Cold Zero

by Brad Thor, Ward Larsen

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor and USA TODAY bestselling author Ward Larsen, comes a heart-pounding thriller of survival, espionage, and global brinkmanship, where the frozen Arctic becomes the deadliest battlefield on Earth.

A vanished plane. An earth-shattering secret. A countdown to World War III.

Hemisphere Airlines Flight 777—the most advanced jetliner ever built—disappears without a trace over the North Pole. Crippled by sabotage, it crash-lands on the ice, stranding the surviving passengers in a wasteland of frigid cold and chaos.

The real storm, however, is still coming.

Hidden inside the wreckage is the prototype for a revolutionary piece of technology that could upend the balance of world power. Now Washington, Moscow, and Beijing are racing to be the first on scene to retrieve it—at any cost.

Trapped in the middle of the world’s most dangerous flashpoint are CIA operative Kasey Sheridan and former fighter pilot turned first officer, Brett Sharpe. Hunted by enemy forces, they must spirit both the device and its creator across the ice to safety—before rival superpowers turn the Arctic into a war zone.

With the clock ticking and the temperature dropping, the fate of the free world is about to be decided at the top of the globe.

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

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2026

About the author

BRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six thrillers, including COLD ZERO, 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).

COLD ZERO 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.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, fast paced and enthralling. If I had to choose one word to describe this book it would be…solid.

[Michael Schex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Gripping and fast-paced with short chapters. Hard to put down. Thanks to the Savannah Book Festival, I was able to obtain an advanced copy. Highly recommend.

[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.

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long before Riggs & Murtaugh redefined the buddy movie in the late 80s, Paul Newman and Robert Redford worked through mismatched character traits and attitudes to dazzle audiences with everything from bank robberies, fighting the Bolivian army, Great Depression era grifters and 'the big Con'. Despite critical and huge commercial success of their two silver screen outings with the same director, the duo looked far and wide though never managed a third collaboration. The BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID of the Action Spy Thriller Universe, Brad Thor and Ward Larsen, are rolling heavy into 2026 with COLD ZERO, classic techno-espionage fiction that puts cutting edge global threats and advanced military applications into the hot seat before they're on the public's radar. Blending action, political intrigue, clandestine operations, and espionage, COLD ZERO is vintage plot-driven adventure that's all verve, adrenaline and elbows. It's sang froid, it's Clancy-esque. It's COLD ZERO.

Starting out like a Bruckheimer/Simpson movie, COLD ZERO is a slam-cut manifesto, zooming along from an intelligence coup of a lifetime that could cripple China's military for many years to come to plane crash in a place where the wind blows cold and the ice burns colder. Almost homage to bad jokes of yore, a CIA officer, a Chinese scientist defector and a secret tech marvel leveraging transformative AI for military use make a run for it from Macau, only to converge in the icy wilderness near the North Pole. The Cold War is on again, burning bright and COLD ZERO means that this time, it's really cold. The ChiComs and the Russians have their eye on the Arctic; a geopolitical battleground where war is fought with bully diplomacy, territorial overreach, and military intimidation. A place where the guardrails of politics, dialogue and statesmanship are nonexistent. Arctic trade routes are up for grabs and seemingly, the USA is at the back of the bread line. A gallery of destruction, COLD ZERO showcases the US military machine moving mountains for a rescue mission in the most inhospitable place on earth, feasible and operationally sound on paper. Though when the skids hit the ice and the extreme cold, it's a totally different ballgame.

Truly ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD, COLD ZERO lets the 'Doomed Penguin' march, elements of LOST, SNEAKERS, WHITEOUT and GOLDENEYE in it's snowy footprints. As that, COLD ZERO is a novel as rejuvenating as glacial wind. There are no overbearing modern military Ubermensch RangerDeltaSEAL superhero types, a thriller exquisitely grounded in reality with deftly crafted everyday American service and intel members doing their damn best to counter the Commie horde. It reads like 1980s Clancy gold but it's more Thor than ever before and classic Larsen--a real treat for fans and lovers of good techno thrillers. It goes from COLD ZERO to hero in no time. It's a novel so good, it'll make ordering room temperature water at restaurants a cinch forever. Combining the talents of two bestselling authors with deep storytelling chops, COLD ZERO might become the de-facto way to wow adrenaline junkie readers. Keeping reader on the edge of arctic frozen wrath, COLD ZERO is a novel that hits with cataclysmic force. Come in out of the cold and try for COLD ZERO. It'll keep you frosty.







































Many thanks to Ward Larsen, Brad Thor, Atria/Emily Bestler for the contest and ARC copy. <3

[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.

