New York Times bestselling authors Andrews & Wilson bring listeners another heart-stopping thriller in Sons of Valor False Flag.
From the authors of the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan series and the #1 bestselling Tier One Series (now in development for television), comes the fourth installment of their Tier One spin-off series, the bestselling Sons of Valor series. Ripped from the headlines, False Flag will bring the much loved Sons of Valor team back into the fight, this time to stop a war that will change the balance of power in the Middle East forever.
Brian is a US Navy veteran, nuclear engineer, and former submarine officer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in psychology, holds a Master's in business from Cornell University, and is a Park Leadership Fellow. He is a principal contributor at Career Authors, a site dedicated to advancing the careers of aspiring and published writers: www.careerauthors.com.
He is half of Andrews & Wilson, the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & #1 Amazon best-selling co-author team behind the TIER ONE series. New in 2025:
- DARK RISING: (APRIL) - SONS OF VALOR 4: (7/22) - THE ADVERSARY: Tier One #9 (11/4) - EXECUTIVE POWER (11/25)
In addition to their novels, Andrews & Wilson have multiple projects under development for film and television with major motion picture studios including Tier One, Dark Intercept, 4 Minutes, Portal, Glitch, and The In Between.
Our Special OPs team is sent to Saudi Arabia when the Crown Prince is assassinated inside the palace. When Israel is blamed by the Saudis, the team faces an international nuclear threat. It’s a wild and crazy ride with a lot of carnage. Plausible? Entertaining if you like the genre.
This was one of those books that I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to get an ARC from the authors (Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson), their publisher (Blackstone Publishing), and the fine folks at NetGalley.
This book, False Flag, is the fourth book in the Sons of Valor series and is a spin-off from the Tier One universe, which details some of the adventures of Tier One Gold Squadron (one of the groups of US SEALs) and is led by Lieutenant Commander Keith "Chunk" Redman. Navy SEAL Keith ''Chunk'' Redman has been one of the military's top doorkickers since the day he pinned on his trident: loyal, single-minded, lethal. Tasked to lead a new, covert team of Tier One SEALs -- the most elite special operators in the world -- Chunk can no longer simply rely on the status quo. Chunk and his team aren't just the tip of the spear; they're America's first, last, and best counterterrorism defense.
The main story that is detailed within this book is one of the political turmoil that exists in the Middle East to this day. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has been brutally murdered, and Israeli Mossad agents are accused of the outrageous crime. However, as the title subtly hints, a deceptive false flag operation is at play, concealing an Iranian VIVEK initiative and a ruthless power grab orchestrated by the Crown Prince’s younger brother.
Chunk and the Gold Squadron swiftly deploy to the Middle East, racing against the clock to prevent a devastating attack on Israel. Simultaneously, Whitney “Heels” Watts and a team of determined federal agents infiltrate the Royal Palace in Saudi Arabia, embarking on a perilous mission to expose the truth to the world.
As a secondary story intertwined with the main story, Israeli intelligence had confirmed that an Egyptian cargo vessel (Earahat Albahr) had transited the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Ocean carrying Chinese-made CJ-10 cruise missiles. While that is bad news, the CJ-10 was capable of carrying a five-hundred-kilogram conventional warhead; worse news was that it could also carry a nuclear warhead in place of the conventional explosives. To add salt to the wound, with the range of the CJ-10 being fifteen hundred kilometers (nearly a thousand miles), these missiles could be fired from anywhere within the Mediterranean Ocean from a ship that was carrying both the missiles and the launchers as well as a contingent of Houthi terrorists (who had boarded the ship in Port Mukalla, Yemen).
This book is another winner by this incredible writing duo, and I am going to go back to read the previous books in the series. On my self-determined five-star scale, I would give this book a solid four and a half stars as this novel takes the reader down a path involving Iran, Israel, and Saudi Arabia with a crazy, yet so very plausible storyline. As usual, it leaves a couple of loose ends that set up more to come in this world, and I, for one, cannot wait for the next book.
As with all of my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents' worth.
The crown prince of Saudi Arabia is murdered by Israeli agents, or is he? How do you solve this death. In Sons of Valor IV False Flag by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson we get a close up of just how it can be done. Chunk Redman and his Gold squadron is back but this time Whitney Watts has to make due without the team. I found the story interesting and the book is well written but I am sad to say that I am getting a little tired of all this muslim stuff. To many authors use this. I must thank Blackstone Publishing and Edelweiss for supplying me with this advance copy.
The dynamic duo have done it again. The crown prince of Saudi Arabia is murdered and Israelis are framed for it. lt's up to Chunk and crew to diffuse the situation before the entire Middle East dogpiles on Israel.
A breakneck pace as Whitney joins a team to investigate the murder of the prince while Chunk and crew set up in nearby Bahrain as a fast response team.
