What do you think?
Rate this book
Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26When a member of his Cabinet is killed in a plane President Jack Ryan suspects that the "accident" is anything but in this latest shocking entry in this #1 New York Times bestselling series.
The White House is stunned when the Secretary of Commerce is killed in a plane crash in Turkey. President Jack Ryan isn't ready to write this off as a simple accident. Not only has he lost a good friend, but the Secretary was on an important on the surface he was making an appearance at an economic conference, but the CIA was also using the flight as cover to extract an important asset from the Middle East.
Soon, Lt. Commander Katie Ryan and her team are working with the investigators to find the cause of the tragedy, but one shocking revelation changes everything. There were supposed to be 16 people on the plane, but there are only 15 bodies.
The quest for answers will lead the team deeper and deeper into a quagmire of lies and deception that will force President Ryan to face an unprincipled enemy with global ambitions.
The White House is stunned when the Secretary of Commerce is killed in a plane crash in Turkey. President Jack Ryan isn't ready to write this off as a simple accident. Not only has he lost a good friend, but the Secretary was on an important on the surface he was making an appearance at an economic conference, but the CIA was also using the flight as cover to extract an important asset from the Middle East.
Soon, Lt. Commander Katie Ryan and her team are working with the investigators to find the cause of the tragedy, but one shocking revelation changes everything. There were supposed to be 16 people on the plane, but there are only 15 bodies.
The quest for answers will lead the team deeper and deeper into a quagmire of lies and deception that will force President Ryan to face an unprincipled enemy with global ambitions.
448 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
4 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Ward Larsen
33 books608 followersWard Larsen is the USA Today bestselling author of espionage thrillers. A seven-time winner of the Florida Book Award, his first novel, The Perfect Assassin, has been optioned for film by Amber Entertainment.
A former Air Force fighter pilot, he has also served as an airline captain, and is a trained aircraft accident investigator.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A former Air Force fighter pilot, he has also served as an airline captain, and is a trained aircraft accident investigator.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ever since The Hunt for Red October, I’ve been a fan of Tom Clancy books. Honestly, a couple of installments into the series, it became a bit of a chore to wade through Stephen King-length novels, so I skipped a few. Then when Clancy died in 2013, I was hesitant to try a “substitute” author just because, well, it wasn’t the original guy.
In more recent years – prompted, I admit, by shorter book lengths – I returned to the series and, happily, fell in love all over again. And as expected, this one did not disappoint – starting with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who was killed in a plane crash in Turkey under suspicious circumstances. He was returning home from a conference with a few other passengers, but it turns out one of them was a spy who’d become a U.S. asset and was being extracted by the CIA.
U.S. President Jack Ryan mourns the death of his good friend, but he’s also determined to find out what really happened and why. His daughter Katie, an accomplished Navy lieutenant commander, gets the call to head to Turkey and take a look. As she and her team begin to investigate, they learn something quite strange: although the plane’s manifest lists 16 passengers, only 15 bodies have been found. So what in the world happened to the other one?
As usual, there’s a secondary plot – this one involving a former Russian bigwig close to the Russian president who for all intents and purposes has retired. Problem is, what he’s doing now somehow seems to be more of a threat to the free world than what he did for his old boss. But what is it, exactly, and is the guy really retired or working clandestinely with his former boss?
As things progress, the action gets hot and heavy, involving the usual cast of characters that readers have come to know and love; heck, even Katie’s brother Kyle, a top programmer at a secret U.S. agency, is called in to contribute his special expertise. And for those who might be wary of being confused, the author serves up the background required to ensure that the story stands alone.
It’s no spoiler to say the super-capable Ryan family and the loyal government officers save the day in the end – with no shortage of pats on the back all-around (well, maybe not for public consumption). The devil, of course, is in the details, which other readers will just have to learn for themselves. It short, it’s another edge-of-your-seat adventure, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for sharing it with me by way of a pre-release copy. Excellent!
In more recent years – prompted, I admit, by shorter book lengths – I returned to the series and, happily, fell in love all over again. And as expected, this one did not disappoint – starting with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who was killed in a plane crash in Turkey under suspicious circumstances. He was returning home from a conference with a few other passengers, but it turns out one of them was a spy who’d become a U.S. asset and was being extracted by the CIA.
U.S. President Jack Ryan mourns the death of his good friend, but he’s also determined to find out what really happened and why. His daughter Katie, an accomplished Navy lieutenant commander, gets the call to head to Turkey and take a look. As she and her team begin to investigate, they learn something quite strange: although the plane’s manifest lists 16 passengers, only 15 bodies have been found. So what in the world happened to the other one?
