journey adds a surprising emotional punch to the thrills.
Though this is the 13th book in the James Ryker series, it stands firmly on its own, delivering a gripping, high-octane experience for both loyal fans and newcomers. If you love smart, fast-paced espionage thrillers with complex characters and heart-pounding suspense, this one is a must-read.
March 10, 2025
Readers with a Reacher-shaped hole in their lives will not want to miss Rob Sinclair’s latest thriller featuring former intelligence agent James Ryker, The Enemy Within.
With his profession having tested him like nothing else, James Ryker is a man who has plenty of scars that refuse to heal. Having witnessed sights that would have felled a weaker individual, Ryker is still haunted by a six-year-old boy in desperate need of protection that he had no choice but to walk away from. As the son of one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers, Gregor had not been part of Ryker’s mission. However, leaving him behind has always weighed heavily upon his shoulders…
Two decades later, Ryker is approached by two strangers in the Antibes asking for help to find Gregor. Having committed major offenses against the Russian state, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia. With old demons and painful memories from the past forcing Ryker to confront his previous actions head on, he must find Gregor and get the answers she seeks.
But with enemies at every turn, Ryker needs to watch his step – because what he’s after might have been hiding in plain sight all along.
Bold, daring, gritty and gutsy, The Enemy Within is a hair-raising rollercoaster ride that doesn’t let up for a single second. Rob Sinclair sure knows how to write an electrifying, panoramic and engrossing yarn and The Enemy Within is a propulsive adventure that is a struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are
my own.
With his profession having tested him like nothing else, James Ryker is a man who has plenty of scars that refuse to heal. Having witnessed sights that would have felled a weaker individual, Ryker is still haunted by a six-year-old boy in desperate need of protection that he had no choice but to walk away from. As the son of one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers, Gregor had not been part of Ryker’s mission. However, leaving him behind has always weighed heavily upon his shoulders…
Two decades later, Ryker is approached by two strangers in the Antibes asking for help to find Gregor. Having committed major offenses against the Russian state, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia. With old demons and painful memories from the past forcing Ryker to confront his previous actions head on, he must find Gregor and get the answers she seeks.
But with enemies at every turn, Ryker needs to watch his step – because what he’s after might have been hiding in plain sight all along.
Bold, daring, gritty and gutsy, The Enemy Within is a hair-raising rollercoaster ride that doesn’t let up for a single second. Rob Sinclair sure knows how to write an electrifying, panoramic and engrossing yarn and The Enemy Within is a propulsive adventure that is a struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are
my own.
February 11, 2025
The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair
James Ryker #13
Once again, I wish that I had not read an advanced readers’ copy of a book so far into an ongoing series without having read previous books in the series because though it flowed and the story was easy enough to follow, I was not invested in the main character or the theme of the story. It could also be that living where I do in Lebanon with a tentative ceasefire and new government in place this story was a bit too close to home…though distant geographically.
The story was well written, concise, well plotted, and characters well developed. There was plenty of action and enough backstory to keep things moving. Ryker, the main character, is supposedly reformed…somewhat…and there are plenty of evil characters to dislike and wish bad luck. I am guessing that those who HAVE read the previous books will slot in smoothly with this book’s theme and root for Ryker eagerly waiting to see what he will get up to next. I will let them and move on to the next book in my queue and wish all James Ryker fans happy reading.
Can this book stand alone without reading previous books in the series? Yes
Would I have enjoyed it more if I’d read the previous books in the series? I think so
Will I read more books in this series? Probably not
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
James Ryker #13
Once again, I wish that I had not read an advanced readers’ copy of a book so far into an ongoing series without having read previous books in the series because though it flowed and the story was easy enough to follow, I was not invested in the main character or the theme of the story. It could also be that living where I do in Lebanon with a tentative ceasefire and new government in place this story was a bit too close to home…though distant geographically.
The story was well written, concise, well plotted, and characters well developed. There was plenty of action and enough backstory to keep things moving. Ryker, the main character, is supposedly reformed…somewhat…and there are plenty of evil characters to dislike and wish bad luck. I am guessing that those who HAVE read the previous books will slot in smoothly with this book’s theme and root for Ryker eagerly waiting to see what he will get up to next. I will let them and move on to the next book in my queue and wish all James Ryker fans happy reading.
Can this book stand alone without reading previous books in the series? Yes
Would I have enjoyed it more if I’d read the previous books in the series? I think so
Will I read more books in this series? Probably not
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
January 24, 2025
The James Ryker adventure series continues! Book 13 and still as thrilling, and this time the story revolves around war torn Donetsk in the Ukraine. Some 20 years earlier Ryker was working undercover as security for a Ukrainian mafia type boss called Minko, his wife and son Gregor. Minko and his wife ended up dead whilst Ryker rescued Gregor forming a bond, but Ryker had to leave. Told in dual timeline, the past from the perspective of Ryker and 6 year old Gregor.