I was not amazed by the latest from Andrew's & Wilson...good story with the usual cast of characters(good/bad), but it felt more like a murder mystery to me. Took a while for the action to ramp up, but the bullets did fly. You can't go wrong by reading anything by these guys, you will be entertained, and probably stay up later than you planned. Overall a good story and with the way the story ended, I suspect book 5 is in the works. Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC and I recommend buying the book on July 22. If you're new to the Sons of Valor series, then I would start with book 1, and enjoy the ride.
It is getting to the point where I think I might just pre-empt every review of a book by Andrews and Wilson with a 5 star rating. This author duo is THAT consistent. And for someone who tries very hard to be selective with my 5 star ratings....that is definitely saying something.
This is the 4th book in a phenomenal series existing in a very well defined world that is home to more than one series. In this particular series, the focus is on a specific group in the Spec Op community that happens to be called the Tier One. We have followed this group - led by Lieutenant Commander Keith “Chunk” Redman- from the very beginning of this iteration of the Team. We began with the tragic terrorist attack that killed every member of the prior Team, with the exception of Chunk. We have followed along as the Team was not only rebuilt, but honed and strengthened until it became the premier Team, the go-to problem solvers, and we have proudly watched as this new Team created a newfound family that we also fell in love with.
In this book, we get to see JSOC Counter terrorism analyst Whitney "Legs" Watts trying to deal with the aftermath of her kidnapping and torture. In true Tier One fashion, she is hesitant to tell anyone that she is having any issues and just thinks that things will eventually get better. Unfortunately, she gets thrown straight back into another deadly circumstance when events in Saudia Arabia devolve into a possible war in the Middle East and the group that she is with ends up directly in the bulls-eye of the storm.
Whitney and the Team are separated for most of this book as the two have separate but equally important missions. Neither group gives us a minute to breathe as they are thrown into two extremely dangerous circumstances that each have devastating possible outcomes. This was another excellent story line that is scary with how easy it is to picture and as usual, this duo not only creates the realistically plausible circumstance, but then doubles down by ratcheting up the tension until I was holding my breath as the pages sped by.
It was 2 in the morning and when my husband woke up and saw that I was still reading, I actually said, "Wait, I have to see if the Americans make it off of the tarmac." I then immediately went back to reading because....well, duh, I needed to find out what was happening. Thankfully, he is used to odd comments from me at all times of the night and just went back to sleep :)
This is another winner in an already fantastic series. It takes us down a path involving Iran, Israel and Saudia Arabia with a crazy, yet so very plausible storyline. As usual, it leaves a couple of loose ends that sets up more to come in this world and I for one, cannot wait for the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on July 22, 2025.
This is probably the fastest I've ever read a book and what can I say. Andrews and Wilson always deliver amazing action packed books that are ripped from the headlines. This was also a book that I was eagerly waiting for. The plot was great, the characters were interesting, and Gold Squadron prevented a catastrophic attack. I can't wait for the next Tier One Thriller and the next Sons of Valor novel. 10/10
Another great book by Andrews and Wilson, Sons of Valor IV: False Flag picks up from the previous books and continues the series along really well. I love this series, a spin off of the Tier One universe. The way they weave in the characters from the universe is great.
This book revolves around an assassination of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Very plausible story with all that is happening in the real world right now.
Don’t want to miss this one; action, suspense and some very emotional moments make this a great entry into the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
Reza is back and his Machiavellian plot (that was years in the making) is finally coming to fruition. To deal with this, the team is split with Whitney headed to Saudi Arbia while the rest are stationed elsewhere in the Middle East to act as a QRF. This book seemed more about Whitney than Chunk, especially the first half of it. The first chapter has a little action but then the story slows down due to geopolitical maneuvering. There is suspense in a few places, but I would have preferred more Gold Squadron ops action and less royal court drama.
Separating the team created two different storylines so the chapters went back and forth between each location. To me this interrupted the flow and slowed the pace of the book. I didn't like what happened in a crucial confrontation, but I think the authors had sentiments regarding the incident that they wanted to convey. This part of the story and their words did impact me deeply.
Overall, 4.5 stars. I rounded up because the writing kept me engaged and Ray Porter gave an excellent performance. I'm looking forward to book 5. Maybe Dempsey's son will make an appearance in that book or the upcoming Tier One book The Adversary.
Sons of Valor IV by Brian Andrews and Wilson is an outstanding novel, staying true to their intense, signature style of military thrillers. The story builds on the series with sharp tactics and deep characters. Fans will love how it keeps the same gripping rhythm as past books, making it a solid addition. The action, adventure, and thrills hit hard from beginning to end, never slowing down. From intense battles to heartpounding chases, the pace keeps you glued to every page. Each chapter delivers a rush that doesn’t quit. The dramatic pauses add suspense, making the emotional moments stand out amid the action. The plot, set in today’s world, feels real and believable. Andrews and Wilson craft a story that could easily fit into current events. Their research into military operations, technology, and global politics makes the book feel authentic. This hard work creates a story that’s both exciting and realistic, honoring our troops, country, faith, and family with pride.
