Outlaw

Battle Born #2

by Jack Stewart, Ray Porter (Narrator)

9 hours, 50 minutes

A missing CIA officer.

A rogue terrorist faction.

A bioweapon more devastating than anything ever seen…

And that’s just the beginning.

When a rogue military faction in China kidnaps a CIA case officer, global tensions ignite. Desperate to forestall the looming firestorm, the United States deploys an elite team of Navy SEALs to rescue the agent, protected by nothing but their training and a single pilot providing air cover from his FA-18E Super Hornet—normally, it wouldn’t be enough.

But these aren’t normal times…and this is no ordinary pilot.

Fresh off his latest mission, TOPGUN pilot Colt Bancroft is tasked with providing air support to the SEALs. But when Chinese jets engage him just as a bioweapon is simultaneously deployed against Colt’s aircraft carrier, he realizes this is more than a simple kidnapping: it’s a prelude to world war.

Now, aided by Emmy King—an intelligent and beautiful NCIS Agent with a score to settle—Colt will have to use everything he has to figure out who’s behind the attacks. And more importantly, how to stop them before they strike again.

It’s a race between national security and global catastrophe...and only a man used to flying supersonic has a chance in hell of winning.

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

Audible Audio

First published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Stars for "Outlaw (Battle Born, #2)" -
I expected this to be a little better than it was.
My expectations for "#2, Outlaw" were established after my 5-Stars listen to "#1, Unknown Rider". Unfortunately, while "Outlaw" was an entertaining audiobook, it didn't quite match the drama and excitement of "Unknown Rider".
The narration by Ray Porter was excellent, once more.

Extracts From My Listening Activity:
04 January 2026 AM @ 11% : "Thrilled after finishing "Battle Born #1, Unknown Rider", I immediately downloaded and started listening to "Battle Born #2, Outlaw". I managed to hear an hour before falling asleep, 'Battle Born' happy, but weary🤩!"

04 January 2026 AM @ 31% : "Battle Born #2 is shaping up very well indeed! :))"

06 January 2026 PM @ 66% : "The first third of "Outlaw" was slower-paced than I expected, I guess because the plot lines were being established. The second third has been all tense, exciting action. I hope I can finish the last third tonight!"

07 January 2026 AM @ 99% : "Finished! May not be 5-Stars, but I need to contemplate my final rating and review. Great writing, great listening!"

Jack Stewart - Battle Born #2 - Outlaw - 2024
Audible Direct: 09:50 Hours - Narrator: Ray Porter
Commenced 04 January, 2026 - Finished 07 January 2026

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Stewart doesn't mess around. Everything I could want in a military/political thriller. It's Top Gun minus the homoerotic volleyball scene. Intelligent plot, well developed ensemble cast, and seat-of-your-pants action create a can't miss read. Jack Stewart is here to stay!

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outlaw by Jack Stewart is the second book in the Battle Born series and we get to follow Colt Bancroft and Emmy King on their different paths to protect the United States against the evil that comes from China. I find this series a fresh addition to the thriller genre and it's fast paced and filled with all kinds of action and a dose of humor. I like the characters created by this author and can't wait to see what will happen next. Will Punky be a contender with Joe Pickett when it comes to spending cars? I heard a rumor that someone found the first book being gross? If so then they shouldn't read this one. (Haha) I must thank Severn River Publishing, Netgalley and Edelweiss for giving me an advance copy.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the Battle Born series rocks you just as much as the first. Split between the South China Sea and the San Diego area the story moves quickly.

The Chinese have developed a synthetic bio weapon to disable the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan. Meanwhile Punky, the NCIS investigator is searching for clues to find the traitor from the first book.

Well written air battles and characters carry the tale

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟

This is the second book in this new series and boy oh boy does it deliver. There are some books that can be either read or listened to without much difference. Then, there are the books where one version is better than the other. In this case, if possible, I would suggest listening to the audio. Why? Well, first of all....Ray Porter....duh. But seriously, the way the dialogue is written for a lot of this book, it is in the format of fighter pilots talking to each other and talking to other people (I don't know the specifics...ground crew? Air traffic control?) What I'm trying to explain is that when this is happening, Mr. Porter is so realistic in his portrayal that you can just picture yourself flying in the cockpit, dealing with all of these tremendously crazy happenings....it is truly wonderful.