Briefly, in the present Gregor is stuck in a Gulag in Siberia. Offered a chance he escapes. Ryker meanwhile is mixed up with a gang in France who are smuggling arms. He finds himself in Donetsk with a job to locate Gregor and bring him to safety. What he doesn’t know is that Gregor has revenge on his mind and intends to obtain it.
With action taking place across Ukraine, Russia, France and the UK this is a fast paced, action filled read that thriller fans will love. Ryker is a great character and although part of a series this reads well as a stand-alone. A really great read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Exciting, enjoyable and entertaining.
Briefly, in the present Gregor is stuck in a Gulag in Siberia. Offered a chance he escapes. Ryker meanwhile is mixed up with a gang in France who are smuggling arms. He finds himself in Donetsk with a job to locate Gregor and bring him to safety. What he doesn’t know is that Gregor has revenge on his mind and intends to obtain it.
With action taking place across Ukraine, Russia, France and the UK this is a fast paced, action filled read that thriller fans will love. Ryker is a great character and although part of a series this reads well as a stand-alone. A really great read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Exciting, enjoyable and entertaining.
February 15, 2025
Thrilling thriller. Plenty of guns, weapons, secrets, spies, twists of fate and the like to keep the heart racing. Once again, all with James Ryker in the thick of it.
I like that the setting is in Eastern Europe involving none other place than the Ukraine, Donbas, and Russia. Despite this being a work of fiction, the author seems to explain some of the given unrest in the area, which appears to hinge on the history of these areas and their intermittent grips and grasps at each others' throats. Some of the storys' characters, namely Roman Mintos and his men, were striving for automony of Donbas in a patriotic endeavor to achieve his goal.
The story's timeframe triggers from about 2014 to 2022. The two-pronged timeframes made it confusing and distracting for me as I read. However, it eventually smoothened out and came together for me.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
February 2025
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
I like that the setting is in Eastern Europe involving none other place than the Ukraine, Donbas, and Russia. Despite this being a work of fiction, the author seems to explain some of the given unrest in the area, which appears to hinge on the history of these areas and their intermittent grips and grasps at each others' throats. Some of the storys' characters, namely Roman Mintos and his men, were striving for automony of Donbas in a patriotic endeavor to achieve his goal.
The story's timeframe triggers from about 2014 to 2022. The two-pronged timeframes made it confusing and distracting for me as I read. However, it eventually smoothened out and came together for me.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
February 2025
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
February 2, 2025
Book 13 in the ever gripping James Ryker series however it can be read as a standalone. Ryker works within the Special Intelligence Services, or at least used to. Now he's very much an independent! Whilst on a case in France he is approached by a couple wanting him to find Gregor Minko, or Rebrov as he's now known as. Ryker's last saw him some twenty years previous when Gregor was just six years old. Allegedly he is now seen as a terrorist. Ryker feels he has an obligation to find him and decide if he is a terrorist or a misguided man involved in the Russian - Ukraine conflict.
The storyline is written in dual times, current day and twenty years ago, with each period being equally as dangerous and life threatening. Current day has Ryker wondering who to trust and who to disbelieve.
All this leads to a very fast paced, action packed, gripping thriller. It takes you on a journey from France to Ukraine to Russia to London. Grab your passport and join in this epic voyage of gangs and espionage.
The storyline is written in dual times, current day and twenty years ago, with each period being equally as dangerous and life threatening. Current day has Ryker wondering who to trust and who to disbelieve.
All this leads to a very fast paced, action packed, gripping thriller. It takes you on a journey from France to Ukraine to Russia to London. Grab your passport and join in this epic voyage of gangs and espionage.
February 9, 2025
The Enemy Within is the latest novel in the James Ryker series. I've not read all the books, but I've read enough to know they guarantee an action-packed adventure in which our main character will encounter a few baddies.
The Enemy Within quickly grabbed my attention, especially with the addition of Gregor's point of view from the gulag, while James is in a somewhat better position in the south of France. As we're taken back to Ryker's past, events in the present start to unfold, and we're also treated to a trip to the Ukraine and Russian border.
I don't know if this book is more violent than earlier ones in the series or because one of the storylines is Ryker as a younger man; it's just that we discover how truly lethal he used to be, but the body count is certainly high.
The ending was delightfully twisty, and readers will learn much about Ryker from reading the latest instalment.
It is a violent, bloody and twisty tale, with elements of the current difficulties of the Ukraine war threaded through, which also makes it shockingly current.