As usual, there’s a secondary plot – this one involving a former Russian bigwig close to the Russian president who for all intents and purposes has retired. Problem is, what he’s doing now somehow seems to be more of a threat to the free world than what he did for his old boss. But what is it, exactly, and is the guy really retired or working clandestinely with his former boss?
As things progress, the action gets hot and heavy, involving the usual cast of characters that readers have come to know and love; heck, even Katie’s brother Kyle, a top programmer at a secret U.S. agency, is called in to contribute his special expertise. And for those who might be wary of being confused, the author serves up the background required to ensure that the story stands alone.
It’s no spoiler to say the super-capable Ryan family and the loyal government officers save the day in the end – with no shortage of pats on the back all-around (well, maybe not for public consumption). The devil, of course, is in the details, which other readers will just have to learn for themselves. It short, it’s another edge-of-your-seat adventure, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for sharing it with me by way of a pre-release copy. Excellent!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Rules of Engagement, President Jack Ryan is pulled into a global crisis after what should have been a routine diplomatic trip ends in a deadly plane crash in Turkey. Official reports call it an accident. However, with only fifteen bodies recovered and a missing intelligence asset who clearly matters to the wrong people, the hunt becomes a race across multiple countries to uncover who survived, what they’re carrying, and why powerful forces are willing to burn everything to get to them first. As threats stack up and time collapses, Ryan works side by side with his children, trusted allies, and legends like John Clark to connect the dots before a shadow war turns very real.
Ward Larsen absolutely knocked this out of the park. He stays true to the heart of the Ryanverse while bringing a fresh rhythm and edge that feels modern, urgent, and fearless. I loved seeing generations of relationships come back into play, the trust built over decades paying off in high pressure moments where every decision counts. This story feels so relevant, and scary, to think about all of the covert operations unfolding while the rest of us are just living our normal lives, unaware of the chess game happening behind the curtain. It makes you pause and wonder how much of the world is quietly being steered in rooms we will never see.
The action is relentless and wildly creative, from drone dogfights I never knew I needed to pulse pounding extractions that had me holding my breath. Add in cutting edge AI, rapidly evolving tech, and dialogue that crackles with both tension and perfectly timed humor, and you get a thriller that never feels heavy or stiff. Between the burning coffee pots, sharp one liners, and characters who feel real even when the stakes are insane, this book delivers on every level. Smart, fast, authentic and absolutely gripping, Rules of Engagement is the kind of thriller that reminds you why the Jack Ryan series continues to dominate.
Ward Larsen absolutely knocked this out of the park. He stays true to the heart of the Ryanverse while bringing a fresh rhythm and edge that feels modern, urgent, and fearless. I loved seeing generations of relationships come back into play, the trust built over decades paying off in high pressure moments where every decision counts. This story feels so relevant, and scary, to think about all of the covert operations unfolding while the rest of us are just living our normal lives, unaware of the chess game happening behind the curtain. It makes you pause and wonder how much of the world is quietly being steered in rooms we will never see.
The action is relentless and wildly creative, from drone dogfights I never knew I needed to pulse pounding extractions that had me holding my breath. Add in cutting edge AI, rapidly evolving tech, and dialogue that crackles with both tension and perfectly timed humor, and you get a thriller that never feels heavy or stiff. Between the burning coffee pots, sharp one liners, and characters who feel real even when the stakes are insane, this book delivers on every level. Smart, fast, authentic and absolutely gripping, Rules of Engagement is the kind of thriller that reminds you why the Jack Ryan series continues to dominate.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A U.S. government plane carrying the Secretary of Commerce goes down in the mountains, killing everyone on board. The aircraft was also slated to extract a high-value CIA asset, raising immediate questions about the true nature of the mission. Katie Ryan and her team are brought in to investigate, and it doesn’t take long for them to discover something alarming, one body is missing from the crash site.
At the same time, a former Russian SVR chief is orchestrating a plan that could shift the global balance of power. What follows is a fast-moving, multi‑layered story that spans the globe. The narrative is essentially divided among four major groups: Jack Ryan and his inner circle, Katie Ryan’s investigative team, John Clark and Ding Chavez leading an international operations unit, and the Russian mastermind driving the threat.
Despite the scale of the plot, the story flows smoothly, with plenty of action and the classic Clancy-style technology and military detail fans expect. Rules of Engagement is a strong addition to the Jack Ryan universe, and longtime followers of the series will find plenty to enjoy. Thank you to NetGalley, Ward Larsen, and GP Putnam and Sons for a free advance readers copy for an honest review.
