Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Jack Ryan Universe #41

Tom Clancy: Line of Demarcation: Jack Ryan, Jr., Book 13

Rate this book
The pulse-racing new Jack Ryan, Jr. thriller
________________

The discovery of an oil field off the coast of Guyana plunges Jack Ryan, Jr. into a cauldron of lies in the latest entry in this internationally bestselling series.

It starts with the destruction of a US Coast Guard cutter and the loss of her entire crew. But the USCG Claiborne was on an innocuous mission to open a sea lane between an oil field off the coast of Guyana and the refineries of southern Louisiana. The destruction of the ship, tragic as it is, won't stop that mission from continuing.

So who would sacrifice twenty-two men and women just to slow down the plan? That's the question plaguing Jack Ryan Jr. He's in Guyana to work a deal to get his company, Hendley Associates, in on the ground floor of this new discovery, but the destruction of the Claiborne and the kidnapping of the Guyanese Interior Minister make it clear that there's a malignant force working to destroy Guyana's oil industry.

It's up to Jack to identify the killers before they draw a bead on him, but how can he do that when the line of demarcation between friend and foe is constantly shifting?

Audible Audio

First published May 20, 2025

848 people are currently reading
5686 people want to read

About the author

M.P. Woodward

8 books228 followers
M.P. Woodward is the NYT bestselling author of the Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan Jr. books (SHADOW STATE, LINE OF DEMARCATION, and TERMINAL VELOCITY). His latest war fiction thriller RED TIDE, A NOVEL OF THE NEXT PACIFIC WAR comes out 9/16/25. He has also authored the Handler CIA espionage series from Penguin Random House (THE HANDLER and DEAD DROP). He served as a Naval Intelligence officer before transitioning to a career in tech.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,436 (58%)
4 stars
1,288 (30%)
3 stars
372 (8%)
2 stars
56 (1%)
1 star
25 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
Profile Image for Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books).
598 reviews93 followers
November 30, 2025
Good book had a lot of exciting parts and easy to follow. Loved it kept me in the action and aware of the strategic aspects of the event.
Profile Image for Grandma Susan.
315 reviews216 followers
Read
May 19, 2025
I have zero tolerance for profanity especially taking the Lord’s name in vain. I was blessed with an ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Profile Image for Todd.
2,225 reviews8 followers
May 25, 2025
Another excellent Jack Ryan jr book from Mr Woodward.
Profile Image for John.
182 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2025
The latest Tom Clancy novel will be out for consumption in May and M.P. Woodward does a better job on his sophomore effort. Jack Ryan is in Guyana doing white side business for Hendley Associates and it soon turns to the black side. Jack gets thrust into the action, along with a few friends from the Campus, and the action ramps up. The plot was good, had a great cast of characters(good and bad), and the ending didn't leave you hanging. Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC. I would recommend this novel and for an ARC, there weren't many (if any) typos/errors.
Profile Image for Joseph.
732 reviews58 followers
May 29, 2025
First off, props once again to my local library's inter-library loan program for getting me this book in such a timely manner. You guys are awesome!! The book itself, in my opinion, was one of the better Jack Jr. novels. The only real complaint I had with it was that Jack Sr. didn't have any lines. The plot was very believable and the narrative was crisp. This book would be easy to transform into a screenplay for a movie. Just saying. Overall, a worthy effort and well worth the time spent.
Profile Image for David Jonescu.
107 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2024
This is exactly the type of book I have come to expect in the Jack Ryan Jr series. A story that begins with business but ends up being one about spycraft and action. Woodward once again hits a home run with this new entry into the Ryanverse. I would have read this in one night if I had less self control. Fun and enjoyable book!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lindsey Barger.
274 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was supposed to be a quick and simple trip to pick up the license Jack needed for his latest corporate investment to be able to operate in Guyanese waters. But is anything ever really quick or simple when you’re last name is Ryan? While Jack Ryan, Jr., has established a great cover for himself in the business world, he easily slips into the covert world after his government contact and several others are assassinated in an attempted coup that threatens not only the stability of the Guyana government, but also his own black ops team when one of their covers is blown. Will Jack be able to exfiltrate himself from behind enemy lines and help rescue a teammate in the process, or is this the end for the Hendley Associates black ops team?