The Enemy Within quickly grabbed my attention, especially with the addition of Gregor's point of view from the gulag, while James is in a somewhat better position in the south of France. As we're taken back to Ryker's past, events in the present start to unfold, and we're also treated to a trip to the Ukraine and Russian border.
I don't know if this book is more violent than earlier ones in the series or because one of the storylines is Ryker as a younger man; it's just that we discover how truly lethal he used to be, but the body count is certainly high.
The ending was delightfully twisty, and readers will learn much about Ryker from reading the latest instalment.
It is a violent, bloody and twisty tale, with elements of the current difficulties of the Ukraine war threaded through, which also makes it shockingly current.
February 13, 2025
James Ryker #13
Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he'd prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minto - son of Ukraine's most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers - Gregor wass a scared six-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn't the mission. Twenty years on and Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help on finding Gregor - now going by the name Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of "crimes against the Russian state," Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.
This story is told in the past, twenty years ago, and the present day. The pace is fast, the characters are well-developed, and the story has been well-written. In this action-packed story, I didn't know who I could trust. There were lots of twists in this gripping read.
Published 15th February 2025.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RobSinclair for my ARC of #TheEnemyWithin in exchange for an honest review.
Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he'd prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minto - son of Ukraine's most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers - Gregor wass a scared six-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn't the mission. Twenty years on and Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help on finding Gregor - now going by the name Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of "crimes against the Russian state," Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.
This story is told in the past, twenty years ago, and the present day. The pace is fast, the characters are well-developed, and the story has been well-written. In this action-packed story, I didn't know who I could trust. There were lots of twists in this gripping read.
Published 15th February 2025.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RobSinclair for my ARC of #TheEnemyWithin in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2025
I have read a few of Rob Sinclair's books which I have thoroughly enjoyed but this is only the second in this series that I have read however, I think it works well as a standalone.
Told from a dual timeline and set in various countries, this is a great story that has fantastic characters, an excellent plot, loads of action, suspense and thrills and all written at a great, fast pace, this is a really good action/adventure/spy/thriller so will appeal to many. There are violent scenes but only what you would expect for this type of book and nothing that is over the top ... well I didn't think so.
Excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed and many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the latest in the James Ryker series.
Told from a dual timeline and set in various countries, this is a great story that has fantastic characters, an excellent plot, loads of action, suspense and thrills and all written at a great, fast pace, this is a really good action/adventure/spy/thriller so will appeal to many. There are violent scenes but only what you would expect for this type of book and nothing that is over the top ... well I didn't think so.
Excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed and many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the latest in the James Ryker series.
February 27, 2025
James Ryker is an agent currently in Antibes. With the use of flashbacks and present day we follow Ryker as he searches for Gregor, the son of a Ukrainian mobster from 20 years ago. I found it difficult to get into the story until the time Gregor is found when the story ramps up and becomes unputdownable. It took about half of the book to get a feeling for the characters as the story whipped back and forth. The ending was more exciting than the scene setting stages. I would still recommend the book as once the story settled down it became addictive. With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Boldwood books.
February 7, 2025
"The Enemy Within" by Rob Sinclair is the 13th book in the James Ryker series. This book was action packed and made you want to keep going to find out what happened.
James is on assignment in France when his past catches up to him. After his assignment ends he has to go and help someone from his past. As he remembers his time in the past and what things he had to do he realizes just how much he has changed. He is hunting down to help a person that he was connected to in the past. Just as much as James has changed so did the person he is trying to help.
Highly recommend for action fans.
James is on assignment in France when his past catches up to him. After his assignment ends he has to go and help someone from his past. As he remembers his time in the past and what things he had to do he realizes just how much he has changed. He is hunting down to help a person that he was connected to in the past. Just as much as James has changed so did the person he is trying to help.
Highly recommend for action fans.
February 14, 2025
Overall 4.5*
Yet another good addition to this series about Ryker, who is mellowing in old age...Not!! Set in and around Ukraine this time with a dual timeline of today and 20 years ago, it is very well paced and a great page turner. Lots of killings and violence but that is to be expected from this kind of novel and only adds to the authenticity of it. Loved reading the political points of view and the only reason it lost half a star was that I did lose the time frames from time to time however that may just have been me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review
Yet another good addition to this series about Ryker, who is mellowing in old age...Not!! Set in and around Ukraine this time with a dual timeline of today and 20 years ago, it is very well paced and a great page turner. Lots of killings and violence but that is to be expected from this kind of novel and only adds to the authenticity of it. Loved reading the political points of view and the only reason it lost half a star was that I did lose the time frames from time to time however that may just have been me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review
March 5, 2025
The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair is the 13th book in the excellent James Ryker series and I have loved reading this fast-paced, action-packed thriller especially as they are full of action, twists and turns throughout and every book has been a joy to read. This book travels back and to the present time, you travel to France to Russia and Ukraine, which made it an interesting read. The main character James Ryker is excellent.