At the same time, a former Russian SVR chief is orchestrating a plan that could shift the global balance of power. What follows is a fast-moving, multi‑layered story that spans the globe. The narrative is essentially divided among four major groups: Jack Ryan and his inner circle, Katie Ryan’s investigative team, John Clark and Ding Chavez leading an international operations unit, and the Russian mastermind driving the threat.
Despite the scale of the plot, the story flows smoothly, with plenty of action and the classic Clancy-style technology and military detail fans expect. Rules of Engagement is a strong addition to the Jack Ryan universe, and longtime followers of the series will find plenty to enjoy. Thank you to NetGalley, Ward Larsen, and GP Putnam and Sons for a free advance readers copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Welcome to the wonderful world of Jack Ryan, Ward Larsen! Larson's first foray into the Tom Clancy universe of Jack Ryan novels is a wonderful start to a long line of Ryan books.
Larson takes on President Jack Ryan and gives you the feeling of an old Tom Clancy original. Clancy had a way of creating a host of characters all following their own storyline until you reached the last third of the book. Then those characters come together to give you a climactic ending which left you wanting the story to go on.
Ryan's family, Katie and Kyle, join the adventure using the Ryan strengths birthed to them, as well as Clark, Ding, and Mary Pat. Together they discover the world is still a dangerous place for America. Nations and despots are always trying to find a new innovative way to bring the greatest nation to its knees. The Middle East Terrorists and Russian State join forces to create the latest mass casualty event to foment chaos. Larsen innovates a brand new way for things to go bad and in true Clancy fashion, you are captivated until the end.
It's not a spoiler to say the good guys win, but how they win is vintage Clancy. Thank you, Ward Larsen for a wonderful action thriller.
Larson takes on President Jack Ryan and gives you the feeling of an old Tom Clancy original. Clancy had a way of creating a host of characters all following their own storyline until you reached the last third of the book. Then those characters come together to give you a climactic ending which left you wanting the story to go on.
Ryan's family, Katie and Kyle, join the adventure using the Ryan strengths birthed to them, as well as Clark, Ding, and Mary Pat. Together they discover the world is still a dangerous place for America. Nations and despots are always trying to find a new innovative way to bring the greatest nation to its knees. The Middle East Terrorists and Russian State join forces to create the latest mass casualty event to foment chaos. Larsen innovates a brand new way for things to go bad and in true Clancy fashion, you are captivated until the end.
It's not a spoiler to say the good guys win, but how they win is vintage Clancy. Thank you, Ward Larsen for a wonderful action thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Fresh and suspenseful, Rules of Engagement has everything you’d expect from a classic Tom Clancy thriller: audacious schemes, international intrigue, conspiracies, violent action, and critical use of technology. Ward Larsen’s first foray into the Clancy-verse is nothing short of phenomenal. A brilliant combination of modernity and staying true to the history of this cherished series.
Beyond the thrilling and absorbing plot, three things stand out to take Rules of Engagement to another level. First, it’s the continued emersion of Katie and Kyle Ryan as part of this series. Second, the inclusion of advanced AI cyber capabilities, playing a critical role in solving the puzzle and directing assets into place to save the day. Finally, and expected with Ward Larsen’s background, the aviation heroics entering the fray when the chips are down and the intensity is at its highest.
All told, it’s a triumphant Tom Clancy series debut for Ward Larsen.
Fresh and suspenseful, Rules of Engagement has everything you’d expect from a classic Tom Clancy thriller: audacious schemes, international intrigue, conspiracies, violent action, and critical use of technology. Ward Larsen’s first foray into the Clancy-verse is nothing short of phenomenal. A brilliant combination of modernity and staying true to the history of this cherished series.
Beyond the thrilling and absorbing plot, three things stand out to take Rules of Engagement to another level. First, it’s the continued emersion of Katie and Kyle Ryan as part of this series. Second, the inclusion of advanced AI cyber capabilities, playing a critical role in solving the puzzle and directing assets into place to save the day. Finally, and expected with Ward Larsen’s background, the aviation heroics entering the fray when the chips are down and the intensity is at its highest.
All told, it’s a triumphant Tom Clancy series debut for Ward Larsen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Larsen offers a 5 star story in the Jack Ryan series.
