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Rocket's Red Glare
From the world's #1 bestselling author: they’re ex-Special Forces. They’re on American soil. Their code name is “Rocket's Red Glare.”
“A military thriller that captures the best of American heroism. There’s courage and nonstop action on every page. Nat Phillips is the hero we need.”—Bret Baier
"Rocket’s Red Glare brings the heat! In a summer read you will not soon forget, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann combine forces to create unforgettable characters and plot, with breakneck pacing that will keep you riveted through the night! This one is a banger!" —Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fourth Option
Nat Phillips leads an elite roster of special operators. They are ex-Special Forces, communications specialists, and intelligence officers. Phillips is a brilliant strategist and battle-tested leader who inspires total loyalty in his team. Now these decorated veterans of international warfare are at home and on stand-by—until a presidential campaign is interrupted by murder.
Suddenly, the plan is no longer the stuff of Mission: Impossible. Emergency operations happening not overseas but in the centers of American power, from Nantucket to Washington, DC. This national crisis is real.
“A military thriller that captures the best of American heroism. There’s courage and nonstop action on every page. Nat Phillips is the hero we need.”—Bret Baier
"Rocket’s Red Glare brings the heat! In a summer read you will not soon forget, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann combine forces to create unforgettable characters and plot, with breakneck pacing that will keep you riveted through the night! This one is a banger!" —Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fourth Option
Nat Phillips leads an elite roster of special operators. They are ex-Special Forces, communications specialists, and intelligence officers. Phillips is a brilliant strategist and battle-tested leader who inspires total loyalty in his team. Now these decorated veterans of international warfare are at home and on stand-by—until a presidential campaign is interrupted by murder.
Suddenly, the plan is no longer the stuff of Mission: Impossible. Emergency operations happening not overseas but in the centers of American power, from Nantucket to Washington, DC. This national crisis is real.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published June 8, 2026
About the author
James Patterson
974 books358k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
May 26, 2026
Have read most of James Patterson books and have always found them hard to put down.
I looked forward to this new book co-authored with Matt Eversmann; I found the characters strong and Nathan Phillips who leads a clandestine special forces group that works with the U.S. government though not exclusively. The plot twists around a terrorist attack on Nantucket with conspiracy, espionage, covert missions, betrayals, shifting alliances all seeming to be controlled by the Chinese.
Only you don't get to an answer, the book ends with all this unanswered.
This is the first book I have felt totally let down at an ending. Hopefully there will be a sequel that will give the final answers. If not, I have wasted several hours of my life.
I looked forward to this new book co-authored with Matt Eversmann; I found the characters strong and Nathan Phillips who leads a clandestine special forces group that works with the U.S. government though not exclusively. The plot twists around a terrorist attack on Nantucket with conspiracy, espionage, covert missions, betrayals, shifting alliances all seeming to be controlled by the Chinese.
Only you don't get to an answer, the book ends with all this unanswered.
This is the first book I have felt totally let down at an ending. Hopefully there will be a sequel that will give the final answers. If not, I have wasted several hours of my life.
June 27, 2026
I am a reader of most the books written (at least co-written to some degree) by James Patterson. I would not necessarily call myself a huge fan because I consider his plots to be a bit formula driven, predictable, and not necessarily challenging to read. However, I tend to find him to be a quick and easy read with some of the books and series better than others. He is my escape author that provides a nice two to three-day distraction.
His new action thriller for the summer is “Rocket’s Red Glare” – a name for a team of ex-military special forces that are moving their field of operations from outside the United States to inside. Their team is led by Nathan “Nat” Phillips, and includes dangerous combat and battle tested soldiers, communications and weapons experts, and intelligence officers.
When the novel starts off Nat and his team have arrived home from a deadly mission near Baghdad, and trying to get some rest and recovery time in Nantucket on the East Coast. That is until a local Senator gearing up his campaign for President is attacked by terrorists, throwing Nat’s team into the middle of the fire, and providing the country’s only hopes of dealing with this new national crisis.
I am going to keep my review fairly short because the results are not going to be pretty and I want to keep myself from spouting off too much on my issues with this one.
“Rocket’s Red Glare” tries very hard to be a Tom Clancy Ryan thriller, but it is really a fairly blatant copy of Patterson’s popular “Private” series. Whether intended or not. the main character of that series – Jack Morgan - is for all intents and purposes the mirror model for this book’s lead – Nat Phillips. It is really that obvious. They are like biological twins in all of their skills, behaviors, physical attributes and analytical thinking. I would even say that Nat is just a younger version of Jack.
I am not sure whether this copycat approach was even needed since this could have been a Private novel, except I think having a younger lead and more recent military experiences were part of it. And it’s also another reason for Patterson to create a new series to sell his readers on.
But that wasn’t the only issue that I noticed. The plotting was a double-edged sword. Although it was fast-paced and exciting, providing a fast-paced reading experience, it was also extremely unrealistic and far-fetched in several ways. Talk about suspending your sense of realism, this one doesn’t ask for it. It demanded it without the payoffs needed to support it. In additions, it presents several characters in the most political and social prejudicial ways, including evil Russians, a psycho Algerian zealot, and of course evil Chinese government agents. To make things worse, these characters weren’t even given any kind of motivations to support their crazy actions to kill and torture American leaders. I guess they were just bad to be bad. Ugh.
Another issue for me, and this one really annoyed me just as much, was the ending. Or should I say, the lack of an ending. It was like getting to the end of act 3 of a 4-act play, turning on the lights, and telling the audience, that’s all folks, go home. Because of that, it’s easy to assume there will be another book because that is what Patterson does, but come on man, at least let us know up front that there is not an ending to this book. The fact that it ends in the middle of the story without any real climax is a horrible way to treat the readers. At least put “Part 1” or “The beginning of…” or “The first book in the series…” on the cover and prepare the reader for a disappointing ending cliffhanger that leaves a very sour taste in your mouth. Patterson did this same type of cut-off ending with one of his Alex Cross novels and I remember how frustrated his readers were over the ill delivered choice that it was. And now, he’s pulling this stunt again. I guess when you sell as many books as he does, you can do this sort of thing.
For me, the biggest frustration was getting to the last 20 pages and immediately sensing that it was very unlikely that you were going to get any closure before the book ended. When that turned out to be true (through a very rushed and choppy ending), I was very glad that I was reading a library book that was free rather than having had to pay money for the $30 hard cover disappointment. At least I only suffered a loss of my time and not a maddening hit to my wallet.
Overall, this may have been a promising idea on paper, but it turned out to be a hot mess in the execution and delivery. I really wanted to enjoy this one, but it turned out to easily be one of the most annoying and frustrating Patterson novels I’ve read in a while.
Maybe you will like it more than I did, and I hope you do. Maybe I will like the follow-up book, assuming that it’s published, and more so, assuming that I will be interested enough to read it. At this point, I can only say, we’ll see if the bad taste has left my mouth if and when that time comes…
His new action thriller for the summer is “Rocket’s Red Glare” – a name for a team of ex-military special forces that are moving their field of operations from outside the United States to inside. Their team is led by Nathan “Nat” Phillips, and includes dangerous combat and battle tested soldiers, communications and weapons experts, and intelligence officers.
When the novel starts off Nat and his team have arrived home from a deadly mission near Baghdad, and trying to get some rest and recovery time in Nantucket on the East Coast. That is until a local Senator gearing up his campaign for President is attacked by terrorists, throwing Nat’s team into the middle of the fire, and providing the country’s only hopes of dealing with this new national crisis.
I am going to keep my review fairly short because the results are not going to be pretty and I want to keep myself from spouting off too much on my issues with this one.
“Rocket’s Red Glare” tries very hard to be a Tom Clancy Ryan thriller, but it is really a fairly blatant copy of Patterson’s popular “Private” series. Whether intended or not. the main character of that series – Jack Morgan - is for all intents and purposes the mirror model for this book’s lead – Nat Phillips. It is really that obvious. They are like biological twins in all of their skills, behaviors, physical attributes and analytical thinking. I would even say that Nat is just a younger version of Jack.