[Carole Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their plane crashing in the Arctic Circle is just the beginning

Among the passengers on high-end Hemisphere Airline's flight 777 are two CIA agents and Chinese scientist Dr. Chen Li whom they are helping to defect to the US. Dr. Chen carries with him the prototype of Sky Fire, an AI powered device that could completely shift the balance on any battlefield. China's Ministry of State Security had been watching Chen carefully but agents Kasey Sheridan and Walter Ho managed to get him onto the plane in Macau and they headed to safety in New York. The MSS is not about to let Chen and Sky Fire make it to the US however, and engineer a catastrophic "accident" to occur that causes the plane to crash in the middle of the Arctic, even blocking its mayday calls so that no one but the Chinese will know where to begin looking for the wreckage. They didn't expect there to be any survivors of the crash, but there are a handful....Kasey and Chen amongst them, as well as one surviving crew member, first officer and former military jet pilot Brett Sharpe. Sharpe and Kasey combine their skills to keep the survivors alive in the frigid environment, not knowing that the MSS already has teams en route to retrieve Sky Fire and, once they realize he survived, Chen as well. The Americans have also activated military rescue, and the Russians (who aren't sure exactly what is going on, but soon realize that whatever it is interests them as well) have an experimental sub in the area as well. Who will reach the survivors first? And with three global powers about to clash over a weapon that has the capability of shifting the power of balance for years in the future can they avoid a global war?
Cold Zero is a fast paced thriller whose premise and setting are timely, with the strategic importance of the Arctic abundantly clear. Co-authored by Brad Thor, author of the Scot Harvath series, and Ward Larsen, known for the David Slaton books, it combines global intrigue with technical elements and features two smart, tough protagonists in Kasey and Sharpe. Up against seemingly impossible odds in one of the most barren and inhospitable areas of the world, they pull together first to fashion shelter from the elements as well as heat, food and clothing for the surviving passengers to combat the cold and later to navigate the layers of "help" coming for them. From a wild car chase in Hong Kong onward the story zooms along, and I found it hard to put down once I started. Fans of either author, as well as readers of Nelson DeMille, Marc Cameron and Barry Eisler should add this to their TBR pile. My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy action-packed political and espionage thrillers, then look no further than Cold Zero by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen. Hemisphere Airlines Flight 777 disappears over the North Pole. It crash-lands on the ice stranding the surviving passengers in the frigid cold and chaos. But that isn’t even the real danger. Hidden inside the plane is the prototype of a new piece of technology that could change the world order.

Central Intelligence operations officer Kasey Sheridan and former fighter pilot turned first officer, Brett Sharpe, must get the device and its creator to safety as they’re hunted by enemy forces. As Washington, Moscow, and Beijing race to the crash site, who will get there first and what will it mean for the survivors?

Kasey is a forward-thinker and prefers to have a plan. She’s also able to improvise when the situation requires it. Brett is a natural leader and has a mission-oriented mindset. He also gauges everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.

The authors waste no time in diving into a plot that comes alive with conflict and action. The atmosphere and awe-inspiring world-building were fantastic. This thriller is full of action, drama, and suspense that has readers pulses pounding as they rapidly turn the pages. The suspense intensifies as one danger after another becomes imminent. The story has plenty of layers, many of them quite dark. Themes include espionage, survival, adaptation, politics, artificial intelligence, and much more.

Overall, this gritty and intense novel was a tale of political intrigue and action that kept me fully engaged throughout the compelling story with a strong sense of place and a strong female protagonist. While this is a standalone novel, I would love to see it turned into a series. I can’t wait to read what the authors write next.