This second book showcases Mr. Stewart's growth as an author as we have a fairly complex plot with several plot points occurring simultaneously. We are still following pilot Colt Bancroft and NCIS officer Punky (Emmie King), but they are only a couple of the main characters in this book. Outlaw builds on the first book as Ms. King is still trying to follow up on the espionage situation with the Chinese. Colt somehow finds himself in the middle of things again and this time he and his plane have a front row seat to the action. The Chinese are playing a long game and seem to have plan upon plan in their goal for dominance. In this story, we have the CIA, the Navy, and even some Tier One operators involved in the many different aspects of the plot.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath as things built to the climax of the story. I mentioned before that Mr. Stweart's experience as a pilot definitely shines through, and in this book, it is done a little less heavy handedly than in book 1. Somehow, it seemed to make it easier for me to find myself in the middle of the story - versus having so much technical jargon that it kept me from being fully immersed.

I am definitely looking forward to what is coming next from this author.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the eaudiobook. Intense just like the first one. Picks right up where the last one left off. San Diego County and the South China Sea are the settings. Biowarfare. Direct action mission by SEALS. Aerial combat with F-18's. CIA. NCIS. The last third was super intense with a colossal mind f#%k of an ending. Onto book #3.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I had to wait about an hour or so before writing this one….
Had to give myself some time for my heart rate to return to baseline, and my breathing to return to normal! 😮😮😮

Once again, Jack Stewart has my heart RACING….and NOT in a good way!

Our crew is back together…Top Gun Pilots…Navy Seals…CIA Agents…and so on…

Word has gotten out that an informant needs help! ASAP! And so, teams are deployed…. They run to Shanghai (I think…) to meet with him, but realize that really nothing can be done at this point…they just need to protect his family!

So more teams are deployed and safety factors/protections put into place… but will it work? AND…what exactly were they working on??

And…where is the agent that was sent to talk to the informant???

As the puzzle pieces start to come together, more and more people are dying, and when they really start to figure it out, will it all be too late???

American operatives. Chinese operatives. Family. Friends. Navy Seals. Top Gun Pilots. Innocent Bystanders…and of course, Cher…the dog.
Is anyone safe? Can anyone be saved??

It’s gonna take all they have and then some to get everyone out safe…

And, the tools they are using?? Well, just unthinkable…

AND…THE…TWIST ??? Well, I had to go back and re-read, re- listen…over and over, because, well, that just can’t be….

All the stars and then some, for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨

#Outlaw (Battle Born #2) by #JackStewart and narrated beautifully by #RayPorter.

This one has already been released, so look for it on shelves now!

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[Steven Netter · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books



Make sure to check out the full review

[Jeff Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like adrenaline? This is it!
If you thought Unknown Rider, Jack's first book was full of adrenaline and high octane, just wait until you turn the pages of Outlaw. I haven't seen someone mesh action with details so well since Clancy himself did it, and Stewart does it faster, sharper, and more engaging. The details inform you, putting the reader right in the middle of the action in a way that makes you feel engaged like authors rarely can.
Stewart is the next wave of military/action authors to "level-up" the genre, and will have everyone chasing him for years to come. The Battle Born Series is mandatory reading material!

[Tad Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

If our best government agents are as bungling as these people are; we’re in big trouble. Checking on a victim you think is injured then he jumps up & shoots you. One Chinese operative takes on multiple agents & keeps going. Please think through yours plots, talk to Brian Andrews. #readersarentstupid

[Merrie Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did the audiobook and the reader is perfect for this book. The only thing I dont like is when the writer puts in what the character is thinking. Especially the girls. Maybe it is the way it is written but also how he reads it
Good story and characters. In his books there is always someone you think is a major character that gets killed and they just go on through the story with no crying or funeral or anything. But it is well written and even for a veteran the military part doesnt kill me with being wrong although its very stretched LOL