I am not sure whether this copycat approach was even needed since this could have been a Private novel, except I think having a younger lead and more recent military experiences were part of it. And it’s also another reason for Patterson to create a new series to sell his readers on.
But that wasn’t the only issue that I noticed. The plotting was a double-edged sword. Although it was fast-paced and exciting, providing a fast-paced reading experience, it was also extremely unrealistic and far-fetched in several ways. Talk about suspending your sense of realism, this one doesn’t ask for it. It demanded it without the payoffs needed to support it. In additions, it presents several characters in the most political and social prejudicial ways, including evil Russians, a psycho Algerian zealot, and of course evil Chinese government agents. To make things worse, these characters weren’t even given any kind of motivations to support their crazy actions to kill and torture American leaders. I guess they were just bad to be bad. Ugh.
Another issue for me, and this one really annoyed me just as much, was the ending. Or should I say, the lack of an ending. It was like getting to the end of act 3 of a 4-act play, turning on the lights, and telling the audience, that’s all folks, go home. Because of that, it’s easy to assume there will be another book because that is what Patterson does, but come on man, at least let us know up front that there is not an ending to this book. The fact that it ends in the middle of the story without any real climax is a horrible way to treat the readers. At least put “Part 1” or “The beginning of…” or “The first book in the series…” on the cover and prepare the reader for a disappointing ending cliffhanger that leaves a very sour taste in your mouth. Patterson did this same type of cut-off ending with one of his Alex Cross novels and I remember how frustrated his readers were over the ill delivered choice that it was. And now, he’s pulling this stunt again. I guess when you sell as many books as he does, you can do this sort of thing.
For me, the biggest frustration was getting to the last 20 pages and immediately sensing that it was very unlikely that you were going to get any closure before the book ended. When that turned out to be true (through a very rushed and choppy ending), I was very glad that I was reading a library book that was free rather than having had to pay money for the $30 hard cover disappointment. At least I only suffered a loss of my time and not a maddening hit to my wallet.
Overall, this may have been a promising idea on paper, but it turned out to be a hot mess in the execution and delivery. I really wanted to enjoy this one, but it turned out to easily be one of the most annoying and frustrating Patterson novels I’ve read in a while.
Maybe you will like it more than I did, and I hope you do. Maybe I will like the follow-up book, assuming that it’s published, and more so, assuming that I will be interested enough to read it. At this point, I can only say, we’ll see if the bad taste has left my mouth if and when that time comes…
July 11, 2026
Always eager to see what James Patterson has percolating, I chose his latest collaborative effort with Matt Eversmann. Nat Phillips leads a group who are tasked with protecting America’s greatest assets. When a murder rocks a presidential campaign, Phillips and his team are called into action, as the plot takes them in many directions.
With a long history of difficult military maneuvers, it is a no-brainer for Nat Phillips to lead a secret and elite group of operatives. They are a cross section of former Special Forces, communication experts, and those who know intelligence. Phillips’ leadership brings these vets from their stand-by roles into action when a presidential campaign is mired by a brutal murder. This is no test and the team, known colloquially as Rocket’s Red Glare, is thrust into action. They are hunting a group of domestic terrorists seeking to topple any centre of power they can. With international layers, the hunt will take Phillips everywhere for answers before America is harmed again. Patterson and Eversmann keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the final page turn.
I love a good thriller with significant action and ongoing developments. James Patterson’s novels can be like that, depending who he brings on as a collaborator. Matt Eversmann serves as a great addition, helping formulate a strong narrative that builds momentum with Patterson’s trademark short chapters. Soon, the story has the reader fully committed as they try to understand all the moving parts put before them. The end begs for a sequel or a complete series.
Characters serve to set the scene in this piece as well. Nat Phillips is a strong protagonist, whose backstory is anything but smooth, as he leaves himself open for further development. He has a mission, somewhat impeded by the terror cell, which sets the tone for the novel. The reader is likely to find something about Phillips they want to explore, making his construction all the more important. Strong secondary characters, teammates and others alike, also help create a sense of tension, defining things for the attentive reader without revealing too much at once. This is a great introduction to the core characters and I am left to wonder if there will be more installments, especially with how things ended with this piece.
The authors embed twists and surprises inside the story to stoke the flames from the outset. They keep the reader hooked, leaving everything to chance at the most opportune moment. All this is essential to understanding the foundation of this novel, as Phillips encounters numerous surprises to impede his success throughout and a cliffhanger that begs for resolution. I cannot wait to see whether Patterson will return to have Eversmann add more collaborations in the years to come, with Nat or others leading the way.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Eversmann, for a great thriller all can enjoy.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
With a long history of difficult military maneuvers, it is a no-brainer for Nat Phillips to lead a secret and elite group of operatives. They are a cross section of former Special Forces, communication experts, and those who know intelligence. Phillips’ leadership brings these vets from their stand-by roles into action when a presidential campaign is mired by a brutal murder. This is no test and the team, known colloquially as Rocket’s Red Glare, is thrust into action. They are hunting a group of domestic terrorists seeking to topple any centre of power they can. With international layers, the hunt will take Phillips everywhere for answers before America is harmed again. Patterson and Eversmann keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the final page turn.
I love a good thriller with significant action and ongoing developments. James Patterson’s novels can be like that, depending who he brings on as a collaborator. Matt Eversmann serves as a great addition, helping formulate a strong narrative that builds momentum with Patterson’s trademark short chapters. Soon, the story has the reader fully committed as they try to understand all the moving parts put before them. The end begs for a sequel or a complete series.
Characters serve to set the scene in this piece as well. Nat Phillips is a strong protagonist, whose backstory is anything but smooth, as he leaves himself open for further development. He has a mission, somewhat impeded by the terror cell, which sets the tone for the novel. The reader is likely to find something about Phillips they want to explore, making his construction all the more important. Strong secondary characters, teammates and others alike, also help create a sense of tension, defining things for the attentive reader without revealing too much at once. This is a great introduction to the core characters and I am left to wonder if there will be more installments, especially with how things ended with this piece.
The authors embed twists and surprises inside the story to stoke the flames from the outset. They keep the reader hooked, leaving everything to chance at the most opportune moment. All this is essential to understanding the foundation of this novel, as Phillips encounters numerous surprises to impede his success throughout and a cliffhanger that begs for resolution. I cannot wait to see whether Patterson will return to have Eversmann add more collaborations in the years to come, with Nat or others leading the way.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Eversmann, for a great thriller all can enjoy.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 25, 2026
Rockets Red Glare is a fast-paced thrilling ride with non-stop action which is something James Patterson always seems to deliver.
I found this military themed book interesting however quite confusing at times. There are many unresolved storylines and the story ends abruptly with a cliff hangar.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I found this military themed book interesting however quite confusing at times. There are many unresolved storylines and the story ends abruptly with a cliff hangar.
I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Did Not Finish
June 5, 2026DNF @ 50%. I liked the political intrigue, but the military banter and acronyms almost killed me.
June 16, 2026
Enjoyable read. Bad guys, good guys, and mayhem. However, is that really how you are going to end this book, Mr. Patterson & Mr. Eversmann? At the very least I expected an excerpt for a sequel!
July 21, 2026
James Patterson along with Matt Eversmann managed to weave a story that captured my interest for the very beginning..,,
The ending left me hanging on edge with unanswered questions…
Does Nat fully recover from his gunshot injury or is he forever sidelined from his injury. The loss of Meg left a void that I’m certain is still affecting the team and what of Rowan Anderson who seems to have gotten away unscathed.
I certainly hope there is a part two to tie things all together…..
Enjoyable read 👍👍
The ending left me hanging on edge with unanswered questions…
Does Nat fully recover from his gunshot injury or is he forever sidelined from his injury. The loss of Meg left a void that I’m certain is still affecting the team and what of Rowan Anderson who seems to have gotten away unscathed.
I certainly hope there is a part two to tie things all together…..