When the US Sec of Commerce's plane crashes while approaching landing in Turkey, a team of investigators which includes the President's daughter, Lt Comm Kate Ryan, is sent to look into it. Also assigned the task is John Clark's team, which is operating near by.
After determining that the plane's controls were actually taken over and the landing controlled by a computer bug, they look to the President's son, Kyle Ryan and his team of AI specialists, to determine who was behind it
and where they are now.
Non stop thrilling actions, as is usual in this series and extremely interesting info on the rapidly evolving new world of AI super computers and their use in military ops.
Great, familiar characters and a perfect blend of mystery, mayhem and intriguing real life AI use.
When the US Sec of Commerce's plane crashes while approaching landing in Turkey, a team of investigators which includes the President's daughter, Lt Comm Kate Ryan, is sent to look into it. Also assigned the task is John Clark's team, which is operating near by.
After determining that the plane's controls were actually taken over and the landing controlled by a computer bug, they look to the President's son, Kyle Ryan and his team of AI specialists, to determine who was behind it
and where they are now.
Non stop thrilling actions, as is usual in this series and extremely interesting info on the rapidly evolving new world of AI super computers and their use in military ops.
Great, familiar characters and a perfect blend of mystery, mayhem and intriguing real life AI use.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Welcome to the Clancyverse, Ward Larsen!!!
Thank you to Ward Larsen and Putnam/GP Putnam & Sons for the advanced copy through NetGalley.
With the many authors that have entered the Clancyverse, you never know how their perspective and style will fit. Larsen came in slinging fire, picking right up where Andrews and Wilson left off.
A very good techno-thriller with plenty of military jargon and detail to make Clancy proud. Looking forward to more!
Katie and Kyle Ryan continue to remain a focal point, Jack Ryan is somehow still in office, and John Clark, I'm thinking he's a Terminator at this point, still out there kicking skulls all over the world.
The bad guy focus has switched back to Russia and Yermilov. Continuing the shadow war between Ryan and Yermilov. One thing leads to another thing that leads to another thing and the good guys win.
Thank you to Ward Larsen and Putnam/GP Putnam & Sons for the advanced copy through NetGalley.
With the many authors that have entered the Clancyverse, you never know how their perspective and style will fit. Larsen came in slinging fire, picking right up where Andrews and Wilson left off.
A very good techno-thriller with plenty of military jargon and detail to make Clancy proud. Looking forward to more!
Katie and Kyle Ryan continue to remain a focal point, Jack Ryan is somehow still in office, and John Clark, I'm thinking he's a Terminator at this point, still out there kicking skulls all over the world.
The bad guy focus has switched back to Russia and Yermilov. Continuing the shadow war between Ryan and Yermilov. One thing leads to another thing that leads to another thing and the good guys win.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced reader copy.
I’ve enjoyed the Jack Ryan world overall, and I appreciate how the series keeps the mix of military strategy, politics, and global stakes that longtime readers expect. This book definitely fits within that style and felt consistent with the larger storyline.
That said, this one was just okay for me. I never really felt fully invested, and I kept waiting for more ah-ha moments or more interesting twists that would pull me in emotionally. Nothing was bad, it just felt more competent than memorable for me, and not one of my favorites in the series.
Overall, a fine read, but not one that really stuck with me.
I’ve enjoyed the Jack Ryan world overall, and I appreciate how the series keeps the mix of military strategy, politics, and global stakes that longtime readers expect. This book definitely fits within that style and felt consistent with the larger storyline.
That said, this one was just okay for me. I never really felt fully invested, and I kept waiting for more ah-ha moments or more interesting twists that would pull me in emotionally. Nothing was bad, it just felt more competent than memorable for me, and not one of my favorites in the series.
Overall, a fine read, but not one that really stuck with me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ward Larsen's first foray into the Clancy franchise and he knocks it out of the park. A very good techno-thriller with a great plot/storyline, excellent cast of characters, and plenty of action to keep you up late. Of course you don't know who's behind the Airplane crash, the downing of helicopters(SAMS), or the 10 drones that will fly to Egypt. A lot of mystery and mayhem ensue to uncover who's behind the curtain and AI becomes a big help in figuring it out.
Thanks to Putnam/GP Putnam & Sons and NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend the book and is available on May 19th.
Thanks to Putnam/GP Putnam & Sons and NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend the book and is available on May 19th.
February 3, 2026
Jack Ryan universe books are always instant reads for me. As predictable as this series can be, Ward Larsen provides us with a fun and adventurous story containing 4 out of the 5 Ryan’s and of course Clark and Ding. Overall a fun and quick read!
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews