Cold Zero: A Thriller

by Brad Thor

An Atria Book. Atria Books has a great book for every reader.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Action, Spy Thriller

Audio CD

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

BRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five thrillers, including EDGE OF HONOR, SHADOW OF DOUBT, BLACK ICE (ThrillerFix Best Thriller of the Year), NEAR DARK (one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year), BACKLASH (nominated for the Barry Award for Best Thriller of the Year), SPYMASTER (“One of the all-time best thriller novels” —The Washington Times), THE LAST PATRIOT (nominated Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association), and BLOWBACK (one of the “Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time” —NPR).

EDGE OF HONOR is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Brad Thor, Ward Larsen, Atria Books, and Emily Bestler Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to read the work of Brad Thor, I was pleased to see this collaborative effort with Ward Larsen. These two well-established authors recount a gripping story that has a little of everything for the reader.  When Hemisphere Airlines Flight 777 takes off from Hong Kong, everything seems in order. A long journey to New York ahead, passengers and crew alike are ready to enjoy the most advanced piece of airline equipment ever built. However, an emergency over the North Pole causes the flight to disappear from radars and plunges those on board into chaos. Sabotage brought the plane down and a crash landing onto the ice leaves only a handful alive with no means by which to communicate to the outside world. On the flight is a prototype that could change the world of warfare forever and it is sought after by many. The Chinese were sure they were getting it, the Americans had planned to take possession of it when a certain passenger on the flight hands it over, and the Russians come to learn of it after the crash. All three are vying to reach the wreckage first and take the technology for themselves. CIA operative Kasey Sheridan was tasked with bringing the tech and its inventor to the US, but things are spiraling out of control. She must work with Brett Sharpe, the flight’s first officer, to get out of harm's way and into American custody before anyone can get their hands on the prototype or the weather kills them all. It's a race like no other and there is no room for error. Brad Thor and Ward Larsen spin a captivating story that I could not stop reading!

I am quite intrigued about the collaborative work of Brad Thor and Ward Larsen. Having read all of Thor's novels and a few of Larsen's, I knew what awaited me. The storytelling was superb and kept me hooked from start to finish. The narrative developed well and kept me wondering what awaited me as things progressed. As the momentum built, I could see the authors depicting things in such a way that there was no getting out of the tension and trouble brewing. Short chapters kept the story clipping along and provided the reader no reprieve as things inched closer to disaster. The entire premise of the piece was so well presented that I was literally reading well into the night and wondering what could possibly go wrong next.

Characters are perfectly developed for this type of thriller, as their backstories connect with ongoing events. The thorough exploration of Kasey Sheridan's role was key to understanding everything that was taking place, as well as how things would soon take a turn. Use of characters from all three camps—Americans, Russians, and Chinese—helped add depth and tension to the story in ways that made it even better. While I expect this is a one-off, the connection I had to many on the pages of the book proved to make it something in which I was invested, which added to my enjoyment. Thor and Larsen have done well with characters in the past and this collaboration was no exception.

Surprises work well in thrillers and the authors made sure to pepper them throughout. There were so many moments that I was not expecting something, only to have it occur and develop before my eyes. The political and social twists made this story all the more enjoyable for me, keeping me guessing and hoping that things would not get too off the rails. I found myself gripped and unable to put the book down, which is a sign that this was just what I needed as I push through many books of late. I would strongly encourage more collaborations between Brad Thor and Ward Larsen, as this one worked so well!

Kudos, Messrs. Thor and Larsen, for one of the best thrillers I have read in a long while!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars ⭐️

I am a HUGE fan of Ward Larsen and an even bigger fan of Brad Thor. I was thrilled to be given this ARC, especially when I realized that this was their first collaboration together. Mr. Larsen has successfully used his real-life aviation experience to bring his David Slanton series to life and of course, Mr. Thor has created a favorite character of mine in Scot Harvath.

This new storyline centers on the attempted defection of the Chinese developer of the newest, greatest technological advancement in the Artificial Intelligence war. This Chinese scientist was in the middle of escaping with this new device to the United States, with the help of his CIA handlers, when the powers that be in Beijing realized what was happening. They just so happened to be on a commercial flight from Macau to New York when the defection was discovered and the decision was made to do "whatever it took" to stop them and to recover the device. Even if it meant bringing down the plane.....