Enjoyable read 👍👍
June 17, 2026
By page 75 I was ready to give up on this one but I persevered and it did get better. The language is a bit much and the character development is a bit lacking and there is no resolution to the conflicts and story lines at the end, but other than that I vibe it a 2.5 rounded up to 3. Maybe this duo is planning a sequel...I'm holding my breath..
May 27, 2026
A quick read.
July 9, 2026
I am used to occasionally reading a Patterson book and feeling disappointed, but this one more than usual. I find the premise a bit thin, bordering on truly ridiculous.
I can envision the need to “establish a team of US-based operators who could, if needed, augment the existing paramilitary and law-enforcement organizations within the United States during times of national crisis…A lawful, in-extremis operations network…calling it
Rocket’s Red Glare.”
However I cannot envision this particular group having to start their operation after a disastrous foreign operation in Nantucket. The logic was not there for me. Nat Phillips, team leader, is the most gullible soldier of all, falling in love with a secret service special agent, who is a spy and a traitor…and a poor actress at that. He is remarkably clueless for being such an esteemed leader.
And speaking of unbelievable women, a word about Aimee Sullivan the senator’s mistress/secretary who demands a position on the National Security Council. She has no experience but is granted her wish because of the best solution: “Easy: We kill her.”
Next on my list of unbelievable women is Senator Coleman Harrison’s bereaved widow. Neither woman has any scruples, and their ties to a foreign plot for money stretches the believability factor.
Don’t get me started on the Algerian mastermind of the evil plot to send “The pig, the whore, and the infidel [that] must begin their painful journeys to hell.”
There are so many better books about former soldiers involved in private military contracting.
Sorry.
I can envision the need to “establish a team of US-based operators who could, if needed, augment the existing paramilitary and law-enforcement organizations within the United States during times of national crisis…A lawful, in-extremis operations network…calling it
Rocket’s Red Glare.”
However I cannot envision this particular group having to start their operation after a disastrous foreign operation in Nantucket. The logic was not there for me. Nat Phillips, team leader, is the most gullible soldier of all, falling in love with a secret service special agent, who is a spy and a traitor…and a poor actress at that. He is remarkably clueless for being such an esteemed leader.
And speaking of unbelievable women, a word about Aimee Sullivan the senator’s mistress/secretary who demands a position on the National Security Council. She has no experience but is granted her wish because of the best solution: “Easy: We kill her.”
Next on my list of unbelievable women is Senator Coleman Harrison’s bereaved widow. Neither woman has any scruples, and their ties to a foreign plot for money stretches the believability factor.
Don’t get me started on the Algerian mastermind of the evil plot to send “The pig, the whore, and the infidel [that] must begin their painful journeys to hell.”
There are so many better books about former soldiers involved in private military contracting.
Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
I love James Patterson; and Matt Eversmann did a great job with this novel. The thrill and suspense were so good. But oh my heavens; there’s soooo many people to keep track of and the people that died and the ending was total crap. I listened to this book via audiobook on Libby and maybe if I eye ebook read it I would have been able to follow it better, BUT it wouldn’t have changed the ending. I know there’s a sequel coming and there will be a lot of ends tied up, so I’m looking forward to that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2026
Decent debut novel from a new author. Some of the interactions didn’t feel authentic but I think some of that will be fleshed out as he becomes more comfortable with the story telling process. Story was solid and the action was told well. Looking forward to the follow up to the obvious cliffhangers.
June 10, 2026
GENRES/SUBGENRES:
action, crime thriller, military, political
This is the kind of book/genre I think I would rather choose to watch personally rather than read.
I tried to get into it hence me reading till chapter 19 but it was kinda putting me into a reading slump which is rare for me as I thankfully don't really get reading slumps much but this one I just couldn't find the interest/flow to pick it back up and continue. I hardly DNF books but ultimately after a good few weeks of trying I figured its best to not force it and just soft dnf it as I'm not able to enjoy it maybe in the future I could give this another go but not right now.
I believe tho that this would be enjoyed by someone into the political-military genre. For me though I felt the main character was a bit cocky + detached which I can also understand that it's the way he was intended to be written due to the whole special agent thing but even so it fell flat & I just couldn't connect with him or anyone here.
Also I wasn't invested enough to keep up with the various names and characters so it felt really boring. This is just something I'd opt to watch maybe and not read as mentioned above. Not for me but worth looking into for fans of a military action novel that's heavy on the political drama.
• Thanks PRH for the review copy •
action, crime thriller, military, political
This is the kind of book/genre I think I would rather choose to watch personally rather than read.
I tried to get into it hence me reading till chapter 19 but it was kinda putting me into a reading slump which is rare for me as I thankfully don't really get reading slumps much but this one I just couldn't find the interest/flow to pick it back up and continue. I hardly DNF books but ultimately after a good few weeks of trying I figured its best to not force it and just soft dnf it as I'm not able to enjoy it maybe in the future I could give this another go but not right now.
I believe tho that this would be enjoyed by someone into the political-military genre. For me though I felt the main character was a bit cocky + detached which I can also understand that it's the way he was intended to be written due to the whole special agent thing but even so it fell flat & I just couldn't connect with him or anyone here.
Also I wasn't invested enough to keep up with the various names and characters so it felt really boring. This is just something I'd opt to watch maybe and not read as mentioned above. Not for me but worth looking into for fans of a military action novel that's heavy on the political drama.
• Thanks PRH for the review copy •
July 15, 2026
He better have a sequel in the works!
June 26, 2026
Solid military thriller!
July 18, 2026
I thought I had the ending figured out…….but I didn’t. Enjoyed the book.
July 29, 2026
Cliffhanger at the end. I'm Ready for next book!
July 26, 2026
There were a lot of characters and the authors developed their histories well and this added to the story.
June 27, 2026
No thank you!
This book just leaves you hanging. I don’t like that. I won’t get sucked into a series of books. I like a beginning and an end. Character development from one book to another is great, but an ongoing open ended book is another. No more Rocket’s Red Glare for me.
This book just leaves you hanging. I don’t like that. I won’t get sucked into a series of books. I like a beginning and an end. Character development from one book to another is great, but an ongoing open ended book is another. No more Rocket’s Red Glare for me.
July 11, 2026
The Rocket’s Red Glare: A Thriller, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann, authors; Blythe Melin and Kiff VandenHeuvel, narrators
The Chesapeake Security and Training Company (CTSC), was started by the very wealthy tech expert Tristan Dent. He has hired a group of ex-Rangers to act as a clandestine “military for hire” when necessary, on special assignments. Their code name would be the title of the book, Rocket’s Red Glare. This group would operate under the aegis of the United States government and with the approval of the President. After an exercise overseas that was successfully conducted, but not entirely by the book, there was a need to investigate the rules that were broken. The group was sent stateside for an inquiry. Although they had performed heroically, they would still be under the microscope. They had disobeyed orders.
During this period of time off, several members of the team RHINO planned to stay at the leader’s home on the island of Nantucket. Nathan Phillips spent his down time at his home in Madaket. Unbeknownst to him and his fellow retired military, Senator Coleman Harrison had set up his campaign headquarters right next door to Nat’s home and sanctuary. On the night he arrives home, all Hell breaks out as he tries to enter his home and is attacked and arrested. The area was closed due to the meetings of the Senator who was running for President. The one redeeming feature of the event was his introduction to the lovely Secret Service Special Agent in charge. The SAIC, Rowan Martin, the lead agent protecting the Senator. She had been the arresting officer. When the Attorney General intervenes, he is freed, and they become involved in somewhat of a relationship.
From out of the blue there is an explosion on the water. A ferry had exploded and all on board were victims. There were no survivors. Then the airport was attacked. Driving home from a gathering at a home on the island, Nat and his friends see an IED in the road and disarm it before they or anyone else is blown up. They discover that the events of the evening were not accidents. Someone was terrorizing the island. When they go in the direction of a landscape vehicle that had seemed suspicious, they find a severed hand on the beach. The Senator who was running for President and the lead agent, Rowan, have been abducted and one of them had been tortured. Is this a plot to start a war of terror in the United States. There are hints that it is being engineered by a man in Paris. However, things are not always what they seem to be, but who would want to terrorize the island of Nantucket and possibly start a major war with the United States? What would be their end game?
