Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement

Jack Ryan Universe (Publication Order) #44

by Ward Larsen, Tom Clancy

When 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.

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

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Ward 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.

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading and enjoying Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series since Hunt for Red October was released. That continued after the untimely demise of Mr Clancy in the hands of several other authors who l was previously unfamiliar with, leading to my following their independent efforts.

That changed with this book by Ward Larsen, an author l'm quite familiar with. As expected he knocked it out of the park.

John Clark are already on a mission when they are diverted to rescue a captured American Naval officer. Leading to a much bigger mission. Ryan is involved in the story, as are his children Katie and Kyle, but no sign of Jack jr.

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rules of Engagement is an engaging story replete with a tremendous amount of excitement and thrills. It begins with a plane crash in Turkey and involves President Ryan and his daughter and son, who are affiliated with various branches of the government, in an attempt to determine the cause of the crash, what happened to a missing defector and exactly who caused the crash. Time is of the essence as it is determined that there is a disaster waiting to occur. This reader found it interesting to note that the use of camera technology is omnipresent and astounding as to the extent of its use. My only criticism is too many technical passages and the novel is overly lengthy.

[Hanlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always worried when a new author takes over a series, especially if the previous authors were favorites of mine, so I picked up this book while holding my breath, but I needn't have worried! This was a fantastic installment in the Tom Clancy universe with lots of authentic action. You can see the author's experience as a fighter pilot and his work as an aircraft accident investigator shine through in the writing, and it made for some very interesting reading.

How is an unexplained plane crash in Turkey linked to hazardous chemicals that are moved in secret from Russia? How is an ex-Russian General, who was the head of the SSD, involved in all of this, and are there links to the Russian president?
In the end, it's a race against time to destroy drones set to cause chaos.

AI is also being used in a very clever way in this story, and to quote Ding, "This is some scary Terminator-level shit."

A fantastic read! I can't wait for the next one!

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good story. I've enjoyed every Tom Clancy and other Clancy writers' books. The only thing is this one didn't keep me riveted and unable to put it down as other Clancy novels have. Still, I enjoyed reading Rules of Engagement. It's a modern day conflict story that wove artificial intelligence into the plot. It's a very scary picture of how war could evolved. If the Hyperion aspect plays out, I'd hate to be around to see it, as eventually it would spill over into civilian life in a big brother police state scenario. Not all progress is good.

[Scott Degraff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, Ward Larsen is the perfect writer for this series

[The Page Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is how all of Ward Larsen's entries in the Jack Ryan universe are going to go, we are in for a treat.
Who couldn't love a book that references The Christmas Story with its Red Rider BB Gun with a compass in its stock? And this thing that tells time!

It is amazing how there are so many different authors that have added to this series and while you can recognize some different writing styles and liberties taken with characters, these books all feel as if Tom Clancy were still writing them.

What starts as a plane crash in Turkey, quickly evolves into a race against time and pure evil.
We are thankfully seeing more presence in these books of Jack's other kids, Katie and Kyle, both of whom play integral roles in this book.
Teams are sent to investigate and quickly uncover a bigger plot. With Task Force 99 ready to assist, we are treated to classic Clancy scenes. Races across the sky, gun fights, a ticking clock, and nearly impossible feats.
There is clever use of AI which is probably not far from the truth and even if it is far, it won't be by the end of the year. Seeing how the government is able to use AI to give real time, amazing insights to field teams is an interesting application. Be scared or supportive, this world is here.
We also see more of the human side of President Jack Ryan. When one child is out of contact, you see his grief at the possibility of them being hurt.

With Larsen's knowledge of aircraft, this book and any future additions are always going to be well researched, knowlegeable and accurate. His knowledge adds a level of detail to descriptions of equipment that enhance the story.

Already counting down the days for the next one...