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely top gun in military thrillers,
Colt Bancroft is sent on a mission from his aircraft carrier, to find and rescue a CIA agent who has been
kidnapped in China. A top Super Hornet pilot, he has eyes for success only as part of a wider biotech weapon search.
The kidnapped female CIA agent is tortured and near death, as Colt goes off on his assignment to bring her
home while providing cover for her rescue mission.
Emmy King, an NCIS officer back in California is working the other part of this mission; looking for and to protect the family of a missing biotech weapon specialist who has been killed.
The action is fast paced and very technical from the flight deck and the characters are all very well defined and
east to read.
The torture scenes were a bit torturous to read but definitely added to the sense of urgency and expediency needed in moving the story along.
Certainly will watch for the next one,

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, but not nearly as much as the first. I found there were too many characters to keep track of, and it was really hard to get attached to any of them beyond acquaintance level.
It kind of felt like I was watching an NCIS episode, with a complete cast of individual storylines, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but I would have rather have been able to focus on just Colt and Punky, ya know?
Still, it packed punches and surprises, and I am enjoying the flying. A series I'll happily continue.

[KK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I expected Stewart to have a sophomore slump after such a great debut novel. But…he didn’t and delivered just as entertaining and enjoyable novel in Outlaw.

What I appreciated: exciting plot, strong writing, well delivered twists, and Stewart didn’t force characters from the first novel to have interactions (aka Colt and Punky) again or automatically become romantically involved.

What I wish had been done better or differently: I think the story suffered from having action happening in California with Jax and Punky and action occurring in the South China Sea. I wish we got more of the Jax/Punky side of the story. I think Stewart delivered on all the other characters’ storyline time except the California side with Jax and Punky. Also it felt a little *too* coincidental that Mantis would be the one to get tabbed to recover Shen Li (Chinese Agent Sublime’s daughter).

Plot summary for me to remember as I read the next novel and also burning questions: A CIA agent (Lisa Mourning) meets with a Chinese asset that works on bio weapons, and the asset tells her about an upcoming bio weapon attack on an aircraft carrier. Lisa gets kidnapped and the asset is murdered by the Chinese. The U.S. seeks to recover her and Colt is sent to provide escort cover for the SEALS on a helicopter that rescued Lisa from captivity. Colt fights with Chinese fighters and protects the helicopter…but runs out of fuel and ditches from his jet. He is rescued. Meanwhile, the bio weapon attack happens on the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan so Colt can’t go back to the ship. Punky and her team (Camron, Jax, Margaret) recover the information that Lisa took and discover that the scientist they’ve been guarding was actually the agent Sublime (whereas they thought Sublime was tasked with killing the doctor). They then use the info from Lisa to help stop the bio weapon attack on the aircraft carrier. Andy, the pilot who was the first one sick, recovers to get back to his pregnant girlfriend, Jenn, who was friend with the CIA agent Lisa. Questions: Will anything come between Colt’s interaction with the SEAL Chief Dave who was part of the helicopter mission and also the SEAL that helped him when he landed his jet in the first book? (Will Dave call Colt to do some mission with them?) What will happen to the doctor’s daughter, the little girl, Shen Li? Will Mantis get her? (The book ends with Mantis sending word that the little girl is her granddaughter.) Will Punky discover who Adam is (aka KMART) since she saw him at Mantis’ (aka his mom’s) house? Will we see the flight surgeon, Doc, again?

[William Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just completed my read of the second volume of Jack Stewart's "Battle Born" trilogy, entitled "Outlaw" being published by Severn River Publishing (who have graciously provided me with an ARC for review purposes). I must first confess that I was so intrigued by initial word of mouth on this series of books that I rushed out to buy the first volume, "Unknown Rider", in order to make sure I did the second volume justice. I am very glad that I did, so much so that I am eagerly anticipating the third volume in the series, "Bogey Spades", to be released later this year.
The action, and there is a great deal of it, centers on two principal characters, Colt Bancroft, a naval aviator stationed in the Pacific, and Emmy "Punky" King, an NCIS Special Agent with an "attitude" and a fascination with fast cars. The plot, which is overlapping in the series, revolves around great power shenanigans in the Pacific, principally the rivalry between the U.S. and China. Stewart's mastery of plotting and pace is impressive as the protagonists race to forestall direct military confrontation with espionage and special operations at sea, in the air and on land. Characters are well drawn and interesting and the plot, while often fairly convoluted (a consequence, I suspect, of a glut of thrillers with similar starting points) is, nevertheless, thoroughly engaging.. Stewart's mastery of the military, scientific and technological dimensions of his material is obvious and on point, but he never allows it to overwhelm the human concerns of his protagonists. If you like technofiction, this one is for you. It is the kind of thing you can easily imagine providing a screenplay for a future blockbuster. I am delighted to add Stewart to the writers I follow.