M.P. Woodward brings readers the 13th installment in the Jack Ryan, Jr. series with Tom Clancy Line of Demarcation – his second in the Ryanverse.. A former Naval Intelligence Officer, Woodward utilizes that knowledge to make the plot from each of his books, Ryanverse and others, come alive for readers without coming in with too much military or political jargon or too little explanation. While many other great writers have picked up the quill to pen books in the Ryanverse since Clancy, on a few have delivered works in the same tenor and intention as the originator of these characters – Woodward is one. This is a novel of unlikely heroics and exemplary military skills, and learning that, in politics, there’s really no one you can trust.

I give Tom Clancy Line of Demarcation 5 out of 5 stars. To say I was blown away by this novel might be an understatement. This is one of the best Ryanverse novels I have read in a while from the newer writers. One aspect I truly appreciate here is that Woodward took time to not only develop Jack Jr.’s character and his abilities as an operator, but also those of his supporting operators. I can almost see who will take Ding or John Clark’s place if they decide to step away based on the way Woodward developed some of these characters. This was one of two novels to receive perfect 5.0 ratings in February – I could find no faults here!

If you’re like me and late to the Jack Ryan Jr novels, don’t worry! Much like the original series, you can jump into these at any point and follow along pretty well. I did find that knowing some storylines from other earlier novels did help, but this could be a standalone read. I would caution you if you’re sensitive to assaults against women and children during war and prisoner torture – while not explicit, it is lightly referenced here. Given the subject matter, I would direct this to more mature readers over 16.

I jumped at the chance to request this book on Netgalley last month when I saw it. If you have been following the blog long, you will know how much I love the Ryanverse – I’m on a mission to read all the books and have my work cut out for me! How many books have you read in the Ryanverse?
Profile Image for Zane Abbey.
69 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2025
I was thrilled to dive into Tom Clancy’s Line of Demarcation by M.P. Woodward, the 13th Jack Ryan Jr. thriller, set to be released on May 2025. This book is an absolute page turner, Jack Ryan Jr. is in Guyana, on a mission to secure a lucrative deal for Hendley Associates to exploit a massive new oil field. However, his journey takes a tragic turn when a U.S. Coast Guard cutter is mysteriously destroyed, resulting in the loss of all 22 crew members. Initially, this incident appears to be a business related matter, but it soon evolves into a high stakes hunt for answers. Russian Wagner mercenaries and Venezuelan narco terrorists emerge as formidable adversaries, stirring up a complex web of intrigue that could potentially ignite a global conflict. The fast-paced action and the strong sense of loyalty that permeates the story keep me engaged and eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Line of Demarcation is an exhilarating ride that follows Jack Ryan’s perilous escapades in Georgetown. As he navigates through the dangerous city, he unravels a plot that is intricately connected to a kidnapped minister and a looming coup threat. Meanwhile, his Campus team, including the formidable Ding Chavez, works tirelessly to protect their own deep undercover operation. Woodward’s exceptional naval intelligence skills are evident as he paints vivid scenes from oil rigs to exhilarating jetski chases, all without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon. Jack Ryan’s unwavering determination and his deep sense of loyalty, which he shares with his team as if they were family, resonate with the reader on a profound level. The story’s exploration of Guyana’s oil boom adds a layer of intrigue and fascination, drawing the reader into the heart of the action. While some technical details may stretch a bit, they do not impede the overall pace of the narrative.