[thewanderingjew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Clancy, Rules of Engagement, Ward Larsen, author; Scott Brick, narrator
This book is filled with familiar characters from prior Jack Ryan novels. Even though the varied authors write under the auspices of Tom Clancy’s name, and they have frequently changed, the continuity of the theme remains.
When a government plane, carrying the Secretary of Commerce and his private secretary to a meeting in Turkey, crashes into a mountain, an investigation into possible sabotage begins. How could this have happened otherwise? This plane undergoes the strictest kind of scrutiny regarding safety and security precautions. Could it have involved something called cyber-spoofing, a program that distorts the navigation information on an aircraft, causing the crew to misconstrue their location? This horrific accident soon involves President Ryan’s two children, Katie and Kyle, both of whom are involved in intelligence for the military. This circumstance adds additional stress to the President as he conducts government policy. In addition, his close friend, Secretary John Moore had possibly been murdered, and he had placed him on that plane, so his heart is heavy.
It is soon revealed that there was supposed to be a Swiss banker on that very plane. Gunther Klaus had worked in clandestine banking for years, enabling the movement of Russian money without asking any questions, but recently his own alarm bells had begun to go off when he noticed a particular Russian moving large amounts of money for odd purchases. This same person was also suddenly spending and receiving large payments he had not received before. Andrei Malenkov had been fired recently from the GRU, so Gunther wondered if something dangerous was taking place with his sudden change in behavior. He began to fear for his own life because of his involvement, and he wanted to escape. He arranged it with the CIA and was supposed to be on that very plane that crashed with Secretary Moore. The CIA was trying to secrete him out through Turkey, in exchange for information he claimed to have that was very strategic and highly dangerous about a possible attack with radioactive material somewhere in the world. Klaus suspected the Russian’s involvement in it.
When the wreckage of the plane was explored, only fifteen of the sixteen bodies that should have been on that plane were found. Who had apparently not boarded, but why? Had the banker gotten cold feet? Was he the missing passenger? Questions proliferated. Was the plane deliberately compromised? Who would want to down an American plane knowing that there would be severe repercussions? Was this possible plot so failsafe or so dangerous that any risk taken was worth the consequences? Was the plane brought down because of the presence of the American Secretary or because of the Swiss banker?
While this tragedy was being investigated, two other familiar characters, Ding Chavez and John Clark, were engaged in an operation entailing the blowing up of a Russian ghost ship. It had changed its identity and origin several times in the prior years to escape discovery. It was suspected of engaging in clandestine, dishonest operations. Ding and his troops pulled off the detonation and destruction expertly, but their rendezvous for rescue went awry and was delayed. Ding and Clark seem to have been placed in the area specifically in order to move the story forward, because when the investigation of the plane crash begins, they are the closest agents and are diverted to Turkey by Mary Pat Foley and President Jack Ryan. They are sent to investigate the plane crash site and then to find the possible device that was used if it was sabotage.
As the story progresses, a dangerous terrorist plot is indeed discovered and is being planned by a Russian who seemingly was demoted and removed from the GRU, but possibly now had formulated a plan to become a Russian oligarch with great power and wealth by means of an act of horrific terrorism that would bring great casualty numbers to innocent people. Is this Russian thug Andrei Malenkov? The President of Russia, Nikita Yermilov, claims ignorance of anything untoward going on, yet radioactive material had been reported missing, and no answers had been forthcoming. Could that be part of the terrorist plot? Is Malenkov working alone; is he really the guilty party? How can the United States prove it? Who is providing the funds that Klaus watched being moved in and out of Malenkov’s bank account? If he has engineered the downing of the US aircraft and then the downing of a helicopter carrying a US intelligence officer who was captured, some monstrous plan must be in the works requiring great effort to prevent its discovery. How is the person responsible able to engage others to help him in this plot? Does it even seem plausible? Is it even possible to stop the catastrophic event possibly being planned? Time is of the essence, and little evidence or outside help is available, so there is no time to waste to gather proof. Instinct is the current game being played.
There are times when there is too much extraneous information and there will be the urge to skim and turn the pages to skip ahead, but the book is entertaining and the abundant action makes it an exciting read. Also, its themes of terrorism, drones and AI technology are current as is the lack of identifiable enemies which was once was the prevailing method used to fight potential threats. Flying blind has become commonplace and a reliance on advanced technology has become routine.

[Cole Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the 44th and newest Tom Clancy book, and I have Big Long Thoughts.

If you are reading this, you have opinions about Clancy books. I went crazy for Clancy when he was new. We must credit him for inventing a new subgenre, the sprawling, global geopolitical thriller centered on military systems and hardware.

