Weapons Free

by David Bruns, J.R. Olson

The Chinese Navy has unleashed a game-changing weapon that will tip the balance of power in the Pacific.

Harrison Kohl, newly appointed Director of the CIA’s Special Activities Center, faces an impossible acquire the plans for China’s new long-range, superfast Torpedo.

As Commander Janet Everett, commanding officer of the USS Illinois, tracks the Chinese Navy from under the waves of the South China Sea, Kohl’s team makes a risky move to recruit an asset from the Chinese development team. They find only more bad the new weapon is far more advanced than they realized. The Chinese are preparing to test-fire the torpedo, proving its power to the world.

Amidst this devastating intelligence, Harrison sees an opportunity to execute one of the boldest covert actions in the history of the CIA. But an operation of this scale requires a massive diversion. The US Navy and Everett will have to challenge the powerful Chinese Navy in the contested waters of the South China Sea—without letting their power play spiral into World War Three.

David Bruns and J. R. Olson, authors of the acclaimed Command and Control series, unleash their trademark blend of action, intrigue, and military authenticity in Weapons Free, book one in The Third Option series. Perfect for fans of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor.

Genres: Thriller

314 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2026

About the author

David Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.

He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.

In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.

Reviews

[Colin Hoogeboom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words. Action Packed. Much better than I expected.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn River/Edelweiss" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Janet Everett, Capt. USS Illinois, on site where they had just observed Cina wargames which had ended a few days earlier. They were still in the area because all of the craft had left the area, but one submarine remained and she wanted to keep an eye on it. As it worked out, by doing this, she got a front row seat on the Chinese testing of a new high speed torpedo that the Chinese were developing. The submarine they were following was there to observe the test. Janet sent the information of what she observed and then all hell broke loose in Washington. It seemed that the powers that be were not aware of it and then they put plans into place to learn more. As a result, Janet and her crew were told to remain in the area instead of returning home.

Read along and follow the events that the CIA put into place in order to discover exactly what the Chinese were doing. Discover all the actions that Janet had to perform in her support of the CIA. Get a picture of what the purpose of the new torpedo was and what capabilities it was being tested for. The action is immense and the ending is well worth the read, Don't miss out!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My well-developed sense of irony found huge pleasure in the idea that a billion-dollar vessel can be brought to its knees (if it had any) by the failure of a tiny, almost insignificant component. And ditto for any advanced technology-based bit of kit.
I am more character-driven than my husband, and I really appreciated some of the characters drawn in these pages. The captain of the Chinese submarine was believable, and showed that not everything is black and white; there are many shades of grey. I also enjoyed the senior positions of some of the women in the story – no stereotyping from these able authors – thank you for that!
I also liked the inclusion of the Royal Navy – thank you guys – and some of the other types of surface craft were fascinating. All in all, an excellent book, for those who love military thrillers, and also for those who just love good reads.
And this is what my husband thought:
Another fantastic read in this submarine war genre. The pace is excellent, and it was very hard to put down. Technical accuracy is great, the new technologies are very plausible and the narrative is compelling. These two writers tell exactly the stories that I want to read, and, again, I recommend this one.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commander Janet Everett is the commanding officer of the USS Illinois. The submarine has been deployed to the South China Sea to monitor Chinese activity in the area. The sub has reached the end of its current assignment when national intelligence discovers that the Chinese are in the testing phase of a new weapon - a torpedo that can travel long distances before it attacks its target. Commander Everett is told to stay in place and then execute a daring military exercise (no spoiler here) to advance US intelligence objectives.

A can’t put it down military/naval thriller. The action is fast-paced, the main characters well-developed, and the suspense compelling. I thought that the contrast between the U.S. and Chinese commanders was most interesting. Great job by these two ex-Navy collaborative authors. My thanks to Severn River Publishing and Edelweiss for the ARC of this novel.

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weapons Free delivers a solid submarine warfare story with strong technical detail. The plot is clear and easy to follow. The threat of a supersonic torpedo adds tension and purpose to the mission. The underwater encounters are well described and realistic. However, the heavy focus on technical systems may slow the pace for some readers. Character development takes a back seat to operational detail. While the action is engaging, emotional depth is limited. This book would interest readers who enjoy military fiction. It balances action with knowledge. By the end, the story feels complete and satisfying. It is an excellent choice for anyone interested in naval strategy and modern warfare.
Thank you, Edelweiss, for sharing an advanced reader copy of the book for review.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weapons Free (The Third Option Book 1), my fourteenth read from author David Bruns with collaborative effort of J.R. Olson. A 316-page-turning thriller that could be torn from today’s current headlines. Well-written with well-developed, memorable characters. Strongly reminiscent of the writing of Tom Clancy & of the best work of George Wallace and Andrew Watts. An exciting, enjoyable read. I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I can’t wait to read Alpha Strike (The Third Option Book 2) due out in July. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Mike Beason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new weapon!