Line of Demarcation delivers a powerful and authentic Clancy esque experience, characterized by its high stakes, unexpected twists, and a compelling human element. Woodward’s mastery of the Ryanverse is evident, and I am grateful for a tale that celebrates teamwork and the indomitable spirit of those who stand tall. If you are a fan of thrillers that transcend borders and resonate with universal themes, then Line of Demarcation is an absolute gem. Prepare to be captivated and embark on an unforgettable reading journey.
Profile Image for Amy .
396 reviews13 followers
December 29, 2025
Author M.P. Woodward really does the Hack Ryan series justice. Tom Clancy would be proud! This high octane fast paced thriller kept me reading late until the final page was turned. I didn’t want this story to conclude. Looking forward to the next installment!! 4/5
37 reviews
August 29, 2025
A decent yarn, topical on Latin America, Russian influence, and drug trafficking.
Profile Image for Mike Kennedy.
961 reviews25 followers
April 20, 2025
Jack Ryan Junior is working on the white side business for Henley and Associates. Have purchased a shipping company, Jack is working to get the Guyanese government to give them exclusive rights to export newly found oil. As Jack tries to navigate the white side of the business, he’s drawn into a much bigger plot that will require him to use his skills honed on the black side of the business. Meanwhile, Ding Chavez is working undercover, to infiltrate a Venezuelan drug gang. While these two events seem separate, Jack soon realizes that they are intertwined.

As with any good book in the Jack, Ryan series, there’s a lot going on. This keeps the reader on their toes and interested in the book. While this is a standalone Jack Ryan Junior book, there seems to be more of the campus involved than normal. I thought the Venezuela druglord and his Russian Wagner partner were excellent adversaries to the campus group. There’s plenty of action to keep you engaged, and Jack has to use not only his fighting skills but also his brain.

This book is a must read for all fans of the Jack Ryan series. Even if you haven’t read any of the series, you can pick this book up right away and enjoy it without knowing all the backstories of the characters. Thank you to NetGalley, MP Woodward, and Penguin Group Putnam for a free advanced‘s copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for thewanderingjew.
1,760 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2025
Tom Clancy: Line of Demarcation: A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel, Book 13, M. P. Woodward, author; Scott Brick, narrator.
If not for Scott Brick, the audio’s narrator, this book would get a rating of one star. He was an amazing reader whose interpretation of the dialogue held my interest even when the narrative went off the rails in too many bizarre directions. It became hard to follow without suspending disbelief and hoping it would somehow become more comprehensible when the novel concluded. Even after all the guilty parties were punished and held to account in ways few readers will want to believe could be plausible for the American CIA, clandestinely or openly, I was not sure of exactly what this novel was about. Suffice it to say, it was confusing and hard to believe with too many conspiracies and diabolical plans to follow comfortably. One such theme was the overuse of the Quintero family, Amancia, Tallulah and Gustavo, in order it would seem, to create further interest and additional pages. Their emergencies became overwhelming with their frequency. That said, the story was full of adventure and tension leaving me with nothing else to do but read on hoping to eventually understand this political nightmare that was playing out on the pages before me.
Basically, Jack Ryan had bought a business for the campus called The Athena Global Shipping Lines. Using their shallow draft boats, they would be able to dock at the recently completed Marlin oil platform in the Orinoco Basin, without dredging. Jack had been working on getting an export license from the Guyanese government and was promised one by the Interior Minister, Professor Alberto Quintero. Meanwhile, the American Coast Guard Cutter, Harry Claiborne, was busy mapping the shallow Orinoco Basin hydrocarbon field in preparation for Athena’s ships. The Orinoco Basin with its shoals and shallow waters was difficult for some ships to navigate safely. Athena was the only company that possessed shallow draft vessels that could safely traverse the waters without harming the environment. It sounded like a good business plan until Jack was suddenly unable to obtain the necessary export license. While the President of Guyana was away, the license had to be signed by the opposition’s Socialist Prime Minister, Augustus Castillo, and he had refused. Jack was facing a tremendous loss of money and prestige if the deal went south.
Unbeknownst to Jack, however, this same Guyanese Prime Minister was actively plotting a coup with the help of the Russians. The Russians were using the Venezuelan Gangster Tiburon, to accomplish this. Venezuela was claiming ownership of the area. The Tiburonistas were being used as puppets by the Russians to conceal their real purpose which was the violent take over of the oil fields and Guyana so they could install the puppet Prime Minister, Castillo, in place of President Khasif.
When the cutter, the Harry Claiborne, got too close to the Marlin oil platform, they were attacked and murdered by the Tiburonistas. The reader then learns that Ding Chavez was working undercover in the Tiburonista gang, impersonating Luis Diaz, as he investigated Venezuela’s interest in Guyana. At this same time, the Guyanese Minister Quintero was secretly investigating the Prime Minister of Guyana. He suspected that he was planning a coup and he warned Jack. Then, the President, Augustus Khasif, who was completely unaware of all this while it is going on, was kidnapped by the Russians in Abu Dhabi. They were planning to murder him and put Castillo in his place. These disparate pieces did not knit together well, especially at first.
It seemed that the head of the snake was the Russian government working with Venezuela; they were using the Tiburonistas and the crooked Guyanese government officials, Romero and Castillo, to take control of Guyana and install a friendlier Socialist regime. The obvious rub is that they were all pawns wanting to advance their own cause. Would these criminal minds succeed at the game they were playing? Would they be brought to justice? It was really hard to figure it out, not because of misdirection, but because the story was so convoluted it was hard to follow. I am not even sure I did follow it. I was further flummoxed when I researched the geography and discovered that the Orinoco Basin does not belong to Guyana. It belongs to Venezuela and Columbia. Good luck and happy reading.
729 reviews
November 9, 2025
Rated 3.67
The book kept me engaged and the overall geopolitical concept was decent. The story was a little far-fetched in places, but not unexpected in this genre. I think I am done with the Tom Clancy wanna be authors....this book has Jack Ryan Jr. in unbelievable situations in Guyana. The Campus Team has a member in trouble and the twists and turns to find and save him are extraordinary. I'm think I am returning to other mystery/thriller authors.