I highly recommend this series especially if you love a good whodunnit.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
I highly recommend this series especially if you love a good whodunnit.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
December 27, 2024
Great to have Ryker back. Lots of action in this entry in the fast-paced series. This time we get a bit of past and present as actions of the past mean Ryker must get to work to find a person he couldn’t rescue 20 years ago. As would be expected, his search is thwarted by other, nefarious bad guys. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
February 16, 2025
I do love a good Reacher type hero in a book and James Ryker is just that. This book sees him in Russia looking for an old friend, and flashbacks to Cyprus when he worked for the friend’s family. There’s so much going on in this one, and it’s all action. Things get even more interesting once Ryker gets to Russia and Ukraine, and he even admits he was wrong at one point!
I believe this is number 13 in the Ryker series but can just as easily be read as a standalone. There’s enough background given in each book about James and Winter, his “boss”, that makes this a really good series that you can dip in and out of. I’ve read one of the previous books, number 12, and this one isn’t a direct follow-on from that.
A really good action-packed movie of a novel, draws you in at the start and doesn’t let you out till the end. Just the way a good book should be.
I believe this is number 13 in the Ryker series but can just as easily be read as a standalone. There’s enough background given in each book about James and Winter, his “boss”, that makes this a really good series that you can dip in and out of. I’ve read one of the previous books, number 12, and this one isn’t a direct follow-on from that.
A really good action-packed movie of a novel, draws you in at the start and doesn’t let you out till the end. Just the way a good book should be.
February 15, 2025
'The Enemy Within' is the thirteenth book in the James Ryker series and the first book by million selling author Rob Sinclair I have read. Set in two time periods twenty years apart this fast paced at times dark story is very much a political thriller involving Russia and the Ukraine amongst other countries. At times violent and brutal but entertaining to those who love this style of writing. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.
February 20, 2025
Book #13 in the James Ryker series. Ryker has few regrets of the events his past actions have caused. One he never forgets is having to walk away from a 6 yera old child who needed protection. Now this child is a grown man who is in desperate need of help. Ryker will do what he does best, find him and stop anyone or anything in the way. A great thriller that continues the excellent stories I've come to expect from Rob Sinclair.
April 17, 2025
Ryker’s back
Another outing for James Ryker, and sadly not his best. For me the story flicks too often between a young agent Ryker and the present day and I found the conclusion pretty predictable and forseeable. Rob Sinclair manages to incorporate the war in Ukraine neatly into the story giving us a glimpse of a development that’s arguably worse than a battlefield nuclear conflict, and one that could just as easily be used by other bad actors across the globe.
Another outing for James Ryker, and sadly not his best. For me the story flicks too often between a young agent Ryker and the present day and I found the conclusion pretty predictable and forseeable. Rob Sinclair manages to incorporate the war in Ukraine neatly into the story giving us a glimpse of a development that’s arguably worse than a battlefield nuclear conflict, and one that could just as easily be used by other bad actors across the globe.
February 6, 2025
My first thriller by Rob Sinclair, and I will not forget it!! It was absolutely riveting ! The novel is full of twists and turns and many many dead people... Scary , indeed, but I have to admit I could not put the book down! I will definitely read more of James Ryker's adventures (or whoever he is...).
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2025
Another exciting episode in the James Ryker series as events from his past come back to haunt him. This time it very much looks like he won’t get out alive but as heroes always do he finds a way. I loved how up to date and real this book was including being set within the Ukraine war and the social commentary on Russia’s behaviour. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
July 4, 2025
James Riker's past comes back to haunt him. An action packed thriller that will leave you exhausted. Rob knows how to pack his books with twist and turns and this is no exception. Full of goid characters that will stay with you after you turn the last page. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this review copy
January 16, 2025
This book has a good pace, an interesting plot and good characters, but the storytelling is bad with all the jumping around in time and places. The action scenes and the tactics of the main character are terrible, but there is still some entertainment value.
March 30, 2025
Another great installment in the series
This was a good book. I felt at times it was a tad slow of pave but caught up quickly. The character depth was good and the twists and turns were refreshing. A solid read.
This was a good book. I felt at times it was a tad slow of pave but caught up quickly. The character depth was good and the twists and turns were refreshing. A solid read.
February 17, 2025
This story jumped around a lot . There was plenty of action and suspense but it jumped around between time and place made it hard to follow. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
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