[Delbert Roll]

OUTLAW by Jack Stewart

Did you hear that? That crack in the shy above? Something just went supersonic, and it’s called OUTLAW.

One true measure of an author’s talent is their sophomore work. How does their second novel compare to the first. In the case of Jack Stewart, it’s a futile exercise. OUTLAW takes what Stewart began in UNKNOWN RIDER to the next level. Stewart’s prowess as a writer is on full display, as is his expertise as a former naval aviator and Top Gun Instructor. In both regards, Stewart does not disappoint. But wait, there’s more.

His narrative should send shivers down your spine, not merely because it is so well crafted or that it’s simply plausible. A U.S. Navy carrier group disabled by a bioweapon, a CIA officer taken by a hostile power, and a rogue terrorist element thrown into the mix for good measure. As a former practitioner, these elements are the stuff of my nightmares—because they could happen.

This is what makes Stewart’s writing stand out—the blend of pure talent and authenticity. The rescue operation to bring the Agency officer home kept me up well past my bedtime. But it’s more than the action, frenetic as it may be. Stewart once more delivers on the intricacies of tradecraft, the complexity of interagency operations, balancing the two with authenticity while crafting both protagonists and antagonists that are complex, genuine, and deeply human.

All of that, and he’s a gifted writer.

If you haven’t already, get yourself a copy of OUTLAW and be prepared for a long evening.

You’re going to feel the need… the need to read.

[Darren Bourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series by Jack Stewart that I was graciously provided by the publisher, Severn River Publishing, and the fine folks at NetGalley in return for an honest review.

The action, and there is a great deal of it, centers on two principal characters, Colt Bancroft, a naval aviator stationed in the Pacific, and Emmy "Punky" King, an NCIS Special Agent with plenty of attitude and a fascination with fast cars.

The plot of this solid novel of techno fiction revolves around great power shenanigans in the Pacific, principally the rivalry between the U.S. and China.

Stewart's mastery of plotting and pace is impressive as the protagonists race to forestall direct military confrontation with espionage and special operations at sea, in the air, and on land. Characters are well drawn and interesting and the plot, while often fairly convoluted (a consequence, I suspect, of a glut of thrillers with similar starting points) is, nevertheless, thoroughly engaging and the excitement in the story never seems to end.

Stewart's demonstrates a mastery of the military, scientific, and technological dimensions in his writing, but he never allows it to overwhelm the human concerns of his protagonists.

This novel would definitely be a favourite for those afficiendos of near-future techno-thrillers and would easily rate a solid four stars out of five stars. The action is fast-paced and very technical from the flight deck and the characters are all very well-defined and is relatively easy to read.

As with most of my literary ramblings, these are just a smattering of my five cents worth.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to Severn River Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel before release.
I have to say after two novels with Unknown Rider and now Outlaw that Jack Stewart is now an author that I want to read every book he writes. Outlaw continues on from Unknown Rider with the continued development of Colt and Punky; I really like both of the characters and look forward to how the story continues in the next book. Colt is on the USS Eisenhower in the South China Sea and Punky is in San Diego continuing her investigation into China’s espionage efforts. The story starts off fast and doesn’t let up, a good fast can put it down read! I really enjoy the technical aspects of the explanation of taking off from a carrier in an F-18 Super Hornet and just the aspects of air combat. I highly recommend this book and series overall! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Jessica Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Stewart and the Battle Born series is really good

This is the second book from Jack Stewart, and as far as series on Kindle Unlimited, it’s one of the three best, the other two being the Tom Keeler, and David Rivers/ Shadow Strike series. Which are books I would buy if I needed to.

This book has the same cast of characters as the first book in the series, and starts a few months after the last one ended. With Colt Bancroft on a Pacific deployment near Taiwan, and Punky following up on leads from the first book. When a new engineered bioweapon becomes a threat.