It starts with the destruction of a US Coast Guard cutter and the loss of her entire crew. But the USCG Claiborne was on an innocuous mission to open a sea lane between an oil field off the coast of Guyana and the refineries of southern Louisiana. The destruction of the ship, tragic as it is, won't stop that mission from continuing.

So who would sacrifice twenty-two men and women just to slow down the plan? That's the question plaguing Jack Ryan Jr. He's in Guyana to work a deal to get his company, Hendley Associates, in on the ground floor of this new discovery, but the destruction of the Claiborne and the kidnapping of the Guyanese Interior Minister make it clear that there's a malignant force working to destroy Guyana's oil industry. It's up to Jack to identify the killers before they draw a bead on him, but how can he do that when the line of demarcation between friend and foe is constantly shifting?
Profile Image for Daniel.
586 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2025
Global realpolitik meets the Campus. Mercenaries and sociopaths.
87 reviews
July 28, 2025
how did Jack keep the tapes?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
30 reviews
September 20, 2025
A totally fine if uninspired entry in the Jack Ryan jr world of military thrillers. Absolutely average and mediocre.
Profile Image for Jerry Summers.
831 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2025
Timely tale of US-Venezuela (drug and Russia connection) hostility with Guayana as a proxy. Jack Jr is coincidentally in Guayana at the start of the conflict and a good thing.
Profile Image for Gina.
122 reviews
October 9, 2025
Another great story in the Jack Jr universe. This can be read as a stand alone so don't be afraid to go ahead and dive in. Jack is in Guyana for some "white" business for Hendley Associates that takes a turn to the black side. There is a lot of action and quick thinking that keeps you reading later than you should.
Thank you Penguin Group and NetGalley for the arc for my honest review.
Profile Image for Alex Shrugged.
2,753 reviews30 followers
November 23, 2025
I'm really liking M.P. Woodward's way of rendering Tom Clancy's characters.

FYI, I noticed that the description of the book on Goodreads was inaccurate so I changed it to reflect the publisher's current description as of November 23, 2025 since I have the privileges to do so.

The story: Jack Ryan Jr. is now an investor, and has a chance at making a killing in an investment if he can talk the government of Guyana into granting him an export license for the new natural gas reserves found off the coast. But unexpectedly the US Coast Guard ship assigned to lay down safety buoys sinks with all hands lost. Then Jack's export license is tied up... essentially refused. There is corruption involved at a very high level as various people struggle for the money and power the gas reserves represent. Then things get really nasty as the Venezuelans, a drug lord, and the Russians get involved in a conspiracy to gain control and try to kill anyone who gets in their way... like Jack Ryan Jr.

Any problems with this story? I still miss Tom Clancy. As good as this story is and the writing, it doesn't quite match the master. Ah well. Good effort though. I really enjoyed it. It was worth it.

I recall that Jack suspected a person, , of being a police officer (undercover). But when that person tried to kill Jack, Jack killed that person in self-defense. Much later in the story, one of the characters said that Jack killed a police officer, but there was confusion in my mind as to who that was. By that time, Jack had injured a corrupt police officer in order to escape. I thought at first that someone else had killed the injured police officer and that was being falsely blamed on Jack. Then I remembered the first incident when I was writing this review. I think the author should have made it clear that the first guy, , was a member of the secret police.

I found it strange that one minor good-guy character held back from shooting at a certain time. That was when... Even though the cause was hopeless, it seemed almost irresistible to fire a shot and go down fighting. I think the author would have done better to describe the minor character's personal thinking during that moment. I remember in another book "Rainbow Six" when Ding Chavez had to decide not to shoot when he witnessed a man kill a child in cold blood. (Actually, Ding was running a team and he told his sniper to hold fire, as I recall, but the thinking process Ding went through was sufficient to explain why a shot at that time could not be made. I agreed with him.)

Any modesty issues? Well... yes. The S-word was used. It wasn't excessive. The F-word was NOT used. I found that good. I didn't miss it and the characters did not suffer from the lack of usage. There was attempted rape. Nothing was described in detail and the perpetrators were punished for the attempt.

The ending was exciting.

I own the hardback edition and I'd love to read this book again sometime in the future.
1 review
June 1, 2025
M.P. Woodward..... serious attention to detail issues! You should probably obtain a Source Material Expert (SME) editor whom focuses on the tactical and technical details along with the spelling and sentence structure editor.

Tom Clancy novels, were known for their technical detail, blending exceptional realism, and authenticity, intricate plotting and razor sharp suspense. (Yes, I copied this).

I truly try to overlook some issues when reading, looking to see if the overall story shines through & becomes entertaining. With that said, some detail mistakes become a loud screaming klaxon!


Detail issues in Line of Demarcation.....
•Page 68: Ryan is in the Marriot hotel in Georgetown Guyana..."Arlington was 1 hour behind Guyana"...

•Page 70: Ryan still in the Marriott hotel in Georgetown Guyana..."Gavin sucking on a straw...Jack remembered the 4 hour time difference between Georgetown and Arlington"....

•Page 108: Jack recognized the Glock 18 automatic....the "clip" looked normal factory-issued ten-round capacity".... the G18 is identical in size and looks to the G17 with the exception of the side mounted selector for the automatic rate of firing. Next, the "ten round capacity" is another attention to detail concern..... as the standard factory magazine, NOT a CLIP, and the Glock 18 comes with a 19-round MAGAZINE that’s slightly longer than the G17's 17 round MAGAZINE, and as many as 33 rounds with the extended MAGAZINE!!!

•Page 155: Glock 17 and it had all of its ten rounds... G17 hold 17 rounds in the factory MAGAZINE except for the following states with 10 round restrictions: CA, IL, HI, MD, MA, NJ, NY, RI, WA, & District of Columbia.

