Path of Terror

Ian Hale #2

by Logan Ryles

Outnumbered. Outgunned. Racing against war.

Ian Hale was once the deadliest operator of a top-tier private security firm. But after walking away from that world for good, he has no intention of going back. Or so he thinks.

When word reaches Hale of an orphanage caught in the crossfire of a brutal South Sudanese civil war—a war he feels partly responsible for starting—there’s no chance he won’t answer the call. But what starts as a rescue mission quickly turns into something far more dangerous.

The battlefield is crawling with killers—and not just local Sudanese militants. Hale has stumbled headlong into a complex game of geopolitical chess, where rival superpowers are manipulating the conflicts of an impoverished nation in hopes of pillaging its natural resources. When Hale discovers that one of those puppet masters may be his own country, he has one shot to stop a global catastrophe before it ignites.

With only his old partner, Laney Shaw, serving as a lifeline, Hale will fight through a war zone to expose the truth and take the fight to the enemy—because if he fails, thousands will die.

The war is coming. But Ian Hale stands in the gap.

Logan Ryles, bestselling author of the Prosecution Force series, returns with Path of Terror—the thrilling second installment in the Ian Hale series. Perfect for fans of Brad Thor, Jack Carr, and Vince Flynn.

___________________

What readers are

★★★★★ “...tons of suspense!”
★★★★★ “...well worth the read...”
★★★★★ “...international intrigue...”
★★★★★ “Cannot wait for the next Ian Hale book!”
★★★★★ “Fans of Brad Thor, Mark Greaney, Vince Flynn, Kyle Mills and similar authors should enjoy this book.”

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Thriller

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Logan Ryles is the author of more than two dozen thrillers, including the bestselling Mason Sharpe and Prosecution Force series. Known for stories that hit like a freight train, his novels deliver cinematic pacing, grit, and tightly woven plots that have earned him a global readership. With over 800,000 copies sold and translations reaching the German market, Ryles’s work resonates with fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and David Baldacci.

His path to writing full-time was anything but ordinary: from running a sawmill to driving for Uber to working in finance, he eventually returned to his lifelong passion for storytelling—a dream he began pursuing at just fourteen years old.

A native of the South, Ryles lives in coastal Alabama with his wife, Annie, and their two dogs, where he continues to write high-octane adventures rooted in faith, grit, and a love of the genre.

Learn more about Logan and his books at Logan’s website: www.loganryles.com

Reviews

[John]

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

Ian receives a call from Laney Shaw asking for help while he is on a trip in Montana for a hunt. After receiving the call he heads to N.H. first and then to Ga. to meet Shaw. He learns at this time that a very close friend of Shaw is in South Sudan and possibly in trouble. Shaw wants Ian to travel there and
try and get her to leave. Ian heads there and makes arrangements to get there and once there hires a guide to get him to the orphanage which MG is running. As he travels, he is attacked and winds up having to fight his way out. On arriving at the orphanage he meets MG and is told that she has no plans on leaving. Ian then examines the location for its ability to protect the group and finds it lacking. Besides the guide, Ian had picked a stranger who also went with him to the orphanage. Unknown to Ian, the stranger had other plans that he needed to accomplish. Ian soon learned that an attack was being planned and Ian along with Joshua, a leader at the orphanage, made plans to leave
and go to a garrison for protection.

Shaw meanwhile had learned of a group and she made the decision to go to South Sudan to help Ian. Read along and learn what actions Ian took during his time there in addition to what Shaw accomplished once she arrived in South Suda,.

The story is excellent and well worth the read, don't miss out!

[Tom]

I thoroughly enjoyed Path of Terror, the second adventure in the Ian Hale series. After his whole world nearly fell apart in Line of Fire, the first volume, it was unclear what was next for this operative whose whole family tree has served our country since its inception. Born and bred to be a warrior and a protector is in his nature, so when his previous handler Laney Shaw calls him for a rescue mission in South Sudan, he doesn't hesitate to jump in with both feet, despite the limited resources at hand.

With competing factions and interests that fully come to light as the plot develops, Hale is dropped into a war zone that's beyond the desperate first glance it appeared to be. Logan Ryles skillfully builds the plot while building the tension throughout, with heart-stopping, pounding action every step of the way. I found myself checking out the locales described in Google Maps and other sources to really get a sense of the real-life situation in South Sudan that serves as a backdrop for the desparate scenario laid out.

Suffice it to say, with Ian Hale in the mix, the people he's trying to save just might have a chance. A book you can't put down, I highly recommend it!

[Abibliofob]

Ian Hale returns and this time he has no employer anymore due to what happened in book one. Path of Terror by Logan Ryles is the second adventure in this series and he has two more planned. That is great news indeed since this newish series and the characters within it are great. Once again Hale is drawn to Africa to help with an orphanage. Sounds about right for this hardcore ex special forces soldier? Well before this book is ended he has used most of his knowledge in warfare and then some. I found the plot really twisted and the storyline turned a few times while I read. I just love it. It's a well imagined story although the theme is familiar, there are some things that is new. If you haven't read anything from this author before it's time to rectify that. I have so far only read two of his series but they are really good and comes highly recommended from this reader. I must thank Severn River Publishing and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy. The book is liven on March 3rd.