Atria Books – Atria / Emily Bestler Books, Brad Thor, and Ward Larsen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 10, 2026.
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My 4.62 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Brad Thor and Ward Larsen, two great thriller writers, team up you can expect a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Cold Zero does just that. A Chinese scientist has developed a prototype that could not only disrupt communication but corrupt essential chips. When CIA agent Kasey Sheridan helps him escape China, one of the scientist’s associates uses the technology to take down their plane over the North Pole. It is a race between the Chinese and the Americans to reach the survivors. A Chinese ice breaker is steaming to the site along with a U.S. submarine. The latest prototype submarine from Russia is also in the area, although they are unaware of the prize that awaits. When the Russians arrive they offer assistance to the survivors while Kasey makes plans to escape with the scientist and the prototype before the Chinese can arrive. Brett Sharpe, the plane’s first officer, offers a distraction so that they can get away, but there is nothing but miles of frozen landscape. Realizing that they will need assistance, he tracks them. In China, Intelligence is doing everything they can to retrieve their scientist and his prototype. Failure is not an option and elite teams are called out to find them. Kasey has been using the prototype to contact her superiors to arrange a rescue, but each time she uses it their location is pinpointed for the Chinese. CIA plans change constantly as the situation changes and a confrontation is inevitable.

Kasey is a seasoned agent. When their plane crashes she steps up to offer assistance and suggestions to Brett, while hiding the prototype and her role in the scientist’s escape. Her biggest mistake is giving her real name to Brett rather than her cover, leading him to question her after checking the passenger manifest. As a former fighter pilot, he was already questioning the cause of the crash so Kasey’s revelations are not a total surprise. They make an incredible team as they battle the elements, polar bears and the Chinese. If you are looking for suspense and constant action, grab a copy of Cold Zero and settle in for a wild ride. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Publishing for providing this book.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to meet Brad Thor and Ward Larsen at Bouchercon in New Orleans in 2025 and walk away with an early copy of Cold Zero, and as if that was not enough, Simon Audio granted me access to the audiobook narrated by one of my all time favorites. From the opening moments, this story wastes no time. A commercial flight carrying a revolutionary and dangerously powerful piece of technology disappears over the Arctic, triggering a collision course between China, Russia, and the United States. What follows is a brutal standoff at the top of the world, where CIA operative Kasey Sheridan and former fighter pilot Brett Sharpe find themselves stranded in unforgiving conditions, tasked with staying alive, helping other survivors, and protecting both the scientist and the invention that could reshape global power.

Yes, Cold Zero delivers everything thriller readers want. Espionage, cutting edge technology, and geopolitical power struggles are all here. But the heart of the book is the Arctic itself and the escalating tension of three superpowers converging in a place where one wrong move could turn frozen terrain into an active war zone. Thor and Larsen make the environment feel relentless. You feel the wind, the ice, the exhaustion, and the constant calculations behind every decision to move or stay put. The survival elements are as gripping as the political maneuvering, and watching Sheridan and Sharpe navigate impossible choices under mounting pressure is what makes this story sing.

The audiobook elevates an already electric novel, adding urgency and weight to every moment, and the ending lands with confidence, leaving me more than ready for what comes next. Cold Zero is cinematic, tense, and razor sharp, and it is no surprise that it has already been optioned for a major Netflix film adaptation before publication. This is a thriller that understands its scope and delivers on every level, icy, intelligent, and impossible to put down.

[Nancy Goldberg Wilks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Zero is a new thriller by Brad Thor, renowned and award-winning author of the popular Scot Harvath series, with Ward Larsen, an Air Force veteran, fighter pilot, federal agent, airline captain, aircraft crash investigator, and bestselling author. Its expected publication date is February 10, 2026.

In Cold Zero, Dr. Chen Li, a brilliant Chinese scientist, is defecting to the United States. He is bringing with him his creation, Sky Fire, a new technology that has the potential to change modern warfare and the balance of power. Kasey Sheridan, the CIA operative responsible for getting Dr. Li and Sky Fire on the airplane and out of China, relaxes a notch once the airplane leaves Chinese airspace and heads toward New York. But, unbeknownst to Sheridan, the difficult part of the extraction is yet to come. For before reaching New York, the airplane crashes north of the Arctic Circle.