Blurb: A murder in the Royal House of Saud, a secret alliance between two powerful rivals, and a race to upend the balance of power in the Middle East …
Lieutenant Keith “Chunk” Redman is no stranger to uncertainty. It’s what they train for in the Tier One. But when President Kelso Jarvis tells Gold Squadron the shocking news—that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has been murdered, the King is missing, and the House of Saud has framed two Mossad agents—it’s clear the Middle East has become a powder keg just waiting to explode.
To get to the bottom of it, Gold Squadron must split up: Chunk leading a team of Israeli operatives; sniper Saw taking the helm of Gold; while intel analyst Whitney Watts heads into the belly of the beast itself, the Royal Palace in Saudi Arabia, where she must risk her life to uncover the truth about the Crown Prince’s murder.
Andrews and Wilson always write a good story. This one is no exception. The Israelis supposedly murdered the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. But all is not what it seems. Then there is the possible nuclear threat. This is the first Sons of Valor book I've read, having only read their Tier One series, so I'll definitely go back to the others at some stage. This book was well written and kept the pages turning. This pair are Military Thiller authors at the top of their game.
Thanks to #Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this story.
They say war is hell. The war depicted in this story is no less hellish. The journeys of Chunk and Whitney and their respective teams as they fight to stop a madman from destroying the Nation of Israel permanently with a nuclear weapon from the inside is terrifying. While all the plotting to destroy Israel is afoot, there is a takeover in the Saudi Royal family so quietly few are aware. Is that really a possibility? Brother killing brother is as old as the story of Cain and Abel. You will definitely need a box of Kleenex, maybe 2 while reading this book. I had to set the book down and walk away a few times just to regain my composure. The team will never be the same after this mission. How they move on, how they react to future missions after this mission and their experiences will change the dynamics of this team in several ways. Guilt isn’t always easy to pack away. The last few pages stayed with me long after the book was closed. This story tore at my heart because I know there are aspects that these writers and those who have served, actually lived through. Where do they go as individuals and a team from here? One of the best books yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don’t know how they do it but Andrew’s and Wilson continue to churn out amazing novels. The SOV series is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next.
Just amazing story and storytelling. I love this series and the associated Tier One series. It was fun to have a little crossover in this book, even if it was mostly just mentioning some names. The character development, particularly in Whitney and Chunk, was really impactful. Another great installment in the Sons of Valor series! I listened to the audiobook version of this.
Thank you Brian Andrews and Jeffery Wilson, another AMAZING fast paced can't put down, edge of your seat story. I am shocked and stunned by the time I finished. Can't wait to read the next installment.
This one from Andrews and Wilson was an awesome read. Pulled at the heart strings but also allowed for characters to grow into new roles. Watts inside the house of Saud is an awesome plot that really keeps you thinking, should she be on the ground with the team more? Can’t wait for the next one but in the meantime I’ll have to read about Dempsey and task force Ember in my ARC of the Adversary!
I love this series. My 4th Sons of Valor novel. Loved them all. Well written with believable characters and plot. These guys know their subject matter.
As a woman with no military training I still truly enjoy this series. I don't always understand the logistics of some of the missions, but always what the brave men and women are fighting for.
The characters become my friends and the journals mine. This one is a tough read, just preparing you in advance.
Thank you mister Andrews and Wilson for honoring our troops and thank you for your service.
Has there been a better military fiction duo? No. Their writing prowess, character development, plot twists and attention to detail are second to none. There are many fine writers of military fiction, past and present but Andrews and Wilson are a level above even some of histories best. They combine the technical and tactical precision of Clancy with the unabashed American badassery of Flynn. This novel is special on many levels. For SOF GWOT veterans, be forewarned, everything we’ve shoved deep inside will surface, even briefly once you start turning the pages. For civilian fans of the genre, it’s perhaps one of the most realistic portrayals of the emotional roller coaster the .01% of our nations finest citizens ride everyday, but especially during war and the inevitable losses. Can’t recommend this (and all of their series and individual classics) book emphatically enough and can’t wait for the next chapter. Thank you both for writing them.
The audiobook narrated as usual by Ray Porter delivers again. The story is gripping and never gets boring. It’s a mix between spy and action which I enjoyed a lot. There is a point in the story I wasn’t fond of, losing a favorite team member was not what I expected. Can’t wait for the next Tier 1 book and Sons of Valor 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Andrews and Wilson do it again. And, dare I say, there is a love story in this one! The Tier One Universe is the best special operations story-telling in the game today. They are highly sought after, contracted to write Jack Ryan and Presidential Agent. Add Ray Porter into the mix and you have an unstoppable team. Chunk and Whitney Watts are protagonists you can root for, as is all of Gold Squadron. It’s different than Dempsey and his merry bunch, but the spec ops combat scenes are rooted in teamwork instead of lone wolf gray operator. Sons of Valor IV is worth the read, like everything from this duo.