Soon, Nat Phillips and his friends, who had only recently arrived, realized something beyond an accident was occurring and they contacted CTSC and Dent. They immediately went into action, and he and his team were given their first domestic assignment to find out who was behind this terror attack. As the action plays out there are heroes and villains in unexpected places. There are traitors and patriots as details are revealed. Who will win this war? There are many similarities with events of today which makes the book a bit more frightening. How will this end? Who will be held responsible? Will the good guys catch the bad guys? Do some slip away?
In some ways, this novel feels like the Tom Clancy series that covers the escapades of a clandestine organization called the Office, that works behind the scenes to keep America safe, Jack Ryan is the hero of those books and feels like the counterpart of Nat Phillips. The novel is about intrigue, espionage, terrorism, treason and betrayal. It is very violent and often very detailed to the point of tedium. Many characters are introduced, sometimes seemingly with little pressing reason, and often the dialogue seemed extraneous and lengthy just to add pages, but that is what led me to believe that this book was being set up for future books in the series. The characters and descriptions were being introduced to be used in the future. The reader will have to read the next one, if and when it comes out to find out why some of the characters were introduced and to follow them into their future.
The Chesapeake Security and Training Company (CTSC), was started by the very wealthy tech expert Tristan Dent. He has hired a group of ex-Rangers to act as a clandestine “military for hire” when necessary, on special assignments. Their code name would be the title of the book, Rocket’s Red Glare. This group would operate under the aegis of the United States government and with the approval of the President. After an exercise overseas that was successfully conducted, but not entirely by the book, there was a need to investigate the rules that were broken. The group was sent stateside for an inquiry. Although they had performed heroically, they would still be under the microscope. They had disobeyed orders.
During this period of time off, several members of the team RHINO planned to stay at the leader’s home on the island of Nantucket. Nathan Phillips spent his down time at his home in Madaket. Unbeknownst to him and his fellow retired military, Senator Coleman Harrison had set up his campaign headquarters right next door to Nat’s home and sanctuary. On the night he arrives home, all Hell breaks out as he tries to enter his home and is attacked and arrested. The area was closed due to the meetings of the Senator who was running for President. The one redeeming feature of the event was his introduction to the lovely Secret Service Special Agent in charge. The SAIC, Rowan Martin, the lead agent protecting the Senator. She had been the arresting officer. When the Attorney General intervenes, he is freed, and they become involved in somewhat of a relationship.
From out of the blue there is an explosion on the water. A ferry had exploded and all on board were victims. There were no survivors. Then the airport was attacked. Driving home from a gathering at a home on the island, Nat and his friends see an IED in the road and disarm it before they or anyone else is blown up. They discover that the events of the evening were not accidents. Someone was terrorizing the island. When they go in the direction of a landscape vehicle that had seemed suspicious, they find a severed hand on the beach. The Senator who was running for President and the lead agent, Rowan, have been abducted and one of them had been tortured. Is this a plot to start a war of terror in the United States. There are hints that it is being engineered by a man in Paris. However, things are not always what they seem to be, but who would want to terrorize the island of Nantucket and possibly start a major war with the United States? What would be their end game?
Soon, Nat Phillips and his friends, who had only recently arrived, realized something beyond an accident was occurring and they contacted CTSC and Dent. They immediately went into action, and he and his team were given their first domestic assignment to find out who was behind this terror attack. As the action plays out there are heroes and villains in unexpected places. There are traitors and patriots as details are revealed. Who will win this war? There are many similarities with events of today which makes the book a bit more frightening. How will this end? Who will be held responsible? Will the good guys catch the bad guys? Do some slip away?
In some ways, this novel feels like the Tom Clancy series that covers the escapades of a clandestine organization called the Office, that works behind the scenes to keep America safe, Jack Ryan is the hero of those books and feels like the counterpart of Nat Phillips. The novel is about intrigue, espionage, terrorism, treason and betrayal. It is very violent and often very detailed to the point of tedium. Many characters are introduced, sometimes seemingly with little pressing reason, and often the dialogue seemed extraneous and lengthy just to add pages, but that is what led me to believe that this book was being set up for future books in the series. The characters and descriptions were being introduced to be used in the future. The reader will have to read the next one, if and when it comes out to find out why some of the characters were introduced and to follow them into their future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s no question that “Rocket’s Red Glare” is an action-packed military/political thriller. Readers willing to suspend a whole lot of disbelief and not worry over whether the plot is realistic—those seeking pure escapist fare—should have a good time with this, especially if they’re looking for a beach or airplane read. But those hoping for a novel with fleshed out characters, 100% plausible plotting, and fully resolved story lines may be disappointed.
Former Special Forces soldier Nat Phillips is now an operator/team leader for private contractor Chesapeake Security and Training Company (CSTC). Just back from a heroic engagement in Iraq, Nat and his team have come to his Nantucket home for a weekend of R&R and to discuss CSTC’s next big assignment: serving as an “off-the-books” counter-terrorism strike team exclusively controlled by POTUS and overseen by select members of Congress.
It’s an election year and one of the Presidential candidates has rented the house next door, giving Nat the chance to meet and become romantically interested in the wildly attractive head of the of the candidate’s Secret Service detail, SAIC Rowan Anderson. But just as things between Nat and Rowan start to become interesting, a series of devastating attacks beset the tiny island where so many of the nation’s rich and powerful summer. Who is responsible? What is their aim? Where will they strike next? And how can Nat and his team stop them? These are the questions meant to keep readers turning the pages.
Thus far, the vast majority of NetGalley and Goodreads reviewers have given “Rocket’s Red Glare” five-star ratings. Unfortunately, I can’t agree.
The book certainly has strengths. The prose is easy to read and descriptive. The dialogue is colloquial, sometimes humorous, often profane, and seems to do a good job of portraying how special operators talk. Technical details—e.g., weapons and other military hardware employed, operator procedures, etc.—seem well-researched and realistic. Taken together, these strengths propel readers from one scene of action, adventure, or mayhem to the next. Gunfights and explosions abound, as do death and betrayal.
But the characters are oh-so-thinly drawn. For example, the most we know about MC Nat is that he’s a highly competent operator and team leader who loves his job (a big part of which is killing), cares about his people, and, at least until now, hasn’t had much luck dating. Most of the other characters are no more than “types” and/or pieces to be moved around a game board. Bottom line: I found it difficult to care about what happened to any of them.
Equally disappointing, I couldn’t believe much of the plot, either because it defied logic, or because it was simply over-the-top incredible. A detailed discussion would risk spoilers. But as just one example, when the novel begins, Nat is incarcerated in a Nantucket jail with Josiah “Si” Wilson, a 20-year-old college kid from a wealthy family dividing their time between Nantucket and Palm Beach. Taking a liking to Si, Nat hires him to help out with repairs around his house. Two days later, Si—with no military training whatsoever, much less Special Forces training—becomes part of Nat’s team of operators.
Also, I wasn’t crazy about the ending. It was confusing and left much unresolved. It’s not a cliff-hangar, per se. But the who/what/why questions mentioned above are not fully answered, meaning a sequel is probably on the way. Based on this outing, I’m not sure I’d be interested enough to read it.
Finally, readers who object to profanity should be aware that “Rocket’s Red Glare” contains a lot of foul language—so much that it struck me as gratuitous and overdone.
All in all, 2.75 stars rounded up to three
My thanks to NetGalley, authors James Patterson and Matthew Eversmann, and publisher Little, Brown and Company for providing me with a complimentary ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
Former Special Forces soldier Nat Phillips is now an operator/team leader for private contractor Chesapeake Security and Training Company (CSTC). Just back from a heroic engagement in Iraq, Nat and his team have come to his Nantucket home for a weekend of R&R and to discuss CSTC’s next big assignment: serving as an “off-the-books” counter-terrorism strike team exclusively controlled by POTUS and overseen by select members of Congress.