Surviving First Officer Brett Sharpe, with the assistance of Kasey Sheridan, works to assist those who survived the plane's crash landing on an ice floe somewhere near the North Pole. Communications are down, but it is not long before the Russians and the Chinese join the Americans at the site.

I am a long time Brad Thor fan, so I thought I would give this Thor/Larsen collaboration a try. I had my doubts at first - after all, neither Kasey Sheridan nor Brett Sharpe are Scot Harvath - but those reservations were soon forgotten and I was engrossed in this engaging thriller.

But, Cold Zero is a cold experience. I attribute it to the quality of the writing and the overwhelming, immersive nature of this book, but I was so cold during my reading experience (despite reading the book
during a warmish winter). So bundle up - and enjoy this fast paced, action packed thriller.


IMO, Cold Zero is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.




This review is based upon an Advanced Reader Copy kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[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.

[John (LHBC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Cold Zero a little wary. I’m a longtime Scot Harvath fan, and anytime an author steps away from a flagship character, there’s that quiet fear it won’t hit the same. I shouldn’t have worried. This one grabbed me fast and never let go. The setup alone is pure adrenaline: a sabotaged commercial flight vanishes over the North Pole, crash-lands on unstable ice, and leaves its survivors stuck in a place where the cold is just as dangerous as the people hunting them. From the first chapter, it feels like the clock is always ticking and the temperature is always dropping.

Thor and Larsen make the Arctic itself an active threat. The cold is relentless, the ice never feels stable, and every decision carries real consequences. Pair that with a global scramble involving Washington, Moscow, and Beijing, and the tension stays sky-high. The tech at the center of it all is convincingly terrifying, not because it’s flashy, but because it feels plausible. This is one of those books where you keep thinking, yeah, this doesn’t feel that far-fetched, which somehow makes it more unsettling. Also, shoutout to the aviation details. You can feel Ward Larsen’s pilot background on the page, especially in the early sections. It adds a gritty, tactile realism that grounds the bigger geopolitical stakes.

I also liked the choice of protagonists. Kasey Sheridan brings the professional CIA edge you want in a thriller like this, but Brett Sharpe, a commercial pilot suddenly pulled into a global crisis, adds a grounded, human perspective. He’s not invincible, and that makes the danger feel sharper. If you like thrillers where the plot moves at sprint speed and the stakes are genuinely global, Cold Zero delivers. I’m very on board for more stories with this duo.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan or Brad Thor's books for years; I was unfamiliar with his co-author, Ward Larsen, but apparently, he was a great choice for this endeavor. Like all of Mr. Thor's books, there is plenty of action, politics, interesting characters and plot.

The novel opens in Hong Kong with a car chase like no other: An official with the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in pursuit of a driverless taxi suspected of carrying Dr. Chen Li, the creator of an advance AI device that will change how warfare is conducted. The taxi doesn't follow any standard rules of the road, however, and after a wild kamikaze-like chase, crashes -- but not with the scientist on board.

Cut to Dr. Li, who is on board Hemisphere Flight 777, en route from Hong Kong to the U.S., under the watchful guidance of CIA Officer Kasey Sheridan and her partner, Walter Ho. Halfway through the trip, though, the plane's engines fail, and the pilots are forced to make a crash landing on Arctic ice near the North Pole. Chaos ensues, as China, Russia and the U.S. all want Dr. Li and more importantly, the device, and the country that wins will have one of the most powerful weapons imaginable.

The story alternates between the American, Chinese and Russian points of view, and I really enjoyed the narratives. I also think the story is very timely, what with tensions at all-time highs among the three "superpowers" of our planet. It's fast-paced, well-written, and it kept this reader riveted.

Thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and Atria Books/Atria-Emily Bestler Books for the eARC and the opportunity to read this novel. All opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I started reading Cold Zero I had a literary epiphany that took me back to a book I had recently finished by Anthony J. Tata titled “Brace for Impact”. I found the similarities interesting and well imagined by each author insofar as how they addressed the race to obtain weapons technology.