But about seven books in, many of his pages were one long paragraph. And that paragraph described all the technical specifications of a jet engine in excruciating detail. He had compelling premises, but not compelling characters. His first few books had reasonable pacing, but once his reputation skyrocketed, I suspect he pushed back when editors tried to trim his clunky prose. When he gave up on pacing, I gave up on him. Reading a thriller should be fun, not homework.

I’m generally cynical about publishers keeping dead authors “alive” by having new writers regurgitate their “brand.” But my friends tell me my standards are “too high,” so occasionally I check back in to see what’s changed. (Maybe the books; maybe me.) Tried the newest Robert Ludlum book. Stale and repetitive; did not finish. Tried the latest Clive Cussler book. Finished it, hate-reading. Patterson? Finished it but when it said “The End,” I said, “Meh.”

But Clancy! I tested the waters after many years with Andrews & Wilson’s Defense Protocol. It entertained me like crazy. So I bought the hardback of Ward Larsen’s 2026 Tom Clancy book, Rules of Engagement.

Why It’s So Good
• I hear die-hard Clancy purists say they hate the next generation (Jack Ryan’s kids). I think they bring a welcome refresh. Jack Ryan himself is a Mary Sue and always has been. (“Mary Sue” is a fan fiction term for a character who does whatever the plot needs, and does not remind you of a human.) Kate and Kyle seem more relatable to me, though still cardboard-thin.

• The “new” Clancy authors pacing is exemplary. In our busy lives, we usually cannot treat ourselves to “read all night” or “read until done,” especially with a 440-page novel. You’ll find a cliffhanger or change of view every three or four pages, making it convenient to stop when needed and exciting to resume later.

• It undersells Ward Larsen to say he “knows planes.” As a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, he flew 22 missions in Desert Storm. He’s even been an aircraft accident investigator. All the jet and missile scenes sing with authenticity and credibility. But bonus: whatever technical foundation that gave him, it extends to underwater action and land ops. If a hallmark of the Clancy brand is technical authenticity, Larsen sails over the bar with a charming grin.

The whip cream topping this delightful sundae is Larsen’s prose. I hadn’t really considered how self-seriously Clancy wrote. But Larsen’s text hits you frequently with sly humor and clever metaphors. Here’s an example from page 98 of Rules of Engagement, as John Clark’s strike team looks for a safe house and turns to Air B’n’B:

"The advent of online property rentals was the greatest innovation in clandestine operations since the invention of sunglasses… Ding Chavez, in particular, appreciated the online photo spreads that offered the views from every window of a prospective rental—'window-shopping' had a very special meaning to snipers."

Technically adroit, and clever. Larsen’s colorful style gave me little dopamine hits throughout, all that you can ask from an author.

I find a lot to admire in the new Clancy writers. If you harbor suspicions about a brand where the author himself wrote a mere 13 out of 44 books, I don’t blame you. But I invite you to plunge back into Clancy. You’ll get to stick a limpet mine on the hull of a Russian freighter, and blow it up, but more importantly: the water’s fine. ##