The Two Navy Guys have written another outstanding novel, this time set in the seas that China is trying to claim from other countries. China has a new weapon, one that is impossible in its concept but they found a way to make it possible. It's a new torpedo that flies through the ocean like a rocket at very high speed and for a long duration such that the torpedo can be launched a long distance from the original target. Despite all the challenges to finding the torpedo, the US Navy has stumbled upon it and realized the awful ramifications. It's up to the Navy to stop this weapon.

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is a continuation of a great series. This story involves the Navy and spies. The story weaves around but, comes together at the end. There is plenty of action for those that like action. The story and characters are well developed and believable. This series as most series should be read in order as some of the main characters continue throughout the series. I’m not sure if there will be another book in the series but, I hope so.

[Peter Dundee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW

Again when you think it can't get any better you pull the cork on another first class winner. It has it all well remembered old friends and new soon to be best friends in a high octane, military situation that again seems almost too real. I know some of the young people you mentioned in the section at the end when you spoke of your research and wholeheartedly agree with your comments of what we owe them
Keep writing them and I will keep reading them and getting lost vicariously in your oh! too possibly real pages.

[paul a swortz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, exciting and realistic military action novel.

I really got into this story that held my attention for an extended amount of time. The female captain of a submarine takes us through a great adventure in a situation that could easily be believed as real life in today’s world situation. Realistic situations that hold your attention throughout various adventures throughout. Lots of interesting situational drama that could really happen in today’s world situations in military events and politics. Hard to put down once you get into the real story.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, intense, and plenty of action. David Bruns and J.R. Olson are former Navy guys who turned to writing and do justice to their books. A new series, yet some characters from another series are the stars of this one. I will definitely follow this series and have already read the last 2 books of the Command and Control series.
Thanks to Severn River Publishing for the ARC and I highly recommend this book. Book is out on Jan. 20, 2026

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC with great anticipation. The authors had previously established themselves as the new Tom Clancy. With this novel, they have cemented themselves as an heir apparent. From the fast paced plot to the integral understanding of technology and tactics their robust characters both educate and entertain. Highly recommend

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

With pundits predicting an eventual ocean confrontation between China and US, Weapons Free is a most timely read! I loved the incredible descriptions of submarine action sequences and learned much about ocean warfare. This is an excellent military thriller. I received an ARC from Severn River Publishing and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

WEAPONS FREE - I've read books by Mr. Bruns before and I like this one, too. Along the lines of Clancy and Brown, this book has interesting story lines, intense action, and a variety of good characters ,along with a good pace. I like the writing style of the authors, which made for an immersing read. Source: Severn River Publishing. 4*

[William McLoughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5. Another excellent naval novel from this pair of authors. The Chinese are testing a new, revolutionary torpedo—bigger, much faster, and with more range. A spy, a U.S. Navy submarine, a surface LCS group, and a SEAL detachment try to make the test fail and the Chinese decide to to halt the torpedo’s development.

[Mike Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-Packed Adventure

Olsen and Bruns do it again! Amazing characters and a well thought out plot prevented me from putting this book down. Truly looking forward to the second installment in this series!

[Chris Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? The authors have done it again. This is a fun action packed military (Naval) adventure. The characters some across as realistic with flaws and self-doubts and there are no "superheros". Can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Jason Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!!

This book was phenomenal. The character development, storyline and plot all were amazing and kept you trapped in the novel. I don’t want to put it down. Highly recommend if you need a new thriller featuring naval warfare

[Dick Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book by these two authors. Once again it involves the Chinese one of our great submarines and the CIA.

[Timothy Kauphusman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Bruns and Olson fast-paced thriller! I'm eager for the next installment in this new series.

[Kevin P Greenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wall-to- Wall Action

Realistic geopolitics and naval tech, non-stop action. Great combination for an action packed thriller. Can't wait for the next one!

[Mark Nocera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent technical descriptions, good solid characters. Spy, subs, warfare all in one book. another good one by those "Navy Guys"

[Conrad Samayoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding

What a masterful ride. I felt as if I was part of the crew. Subs are such a marvel of engineering. The plot, the action and the end are super. Conrad Samayoa