•Page 170: With good ammo, a twelve gauge "RIFLE's" ??? effective hunting range..... a SHOTGUN, not a 12 gauge rifle, using slugs maybe, but not shot shells as the dispersal of the shot can and does leave freaking massive areas where there is no shot.

I had read your first T.C. book "Shadow State" and had discovered attention to detail concerns in that novel.

Detail issues in Shadow State...

•Page 117....the neat hole in the terrorist's forehead courtesy of a 7.62 round delivered by the chief's silenced M4.... the common calibers of the M4 are the 5.56mm, however the .300 blackout/ACC is a 7.62x35, so maybe ok until....

•Page 244.... "We picked up....an HK 416 for each of us. Gas recoil on the HKs, none of that M4 piston crap like the Philippino SEALS had. Also grabbed.....rounds of five-six-two...

The HK416 employs a short-stroke gas piston system, which is different from the direct gas impingement system found in the M4. And definitely not the way you had it in the story!!!!

Additionally, the ammo.....what is "five-six-two"????

I had decided to try you again, after the "Shadow State", however, I couldn't let the lack of attention to details go after the 2nd novel. I'm not sure if will buy the 3rd attempt.


Profile Image for Chad Manske.
1,391 reviews54 followers
June 4, 2025
M.P. Woodward’s “Tom Clancy Line of Demarcation” (2025) delivers a masterclass in modern geopolitical thrillers, blending real-world tensions with the high-stakes action that defines the Jack Ryan Jr. series. Set against the backdrop of Guyana’s oil-rich waters, the novel opens with the catastrophic sinking of a U.S. Coast Guard cutter—a tragedy that ignites a labyrinthine conspiracy involving Russian mercenaries, Venezuelan narco-terrorists, and a shadowy plot to destabilize American interests. Jack Ryan Jr., straddling his dual roles as a corporate negotiator and covert operative, must navigate a murky battlefield where allies and enemies blur. Woodward’s strength lies in his ability to weave multiple threads into a cohesive, adrenaline-fueled narrative. The novel’s exploration of hybrid warfare—termed “grey war” in a pivotal line—reflects contemporary conflicts where traditional battle lines dissolve. This thematic depth is matched by breakneck pacing, from boardroom negotiations to jungle firefights, all rendered with cinematic precision. Longtime Clancy fans will appreciate callbacks to “Clear and Present Danger” and the expanded roles of series stalwarts like John Clark and Domingo Chavez Character development shines, particularly in the supporting cast. Operatives like Kendrick Moore hint at future franchise evolution, though some readers may wish for deeper focus on these newcomers. Woodward’s naval intelligence background elevates the technical details, from Coast Guard operations to cyber warfare tactics, without overwhelming the narrative. The Guyana setting—a fresh locale for the series—adds cultural and political texture, grounding the spectacle in tangible stakes. While the novel’s 13th-series entry status creates minor continuity questions for devoted Ryanverse readers, it stands firmly as a standalone achievement. Woodward balances homage to Clancy’s legacy with bold steps into modern security dilemmas, crafting a story that feels both nostalgic and urgent. For thriller enthusiasts craving intelligent plotting paired with visceral action, “Line of Demarcation” secures Woodward’s position as a worthy successor to the Clancy mantle.
Profile Image for Monnie.
1,625 reviews790 followers
May 16, 2025
The late play-by-play announcer at a local high school's football games was known for his occasional on-air promotion: " Buy a program - you can't tell the players without a program." Well, as is customary with the Clancy books, this one begins with a list of players. And I'm here to tell you that it really didn't matter much. Even with that list, it was almost impossible to tell the good guys and gals from the bad except for the "stars" of the show.

Another hallmark of the series, of course, is nonstop action. Here, you can't catch a break for a second - starting with an opening salvo fired - with dire consequences - at a U.S. Coast Guard cutter on patrol near oil rigs off the coast of Guyana. It is an act that, depending on politics, diplomacy, negotiations and who's willing to start a war, has the potential to rock world order.