[Ganesh Subramanian]

Path of Terror by Logan Ryles is the second book in the Ian Hale series. Hale is sent to protect an orphanage in a remote part of South Sudan. The orphanage, run by Mary Grace, struggles to survive with very limited resources. Despite this, she works hard to care for the children and keep their spirits strong.
Hale faces danger from multiple sides. A loose rebel group, an ineffective national army, and a brutal mercenary network all threaten the region. The mercenaries perform horrific acts, targeting villages and exploiting children for forced labour.
The story centres on Hale’s mission to keep the children safe and rescue them from these threats. It is fast-paced and tense, with constant danger. The book also sheds light on the harsh realities faced by vulnerable communities in conflict zones. It is both gripping and disturbing, keeping readers engaged throughout.
Thank you, EdelWeiss, for sharing an advanced reader copy of the book for review.

[Jennifer]

This book was even better than Line of Fire! “The battle belongs to the Lord”
Once the action started, it never seemed to wane; it only grew more intense with every chapter. This was such an exciting read.
I listened to this audiobook at 2.25 speed, and for me, that was the perfect speed for both the narration and the nonstop action. I honestly think listening at that pace made the intensity feel even stronger.
This book may be fiction, but the kinds of things happening, especially in that part of the world, are very real. If you have ever wondered whether evil is real, let me assure you, it is, along with greed, corruption, and subterfuge. That added a deeper layer to the story and made it feel more grounded despite all the action.
Personally, I think this series is even better than the Mason Sharpe series, though I have enjoyed those books as well.
If Logan Ryles writes another, “Ian Hale” book, I definitely will read it.

[Jeff Benham]

If you are planning a vacation, best not make it to South Sudan. Ian Hale has been there, though and it looks like he is going again. Bill Carpenter's niece runs an orphanage there and it is smack dab in the middle of a civil war. Wani is the head of a liberation movement and they are doing it with American made weapons. No surprise that the South Sudanese are not too happy with Americans. Both America and the Chinese want to contract with them to provide protection and there is a small matter of a rare mineral that most of the citizens don't know they are standing on. Total villages are being destroyed and the children gone missing. It is only a matter of time before the orphanage gets targeted. Ian needs to get there and keep them alive until help arrives and they can be rescued. Help isn't coming. It won't take long for the reader to get hooked on reading this one!

[Texas]

PATH OF TERROR LOGAN RYLES

IAN HALE THRILLER Series:
Source: The author and Severn River Publishing.

PATH OF TERROR, #2 - Plenty of good and bad stuff happening along with the interesting story lines, good and bad characters, and the Calvary just when .... 5*

LINE OF FIRE, #1 - They shouldn't have done that, and that, and that. Then, they do stupid again. It's no wonder Ian reacted as he did. Plenty of action, plenty of 'why did they open another can', and plenty of family history. This is a great start to a new series by one of my favorite writers, complete with interesting story lines, good characters, international locations, and family. I am interested in what happens in the next book. 5*
IAN HALE THRILLER Series.

[Jim Flagg]

I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This story takes place in Africa and involves terrorists and orphans. One man is asked to help the orphanage and its founder. The action continues throughout the book and keeps the reader interested and wanting more. This is the second book in this series with the main character. The story and characters are all well developed and believable. I highly recommend this book and others from this author. I’m ready for the next book in this series.

[Maureen Harris]

Just released and just read. Logan Ryles writes excellent action adventure with the best characters. Ian Hale is one of those highly skilled former soldiers who want to make the world a better place. Of course, there is a little romance thrown in too. On to the next in series.

[Dick Montgomery]

If you want to be on the edge of your seat for the whole read, this is your book. Being out numbered is one thing, having your own country being one of the crooks is another. You won't regret reading this book.

[Jim Cerone The Perfect Host DJ MC]

Developing A Hero

Having read most of author Ryles’ books, it’s interesting to see him develop his Ian Hale character in real time. As usual, this is a carefully plotted adventure, with authentic sounding dialogue.

[Sabastian Burlison]

Action packed

Mr. Logan Ryles did it again. The second Ian Hale book was action packed and filled with twists and turns that I did not expect. Can't wait for the other books in the series. 10/10

[Scott Pettit]

Lucky find!

The writing is excellent. The story is really, really good. The characters are well developed without overtaking the storyline. One of the best authors I have read in a very long time. Mr. Ryles is a great story teller!

[Patrick]

path of Terror

This is an absolutely fascinating read. Of course it has a lot of fast paced action and a thrilling story, but more than that it tells a story of what is going on in the third world today.

[Kim]

Excellent story! I couldn't put it down! I hope there is a sequel to this story.

[Tamara McKinney]

Really enjoyed. The good fight!

[ronald g leavell]

path of Terror. book 2

Definitely above average, page burner especially in multiple fast moving, crisis solving action. Moving on to next book #3 based on how well enjoyed the book 2.

[Texas]

IAN HALE THRILLER Series:
Source: The author and Severn River Publishing.
THE WRATH OF WOLVES, Novella - Interesting, quick read. Action packed. Good characters. 4*

LINE OF FIRE, #1 - They shouldn't have done that, and that, and that. Then, they do stupid again. It's no wonder Ian reacted as he did. Plenty of action, plenty of 'why did they open another can', and plenty of family history. This is a great start to a new series by one of my favorite writers, complete with interesting story lines, good characters, international locations, and family. I am interested in what happens in the next book. 5*

PATH OF TERROR, #2 - Plenty of good and bad stuff happening along with the interesting story lines, good and bad characters, and the Calvary just when .... 5*
IAN HALE THRILLER Series.