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ward Larsen’s “Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement” is the rare late‑series Jack Ryan novel that feels both comfortably familiar and surprisingly sharp. It reads like someone dusted off peak‑era Clancy, updated the firmware to 2026, and hit “run” at flank speed. The hook is classic Ryanverse: a U.S. military aircraft goes down in Turkey with the Secretary of Commerce aboard, and what initially smells like bad weather quickly turns into a sabotage problem with geopolitical fingerprints all over it. The detail that there should be sixteen bodies at the crash site but investigators find only fifteen is the sort of elegant, simple twist Clancy himself would have loved—it opens a door onto a much larger, nastier game involving a missing Western asset, a Russian scheme targeting the Suez Canal, and a drone‑delivered chemical nightmare you can easily imagine on a real‑world briefing slide. Where Larsen really earns his keep is in character and texture. Jack Ryan is still the moral center, but the real fun is watching Katie and Kyle Ryan operate as fully fledged professionals rather than presidential appendages. They are pushed into an uneasy, interagency‑flavored partnership that feels convincingly messy instead of Hollywood smooth, and John Clark’s Task Force 99 provides exactly the sort of deniable muscle the plot demands without turning into cartoon superheroes. The book leans hard into modern tech—AI‑driven cyber capabilities, advanced drones, and data‑rich targeting—but rarely feels like it’s waving buzzwords for relevance. Larsen’s own background as a fighter pilot and accident investigator shows in the way he handles the crash investigation, airspace, and weapons; the technical talk is dense enough to satisfy, but clear enough that you’re never lost in the acronyms. Is it all plausible in a JCS‑red‑teaming sense? Not entirely. The Russian economic salvation via Suez terror plot is dialed a notch or two past sober CNAS‑panel realism, and Task Force 99 has a knack for perfectly timed intervention that any operations officer will recognize as “novel magic.” But the pacing is propulsive, the stakes land, and the set‑pieces have that Rainbow Six‑style kinetic satisfaction that keeps you turning pages well past when you meant to turn out the light. If you’ve been lukewarm on some recent franchise entries, this one feels like a course correction—tight, timely, and genuinely fun. For a long flight or a TDY night in a bland hotel, it’s an easy “buy it in the airport and finish it before landing” kind of thriller.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement by Ward Larsen is a Jack Ryan novel. As for the past several books, Jack is now President of the United States. His children, Katie and Kyle are making their own way: Katie, as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Navy and Kyle, as head nerd at a new AI driven project for the Department of Defense. Jack got the call that a plane had crashed in Turkey. On that plane were fifteen people, including the Secretary of Commerce. Teams were on their way, including Katie and her partner, investigating to see if it was an accident, terrorism, or something else. Things happened fast when it was determine that a man, Gunther Klaus, who had been the money man/illegal banker for Russia for years was defecting. He had not made it to the plane. Where was he? Kyle’s AI was not ready for release yet, but what better time to test it than now. Data including photos and videos started pouring in and the AI searched it far faster than people could have. Things were happening quickly.

A man we’ve met before, John Clark, and his team of operators, played an integral part of this several day thriller. They were able to things not humanly possibly, and they did them regularly. Katie’s partner, covert bodyguard, John Conza, managed to get himself in trouble as well, but much of his rescue was due to himself, and the rest to Clark and his team. He got out, although not unscathed. Meanwhile a man named Andrei Malenkov is doing something out in the desert of Libya that no one was aware of. Fast-paced, thrilling, all teams working toward the same goal. It was a stressful several days and Larsen put the reader right in the middle of it. Great book!

I was invited to read Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement by Putnam. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Putnam #WardLarsen #TomClancyRulesOfEngagement

[John Walthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rules of Engagement is a standout addition to the Tom Clancy Ryanverse, delivering a high-stakes, action-packed story that feels both true to the legacy of the series and refreshingly modern. Ward Larsen truly knocked this one out of the park.

Without diving into spoilers, the novel blends cutting-edge technology with classic military thriller elements. The introduction of the AI program MAADN adds a compelling, contemporary edge that elevates the narrative and keeps it relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world. At the same time, the book doesn’t lose sight of what makes the Ryanverse so engaging—intense action, strategic tension, and gripping storytelling.

The story is packed with adrenaline-fueled moments, from aerial dogfights to ground-level combat, all written with clarity and excitement. Despite the scale and complexity of the events unfolding, the pacing remains smooth and easy to follow, making it a truly immersive read.

One of the highlights for me was the stronger focus on the Ryan family as a whole. It was great to see more than just one member in the spotlight. Jack Ryan’s son Kyle, working with Cyber Cell 6, and his daughter Katie, serving as a naval officer, both play meaningful roles that add depth and variety to the story. This broader family involvement adds a fresh dynamic and makes the narrative feel more connected and personal.

Overall, Rules of Engagement is a thrilling, well-executed novel that balances innovation with tradition. Fans of the Ryanverse—and anyone who enjoys military and tech-driven thrillers—will find a lot to love here.

Thank you to GP Putnam and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. And thank you to Ward Larsen for delivering such a fantastic addition to the series.