A perfect setting, then, for Jack Ryan Jr., son of U.S. President Jack Ryan, and his band of brothers and sisters who work both the "white" and "black" sides of their company, Hendley Associates. As the story unfolds, Jack is plying his "white" side activities (meaning legitimate business) in nearby Georgetown, looking to land an export license from the Guyana government - totally unaware of the Coast Guard cutter disaster - when he runs into a situation involving some really nasty characters that requires him to hang around and ply his considerable "black" side skills.

Chapters shift from one scenario to the other - the oil rig involving U.S. security forces at the highest level - and before too long (as most readers will suspect) it becomes clear that the two situations are connected. Still, the danger is real; Jack's life is in danger, as is that of one of The Campus's most accomplished undercover agents and Jack's fiance, Lisanne (also a top agent). As I mentioned early on, it's pretty much nonstop action as usual, but that's a large part of what makes this series so good. As for me, I'll heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Well done once again!
Profile Image for SteVen Hendricks.
691 reviews32 followers
September 20, 2025
Book Review – Tom Clancy Line of Demarcation – M.P. Woodward
Thriller author M.P. Woodward writes another appealing and alluring Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan, “Jr.” novel – “Line of Demarcation.” This narrative kept me intrigued and captivated – especially with the storyline involving the US Coast Guard as I have a son that’s serving in the US Coast Guard now.

The thrilling tale starts with the destruction of a US Coast Guard cutter and the loss of her entire crew. The destruction of the ship, tragic as it was, didn’t stop the mission from continuing though – to open a sea lane between an oil field off the coast of South America and the refineries of southern Louisiana.

In steps Jack Ryan Jr. (as anticipated), while working in Guyana – a north Atlantic coast country in South America – he uncovers a complex web of treachery and deceitfulness involving nasty Russian mercenaries and horrible Venezuelan narco-terrorists – all while trying to do legitimate business for his company, Hendley Associates – a financial trading institution known as “The Campus” – the "off the books" intelligence organization and private military company established by President Jack Ryan, SR. and run by former U.S. Senator Gerry Hendley.

Amid a destabilizing region, Jack Jr. navigated through a cauldron of lies and a treacherous landscape to prevent a potential geopolitical conflict that could have started a war. Lots of references to Clancy’s “Clear and Present Danger” in this book which made this story very compelling.

Fast-paced, action-packed, and typical Tom Clancy military suspense and international relations goings-on – Line of Demarcation [separation, distinction, differentiation] is a captivating combination of business economics, international politics and covert paramilitary action – just like “Clear and Present Danger.”

Woodward – his second Clancy novel – delivered an absorbing and dynamic “Tom Clancyist” read and as expected, I enjoyed it very much.
90 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2025
Though I have read a few Jack Ryan stories from the Tom Clancy Collection way back when and enjoyed the show this was my first Jack Jr. Book that I read. I will say right off the bat that I enjoyed being able to jump into this without feeling that I was lost about the characters. Though part of a larger series this can act well as a Standalone read which is great to see.

The story has multiple plot points , Jack Jr is in Guyana trying to get his export license for his oil company and while doing that A US Coast Guard Cutter sinks sadly killing the entire crew and a Drug loard is trying to expand his empire. Though these all may seem separate things may not always be how they seem to all those involved. Though in Guyana on his “white side” Business jack quickly must change gears in order to protect American interests aswell as the people of Guyana he has gotten close with . This story was not short of any action and though there were quite a lot of characters in my eyes it was pretty easy to tell who was who American , Russian , Guyanese and Venazuelan so I didn’t feel lost like I have with other stories that had a ton of characters. I also liked that at the beginning of the book there was kind of a who’s who with a 1-to-2-line description of a bunch of the characters this totally helped. This was a great action packed Military, CIA / black ops story that makes me want to go back and read some of the Older Ryan jr and maybe even original Jack Ryan Works from Tom Clancy and his other authors.