It’s an election year and one of the Presidential candidates has rented the house next door, giving Nat the chance to meet and become romantically interested in the wildly attractive head of the of the candidate’s Secret Service detail, SAIC Rowan Anderson. But just as things between Nat and Rowan start to become interesting, a series of devastating attacks beset the tiny island where so many of the nation’s rich and powerful summer. Who is responsible? What is their aim? Where will they strike next? And how can Nat and his team stop them? These are the questions meant to keep readers turning the pages.
Thus far, the vast majority of NetGalley and Goodreads reviewers have given “Rocket’s Red Glare” five-star ratings. Unfortunately, I can’t agree.
The book certainly has strengths. The prose is easy to read and descriptive. The dialogue is colloquial, sometimes humorous, often profane, and seems to do a good job of portraying how special operators talk. Technical details—e.g., weapons and other military hardware employed, operator procedures, etc.—seem well-researched and realistic. Taken together, these strengths propel readers from one scene of action, adventure, or mayhem to the next. Gunfights and explosions abound, as do death and betrayal.
But the characters are oh-so-thinly drawn. For example, the most we know about MC Nat is that he’s a highly competent operator and team leader who loves his job (a big part of which is killing), cares about his people, and, at least until now, hasn’t had much luck dating. Most of the other characters are no more than “types” and/or pieces to be moved around a game board. Bottom line: I found it difficult to care about what happened to any of them.
Equally disappointing, I couldn’t believe much of the plot, either because it defied logic, or because it was simply over-the-top incredible. A detailed discussion would risk spoilers. But as just one example, when the novel begins, Nat is incarcerated in a Nantucket jail with Josiah “Si” Wilson, a 20-year-old college kid from a wealthy family dividing their time between Nantucket and Palm Beach. Taking a liking to Si, Nat hires him to help out with repairs around his house. Two days later, Si—with no military training whatsoever, much less Special Forces training—becomes part of Nat’s team of operators.
Also, I wasn’t crazy about the ending. It was confusing and left much unresolved. It’s not a cliff-hangar, per se. But the who/what/why questions mentioned above are not fully answered, meaning a sequel is probably on the way. Based on this outing, I’m not sure I’d be interested enough to read it.
Finally, readers who object to profanity should be aware that “Rocket’s Red Glare” contains a lot of foul language—so much that it struck me as gratuitous and overdone.
All in all, 2.75 stars rounded up to three
My thanks to NetGalley, authors James Patterson and Matthew Eversmann, and publisher Little, Brown and Company for providing me with a complimentary ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rocket’s Red Glare by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann reminded me that apparently my version of relaxing now includes sitting outside with a glass of wine while reading about political assassinations, military ops, betrayals, and enough explosions to make my blood pressure mildly concerning. Little, Brown and Company, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC because this book completely sucked me in and honestly never gave me a chance to slow down.
This is one of those thrillers that’s just FUN to read. Fast chapters, nonstop action, constant tension… the kind of book where you keep saying “okay one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight and you’re way too invested in fictional government chaos. Patterson already knows how to write books that move fast, but Matt Eversmann’s military background really added something extra here. The tactical details and team dynamics felt believable without becoming overwhelming or overly technical.
Nat Phillips ended up being my favorite part of the story. He’s capable and confident, but he also feels tired and human underneath all the leadership pressure. He’s trying to keep his team alive while everything around them keeps escalating, and I liked that the book let him feel worn down by it all instead of making him some untouchable action hero. The team chemistry worked really well for me too. The banter, loyalty, sarcasm, and trust between them made the relationships feel genuine.
And Rowan Anderson? I really liked her. She’s smart, steady under pressure, and never felt shoved to the side just because this is a military thriller. I actually appreciated that the connection between her and Nat stayed balanced with the action instead of completely taking over the story.
“Who can you trust when the enemy already knows your next move?”
That line basically sums up the entire vibe of the book. Every time I thought I understood where things were going, another twist showed up. There’s conspiracy, espionage, covert missions, betrayals, shifting alliances… basically enough chaos to keep the pages flying.
And listen… is every part of this plot super realistic? Probably not. But honestly? I didn’t care. This felt like watching a really entertaining action movie with a glass of Cabernet in hand, and sometimes that’s exactly the reading mood I want.
The ending definitely feels like they’re setting up a series, and now I’m invested enough that I need to know what happens next with Nat and the team because that finale absolutely did not wrap things up neatly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The stakes were national. Failure was personal.”
If you like military thrillers, political suspense, fast pacing, covert operations, and books that read like a summer blockbuster, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Also… are you the kind of thriller reader who needs everything to feel realistic, or are you willing to just buckle up and enjoy the chaos if the story is entertaining enough? Because honestly, sometimes I just want helicopters, secrets, betrayal, and emotionally exhausted operatives trying to save the country. 😂
#RocketsRedGlare #JamesPatterson #MattEversmann #MilitaryThriller #PoliticalThriller #ThrillerBooks #BookReview #MysteryAndThrillers #NetGalleyReads #Bookstagram #BooksCoffeeBr
This is one of those thrillers that’s just FUN to read. Fast chapters, nonstop action, constant tension… the kind of book where you keep saying “okay one more chapter” and suddenly it’s midnight and you’re way too invested in fictional government chaos. Patterson already knows how to write books that move fast, but Matt Eversmann’s military background really added something extra here. The tactical details and team dynamics felt believable without becoming overwhelming or overly technical.
Nat Phillips ended up being my favorite part of the story. He’s capable and confident, but he also feels tired and human underneath all the leadership pressure. He’s trying to keep his team alive while everything around them keeps escalating, and I liked that the book let him feel worn down by it all instead of making him some untouchable action hero. The team chemistry worked really well for me too. The banter, loyalty, sarcasm, and trust between them made the relationships feel genuine.
And Rowan Anderson? I really liked her. She’s smart, steady under pressure, and never felt shoved to the side just because this is a military thriller. I actually appreciated that the connection between her and Nat stayed balanced with the action instead of completely taking over the story.
“Who can you trust when the enemy already knows your next move?”
That line basically sums up the entire vibe of the book. Every time I thought I understood where things were going, another twist showed up. There’s conspiracy, espionage, covert missions, betrayals, shifting alliances… basically enough chaos to keep the pages flying.
And listen… is every part of this plot super realistic? Probably not. But honestly? I didn’t care. This felt like watching a really entertaining action movie with a glass of Cabernet in hand, and sometimes that’s exactly the reading mood I want.
The ending definitely feels like they’re setting up a series, and now I’m invested enough that I need to know what happens next with Nat and the team because that finale absolutely did not wrap things up neatly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The stakes were national. Failure was personal.”
If you like military thrillers, political suspense, fast pacing, covert operations, and books that read like a summer blockbuster, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Also… are you the kind of thriller reader who needs everything to feel realistic, or are you willing to just buckle up and enjoy the chaos if the story is entertaining enough? Because honestly, sometimes I just want helicopters, secrets, betrayal, and emotionally exhausted operatives trying to save the country. 😂
#RocketsRedGlare #JamesPatterson #MattEversmann #MilitaryThriller #PoliticalThriller #ThrillerBooks #BookReview #MysteryAndThrillers #NetGalleyReads #Bookstagram #BooksCoffeeBr
June 6, 2026
A new series (I hope) from James Patterson and Matt Eversmann, a qualified co-writer who could easily make the premise his own with his own personal experience.
Main character Nat Phillips is recently returned from an overseas assignment where a bounty was put on his head. He’s a retired US Special Forces soldier, now with The Chesapeake Security and Training Company (CTSC), a private security contractor composed of retired special operators like him and some highly specialized recruits.
The premise of this thoroughly legitimate clandestine group is “a team of US-based operators who could, if needed, augment the existing paramilitary and law-enforcement organizations within the United States during times of national crisis. A lawful, in-extremis operations network…called Rocket’s Red Glare.”