[Ned Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clancy's novels, and their many continuations, nurture the delusion that we can actually know something about the way things work in the chaotic and convoluted world of geopolitical turmoil. And further, we assume in these works that there are conscientious and capable people in government manipulating the levers of power who can keep things more or less under control.
I suppose that’s why this latest contribution from Ward Larsen is so timely, urgent, and ultimately satisfying. Sure things are uncertain, puzzling, dangerous, but there are adults in the room working with diligence to figure out whatever and fix it. It’s just so comforting to know that it’s at least possible for a government to work like that, i,e., as intended. For honorable, professional, and rational leaders to make a sincere effort to fix things. Oh, Let it be so… and soon, please.
As is usual, in the ironically tidy but chaotic Clancy-verse, there is an awful lot of disbelief to suspend, not the least of which is the fact that the President's two adult children are in the military, happen to be positioned adjacent and somehow engaged in support of the tip of the spear in a major balls-to-the-wall covert operation with massive geopolitical consequences. Listen to your father you two! With all the other comic book action and improbable but still amazing combat scenes… somehow, accepting they are so situated is an easy lift

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[G Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Steven Netter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Timothy R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good plot

I really did like this book even though I gave it 4stars. Lots of airplane action which is typical in a Ward Larson book. Kudos to him. I've read all of the Tom Clancy books including the Jack Jr and now Katie and Kyle versions. And I've loved almost all of them. But am I the only person who is tired of Jack being President for 31 years now? That's based on the 1995 ish book where the jet lands on the US Capital killing everyone else and making Jack President. Please move him on. He can still have great influence being an ex Prez.
But one of the most far fetched things in the book was having the septogenerian John Clark actually doing some oops like diving and shooting. Yeah right. I seem to recall back in some of the Campus books he had a massively injured hand and had pretty much resigned himself to being in charge, not actually doing the work. As a fellow septogenerian myself that just aint.happening. I don't care what shape he's in. I also hope this isn't the future of Clancy books with all.problems being.solved.by AI but I guess that's what's doing to happen.
But like I said, a very imaginative plot.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any doubts about how Ward Larsen will do picking up the Ryanverse, go ahead and cast them aside. The first Ryanverse book by Mr. Larsen is fantastic. Rules of Engagement is a perfect Clancy-esque blend of thriller, action, plot/character development, and technical information. I am a huge fan of his continuing the larger roles for Katie and Kyle Ryan and hope that is something that continues on in future books. While I respect that the Clancy estate has chosen to spin off Jack Jr. into his own series, it does kind of feel odd that with all this going on, Jack Jr. is nowhere to be seen. I'd love to see everyone all together in a future book. All that said, if you're a longtime Ryanverse fan, a fan of Ward Larsen, or just a fan of a good thriller, pick this one up as soon as you can! 4.25 stars if I could.

Thanks to Net Galley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this ARC. #TomClancyRulesofEngagement #NetGalley

[nb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Mr. Clancy! Ward Larson truly did you proud! This book felt almost as if Mr. Clancy himself penned it! It carried a touch of nostalgia for Mr. C, a hint of the Rainbow vibe, a whisper of Red October, and a blend of mystery, intrigue, and warfare—it was an absolute page-turner! I couldn’t put it down! However, I’m disheartened that the authors who have been continuing the Jack Ryan series have chosen MP Woodward to write the next installment! He’s the only writer of the Clancy series I don’t connect with. His writing style is overly filled with filler, lacks personality, and falls short on action. Now, I’m saddened that I won’t be purchasing book 28. It was enjoyable while it lasted. Hopefully, the other authors will take the reins in book 29. I don’t even mind that Jack Ryan has been POTUS for so long. As long as they maintain the essence of Clancy’s writing, I’m content. I absolutely loved more of Katie and Kyle, along with more of Unit 99!

[Gavin Mattiace · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime Clancy fan and a growing Ward Larsen fan, I was ecstatic when Ward was announced as the next inheritor of President Ryan's story. He has fit the Clancy mold phenomenally, and has also kept true to the developments brought on by Andrews and Wilson with the inclusion of Katie and Kyle Ryan as major protagonists in their own right. In Rules of Engagement, we get to see President Ryan, John Clark, and Katie and Kyle all work together to unravel and then stop an insane plot.

The storycrafting was perfect in the sense that when the big reveal of the enemy's endgame dropped, I had only just figured it out a few lines earlier, and was kicking myself for not getting it sooner. The clues had been dropped, and just like our protagonists, I was so close to keying in on it multiple times, but the answer felt like it was just on the next page. I can't wait to see what comes next. Thank you Ward!

[Ricki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Jack Ryan Sr (president) continuation of the series. A lot of characters from the J Ryan Jr series have migrated here (i.e John Clark, Diaz, Charlotte)- these characters are now part of a new task force. Does this mean they are no longer part of the off books J Ryan Jr Grolier Services or are these characters migrating back and forth?