In Cold Zero a scenario of devastating cascading situations becomes the norm. It is almost beyond the ability of the mind’s imagination to comprehend all the catastrophes that happen and challenge the protagonists in this thriller. I found myself reading about relaxing in a luxury airliner and then BAM stranded in the Artic. The major players are running to or from the US, the Chinese and the Russians which makes for a read that is fraught with point, counterpoint, insane tactics in the race to recover a defecting Chinese scientist and his invention which could change the dynamics of world power. Solid characters with a nod to the female protagonist, an alpha female, able to think through and handle extraordinary challenges. There is an equally impressive cast of supporting characters which are almost overshadowed by the setting and weather.

Understanding that as each insurmountable obstacle is faced and solved another is going to appear with barely a breath taken might have been a bit too much for the normal mind to handle. When does it stop? Where is there a resolution? Is anyone going to be left to tell the tale? It all looks very iffy in the worst possible context. Interesting ending - is this a standalone or did I detect a hint at the possibility of more to come.

I want to I thank Emily Bestler Books/Atria and NetGalley for a copy.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cliffhanger! I was simply scared near the end as to who would win because these authors know how to create good suspense.

This is my first Brad Thor book. I like to try new authors and certainly Thor’s books pop up on the charts, so I was intrigued to see this on NetGalley and was thrilled to be given access by the publisher, Atria - thank you to both. And, I’ve read very little in the geopolitical thriller genre, so I truly didn’t know what to expect - but certainly what happened in my read I got to experience great writing, super suspense and full blown characters made me realize I was onto a new genre and authors for future reading.

A commercial plane crashes in the Arctic. Aboard is CIA agent, Kasey Sheridan, and the Chinese scientist she is leading to safety. Dr Chen Li who has created cutting edge AI technology, Sky Fire. The plane crashes with only First Officer, Brett Sharpe, alive and nine other passengers. What transpires next is an exciting and terrifying search and rescue by China, the US and Russia, only because their new submarine type is in the vicinity. The writing is gritty, realistic and taut with tension over the possibility that WWIII could start here.

This is a book for lovers of political intrigue or espionage. It’s got all the elements of good story-telling: plausible plot, realistic characters, and suspense galore. Give it a try.
#ColdZero, #BradThor, #WardLarsen

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Cold Zero by Brad Thor with Ward Larsen is an adrenaline-filled spy thriller.

CIA Officer Kasey Sheridan is relieved once Flight 777 leaves Chinese airspace. She has worked hard to assist Chinese scientist Dr. Cheng Li defect to the US along with the prototype of his latest project. Unfortunately, their relief soon turns to terror when their plane crashes in the middle of the Arctic. In a race against time and the harsh elements, Kasey, Dr. Li, and first officer (pilot) Brett Sharpe keep their wits about them as they attempt to safely escape.

The Arctic is an unforgiving foe as Kasey, Cheng, Sharpe, and the few survivors soon discover. They are fighting the unrelenting wind and cold temperatures as they work with the CIA to get a rescue plan in place. Unbeknownst to them, the Chinese have discovered Chen’s departure, and they will go any lengths to retrieve him and his project.

Cold Zero is an action-packed adventure that vividly brings the brutal Artic weather to life. Kasey is absolutely brilliant as she continually thinks on her feet in order to bring Cheng, herself, and the prototype to safely. The geo-political element of the storyline is intriguing and adds another layer of suspense to this exciting spy escapade. Brad Thor and Ward Larsen bring this magnificent spy thriller to an edge of the seat, breathless conclusion.

[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.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Zero is a non-stop, fast paced, edge of your seat thriller by Brad Thor. It starts off with the CIA working to get Dr. Chen and Project Sky Fire out of China. Sky Fire is an AI project that can cause major damage to the electronic devices of its enemies. No sooner are they out of China and in the air the plane they are on goes down in the Arctic with only 9 survivors. This is where the race to the crash site begins as both China and the US are trying to get to the site to recover their assets and Sky Fire. This involves submarines, ice breaker ships, and even planes. When Russians stumble upon the site, it is time for Agent Kasey to make her move and does so by putting her life and others in danger by marching out into the harsh arctic whether to keep Sky Fire out of the hands of the enemy. This thriller is all about survival and getting home and Brad Thor does an excellent job of putting that pressure and suspense on the reader. It is definitely different from is Scott Horvath novels, but he still brings the military aspect to the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Thor's or looking for a good thrilling adventure and race to the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

#NetGalley #ColdZero

[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.

[Gavin Mattiace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a modern geopolitical thriller requires several elements. An author must have a firm grasp of the current trends, an awareness of emerging technologies, and the imagination (or foresight) to imagine a few steps beyond that. What Brad Thor and Ward Larsen have done with Cold Zero is the embodiment of all three of these principles. The scope pulls readers from very personal stakes in the survival of individuals in the most austere of conditions and environments to grand geopolitical competition and the potential for World War 3.

The setting, deep in the Arctic, brings the worst fears of many operators to life: having to work after a catastrophic event with no support, no chance of help, in territory where the land itself is your enemy and while being hunted by a hostile force.

The incorporation of AI and advanced technology was a dynamic centerpiece. The entire novel, readers will be wondering just what else both the protagonists and the adversaries are capable of. Every new revelation makes the technology seem increasingly futuristic, but the future is here, and Thor and Larsen may have just captured it. To say I couldn’t put this book down is to do it a disservice. I binged it and finished it within 14 hours of first opening it.

[Monica UpstateBookB*tch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Atria Books for sending me this
ARC in my 2026 new releases box!

Let’s be real: I’m usually your go-to girl for a dark horror, a twisty thriller or a gritty work of historical fiction, but techno-thrillers? Totally new territory for me. However, my husband saw this one and practically ripped it away from me with excitement—so I knew I had to see what the hype was about.

From page one, we are dropped into a car chase that felt so cinematic I forgot I was sitting on my couch in Upstate NY and not in a theater. It hooked me instantly. I needed to know the how, the when, and especially the why.

Why you should pick this up:
• The Atmosphere: The setting is the definition of "unforgiving." It’s biting, bleak, and fits the title Cold Zero to a T.
• Zero Fluff: You know I hate a "filler" chapter. This book is lean, mean, and moves at breakneck speed toward a massive, high-stakes finale.
• Newbie Friendly: This was my first Brad Thor novel, and I didn’t feel lost for a second! You can definitely jump into the series right here without feeling out of the loop.

If you want a read that feels like a high-budget action movie, this is it. Now I just have to hand it over to my husband before he steals it off my nightstand!

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced thriller full of suspense and danger with three enemies - the Chinese, the Russians, and Mother Nature. At first, it seems that Kasey and Dr Chen Li along with his secret program have escaped from China. Until the plane they are on crashes on ice. Then the race is on to not only survive the elements but to keep Chen and the black briefcase safe.

All of Kasey's training and strategic thinking are needed to deal with the different situations that arise - from shelter right after the crash to dealing with the Chinese and Russians. And being CIA, she understandably knows that she needs to be judicious in what information she reveals to Brett Sharpe, the first officer. But when he catches her using Sky Fire, she needs to at least give him the basics.

As the story progresses, it's almost as if someone is pulling the strings to put up roadblocks every time there is a possible solution to their circumstances. There is an interesting mix of characters, some humor, detailed descriptions of the elements they are dealing with, geopolitics, and out of the box thinking. This story will have you turning the pages to see what will happen next.

[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!

[Nan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the action takes place in the Arctic on various ice floes. There’s lots of cyber action, lots of sci-fi and lots and LOTS of testosterone. Our hero (heroine) is a woman. But nevertheless, those men spend a lot of time and energy trying to prove themselves to be the Alpha Dog.

At first it was the Chinese going after a scientist who was defecting via a luxury passenger plane. Then the Russians got wind of something (they weren’t sure what) and decided to become international heroes. And of course after that, the Americans joined the fray, too. With all the action it would be easy to forget that the hero of this whole mess was a woman – a heroine.

This would be a great movie – lots of action, lots of misadventure, lots of snow and ice, a couple of polar bears, and … a beautiful (and smart and crafty) woman!

Even though this was really not my genre, it was a fun read. I appreciate the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Atria Books, in exchange for an honest review. It should be a winner for men and definitely for movie goers.