CTSC has marine and air teams; Nat belongs to Team Rhino of the land specialists. After his most recent mission (under official review, but credited with saving the life of a Congressman visiting Iraq), Nat heads home to Nantucket Island, where he has a nice, but modest home on the not-so-fancy eastern side. He comes home late at night to find out that the rental next door has been taken over by Senator Coleman Harrison’s presidential primary campaign. In reality, Senator Harrison, called a JFK clone, is really a slimy adulterer doing it with his blackmailing young aide. Harrison’s equally unfaithful wife, the daughter of a French ambassador and Harrison’s bank, has kicked him out of the fancy Nantucket house on the other side of the island. The presidential candidate “happy” marriages are all smokescreens. One candidate is approving an assasination of his mouthy mistress; his competitor fantasizes about bashing in her campaign manager husband’s face with a crystal ashtray.
As Nat tries to get past the state troopers and Secret Service guarding the neighboring property, they take offense at his personal (legitimate) arsenal and he gets put into jail (with an errant, but intelligent, rich kid who sank his mother’s Porsche off the local beach).
But this turns out to be much more than tabloid drama and nosy news media. Once all the characters and their partial motivations are introduced, Nat has coincidentally invited Team Rhino to what should have been just a party and future planning session, the action ratchets up. Big things
blow up, innocent law enforcement people are murdered, IEDs crisscross the Nantucket roads, kidnappings occur and suspicious Russian oligarch yachts are anchored just outside the international maritime boundary.
The book becomes non-stop action from that point on. It’s another popcorn thriller masterpiece, but that is why I absolutely love Patterson’s and his co-authors’ books. I’m sure we’ll see more of Nat Phillips. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Secret Service Agent Rowan Anderson has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The book is mostly horticulture free, except for trees and hedges used to conceal things.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Main character Nat Phillips is recently returned from an overseas assignment where a bounty was put on his head. He’s a retired US Special Forces soldier, now with The Chesapeake Security and Training Company (CTSC), a private security contractor composed of retired special operators like him and some highly specialized recruits.
The premise of this thoroughly legitimate clandestine group is “a team of US-based operators who could, if needed, augment the existing paramilitary and law-enforcement organizations within the United States during times of national crisis. A lawful, in-extremis operations network…called Rocket’s Red Glare.”
CTSC has marine and air teams; Nat belongs to Team Rhino of the land specialists. After his most recent mission (under official review, but credited with saving the life of a Congressman visiting Iraq), Nat heads home to Nantucket Island, where he has a nice, but modest home on the not-so-fancy eastern side. He comes home late at night to find out that the rental next door has been taken over by Senator Coleman Harrison’s presidential primary campaign. In reality, Senator Harrison, called a JFK clone, is really a slimy adulterer doing it with his blackmailing young aide. Harrison’s equally unfaithful wife, the daughter of a French ambassador and Harrison’s bank, has kicked him out of the fancy Nantucket house on the other side of the island. The presidential candidate “happy” marriages are all smokescreens. One candidate is approving an assasination of his mouthy mistress; his competitor fantasizes about bashing in her campaign manager husband’s face with a crystal ashtray.
As Nat tries to get past the state troopers and Secret Service guarding the neighboring property, they take offense at his personal (legitimate) arsenal and he gets put into jail (with an errant, but intelligent, rich kid who sank his mother’s Porsche off the local beach).
But this turns out to be much more than tabloid drama and nosy news media. Once all the characters and their partial motivations are introduced, Nat has coincidentally invited Team Rhino to what should have been just a party and future planning session, the action ratchets up. Big things
blow up, innocent law enforcement people are murdered, IEDs crisscross the Nantucket roads, kidnappings occur and suspicious Russian oligarch yachts are anchored just outside the international maritime boundary.
The book becomes non-stop action from that point on. It’s another popcorn thriller masterpiece, but that is why I absolutely love Patterson’s and his co-authors’ books. I’m sure we’ll see more of Nat Phillips. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Secret Service Agent Rowan Anderson has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO The book is mostly horticulture free, except for trees and hedges used to conceal things.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great military thriller that brings commandos and the hoi-polloi of Nantucket into a non-stop action mash-up.
Nat’s bonafides as an exceptional elite ex-soldier and strategist get vividly demonstrated via flashbacks to his private covert agency’s team mission working alongside of U.S. military outside of Baghdad. Nat makes the call to rescue American soldiers trapped in an escort vehicle that has been stopped by a terrorist cell explosion and is about to get incinerated. Nat and his team save the day. Unable to reach the convoy’s military Commander, Nat has stuck his and his team’s net on the line. Based on their heroic actions, Nat and his Team Rhino are about to get recruited to assist for the first time crisis actions occurring on U.S. soil.
Nat and his team, comprised of talented, smart and brave former Special Forces operators, return for some rest time. But Nat gets stopped as he returns to his cottage home on Nantucket as a dangerous person of interest given the fire-arms he’s carrying by the Secret Service team guarding the Senator. Nat calls on Trent, his agency’s founder and close friend, for legal help. In jail, Nat also befriends a local venture capitalist’s son who’s incarcerated after stranding his mom’s super expensive car on the beach and got completely wrecked during high tide.
Nat’s invited Team Rhino to spend the weekend at his Nantucket home, a cottage a few doors down from a house a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate is renting for campaign events. He and Trent also plan on debriefing them on the new team mission when there’s an explosion at the Senator’s house and they’re instantly called into action to figure out who has murdered the Senator.
The team has been renamed Rocket’s Red Glare, and they’re off in a race for answers. But somehow their unknown adversary keeps staying one step aside of them- implying a traitor somewhere in the ranks. Nat also has potential romance simmering on the side with Rowan Anderson, a kick-ass, smart woman who heads up the secret service security team in charge of the Senator.
In addition to being an edge of your seat thriller, and a great booster of America’s elite soldiers, the book tackles the larger political issues of big money in politics and the great threat of unchecked political power.
Ending on a cliff-hanger mid-action, it promises to be the start of an exciting new series!
Thanks to Little Brown & Company for an advance reader’s copy.
Nat’s bonafides as an exceptional elite ex-soldier and strategist get vividly demonstrated via flashbacks to his private covert agency’s team mission working alongside of U.S. military outside of Baghdad. Nat makes the call to rescue American soldiers trapped in an escort vehicle that has been stopped by a terrorist cell explosion and is about to get incinerated. Nat and his team save the day. Unable to reach the convoy’s military Commander, Nat has stuck his and his team’s net on the line. Based on their heroic actions, Nat and his Team Rhino are about to get recruited to assist for the first time crisis actions occurring on U.S. soil.
Nat and his team, comprised of talented, smart and brave former Special Forces operators, return for some rest time. But Nat gets stopped as he returns to his cottage home on Nantucket as a dangerous person of interest given the fire-arms he’s carrying by the Secret Service team guarding the Senator. Nat calls on Trent, his agency’s founder and close friend, for legal help. In jail, Nat also befriends a local venture capitalist’s son who’s incarcerated after stranding his mom’s super expensive car on the beach and got completely wrecked during high tide.
Nat’s invited Team Rhino to spend the weekend at his Nantucket home, a cottage a few doors down from a house a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate is renting for campaign events. He and Trent also plan on debriefing them on the new team mission when there’s an explosion at the Senator’s house and they’re instantly called into action to figure out who has murdered the Senator.
The team has been renamed Rocket’s Red Glare, and they’re off in a race for answers. But somehow their unknown adversary keeps staying one step aside of them- implying a traitor somewhere in the ranks. Nat also has potential romance simmering on the side with Rowan Anderson, a kick-ass, smart woman who heads up the secret service security team in charge of the Senator.
In addition to being an edge of your seat thriller, and a great booster of America’s elite soldiers, the book tackles the larger political issues of big money in politics and the great threat of unchecked political power.
Ending on a cliff-hanger mid-action, it promises to be the start of an exciting new series!