It starts with a plane crash in the mountains of Turkey that had a mystery new asset aboard. Turns out the mystery man wasn't aboard and the search is on. Katie Ryan is back investigating the crash, leading the intelligence portion, Kyle Ryan is in Virginia at a new super AI center that can "people" in record time. They all pull together to find the mystery asset who has critical time sensitive info.

There's a plan in place involving Russia, an attack and of course money. It's all hands on deck, with some interesting new tech & weaponry. A satisfying read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement starts off with a plane crash into a mountain and the action doesn't let up from there. The story is filled with action, danger, subterfuge, AI, and teamwork. It is certainly timely that AI plays a key role in the story as teams race to determine not only who the missing person is that was supposed to be on the plane but also where that person is. Was the plane crash intentional? If yes, does it have anything to do with the missing passenger? These are just the start of the questions that need to be answered.

Task Force 99 is called upon multiple times and they will need to rely on their experience and trust in each other to accomplish their missions. We also get a look at Cyber Cell 6 and the usage of AI to sift through a preponderance of data that would be impossible for humans to review in a timeframe that would be helpful.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Style of the Real Tom Clancy

I just finished the newest Tom Clancy book, and I want to stress that I really liked it. It was a very good, highly engaging read that reminded me quite a bit of the classic, older Tom Clancy novels. I felt very attached to the characters, especially since they have all been around for such a long time and we've been through so much with them.

That being said, I am starting to wonder if it might be time to move on. These characters and this specific presidential administration have been front and center for well over a decade now, and the series might benefit from some fresh blood.

Despite that minor critique, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I would highly encourage long-time readers and fans of the Tom Clancy universe to pick this one up and give it a read!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review

Ward Larsen has a great addition to the Jack Ryan universe with this book!

A good author in his own right, he shows his versatility and abilities to channel the feel of a Tom Clancy book with this installment.

I really enjoyed that he continued what previous authors Andrews & Wilson did with making Ryan’s kids a bigger part of the book and of course there was the actions of Clark, Ding, and team. With his background as a pilot, it was nice to see Larsen dive into more aviation aspects, especially the sequence with the Hornets.

If you’ve been a fan of the series, you’ll enjoy this addition and I hope we see more from Ward in this series!

[Terri]

Tom Clancy’s Rules of Engagement by Ward Larsen is a fast-paced thriller that’s classic Clancy-style fun. Task Force 99 is back, teaming up with the White House Situation Room, the Office of National Intelligence, the Navy, and Cyber Cell 6 to stop a Russian plot to release a biological weapon over the Suez Canal.

The book has everything you want: covert ops, tense espionage, downed aircraft, gunfights, and that nonstop race-against-the-clock feeling. Larsen balances the action with just enough detail to make it feel real without slowing things down.

It’s engaging, exciting, and reads almost too quickly—you’ll be flipping pages to see what happens next. If you love high-stakes military thrillers, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

[Lindsey Barger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward Larsen brings a steady hand and real technical authority to Tom Clancy Rules of Engagement, making this one of the stronger recent Ryanverse entries. The crash investigation angle gives the novel an especially convincing foundation, and the pacing keeps the tension high without sacrificing clarity. I also thought the Katie and Kyle Ryan storyline worked unusually well here, giving the book a stronger generational dynamic than some earlier installments. If you enjoy military thrillers with procedural detail, high stakes, and a polished, fast-moving plot, this is an easy recommendation. 5 stars.
Spoiler-free note: This works well as a standalone, though longtime Jack Ryan readers will likely appreciate some of the character dynamics even more.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your fans still miss you and your stories, Mr. Tom Clancy!
There is no denying that President Jack Ryan still has oodles of fight left in him, which is why Rules of Engagement ultimately misses the mark. While Ward Larsen delivers great modern tech and keeps Mr. Larsen as a reliable fan favorite, the plot simply lacks the adrenaline of previous installments. The story suffers from a fragmented narrative that shuffles between too many secondary characters, (even if some of them are Ryan’s) keeping the true hero out of the spotlight for far too long. It is thrilling in short bursts, but it never quite reaches that breathless, edge-of-your-seat tension. A page turning political thriller, but the series needs to bring Jack Ryan Sr. back to the forefront to recapture its old magic. 3/5