And so begins an intense race by the worlds superpowers to find and recover what just may be the key to winning the next war. Nothing is off limits - sabotage, false trails, nuclear class submarines, tip of the spear operators - as major countries go to great lengths to try to hide the limits to which they are willing to go.

All of this time, the people stranded in the Arctic with the device are facing truly life-threatening circumstances, just trying to survive.

This is definitely a pulse pounding thriller with nonstop action. What I enjoyed the most though was the female main character - CIA Officer Kasey Sheridan. She emerged as a strong, intelligent character who continually has to think on her feet in what felt like never ending dangerous circumstances. I also enjoyed the 1st Officer Brett Sharpe who stepped up unexpectedly and ended up becoming immensely important to their survival. To me, the development of these two characters added to the strength of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on February 10, 2026.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plane carrying a defecting Chinese scientist and his CIA handlers disappear over the North Pole. Soon after, a Chinese ice-breaker and a Russian sub head for the wreckage site, not for survivors, but for the precious cargo that was also onboard. Cold Zero is a new series from these established authors, featuring CIA operative Kasey Sheridan and fighter pilot Brett Sharpe, and if this book is any indication how the rest of this series is planned, it will be a sure-fire hit. Non-stop suspense and movement keep the reader fully engaged as Kasey and Sharpe fight not just two world superpowers, but the harsh Arctic weather as they protect the defector and the secret weapon that came with him. There is absolutely no downtime in this thriller, just wall to wall action and some intense battle scenes. You couldn’t do any better for a first book in a series, and I can’t wait to read more. No-doubt-about-it five stars!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good debut book for the duo of Ward Larsen and Brad Thor. It is an intense espionage thriller, with suspense and action. Great cast of characters and I liked how the authors told the story through the Chinese, American, and the Russian point of view. Crazy battle towards the end and then the cliffhanger ending?? It was a really good story and I hope to see a series out of it.
Thank you NetGalley and Altria Books for the ARC and the book will be out Feb. 10, 2026.

[Steven Netter · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books

Take your anxiety medication before cracking open Cold Zero because Brad Thor and Ward Larsen have teamed up to create an icy and intense espionage and military thriller that will chill you to the bone.

If you’ve ever wondered how World War III could start, look no further than Cold Zero. A thriller that highlights how far world superpowers will go to gain a technological and military edge. Set in one of the most inhospitable locations on Earth, Thor and Larsen take readers on a frigid and desperate journey to survive the elements and enemy factions to deliver game changing tech to the US and simultaneously deliver a decisive blow to their foes

It’s exciting, entertaining, heart-pounding, cold-blooded stuff from two of the best thriller writers in the business.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Thor grabs the gold ring once again.
Absolutely riveting story of CIA operative Kasey Sheridan and her fight to bring back to the US
the brilliant Chinese physicist, Chen Li, who is defecting with his AI invention that could change the entire landscape of international espionage and warfare. When the plane they are on crashes in the Arctic wilderness, far from any signs of civilization, she knows that rescue is coming, but is it coming from friend or foe?
Working with the lone surviving crew member and former combat pilot, Sharpe, she must come up with a rescue option that will make sure Chen and his invention do not fall into the wrong hands, while battling the frigid temperatures and ferocious Arctic wild life.
Fabulous read with everything: terror, espionage, mystery, mayhem and absolutely intriguing characters.
Thor is a mastermind at writing the quintessential thriller.
Another story I hated to see end.
Bravo.

[Lindsey Barger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Kasey’s mission was to exfiltrate a Chinese tech star who was under surveillance. Beijing knew he had connected with the CIA and didn’t want to lose the tool he created, but, when they moved in, he used that tool to confuse them and give Kasey’s team time to get them out of the country. What he didn’t plan for was his protégé using a tool of her own to bring down their plan in the middle of the Arctic Circle and put dozens of lives at risk. Will Kasey be able to keep her mission on track or will the combined threats of the incoming Chinese forces and those from the environment of their new battleground be too much to overcome?

Best-selling novelists Brad Thor and Ward Larsen partner up to bring readers a fantastic spy craft thriller in Cold Zero. Readers familiar with Thor’s Scott Harvath series or Larsen’s Assassin’s series will not be disappointed with this foray into new characters. Pulling on Larsen’s Air Force experience and Thor’s Homeland Security background, the pair write a novel that, while not quite pulled from today’s headlines, could be from the headlines of the not-so-distant future. This is a novel about worst case scenarios and the will to overcome them, even in the face of what appears to be a no-win setting.

I give Cold Zero 4 out of 5 stars. This was a solid 4 – it felt like there was something missing in several scenes. It was almost as if the duo hadn’t quite polished their partnership and weren’t playing off each other’s writing as well as they could. I have enjoyed both author’s independent writings so this was surprising. The best scenes were those around aviation and military tactics. Others, like standing outside in whatever clothing they found in the downed airliner for hours without experiencing frostbite or other health issues seemed like misses that should have been caught. Also – explosions on ice would likely cause ice melt that would, temporarily be liquid and refreeze quickly at these temperatures causing additional challenges with mobility and wet clothing. For two veteran writers with military experience, these were disappointing misses, but the overall plot and character development kept me hooked and wanting more. So much so that I looked quickly after finishing the book to see if there were promises of a series.

If you have enjoyed either writer’s other works, or if you’re a fan of novels like the Jack Ryan series, you will like this book. I picked up this book on NetGalley because I recognized the writers’ other thriller works. I’d also suggest this to readers interested in technology or the future of technology. With a central theme of an airline crash, gun violence, and war, this may not be the best book for all readers and I would direct it to more mature readers over 16.

[William Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Cold Zero" is a new novel by Brad Thor with Ward Larson. It will be published by Atria Books (who graciously provided me with an ARC of the upcoming novel). Many of you will be familiar with Brad Thor's Scott Harvath series of action/espionage novels, and in the interests of full disclosure, I have read most of Brad Thor's canon (in other words I am a fan). While this book is not in that series, it does not disappoint anyone looking for a very fast paced and action packed read. Some of you will be familiar with the recent television series entitled "The Last Frontier," and frankly this book brought that to mind. The action is largely set in the North Pole and revolves around a fleeing Chinese scientist who has created a game-changing new technology that he has decided is too dangerous to be left in the hands of the Chinese Communist party. He is in the process of flying to the US on an airliner when the Chinese Security Service decides to bring the aircraft down to prevent the new weapon from falling into American hands. At this point things really get rolling with everything from US and Chinese Special Forces to American and Russian submarines. It was difficult to put it down to say the least. The Chinese citizen who is defecting from China, a prominent government sponsored scientist, is being shepherded by two CIA agents (only one survives the plane crash) and the whole plot rests on this fairly convoluted situation. There are many shifts in the great game being played here with at least one of the parties, the Russians, only remotely aware of what is really at stake. If you have ever read any of the Scott Harvath series, the action sequences will be a pleasant demonstration that Brad Thor has not lost his touch.

[Dirk Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like everyone else, I was excited when I heard about this collaboration between Brad Thor and Ward Larsen. And even better, I was given an early copy by NetGalley to review.
The novel opens with a great cat-and-mouse chase through Hong Kong. Action right off the bat. And it does not let up throughout the entire book. Constant scenes of action, suspense and surprise.
You can tell both authors brought all of their expertise to this book. Amazing descriptions of aircraft and all the intricacies, giving us a better and deeper knowledge to highlight the travails of those in the novel as well as heart-stopping action and great characters.
This is one of those novels that you wait and hope is coming and when you are reading, you don't want to end. As I flew through the pages, nearing the end, I kinda wanted the page count to be wrong and one more thing to happen to prolong my reading experience. Can not say enough good things about this novel.
The fact that I was sitting warm in my house while a winter cold front moved in and temperatures dropped down near -40, but I appreciated the description of the cold storm and the aches the characters felt while dealing with their own cold winter storm. I'm sure I was just shivering in support.
If there are to be any more novels written by Thor and Larsen, Sign me up. I'll be first in line.

[Dr. Alan Albarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Thor is perhaps best known for his long-running Scott Harvath series. Cold Zero introduces new characters in an action-packed adventure that takes place on top of the world--literally.

Cold Zero, if you are old enough, may remind you of the 1960s movie Ice Station Zebra, which involved American and Russian soldiers engaged in a conflict that could lead to WWIII. In this novel, we have the Americans, Russians, and Chinese all trying to capture an AI-based technology developed by a Chinese defector who is trying to get to the United States when the planed they are traveling on faces a critical failure of its mechanical systems and crashes into the cold artic zone. The title of the book describes the frigid temperatures of the aftermath of the plane crash.

There are survivors, including the CIA asset (Kasey Sheridan charged with protecting the Chinese scientist, aided by the only survivor of the cockpit and former fighter pilot turned first officer, Brett Sharpe. Who will get there first, and will there be conflict?

This is a "chilling" thriller (pun intended) that will keep you turning the pages as the survivors face one challenge after another. I enjoyed the book, and give it a five star rating.

I want to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Zero by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen is a book you won't put down once you begin the story. Kasey Sheridan is a CIA officer, charged with collecting a Chinese defector who has created a new master weapon. While she successfully spirits him out of the country and onto a luxury airliner, his collaborators in the country learn about it and they are determined to retrieve both the inventor and his creation. But the craft is sabotaged, and the plane goes down in the frozen and unforgiving Arctic.

Not everyone survives the crash but Kacey, the defector, and one of the pilots are among the lucky ones. Brett Sharpe, the first officer and a former military pilot works with Kasey to try to save those who lived. Already aware of the race against the deadly and dangerous climate, the situation is immensely complicated not only by polar bears, but by American, Chinese, and Russian military forces already in the area or sent there with the intent to recover the device.

This suspenseful work will be a popular entry into the field of espionage thrillers. Fans of Tom Clancy, Frederick Forsyth, and Robert Ludlum won't want to miss this one.

Note: I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the Publisher.

[Autumn Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a story roller coaster? This book does not even pretend to start out slow and ease you into a race. This story is a sprint that increases speed with every few chapters. The danger comes at Kasey, Chen and Sharpe continually from the moment the plane takes off! The authors combine the dangers of air travel, AI and programming backdoors, the Arctic environment, the international fight to be a superpower between the US, China and Russia, and the basic bad attitude of people who want power, all in a race for survival Each time our trio manages to find a solution to their immediate problem, the next crisis occurs. This book is non-stop action, non-stop excitement, and nothing occurs that is out of the range of possible. Our main trio are likable characters, and the unlikable characters are appropriately unpleasant. This is a stand-alone story, but I can see a future for Sharpe and Kasey. Thank you to SS Atria Marketing for the ARC of this book - this was a book I could not put down!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cold Zero” by Brad Thor and Ward Larson is the first book in a truly thrilling new series.
A female CIA operative is escorting a defecting Chinese scientist to the US on the most advanced jetliner ever built. He is carrying the prototype of a revolutionary AI technology that has the capacity to change the balance of world power. The plane disappears suddenly without a trace over the North Pole. The operative and the scientist are trapped in the frigid Arctic and all three world superpowers are racing to find them.
Thor and Larson have written a pulse pounding thriller that is impossible to put down. The race for survival in the most inhospitable location on earth along with the nonstop action, and engaging main characters has me eagerly waiting for the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Altria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don your jacket and scarf because Brad Thor stuns us cold with his latest espionage/ looming world war novel Cold Zero. Crossing the world from Beijing to the Arctic Circle, being chased by multiple governments for a techie prototype are include the super-savvy CIA Kacey and her pilot sidekick Brett. I literally had chills while reading this novel- Thor does an incredible job of capturing the most intricate details of being chased quite literally in a frozen wasteland. Grab a blanket, some hot cider and simmer down for a rocket of a novel.

Thank you Atria Publishing, Inc for allowing me to read this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#ColdZero #NetGalley #AtriaBooks #libraryninja📚

[Daryl J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of both Brad Thor and Ward Larsen for a while, so seeing that they were teaming up to write a thriller was exciting! When I was fortunate to receive an ARC of COLD ZERO I was more excited. Then I read the book … and it lived up to my expectations. A new heroin and hero join forces to safely transport a valuable commodity and its inventor to the U.S. There are plenty of plots and subplots. Add to that freezing weather at the top of the earth, and you’ve got a fast-paced thriller. Even more exciting … there may be more in the works for these two fantastic authors. Great read, great narrative, and great characters. I highly recommend reading COLD ZERO!

[Ethan Rougeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Thor has yet again written another masterpiece. I really enjoyed all the new characters, especially Kasey. She is an excellent strong female lead and I hope that Thor writes some more stories around her, and I feel like the way this one ended that is a strong possibility. This story definitely brings up some very serious current affairs issues going on throughout the world as we speak. The innovation and rapid growth of AI and of course the political wars raging throughout the world, with the main 3 being the U.S., China, and Russia. I loved everything about this book, it was an excellent “on the edge of your seat” thriller and I couldn’t get enough.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice collaborative effort by two great writers. A super tech tool and its inventor are smuggled on to a plane bound for the U.S. when th plane is brought down by another tech weapon. Crashing on the ice of the Arctic Ocean, they become the target of three nations. A battle of weapons and wits begins and an exciting story is the result. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntary provided an honest review.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! The thrilling pace of Brad Thor and technical aviation thriller expertise of Ward Larsen are certainly a force to be reckoned with. Never quite knew where this one was going to end up and I couldn't stop reading to find out what twist or turn was going to happen next. Seeing things along the way from the perspectives of the Russians, Chinese, and our good guys provided a good 360 view of what was going on. I can certainly see this being made into a movie in the future and hope that it's the start to another great series. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 here.

Thanks to Net Galley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC. #ColdZero #netgalley

[David Jonescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Brad Thor’s Harvath series, I knew i would love this book. I was excited to read a book also by Ward Larsen whom i have never read before. This books seems to be well researched and begins to push our thinking to our “last places” of opportunity for world powers. At times i felt myself guessing it these things could happen, but regardless, the narrative and writing is fantastic!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brian Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Zero offers a strategic and realistic examination of how AI is transforming modern warfare. My guess is that Ward Larsen focuses on the avionics aspect of the story, while Brad Thor tackles the technological side. The story is masterfully crafted, highlighting the strengths of both authors. With AI emerging as a new technology and most people having only a rudimentary understanding of the concept, the storyline is absolutely terrifying about what could easily happen. I 100% recommend this read.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

I’ve never read a Brad Thor book and it wasn’t bad… but wasn’t my thing. A lot of tactical information and back and forth between country perspectives. I was into the first half more than the second half. Again, not poor writing but didn’t draw me in much and I was pushing myself to read it.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top five books of the year!!! My heart was in my mouth from the time of the crash until the ending. Looking forward to another Kasey and Sharpe assignment. I received an ARC from Net Galley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Terrance Layhew · Rating 5 out of 5]

With arctic vibes of Alistair MacLean, Brad Thor and Ward Larsen have written a terrific thriller! Alternating between tasting the cold in the fallen plane to tasting the desperation of the enemies who sent it crashing to the earth, the mystery and tension are held perfecting in each page.

[Bruce Raterink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Ward Larsen so I was intrigued to read this book coauthored with Brad Thor. This is my first Brad Thor book but it won't be my last. This high octane, spy thriller sets the pace from the first page and had me turning the pages until I had read it straight through. For fans of either author, or just fans of fast paced, adventure thrillers will love this book. I can't wait to delve into Brad Thor's Scott Harvath series. With 25 books in the series it will keep me busy. If you are here because you are a Brad Thor fan you won't want to miss Ward Larsen's Assassin series either. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an advanced reader copy

[Mark Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Zero by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen is an explosive, high-stakes thriller that blends intense survival elements with geopolitical espionage in the unforgiving Arctic. When a cutting-edge airliner crashes over the North Pole carrying a game-changing secret, it sparks a tense race between superpowers amid brutal cold, sabotage, and impending global conflict.

Brad Thor and Ward Larsen combine to create one of the most unputdownable books that I have read in a long time. I very highly recommend this book to everyone that loves a fast paced, intriguing, all out action adventure thriller!!!

(Note: Releases February 2026.)