Thanks to Little Brown & Company for an advance reader’s copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rockets' Red Glare by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann is a fast-paced political thriller that combines military expertise, suspense, and high-stakes action into an engaging story that keeps readers turning pages.
The novel follows Nat Phillips, a brilliant strategist and battle-tested leader who commands an elite team of former Special Forces soldiers, communications specialists, and intelligence officers. These highly skilled veterans have returned home from international conflicts and remain on standby for critical missions. Their quiet lives are shattered when a presidential campaign is interrupted by murder, triggering a national crisis that threatens the stability of the United States.
As the investigation unfolds, Phillips and his team find themselves operating not on foreign battlefields but in the centers of American power, from Nantucket to Washington, D.C. What begins as a shocking act of violence quickly reveals a dangerous conspiracy, and the stakes become higher with every chapter. Suddenly, the plot feels less like fiction and more like a real-world emergency, making the story both compelling and unsettling.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its relentless pacing. Patterson's signature short chapters and cliffhanger endings make it difficult to put down. Matt Eversmann's military background adds authenticity to the tactical operations and decision-making, giving the story credibility and depth. The teamwork, loyalty, and professionalism displayed by Nat Phillips and his operatives create characters readers can admire and root for.
The novel also succeeds in creating tension through its realistic portrayal of modern threats and political instability. While some plot developments require a suspension of disbelief, the overall story remains entertaining and exciting throughout.
Overall, Rockets' Red Glare is an action-packed thriller that blends military action with political intrigue. Fans of suspense novels, government conspiracies, and elite special operations teams will find plenty to enjoy. The book delivers a gripping story, memorable characters, and enough twists to keep readers engaged until the final page.
I hope that this dynamic Duo will bring us more of Nat Phillips Adventures.
Thank you to the Authors, Little Brown & Company and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this awesome 5 star book.
The novel follows Nat Phillips, a brilliant strategist and battle-tested leader who commands an elite team of former Special Forces soldiers, communications specialists, and intelligence officers. These highly skilled veterans have returned home from international conflicts and remain on standby for critical missions. Their quiet lives are shattered when a presidential campaign is interrupted by murder, triggering a national crisis that threatens the stability of the United States.
As the investigation unfolds, Phillips and his team find themselves operating not on foreign battlefields but in the centers of American power, from Nantucket to Washington, D.C. What begins as a shocking act of violence quickly reveals a dangerous conspiracy, and the stakes become higher with every chapter. Suddenly, the plot feels less like fiction and more like a real-world emergency, making the story both compelling and unsettling.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its relentless pacing. Patterson's signature short chapters and cliffhanger endings make it difficult to put down. Matt Eversmann's military background adds authenticity to the tactical operations and decision-making, giving the story credibility and depth. The teamwork, loyalty, and professionalism displayed by Nat Phillips and his operatives create characters readers can admire and root for.
The novel also succeeds in creating tension through its realistic portrayal of modern threats and political instability. While some plot developments require a suspension of disbelief, the overall story remains entertaining and exciting throughout.
Overall, Rockets' Red Glare is an action-packed thriller that blends military action with political intrigue. Fans of suspense novels, government conspiracies, and elite special operations teams will find plenty to enjoy. The book delivers a gripping story, memorable characters, and enough twists to keep readers engaged until the final page.
I hope that this dynamic Duo will bring us more of Nat Phillips Adventures.
Thank you to the Authors, Little Brown & Company and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this awesome 5 star book.
July 6, 2026
From the Amazon review: A New York Times bestseller from the world's #1 bestselling author: They’re ex-Special Forces. They’re on American soil. Their code name is “Rocket's Red Glare.”
"Rocket's Red Glare moves fast and hits hard. Nat Phillips is an old-school leader in a world that's forgotten what that looks like―loyal, relentless, the kind of man his team would follow into hell. Eversmann's years in the Rangers and Patterson's instinct for pace make every page feel lived-in and real. They know exactly how soldiers talk, move, and fight, and it shows on every page. A sure-fire winner that’ll keep you up long past your bedtime.” ―Lieutenant Colonel, USA, (Ret.) Brad Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Pike Logan series
“A military thriller that captures the best of American heroism. There’s courage and nonstop action on every page. Nat Phillips is the hero we need.”―Bret Baier
"Rocket’s Red Glare brings the heat! In a summer read you will not soon forget, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann combine forces to create unforgettable characters and plot, with breakneck pacing that will keep you riveted through the night! This one is a banger!" ―Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fourth Option
From the synopsis: Nat Phillips leads an elite roster of special operators. They are ex-Special Forces, communications specialists, and intelligence officers. Phillips is a brilliant strategist and battle-tested leader who inspires total loyalty in his team. Now these decorated veterans of international warfare are at home and on stand-by―until a presidential campaign is interrupted by murder.
Suddenly, the plan is no longer the stuff of Mission: Impossible. Emergency operations happening not overseas but in the centers of American power, from Nantucket to Washington, DC. This national crisis is real.
This was a really exciting book with a good plot, just not one I think I'll read again. Guess I'm really not much of a Patterson 'fan' as I can't seem to get 'close' enough to the characters to feel anything for them. I didn't get much of a 'feel' for the setting either.
"Rocket's Red Glare moves fast and hits hard. Nat Phillips is an old-school leader in a world that's forgotten what that looks like―loyal, relentless, the kind of man his team would follow into hell. Eversmann's years in the Rangers and Patterson's instinct for pace make every page feel lived-in and real. They know exactly how soldiers talk, move, and fight, and it shows on every page. A sure-fire winner that’ll keep you up long past your bedtime.” ―Lieutenant Colonel, USA, (Ret.) Brad Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Pike Logan series
“A military thriller that captures the best of American heroism. There’s courage and nonstop action on every page. Nat Phillips is the hero we need.”―Bret Baier
"Rocket’s Red Glare brings the heat! In a summer read you will not soon forget, James Patterson and Matt Eversmann combine forces to create unforgettable characters and plot, with breakneck pacing that will keep you riveted through the night! This one is a banger!" ―Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fourth Option
From the synopsis: Nat Phillips leads an elite roster of special operators. They are ex-Special Forces, communications specialists, and intelligence officers. Phillips is a brilliant strategist and battle-tested leader who inspires total loyalty in his team. Now these decorated veterans of international warfare are at home and on stand-by―until a presidential campaign is interrupted by murder.
Suddenly, the plan is no longer the stuff of Mission: Impossible. Emergency operations happening not overseas but in the centers of American power, from Nantucket to Washington, DC. This national crisis is real.
This was a really exciting book with a good plot, just not one I think I'll read again. Guess I'm really not much of a Patterson 'fan' as I can't seem to get 'close' enough to the characters to feel anything for them. I didn't get much of a 'feel' for the setting either.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who has been reading James Patterson books for over 20 years, getting approved for an ARC of Rocket's Red Glare honestly felt a little surreal for me. Patterson has been one of those authors I’ve reached for for years when I just want a fast-paced thriller that completely pulls me out of my own head for a while, and this one definitely delivered that experience.
This isn’t normally the type of military thriller I gravitate toward on my own, but I actually ended up having a lot of fun with it. The pacing is classic Patterson — short chapters, constant movement, and enough twists, danger, and political chaos to keep the pages flying. Every time I thought I’d stop for the night, another chapter pulled me right back in.
I also really liked learning that co-author Matt Eversmann was involved in the Battle of Mogadishu and connected to Black Hawk Down because I do think that military background added authenticity to the special ops side of the story. The tactical elements felt believable without becoming overwhelming or too technical for readers who don’t normally pick up military fiction.
Nat Phillips was probably my favorite part of the book. He has that strong leadership quality you expect in this kind of thriller, but he also feels worn down and human underneath all the pressure. I appreciated that the story balanced the nonstop action with moments that showed the weight these characters carry trying to protect people while never fully knowing who they can trust.
Is every single part of the plot completely realistic? Maybe not. But honestly, I didn’t care. This book felt like sitting down and watching an intense action movie with conspiracies, betrayals, explosions, covert missions, and a team you want to root for. Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of reading experience I want.