I received this Advanced Copy through Netgalley from PENGUIN GROUP Ptutman/G.P. Putnam's Sons, Thank you to them and M.P. Woodward for allowing me to read this early and leave my honest review on this work.
October 10, 2025
I always considered Tom Clancy's books as books for men and left it at that. But after recently watching a show on TV about black ops missions I realised I loved this genre filled with suspense. So I enter the realm of books for men and change my attitude towards them 
Taking the Jack Ryan books into the next era MP Woodward had created the character of Jack Ryan jnr.
The book starts with Jack in a white ops situation where he is trying to secure a deal with the Prime minister of Guyana. Something weird is going on in these Caribbean waters as an innocent cutter is sunk in the dead of the night and all surviving crew shot dead in the water.
Many moving parts take this action packed book off to a fantastic start. Jack finds himself suddenly and rather shockingly right bang in the middle of his own black ops mission. While trying to save the assassinated prime minister's family and of course himself. While securing information that can take the drug lord who is trying to cause a coup with the help of the Russians. As I said many moving pieces!!!There's another mission run by his fiancé and a surprise rescue of Jack who found himself on the wrong side of the drug lord wreaking havoc and bullying the members of the Guyanese government. 
I really enjoyed the book and loved the action and fast pace of the under cover missions. Now instead of watching my husband play these games on xbox I will read more of this genre. 
I look forward to getting to know Jack Ryan senior as well as I read more of the older books written by the creator of the series. 
43 reviews
October 23, 2025
Review of Line of Demarcation by M.P. Woodward

M.P. Woodward delivers another high-stakes thriller in the Jack Ryan Jr. universe with Line of Demarcation, a taut geopolitical ride that blends oil politics, espionage, and shifting allegiances. The novel opens with the destruction of a U.S. Coast Guard cutter off the coast of Guyana—a chilling act that sets the stage for a complex web of international intrigue. Jack Ryan Jr., ever the resourceful operative, finds himself navigating a volatile landscape where Russian mercenaries, Venezuelan narco-terrorists, and corporate interests collide.

Woodward’s prose is crisp and the pacing relentless, with action sequences that feel cinematic and stakes that escalate convincingly. The Guyana setting adds a fresh backdrop, and the plot’s central question—who benefits from chaos?—keeps the tension simmering. While the narrative occasionally leans on familiar tropes (rogue actors, last-minute rescues, blurred lines between ally and enemy), it’s executed with enough finesse to remain engaging.

What holds this back from a five-star rating is a sense of genre fatigue. The formula—hero in peril, global threat, shadowy villains—feels well-worn, and some character beats lack emotional depth. Still, for fans of the Jack Ryan franchise and political thrillers, this is a satisfying entry that respects its roots while offering timely commentary on resource exploitation and international brinkmanship.
Profile Image for Shawna.
169 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2025
Jack Ryan, Jr.'s latest escapades takes us to the coast of Guyana.

USCG Cutter Claiborne was tasked with identifying a shipping lane amongst the coral reefs and shoals making navigating the trip treacherous. Initially chalked up as a navigation error, US forces realize there has to be more to the ship's demise along with the 22 souls aboard.

Already in Guyana, Jack finds himself working to procure an export license for his civilian company. That area of the world is already plagued with corruption and deceit which proves to increase the burden on those conducting above board business. But as things escalate between the above board members of the government and the Venezuelan terror gang (plus Russian involvement), Jack is forced to launch into operator mode.

New to Clancy novels, I appreciated that I could jump in on this book without feeling I had missed a backstory. Also, this one was a bit of a departure for me but I do love the movies. Also helpful was the way in which things - military activities in particular - were written. They were informative but not condescending, nor were they over an average reader's head.

Thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Ptutman/G.P. Putnam's Sons and M.P. Woodward for the eARC.
Pub Date May 20 2025 #TomClancyLineofDemarcation #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.