The detail in these books when it comes to flying current generation fighters is super interesting, and I honestly resisted reading the first book for a long time, because I thought a fighter pilot as the titular hero of an action thriller would be campy and stupid. I was VERY MUCH wrong. My one gripe, is that this book is a quick read, but the twist is GREAT. I highly recommend this book.

[Julie Pint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Stewart’s sophomore novel continues the story of Punky and once again intersects with the character of Colt. This series is shaping up to be something special in the military thriller genre. While trying to track down a bio terrorist the crew saves an entire aircraft carrier abroad while also trying to save the day at home. My one harsh critique is that the flying jargon gets to be a bit much for the average reader while understanding that the author’s background leads to this intense detail. Looking forward to number 3, and ever so grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read. This is set to be a hit!

[Marty Fried · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series, and the second I've read. I think they are pretty good stories, but both suffer, to me, from too much technical explanations of the military jargon and terminology. For me, it interrupts the flow a bit and makes it all seem too drawn out. Perhaps it's because of the audiobook versions I read, but I sometimes have trouble keeping my attention on what's happening and need to go back. It's a shame, because the narrator, Ray Porter, is very good. But even though it took a bit more work, I still enjoyed both books. There are some interesting characters, and the plot is pretty absorbing once it gets going.

This one had a very sharp twist near the end that was a big surprise. And if you like happy endings, it had a happy ending, although perhaps a bit sappy, and a bit bittersweet in another part.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outlaw (Battle Born Book 2), my second read from author Jack Stewart. A 386-page military thriller, a well-written, entertaining & enjoyable read. Reminiscent of the best works of Tom Clancy, Andrew Watts and Robert Ludlum stories will enjoy reading this one. I'll read more from this author just as soon as he publishes another. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Chris Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an action packed thrill ride. The author does a great job of setting up multiple characters and plot lines without it getting confusing and then bringing everything back together as the book progresses. I highly recommend this book and the previous in the series for anyone who likes to read thrillers in the vein of Lee Child and David Baldacci.

[Jonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book even more than the first one. I would recommend reading them in order to understand some of the reoccurring characters although it is not absolutely necessary. Between the jet fighter jargon, the investigation into a Chinese spy in southern California, and a bio-weapon plot, this book was fascinating to me. It was reminiscent of the early Clancy books where multiple stories weave an interesting plot in unexpected ways. There was also a plot twist that I didn’t see coming which always makes a book better for me.

I have now added Jack Stewart to my "must read" authors which includes John Sandford, Mark Greaney, and Andrews & Wilson. I've already pre-ordered his third book, Bogey Spades.

[Khurley424 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Stewart is awesome. Outlaw proves decidedly that Unknown Rider is not a one hit wonder. It kept me glued to the plot from start to finish, and makes Top Gun look lazily written with how engaging and action packed it is. Genuinely cannot wait for #3 to come out later this year

[Laurie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTLAW takes off, literally, where UNKNOWN RIDER left off. Hang onto your seat because this is a wild ride with our favorite heroes, Colt and Punky. Jack Stewart’s writing takes the reader into the middle of the action leaving the reader exhausted but wanting more. The release of BOGEY SPADES cannot come soon enough! Jack Stewart is an extremely talented author. His descriptive writing and storytelling skills are excellent! I highly recommend OUTLAW!!

[Jared Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished "Outlaw," the electrifying sequel to Jack Stewart's debut thriller. This high-octane story picks up right where the first book left off and never lets up! ⭐⭐⭐💫

Stewart's signature pulse-pounding action scenes are on full display as his ensemble of heroines race across the globe to prevent catastrophe. While the technical details can be dense at times, the breakneck pacing and adrenaline-fueled set pieces more than make up for it. Few authors can juggle multiple protagonists as deftly as Stewart does here.

"Outlaw" is a must-read for fans of international espionage thrillers with strong female leads. Stewart delivers a high-stakes adventure that spans continents and keeps you guessing until the very end. It's a solid 3.5 star read that showcases the author's growth and cements his place as a rising star in the genre.

[Mark Easter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlaw has interesting plot and development. Characters are also interesting. Technical thriller readers will appreciate that element. This is my first Jack Stewart read but it will not be the last.

[Earl Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and researched book. It is fast moving and is all too believable. Jack Stewart has another best seller!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Jack Stewart has joined the ranks of the top action thriller authors. BZ!