If you’re already a James Patterson fan, I think you’ll have a really good time with this one. And if you enjoy political thrillers, military suspense, or books that move at breakneck speed, this is definitely worth picking up.
This isn’t normally the type of military thriller I gravitate toward on my own, but I actually ended up having a lot of fun with it. The pacing is classic Patterson — short chapters, constant movement, and enough twists, danger, and political chaos to keep the pages flying. Every time I thought I’d stop for the night, another chapter pulled me right back in.
I also really liked learning that co-author Matt Eversmann was involved in the Battle of Mogadishu and connected to Black Hawk Down because I do think that military background added authenticity to the special ops side of the story. The tactical elements felt believable without becoming overwhelming or too technical for readers who don’t normally pick up military fiction.
Nat Phillips was probably my favorite part of the book. He has that strong leadership quality you expect in this kind of thriller, but he also feels worn down and human underneath all the pressure. I appreciated that the story balanced the nonstop action with moments that showed the weight these characters carry trying to protect people while never fully knowing who they can trust.
Is every single part of the plot completely realistic? Maybe not. But honestly, I didn’t care. This book felt like sitting down and watching an intense action movie with conspiracies, betrayals, explosions, covert missions, and a team you want to root for. Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of reading experience I want.
If you’re already a James Patterson fan, I think you’ll have a really good time with this one. And if you enjoy political thrillers, military suspense, or books that move at breakneck speed, this is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book Group for the ARC of "Rocket's Red Glare" in exchange for an honest review.
I have aways loved James Patterson for his fast pacing, succinct brief chapters and compelling stories you can't stop reading. And I couldn't wait to plunge into this bullet-riddled, global terrorism action-adventure he co-wrote with Matt Eversmann. A five star rating seemed practically a done deal.
No deal.
Not when you plow through a breathless thrill packed book only to have it abruptly come to a dead stop, leaving multiple plot points dangling. It's equivalent to watching a rip roaring action movie where the projector breaks down halfway through. Or a similarity to those end credits teasers of superhero movies, which lead you to realize that the 2 & 1/2 hour movie you just sat through was nothing more than an extended trailer for the sequel.
Not cool, Mr. Patterson. Not cool at all.
Let's be clear, I have no problem with thrillers that leave a few tantalizing plot threads in their final pages, as long they play fair and offer readers a measure of closure in regard to the current story we've committed to and read.
"Rocket's Red Glare" functions as nothing than a colossal teaser for a subsequent book....if in fact authors Patterson and Eversmann get around to publishing one.
I'll not waste time getting into plot details , other than it follows a formidable independent Paramilitary force contracted by the U.S. government to take on a massive terrorist attack on American soil. Not an easy task, considering the amount of double-agents and moles sprinkled into the mix. As far as the book proceeds, it does deliver, in typical James Patterson fashion, non stop battles and surprises.
But sorry, as much of a Patterson fan as I am, I'm in no way recommending this book to anybody unless it's published with the blatantly missing second half restored.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
I have aways loved James Patterson for his fast pacing, succinct brief chapters and compelling stories you can't stop reading. And I couldn't wait to plunge into this bullet-riddled, global terrorism action-adventure he co-wrote with Matt Eversmann. A five star rating seemed practically a done deal.
No deal.
Not when you plow through a breathless thrill packed book only to have it abruptly come to a dead stop, leaving multiple plot points dangling. It's equivalent to watching a rip roaring action movie where the projector breaks down halfway through. Or a similarity to those end credits teasers of superhero movies, which lead you to realize that the 2 & 1/2 hour movie you just sat through was nothing more than an extended trailer for the sequel.
Not cool, Mr. Patterson. Not cool at all.
Let's be clear, I have no problem with thrillers that leave a few tantalizing plot threads in their final pages, as long they play fair and offer readers a measure of closure in regard to the current story we've committed to and read.
"Rocket's Red Glare" functions as nothing than a colossal teaser for a subsequent book....if in fact authors Patterson and Eversmann get around to publishing one.
I'll not waste time getting into plot details , other than it follows a formidable independent Paramilitary force contracted by the U.S. government to take on a massive terrorist attack on American soil. Not an easy task, considering the amount of double-agents and moles sprinkled into the mix. As far as the book proceeds, it does deliver, in typical James Patterson fashion, non stop battles and surprises.
But sorry, as much of a Patterson fan as I am, I'm in no way recommending this book to anybody unless it's published with the blatantly missing second half restored.
(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read every book by James Patterson. So, finding this in my queue was like finding rumored treasure buried right next door to your house.
Matt Eversmann and Patterson take a different approach to this book — don't let the 107 chapters put you off. There's non-stop action from page one, and you find yourself immersed in a universe of characters that converge. What sets this book apart is the meticulous detail about something that very few Americans experience: immersion in the danger of war, both abroad in Baghdad and at home with local criminals recruited for missions they don't quite understand.
While Patterson's work has always been characterized by witty dialogue and incredible character development, these elements feel heightened here, perhaps due to the crises that unfold one after another. Nathan Phillips is the head of a clandestine special forces group that works with the U.S. government but not exclusively for the U.S. government. Nat is a complex character as are his fellow recruits. You'll find yourself wondering who to trust, who is a spy, who is a recruit, and who is an American trying to preserve freedom in good faith. Shadow meetings, burner phones and subterfuge will not only land this book at the top of the charts this year, but it should also be at the top of your reading list this summer.
As a huge fan of Patterson's work, this felt fresh- it felt way more exciting and it felt relevant to today's problems in the world. These characters stayed with me long after the book was closed; and I felt that I was peeking behind some curtain where different entities make decisions wholly exclusive of the good of the country. Absolutely no notes other than write more of this series quick!
Thank you to James Patterson, Matt Eversmann, and Little Brown publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc for free in exchange for an honest review.
#jamespatterson #LittleBrown #matteversmann #libraryninja📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What I enjoyed most about the book to me was how cinematic the story felt. The short chapters made it incredibly easy to keep saying “just one more,” and before I knew it, I was halfway through the book. The book was quick, punchy, and full of tension.
The plot itself centers around a looming threat against the United States, and I really enjoyed how the story balanced big-picture danger with more personal moments. It wasn’t just about explosions or military maneuvers. It showed the pressure on the people making the calls and the human consequences behind those decisions. That made it feel more grounded, even when the stakes were extremely high.
That said, as a reader, I did feel like some of the characters weren’t as deeply developed as I would have liked. A few of them seemed to exist mainly to move the plot forward rather than stand fully on their own. But because the story moves so quickly, it didn’t take too much away from my overall enjoyment. I was more focused on what was going to happen next.
The action sequences were definitely a highlight for me. They were detailed without being overwhelming, and I could easily picture everything unfolding. It felt intense without being confusing, which isn’t always easy to pull off in a military thriller.
Overall, the book was an exciting, fast-paced read that kept me entertained from start to finish. It’s the kind of book I’d recommend if you’re looking for something gripping and easy to get into.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advanced copy of the book
The plot itself centers around a looming threat against the United States, and I really enjoyed how the story balanced big-picture danger with more personal moments. It wasn’t just about explosions or military maneuvers. It showed the pressure on the people making the calls and the human consequences behind those decisions. That made it feel more grounded, even when the stakes were extremely high.
That said, as a reader, I did feel like some of the characters weren’t as deeply developed as I would have liked. A few of them seemed to exist mainly to move the plot forward rather than stand fully on their own. But because the story moves so quickly, it didn’t take too much away from my overall enjoyment. I was more focused on what was going to happen next.
The action sequences were definitely a highlight for me. They were detailed without being overwhelming, and I could easily picture everything unfolding. It felt intense without being confusing, which isn’t always easy to pull off in a military thriller.
Overall, the book was an exciting, fast-paced read that kept me entertained from start to finish. It’s the kind of book I’d recommend if you’re looking for something gripping and easy to get into.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advanced copy of the book
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